Take A Mom's Word For It

Barbie I Can Be - Raising Girls

2011-11-10T21:31:00.002-05:00

My girls are growing up. Of course, right?! I mean, I always knew they’d grow up, but so fast?! The twins are 6 and in Grade 1 while my youngest is 3 and happily attending day care. Where has the time gone? Just the other day Miss A read an entire picture book to me. And tonight, Miss H lost her first front tooth! Everything happens so fast.

As you know, I am a member of the Mom Central Team – a Canadian group of Mommy Bloggers, and I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in the Barbie I Can Be Campaign. Yeah, you heard me, Barbie! Barbie has been around for many generations, and they have recently launched a new website (www.bethevoice.ca), designed to help Moms with the daunting task of raising smarter, stronger, happier and fulfilled daughters.

Raising a family of girls is a rewarding yet often challenging task. I want my children to have a voice; a voice with their peers, with their teachers and with those that challenge them. I want them to believe in themselves and their abilities. In my house, we consistently talk about what it means to “use our words” and why it’s important to treat everyone nicely (even when you may not want to!). It’s something we practice during dinner and quiet times. The older girls are in the throes of social chaos – 6 year old style. And as a parent, short of running to the school and “straightening out” a few children, the only thing we can do is be consistent in our message and keep the lines of communication open. We make efforts to acknowledge their positive actions and talk about appropriate choices.

The new Barbie I Can Be website features Leading Canadian Parenting Coach, Terry Carson of www.theparentingcoach.ca. She offers unique perspectives and experiences for those of us striving to be better parents. And what’s more, Moms just like you and I weigh in on issues of importance. There’s nothing like making a connection with another Mom living through similar experiences – very powerful.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Barbie I Can Be campaign by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Mattel Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Have You Played Today?

2011-10-09T15:18:00.006-04:00

It’s the start of the Thanksgiving weekend and what better time to enjoy the company of family and friends. I have a lot to be thankful for, a lot. My girls are growing up to be strong willed, independent, bright children, and fast – too fast.

As you know, I was selected to be a KinderMOM. And as a KinderMOM I’ve been reminded how important it is to make time for play. So, yesterday we headed to my Mom’s house for a good ol’ turkey dinner. I was ‘instructed’, as Mom’s do, to not bring any food, only ourselves. Well, I couldn’t let that slide entirely!

The girls and I decided to make their favourite treat – crispie rice squares! … but with a “Kinder Twist”.

We heated or margarine, counted the marshmallows and heated them up. With the mixture still hot we crumbled 3(!!) whole Kinder Surprise Eggs! The girls loved breaking them into pieces!

We mixed in the rice crisps and popped the pan in the fridge. In the meantime, the girls played with their Kinder Toys!

How did our Crispy Rice Squares with a Kinder Twist taste?? I’ll give you a clue…

How do you make time for play? How do you turn something into a surprise?

Are you a fan of Kinder Canada on Facebook?? You should be! 10 lucky Facebook fans are going to receive a Kinder Gift Basket worth $200!! Will it be you?

Disclosure: I'm part of the Kinder Mom program and receive special perks as part as my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

They're Back, and With a Great Surprise!

2011-08-25T17:41:00.008-04:00

Well it’s true. You may have already caught the sweet chocolately wiff of it in the blogosphere or even on Facebook – the official Re-Launch of Kinder Surprise Canada is happening, like NOW! And guess what?! I have been selected to take part in this special campaign through Mom Central as a KinderMom! And yes, this almost definitely involves sampling these delicious treats! *Insert jealous salivating here *

Did you know that Canadians have been enjoying the cocoa and milky lining of Kinder for OVER 30 years?! Maybe you were even a KinderKid growing up? Maybe you had a special collection of Kinder Toy “treasures”? Feeling a teeny tiny bit old? No way! Kinder Eggs were, and still are, fun for all ages!

Kinder Surprise Canada is releasing an ALL NEW 2012 toy collection which means 70 NEW toys, including a 22cm Giraffe!

You can get a peek at the 2012 collection on their Facebook page HERE. They are in stores now (I spotted them in Walmart just yesterday!) so what are you waiting for? I especially enjoy the toys that require assembly. It gives my girls a chance to follow the instructions independently and build their fine motor skills (do I sound like a primary school teacher or what?!).

Taking time for play is what Kinder is all about…

We threw an impromptu rock concert here just the other day. There was music, lights, microphones, rad dance moves (including hair flipping) and singing! It took all of 15 minutes, but we had a blast. It was seriously the best part of the day!

Have YOU played today?

ALERT!! This just announced... the KinderCanada Facebook Page will be GIVING AWAY 5000 KinderSurprises on Monday August 29th!! The time of the giveaway is a surprise, but be sure to like thier page so you don't miss out on this sweet chocolately surprise!!

Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Psst... Anyone here?!

2011-08-23T22:48:00.002-04:00

It kills me, but summer is drawing to an end. As you may (or let’s face it, may “not”) have noticed, not only did I finish the school year in June, but my blogging abruptly stopped. There were a lot of reasons for this, but primarily, I wanted to enjoy my family and enjoy my 2 months off! And I DID! … camp, crocheting, snuggling, visiting, California, Disney!

But alas, summer is coming to an end. The nights are getting cooler (great for opening the windows) and my girls are actually getting tired of wearing dresses so, it’s back to work I go next week – setting up and preparing for a new group of kiddies and sending my youngest off to day care *sniff, sniff*.

I hope y’all stick around cause not only am I back, but I’ve swatted away all the flies that were lurking around TAMWFI!

Winners!!

2011-06-04T17:58:00.002-04:00

2 winners to be announced...

Thanks to Monica at Snazzy Crochet Designs who, from one crocheter to another does beautiful work! The lucky winner of a CUSTOM hat is...

Lori G.! I will be contacting you tonight!! She has 48 hours to respond to my email :)

Thanks to EdenFantasys - offering great ways for couples to 'connect'. The winner is...

Congratulations WinItMama! I will be emailing you later tonight! You have 48 hours to respond :)

Thanks to everyone who entered!! More great things to come... after I finish writing report cards!!

Remember When... GIVEAWAY ALERT!

2011-05-26T19:51:00.005-04:00

Remember when awhile back I hosted a giveaway for a crochet/knitters' project bag?! Read the full review HERE. Whenever a great shop does great work I want to tell everyone!! Well, Diana Couture really does make great project bags!

Diana is NOW hosting her own giveaway on Facebook! All you have to do is become a Facebook fan before June 30th and you're in!! What's she giving away? This One of a Kind, Hand-Beaded Yarn Owl!

There are only 4 days until she draws!! Please help spread the word about this great shop (as an added incentive, if you become a fan of Diana Couture on FB you can have 3 extra entries into any one of my giveaways!!)

Wordless Wednesday - May 2-4 Weekend!

2011-05-24T21:48:00.001-04:00

We had a great long weekend here... fireworks, bracelet making, a FIRST visit from the Toothfairy, playing outside, movie watching, sleeping in, oh, and we got a NEW swingset!! The girls LOVE it!!

Toothfairy Tonight!

2011-05-22T23:47:00.011-04:00

Well, it's been a long couple weeks with loose teeth here at our house. Miss A was first to have a loose tooth, but pictured below is Miss H just a couple days ago - let me tell you I shivered every time she did that!

And then this morning, Miss H woke up and her tooth had fallen out! There was so much pure joy in her face it really was quite exciting!

So, I dug a little in one of my school files and we read a couple Toothfairy books - do YOU know what the Toothfairy does with all those teeth?!

I was inspired by some creative minds on etsy so I decided to spend my afternoon sewing a Toothfairy pillow. There's a small pocket in the front for the tooth and a large one in the back for notes.

At bedtime both girls decided they were writing notes...

And so, with everyone snuggled in their beds we're left wondering, what's the going rate for teeth nowadays?? ;)

We Are Canadian Blog Hop!

2011-05-22T18:59:00.003-04:00

I am participating in the We Are Canadian Blog Hop this week! Afterall, it's a Canadian LOOOONG weekend! :) Funny, the May 2-4 weekend meant something WAAAY different when I was younger! Go figure ;)

Thanks to those who are stopping by! Be sure to leave a comment and I'll check in and follow you too! And while you're here, why not enter one of my giveaways?? They're located on the right hand side --->

Snazzy Crochet Designs GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-16T22:22:00.007-04:00

I am a crafter at heart and I really believe that hand-made is the way to go when you want something to be personal and appreciated. So, I LOVE when a *new* shop opens and has some fresh designs!

Snazzy Crochet Designs is brand-spankin-new and is looking for some love... I mean really, who could turn this down?!

Monica is the talent behind the designs and when asked to tell us a little about herself this is what she shared:

"I am a mom of a beautiful two year old girl and am expecting a bouncing baby boy in August. I have always been a crafty person. I've tried just about everything and anything you can think of, but it wasn't until shortly after my daughter was born that I tried to crochet. Immediately, I was 'hooked' (no pun intended!) and making blankets, slippers and hats.

It wan't until just recently however, that I decided to open a shop. With my pregnancy being a little rough and not being able to return to work, I had some "extra" time on my hands - and so, the Snazzy Crochet Designs shop was born.

My intentions for this shop is to offer modern crochet designs at affordable prices. Items that perhaps your grandmother might have made, but ones that reflect today's styles. I currently offer hats, bibs, headbands and diaper covers. Since my shop is in it's infancy, I'm constantly adding new items! Other designs to watch for in the future are baby sandals and booties, more hats, toys and much more!"

Here are a few of the products offered by Snazzy Crochet Designs...

Flower Headband - not only perfect for a baby's soft head, but also super cute on older girls!

Bib with Car Applique - who says boy stuff can't be cute?!

Jester Hat - truly the perfect neutral style hat!

GIVEAWAY!

Monica at Snazzy Crochet Designs has generously offered one CUSTOM crocheted beanie of the winners choice! Just think of the possibilities!

Mandatory Entry

Simply "like" Snazzy Crochet Designs on Facebook! Just leave me a comment below with you FB name and last initial and you're in! Be sure to also leave me your email address!

Bonus Entries

*all bonus entries are worth one entry/comment each unless otherwise stated*

- Look through the goodies on Snazzy Crochet Designs' FB page and leave a comment BOTH here and on FB stating which item is your favorite.

- Follow Take A Mom's Word For It via Google Friend Connect

- "Like" Take A Mom's Word For It on Facebook (please leave your first name and initial).

- Follow AMomsWord on Twitter

- Tweet the following :

"Enter to #win a custom crocheted beanie,it's SNAZZY @AMomsWord ends 6/1http://tiny.cc/2lp3q " (Can be tweeted twice daily, at least 2 hours apart for an entry each time)

Open to Canada and US residents. Good Luck! Ends June 1, 2011

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. I simply wanted to share a great shop and a great giveaway with you!

$100 GC EdenFantasys GIVEAWAY

2011-05-16T21:44:00.004-04:00

Well Mother’s Day has come and gone and I’m sure every one of you enjoyed a relaxing, sleeping in, no cooking, plenty of hugs and kisses kind of day! I know I did! And yes, I did try to convince my family to celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend, but hubby assured me that no, it’ was really only ONE day! I’ll be sure to file that one away for Father’s Day next month!

With all this Mother’s Day/Father’s Day talk, we can’t help but think about *what* made us mothers and fathers – no?! Well, EndenFantasys.com is here to help us remember just what it means to connect with your partner.

Not familiar with EdenFantasys? {wake up!} EdenFantasys.com is your one-stop, online sex shop specializing in sex toys, sensual toys, lingerie, and so much more! I’m not one for outward (blogs count as ‘outward’ right?!) sexual disclosures, but I see nothing wrong with sharing a few ‘good finds’ among friends J

Can we say “massage”? Check it –

Shunga Massage Candle – once warmed, the soybean wax actually turns to a massage oil – also great for after bath! You know I love double-duty items!

Intimate Organics Foot Foreplay

Who doesn’t love a good foot massage?! How about a foot massage with a little boost of moisturizing lotion available in 3 enticing scents: relaxing, invigorating and sensual.

GIVEAWAY!!

The lovely people at EdenFantasys.com has offered one lucky Take A Mom’s Word For It reader a $100 GC to help you re-connect with your partner! Yep $100 (that’s a lot of massages!)

Entry is super simple, but please read the requirements carefully.

Mandatory Entry

Go to EdenFantasys.com and choose one item you think would help you ‘connect’ with your partner. Leave a comment below with the item name or the product link. PLEASE leave me your email address with EVERY entry!

Bonus Entries

*all bonus entries are worth one comment each unless otherwise stated*

- Like Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook (please leave me your FB name and last initial)

- Like EdenFantasys on Facebook (please leave me you FB name and last initial)

- Follow EdenFantasys on Twitter HERE

- Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It on Twitter HERE

- Tweet the following:

"Connect with your partner with @edenfantasys and @AMomsWord #Giveaway for $100 GC ends 6/1 #Edens http://tiny.cc/7mu0u" (this can be tweeted twice a day, at least 2 hours apart for an additional entry per tweet until the giveaway ends!). Be sure to leave me the status update link.

- Enter one of my other current giveaways. One entry per giveaway entered. Be sure to check back in a few days. I have LOTS more giveaways to post!

Good Luck! Giveaway is open to Canada and US residents only. Giveaway ends June 1, 2011

Disclosure: I was offered a GC for a sponsored post, but decided to offer it up to my readers instead!

Oh Plah?!

2011-05-16T21:35:00.003-04:00

Ok, so for the most part I'd like to think I'm pretty current when it comes to the latest in baby gear, but I saw something just the other day I had never seen before - how did I miss it?! It the Oh Plah! Teething Cuff!

I'm familiar with Sonny & Reed, Mommy Necklaces, Teething Bling and the like but to me this is new - am I the only one?!

Anyway, there is a giveaway happening for the pink one pictured above over on N.C. Bab Blog. Check it out!

My Big Girls Will Be 6 Tomorrow!

2011-04-18T21:48:00.003-04:00

Well, my girls will be 6 tomorrow! Hard to believe! I couldn't help but share a few pics for the occasion...

The next 2 pics were taken the day before they were born. And yes, they were a "healthy" size. Miss A was 7lbs 7oz while Miss H was 8lbs 4oz.!! (Did I mention I'm about a buck 20 soaking wet?!)

This was our very first picture together. xo

Here is Miss H's last picture as a 5 year old! She just discovered her first loose tooth Saturday night! She couldn't have been more thrilled!!
Here is Miss A's last picture as a 5 year old! She too has a loose tooth - though discovered last week, yes, it was quiet dramatic to have one with something and not the other!

Tomorrow they will wake as 6 year olds - though they've assured me that they "probably wont look too different"! xoxo

Wordless Wednesday - Huh?

2011-04-12T20:27:00.003-04:00

I am not normally the type to take pictures of flowers... but I've never seen anything like this before...

These are the tulips currently on my diningroom table... that one stem has 2 flowers!! Have you ever seen that before?

Wordless Wednesday - Little S is 3!

2011-04-05T21:46:00.004-04:00

My sweet baby turned 3 on Monday and she was SO SICK!! Poor thing! She did manage to make it through the day with a few smiles...

The last picture I took of her as a 2 year old - Can I be happy & sad at the same time about this?

She wanted to open presents, but it was quite a feat and she didn't really take the time to enjoy them.

This is the Birthday Shirt I made for her. You can find the tutorial HERE. I was pretty pleased with myself and plan to make 2 more when the twins turn 6 later this month! She didn't wear it on her big day - for fear of vomit!! BUT, she'll be wearing it to daycare tomorrow!

She volunteered a quick smile with her cake, but wasn't interested in the whole singing/blowing fiasco.

This next one is my favourite picture of the day - the only silly moment!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl... You really do make my days happy! xo

Today...

2011-03-29T23:08:00.003-04:00

This post is inspired by Sabrina over at Noodles & Milk. This is what happened to me - today!

1. Today, my sweet Little S cried and cried when I left for work... I know baby, Mommy would LOVE for us all to stay home today :(

2. Today, I actually had a meal plan BEFORE 5 minutes to 5! (Yay Me!)

3. Today, I finished a rush order of a crocheted owl hat for a customer!

4. Today, I shared a special moment with my girls when we all sat in a line a brushed each other's hair - this btw is one of the best feelings. Who needs an expensive spa?!

5. Today, a woman at my daughters' ballet lesson took my seat when I got up to use the washroom even though my things were still on the chair! Ugh!

6. Today, I was caffeine free - though I'm pretty sure that's why I was a wee bit grumpy!

7. Today, one of my students caused me to don a pair of rubber gloves - nuff said!

What happened to you today??

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-29T22:56:00.005-04:00

You might remember the quick mention I made HERE about the hubster going to the desert... well here he is...

Amazing scenery (I'm told - haha!). And no, he didn't stop for anyone that appeared to be in 'distress' while driving. Just saying.

10 Things I Do as a Parent I Swore I Never Would

2011-03-26T17:39:00.008-04:00

1. Drive a minivan. Yep. A minivan. I have always been an SUV kinda gal, but with the arrival of baby #3 (a.k.a. Little S) we just couldn't manage in anything less!

2. Prepare more than 1 meal at dinner time. I always swore I'd never make separate meals for my children if there was something they didn't care for, but many nights - like most nights I end up making a lot of food... maybe that's why I hate cooking so much!

3. Need so much caffeine. Nuf' said.

4. Not have time to read the nightly books sent home from school - this is especially bad because I am a teacher!

5. Be so protective of my children. When I grew up, my brother and I were able to play outside by ourselves - until the street lights came on or my Mom called from the front door. I do not let my children out of my sight for even a moment outside the house... the world can be a scary place. I know, I watch Criminal Minds! (ha!) Speaking of which, hubby is in the desert tonight. My advice, don't stop for anyone with what appears to be a flat tire!

6. Let my kids watch T.V. Admittedly, my girls watch T.V. Not a ton, but certainly more than I thought I'd ever allow.

7. Hide from my family. Oh come on, like you've never taken a 'few' extra minutes in the washroom just because it makes for a quiet moment?! Or gone to the laundry room because there was a laundry emergency. Sometimes all I need are a few quiet minutes to take a deep breath.

8. Eat out so much. Hubby and I are really NOT the cooking type. Sure, every now and then I'll do up a roast chicken or something, but for the most part - not so much. We love "out-food" and will sometimes even go so far as to make something for the girls and then order something for us! And yes, we know which restaurants offer "Kids Eat Free" deals!!

9. Leave the bedroom in the morning without making the bed. Yes, I had been pretty obsessive about that at one point in my life, but now... I mean really, if I could use those extra 3 minutes in the morning to braid someone's hair - I'll take it!

10. Feel as much love for my family as I do everyday. Of course I knew I would love family life, but it is truly overwhelming.

Is there anything you do as a parent you thought you'd NEVER do??

We Are Canadian Blog Hop!

2011-03-20T22:48:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been awhile since I have linked up with a blog hop, but in support of other Canadian Bloggers and also in an effort to pick up a few more readers before my blog comes back to life this summer (I'm a school teacher, what can I say!) I thought I'd give it a go!

Welcome my Canadian Sisters! If you decide to follow please leave me a comment and I'll be sure to pop by your spot in the blogosphere and return the favour. I haven't had much time for posting lately, but I somehow find the time to read :)

Charm Design Winner!

2011-03-16T08:53:00.004-04:00

The lucky winner of the Designer Clutch from Charm Design has been chosen...

Congratulations Melissa! I will be sending you an email shortly. Thanks to everyone for entering and stay tuned for more great things to come!

Inner Hooker Winners!

2011-03-14T00:44:00.004-04:00

The 3 LUCKY Hookers have been drawn! Each winner will receive 3 patterns of their choice from the very talented Scotti at Inner Hooker!

Congratulations to all three of you! Time to get your hook on!

{Not So} Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-01T20:12:00.004-05:00

The snow is nearly all gone here... but here were a few of our 'snowy highlights'.

Tell me you don't remember LOVING eating icicles?!

Child labour :P

Eating (the clean!) snow!

Backyard ice rink...

Charm Design Review and GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-27T13:51:00.013-05:00

I love a good, trendy, functional, well made bag… I mean I LOOOOVE a good bag! And who doesn’t?! You are all in for a treat today!! I am super pumped to introduce you to a fab etsy shop – Charm Design.

I was fortunate enough to be sent this super chic clutch to review…

I just love this clutch design, and the print?! *adore* I also love that I can carry it when I’m just wearing jeans and a sweater OR it can be carried out on ‘date night’. The craftsman ship is superior and in fact, there is not a single flaw in the stitching that I can see!!

Charm Design offers a LARGE line of bags from Shoulder Bags to round and oval Zipper Pouches to Granny Bags! What’s more, all the bags are reasonably priced – even for this Momma of 3! The bag I reviewed sells for only $25!

Below are a few of my favorites. Notice the variety of fabrics. Ready to drool…

There's something about this print that's just calling me...

Oh, and here's a pic of one of the totes - how fun!

Charm Design has generously offered one Take A Mom’s Word For It reader a Pouch of her choice from THIS page of the shop!!

Mandatory Entry

Visit Charm Design and comment here on your most loved bag. Don’t forget to include your email address!

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It via Google Friend Connect (over there on the right)

1 Entry: Like Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook (Please leave your name and first initial)

1 Entry: Follow Charm Design and AMomsWord on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway! You can tweet 1x day until the giveaway is over for more entries, just come back and leave a comment with the link each time. You can use this sample tweet:

“Enter to #Win a Designer Clutch of YOUR CHOICE from @charmdesign on @AMomsWord ends 3/15 http://tiny.cc/qbhh5"

1 Entry: Enter my other giveaway for 3 Crochet Patterns HERE

Giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents. Ends March 15, 2011.

Disclosure: I was provided with the above clutch for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Inner Hooker GIVEAWAY!!

2011-02-26T14:04:00.008-05:00

Calling all Hookers! Yes, you heard me… I have a fabulous giveaway for you from a fabulously talented hooker! Meet Scotti of Inner Hooker.

Scotti is the creative mind (and hands) behind Inner Hooker - offering a large variety of reasonably priced (!!) crochet patterns for wee ones to adults! As you know, I am a proud (and perhaps obsessive) hooker and I have really admired Scotti and Inner Hooker’s unique designs and patterns!

Just check out these beauties… Tell me she doesn't make the sweetest little bunny?!

And the ever popular owl hat...

A classic for the teen or adult...

Inner Hooker also offers buy more save more deals - which is always the way to go...

Scotti has generously offered 3 patterns to 3 winners!! That’s right, each winner will get 3 patterns of their choice!! *insert jealously here*

Entry is super easy, but be sure to include your email address and complete the mandatory entry first for all bonus entries to count!

Mandatory Entry

CLOSED

Visit Inner Hooker and comment here with the 3 patterns you would choose if you were lucky enough to win.

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: Like Inner Hooker on Facebook (please leave your FB name and last initial)

1 Entry: Like Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook (again, please leave your FB name and last initial)

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It via Google Friend Connect (over there on the right)

1 Entry: Follow AMomsWord on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You may tweet 1x daily for even more entries! You may use this sample tweet:

“Attention all Hookers! Enter to #win 3 #crochet patterns from Inner Hooker and @AMomsWord 3 winners! Ends 3/13 http://tiny.cc/hsizu”

1 Entry: Enter my other giveaway for a Designer Clutch of your choice HERE

Open Worldwide! Ends 3/13

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. I merely wanted to share an awesome shop with you all!

CSN Winner!

2011-02-26T13:58:00.003-05:00

Without further delays... and there have been a few here in the AMomsWord Household, the winner of the $35 CSN Stores GC has been drawn...

Congrats "Shairbearg"! I will be sending you an email shortly with the deets!

Cheerios WINNER!

2011-02-15T19:44:00.003-05:00

The winner of the Cheerios Prize Pack valued at $50 has been selected...

Congratulations to "JUDY"!! I will be sending you an email shortly.

Thanks to everyone who entered!! There is still a giveaway up for a $35 CSN Stores GC! PLUS, stayed tuned for a designer clutch AND 3 crochet patterns to 3 winners!

Enough Spam Already!

2011-02-08T19:30:00.002-05:00

I really detest these captcha-words I see on blogs... they just slow me down! But sadly, I have now switched to a word verification here. I just can't spend any more of my precious time reading and deleting spam comments. So, I do apologize to those of you (like me) who detest them :(

Hand Made With Love GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-02T22:28:00.009-05:00

Yup! I'm sponsoring another giveaway!! This time around I'm participating in the Hand Made With Love Blog Hop Giveaway Event.

Who is the host you ask?! Why, the lovely Jennifer over at Mom Vs. The Boys

With 3 young boys at home Jennifer finds the time to write, review and offer giveaways for all of you! I've been a follower of hers for some time now and I think you should be too !

For the event I'm giving away a CUSTOM crocheted beanie! You choose the colours and the size (up to 3 years!) and I'll send it right to your door!

As an added bonus, when you enter to win the beanie you are also entered to win a fab piece of jewelry from a fantastic artisan - Ann Wylie-Toll.

Enter HERE! Good luck, the giveaway is only open til the 6th!

Giveaway Alert!

2011-02-02T22:11:00.003-05:00

Every now and then I happen upon a cute etsy shop through another blog, giveaway or whatever... and sometime ago I "found" Kd Buggie Boutique and Designs. She owns this super cute etsy shop that offers some great products - blankets, burp cloths, invitations and clothing. Well guess what?! She is hosting he own giveaway over on her blog and it's great!!

I've already entered to win, and you just might want to stop by HERE and enter too! She's offering up 3 different prize packs - pics below...

Good luck! (Well maybe not too much luck, after all, I do have my eye on one of the prizes!)

CSN Stores and a GIVEAWAY!!

2011-02-02T17:28:00.005-05:00

Looking for a swing set? A bedroom set? A new hand bag? Look no further! CSN Stores is here! Haven't heard of them?! Helloooo, where have you been? CSN Stores offer over 200 stores where you can find anything your heart - or sweetheart desires! And lucky for you... to help with this little shopping spree I know you all want to have, CSN Stores is offering you a $35 Gift Code to get you started!

ENTRY

To enter, all you have to do is stop by CSN Stores' website, look around and in a comment tell me what you're eyeing up. That's it! But please be sure to include your email address in your comment.

BONUS ENTRIES

1 Entry - Follow Take A Mom's Word For It through Google Friend Connect

1 Entry - Like Take A Mom's Word For It on Facebook (please leave your name and initial)

1 Entry - Like CSN Stores on Facebook (please leave me your name and initial)

1 Entry - Follow Take A Mom's Word For It on Twitter and Tweet the following message:

"Enter to win a $35 GC to CSN Stores on @AMomsWord ends 2/17 http://tiny.cc/v5ksk #win #giveaway"

Open to Canada and the US. Giveaway ends February 17, 2011.

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post.

Cheerios First Foods and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-02T14:25:00.012-05:00

Cheerios, a staple in most Canadian homes has recently teamed up with babycenter.ca, launching a new site section called "First Foods".

I was invited to join this blog tour and immediately thought, "umm... I don't have babies anymore", but really, what a great way to share some of our family happenings surrounding first foods and eating.

As most of you know, we have 3 girls. The older 2 are twins and are 5.5 years old. Our youngest is 2.5 years old. I remember when my big girls were small (look at those smiles below), we struggled with the mere logistics of feeding 2 babies at once. In order to maintain a schedule and our sanity, it was important for them to eat roughly at the same time... after all, we're not running a snack bar here.

They were both what I would call 'good eaters' so we never struggled with making food exciting. We struggled with only having 2 hands... the solution... not rocket science... use ONE spoon and ONE bowl! There really is no need to struggle with managing 2 bowls and 2 spoons at once and alternating - they're sisters, they're twins and they chew on the same toys, sometimes at the SAME TIME!

Here are a couple pics of my twin cuties when they were younger *sigh* - they ate their fair share of Cheerios - despite finding them in the sofa, in the car and in their diapers (don't ask!)!

Now that the girls are nearly 6, they STILL love the Cheerios brand. They're now big into Apple Cinnamon and Honey Nut!

With the launch of the Cheerios First Foods section of babycenter.ca, you'll have a one-stop site for answering all of your feeding questions - when do I buy a highchair, what about allergies??

GIVEAWAY!

And now for the GIVEAWAY!! Cheerios is giving away a Cheerios Prize Pack valued at $50! The Prize Pack is pictured below and features a Cheerios On-The-Go Tot Container, a Cheerios Playbook, a box of Cheerios, a bowl and utensil set AND a $30 Cash Card!!

ENTRY

Entry is super simple!! Just visit the Cheerios First Food Section on babycenter.ca and tell me in a comment below, something you found or something you thought was interesting! That's it!

BONUS ENTRIES

1 Entry - Follow Take A Mom's Word For It publicly through Google Friend Connect

1 Entry - Like Take A Mom's Word For It on Facebook (please leave your first name and initial)

1 Entry - Follow Take A Mom's Word For It on Twitter HERE and tweet the following:

"Enter to win a $50 Cheerios Prize Pack on @AMomsWord ends 2/14 http://tiny.cc/04p0m"

Giveaway is open to Canada and US residents only. Ends February 14, 2011

Disclosure: I am participating in the Cheerios First Foods program by Mom Central on behalf of General Mills. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

EdenFantasys for Your Valentine

2011-02-02T08:45:00.004-05:00

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and I know you are all just dying to know who won the $50 Gift Code to EdenFantasys. Lucky number 31!

Mrs. Smitty who said...

http://twitter.com/#!/LilyBearLove/status/25963701404176385

I'm not sure who is more lucky... "Mrs. Smitty" OR Mr. Smitty!! For those of you not lucky enough to win the Gift Code don't despair! EdenFantasys can still make your Valentine's Day sensuous without breaking the bank!

Check out their "Don't Stop Massage Oil" for $11.99! Love the packaging by the way! You could comfortably leave this out on display without it looking 'inappropriate'.

I also thought their "Suntouched Edible Candles", yes I said EDIBLE, would be a great addition to a late night. It's available in watermelon, strawberry and cherry! Simply light, melt and well... you get the picture!
Like many of you, I'm sure, I'm a busy person. So if I can buy quality products online I WILL! EdenFantasys is your discreet online retailer to meet your (and your partner's!) adult shopping needs. Happy Valentine Shopping!

EdenFantasys GIVEAWAY!

2011-01-13T20:53:00.014-05:00

Pucker up all you hot Mommas… Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and what better than to pamper you and your partner than a little online treat from EdenFantasys.com – especially after a long and busy holiday season. I was recently contacted by an EdenFantasys Rep about *exposing* you to some of the online goodness available to you from the comfort of your own home.

Well let me tell you, I haven’t been into an “adult store” in a few years – read that as you may. And, my first thought when I was contacted by EdenFantasys was, um, “no”. But, and there’s always a ‘but’, I decided to have a peek around and just see what they have to offer to me – and you…

Sure, sure, they have all the *traditional* adult store fare, but they also offer a large selection of romantic and sensual products. For those who LOVE baths, how about the Naughty Bubbles Bubble Bath (I love the packaging of this one too) and the Rose Petal Soap Flakes?!

They also carry a handful of aphrodisiacs… if that’s how you roll.

So, as Valentine’s Day approaches, consider EdenFantasys when looking to meet your needs – or his (sorry I couldn’t help myself!). Better yet, WIN a $50 GC right HERE, right NOW!

Entry is super simple and the prize is FANTASTIC!

Entries – You may do ONE or ALL of the below to enter! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each!

1 Entry – Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It via Google Friend Connect

1 Entry – Like Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook (please leave me your FB name and initial)

1 Entry – Like EdenFantasys on Facebook

1 Entry – Follow AMomsWord AND EdenFantasys on Twitter

1 Entry – Tweet the following (can be done 1x daily until the giveaway ends!)

“#Win a $50 GC to @EdenFantasys on @AMomsWord and Rock Your Valentine 1/28 http://tinyurl.com/4p6fct5"

Giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents and ends January 28, 2011

SPECIAL NOTE: I know there are some die-hard (yes, I DID say that!) EdenFantasys fans out there so here are a couple other EF giveaways I've found... Good Luck!!

The Knit Wit, $25 GC enter HERE
Chubby Cheeks Thinks, $25 GC enter HERE
Fitness For The Rest Of Us $50 GC enter HERE
Mommy's Corner $25 GC enter HERE

Disclosure: I received a GC as compensation for writing this post. All opinions are still entirely my own.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-04T22:44:00.001-05:00

There is something just so "right" about Christmas ornaments made by my girls ...

I'm SPONSORING a giveaway!

2011-01-04T22:04:00.005-05:00

My etsy shop...

is tagging up with a great Canadian blog...
To offer you a fantastic giveaway!! Head on over to Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island Reviews to check out her cutie patooties wearing my owl hats and learn how you can win a crocheted toddler beanie of your own - totally custom! You choose the colors and if you want, I will add a crocheted flower!!

Here are a few of my etsy favourites...

Owl Hat
Crocheted Beanie with Brim and Flower (great hat for all ages!!)
My newest item!! This is not yet listed in my shop, but will be very soon!
Crocheted Necklaces - a statement piece for only $4!
Headband/Earwarmer - totally customizable!

Enough rambling already. Be sure to head over and enter to win a custom toddler crocheted beanie - HERE. Good Luck!

Psst... You Still Here?

2011-01-04T21:48:00.004-05:00

I am! ... well, kinda. My "real" life has trumped my bloggy life since going back to work this past September and frankly, I've had a hard time managing it all - 3 kids, 3 schedules, an etsy shop (found HERE), a hubby and a FT job... just to name a few.

Sooo... my bloggy life will not be as active as it once was. BUT, I'll still stop in from time to time to offer up some of my Momm-ims and a few great giveaways so I hope you'll find the time to check back.

On deck... life, a beanie giveaway and $50 from EdenFantasys! :)

Spa Sisters WINNER!

2010-12-12T12:58:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to lucky number 43...

Sarah Mann you have won the $25 Gift Certificate to Spa Sisters!! Just think of the gift giving possibilities... or maybe you'll need a treat once the craziness of the season is over :)

I will be sending the winner an email shortly. She has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.

Snack Pack Smile Campaign

2010-12-05T09:59:00.003-05:00

The Holiday season is fast approaching and it's easy to get caught up in the pressure and business. That is why I was delighted to be chosen to share a unique and positive campaign going on right now with the people at Snack Pack.

Snack Pack is spearheading the "Snack Pack Smile Campaign". It's super simple and helps support Food Banks Canada! Want to help? All you have to do is "Like" Snack Pack Canada on Facebook...

AND, share a moment that has made you smile. Each day there will be a "Smile" for you to accept and everytime you accept the daily smile and post on their wall Snack Pack will DONATE $1 to Food Banks Canada!!

Not only will Snack Pack Canada donate $1 for every smile post, you'll also be entered into their WEEKLY prize draw - it's truly a WIN-WIN!

Now for a little 'smile' from me... Our family decorated our Christmas tree last night and as you know, I have 3 girls aged 5, 5, and 2. Well my hubby and I couldn't get the ornaments and decorations out fast enough! They were ornament hanging machines! Fast forward 10 minutes, hubby and I turn around to take a look and ALL the ornaments were on the bottom half of the tree, sometimes with 2-4 ornaments per branch! And guess what?! I'm not even going to change it - it looks great! :)

Head on over to Snack Pack Canada's Facebook page and share a smile :)

Great Sponsor, Great Host, Great GIVEAWAY!

2010-12-05T08:43:00.005-05:00

Wanted to give everyone looking for a great Christmas gift a heads up on a really great giveaway...

Shari over at The Knit Wit is hosting a GIVEAWAY fit for gift giving!! Enter to win YOUR CHOICE of ANY PIECE OF JEWELRY from Marley Jane!

You may remember Marley Jane from earlier this year right here on Take A Mom's Word For It. You can find the review I wrote for this great shop HERE. Here are a few of her pieces... eye candy, enjoy!

So head on over to The Knit Wit to enter to WIN. She's also hosting a bunch of other giveaways (ONE SPONSORED BY ME... but more on that later!)!

Spa Sisters - Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-11-23T17:12:00.009-05:00

Like most women, I enjoy my alone time in the bathroom… time to have a hot shower, shave, pluck the eyebrows; you know, all the necessities! Reality however means that I always seem to have at least one little body underfoot.

I was recently introduced to a Canadian company - Spa Sisters who offer a line of spa products that are truly natural. Spa Sisters, according to their website, carefully select fair traded, pure and natural ingredients for their products.

I was given a choice as to which product I’d like to review and I chose the Kids’ Mandarin Bubble Bath. I was delighted when they sent a full sized bottle of mandarin goodness AND 2 other ‘mommy products’.

Now to give you a little history, we had to stop using bubble bath with my girls because their skin was too sensitive. I had reservations about trying this product. To my delight, we have used a third of the bottle with NO skin irritations! What’s more, is that you don’t need to empty a quarter of the bottle into the water to make a sufficient amount of bubbles.

The first time we used the bubble bath Miss H came up the stairs and shouted with excitement, “It smells like oranges!” and IT DOES! The mandarin scent is quite lovely and not harsh at all! My girls LOVE having bubbles in the bath again and really look forward to spending time in the tub!

Spa Sisters offer a number of natural, handmade products for the entire family! What a great holiday gift idea!!

Check out these goodies that caught my eye…

Bum Balm – 100% natural and contains NO ZINC!

Body Meringue – loaded with tropical butters for that awful winter skin – I know you get it ;)

Lip Butter – available in 7 luscious flavours!

Want to get you hands on some of this natural goodness? The ladies at Spa Sisters will hook you up!

BUY IT!

Head on over to Spa Sisters and choose some truly great pampering products. Enter “Word” into the promo code box and receive 10% off of your purchase!!

WIN IT!

Win a $25 GC to Spa Sisters! This sure would make gift giving easier this season… or maybe you’ll need a little pampering once everything is said and done! Enter below for you chance to win.

Mandatory Entry

Check out Spa Sisters’ online store. Have a look around and comment below with the name of a product you’d really like to try – simple, right?! Just wait til you see all their wonderful goodies!

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: “Like” Spa Sisters on Facebook and tell them I sent you. (please leave your first name and initial)

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It through Google Friend Connect

1 Entry: “Like” Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook (please leave your first name and initial)

1 Entry: Follow Spa Sisters on Twitter HERE

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

1 Entry: Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link. You can tweet daily for an additional entry each day! You may use this sample tweet:

#win a $25 GC to @SpaSisters on @AMomsWord Pamper yourself this holiday season with natural bath products ends 12/8 http://tiny.cc/ie2io

Good Luck! Giveaway ends December 8, 2010

Giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents.

Disclosure: I received bubble bath and 2 small samplers for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

WINNER!

2010-11-23T11:28:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Jessica, lucky number 8! She has won the $5 GC to Kael & Kaed

I have emailed the winner. She has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.

Blog Hop Friday!

2010-11-11T20:47:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the 26th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well
once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to 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!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a
"featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! 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 5 slots.

Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

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

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

We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Hop Along 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. FYI, however, if you follow me and leave a comment, guaranteed, I will follow you back!

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

This weeks featured blog is #61 from last week!

Some Great Reviews...

2010-11-06T21:25:00.002-04:00

I recently received 2 fantastic reviews from Mommy bloggers who got their paws on one of my owl hats... Please check out these great Mommy bloggers and their adorable kiddies wearing my hats :)

Holiday Shopping Anyone?!

2010-11-06T18:25:00.006-04:00

Crazy to believe, but Christmas is less than 50 days away! Or at least that's what I keep reading on Facebook today... I mean really, who has the time to count?! I'm just sayin'.

Anyway, I wanted to write a short post to let you all know that a have a few custom order spots available for crocheted hats delivered in time for the holidays. Please have a look through my etsy shop. I also have a number of other crocheted hat styles I haven't had the time to post on etsy, but you will find on my Facebook page.

Crocheted beanie with visor. Can be made in nearly any color. I will happily add a crocheted flower too!

My best seller...

Large sized Diaper Clutch - fully lined, inside pocket, snap closure, strap with snap.

There are so many awesome etsy shops out there... handmade all the way! :)

Head's Up!

2010-11-06T18:21:00.002-04:00

While you're here entering the giveaway for Kael & Kaed, be sure to head over to KdBuggie's Blog to enter to win a Mabel's Labels Prize pack... Good Luck!

Kael & Kaed Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-11-06T14:35:00.011-04:00

Like any Mom, I love things that are not only super functional, but also stylish! Enter Kael & Kaed – handmade things for baby, toddler and home. Kael & Kaed is a Canadian company run and owned by a fab Mom named Tasha. Tasha and her shop offer a number of products including this Eco-Friendly Bamboo Cotton Tie Dyed shirt.

My family and I were given the opportunity to try out one of their newer products – an Organic Toy/Sippy/Sophie Leash.

The leash is approximately 30 inches long (before doing up any of the snaps). One end attaches to your stroller or car seat while the other end has two loop sizes to accommodate what you need to attach.

Notice that the sippy cup does not actually touch the ground!!

Kael & Kaed products are totally customizable and reasonably priced! Planning to buy a toy for the little one on your list this holiday season? Pick up a custom toy leash to make your gift complete!

BUY IT!

Head on over to Kael & Kaed and pick up something totally custom and highly functional!

WIN IT!

Tasha of Kael & Kaed has offered one lucky Take A Mom’s Word For It reader a $5 GC to her shop - with a special surprise with order! With prices being so reasonable, this is a great giveaway!

Mandatory Entry

Check out Kael & Kaed, choose your favorite item and come back here and leave me a comment telling me which your fave is.

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: Become a Facebook Fan of Kael & Kaed (please leave your name and first initial)

1 Entry: Become a Facebook Fan of Take A Mom’s Word For It – already a fan, just leave me a comment to let me know!

1 Entry: Add Kael & Kaed to your favorites list on etsy (please leave me your user name).

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It through Google Friend Connect.

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It on Twitter (please leave your Twitter name)

1 Entry: Tweet about this giveaway. You may use this sample tweet: “Enter to win a GC to Kael & Kaed – leashes and paci clips Enter @AMomsWord http://tiny.cc/immjz ends 11/22 #giveaway” (1x daily for extra entries)

10 Entries: Place an order at Kael & Kaed during the duration of this giveaway. Leave me your name, what you purchased and when.

Good Luck! Open to Canadian and US Residents. Ends November 22, 2010. Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond.

Disclosure: I received a toy leash for review purposes. No other compensation was received.

Blog Hop Friday!

2010-11-04T21:13:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the 25th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to 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!

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

Follow the host/hostesses located in the first 5 slots.

Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

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

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

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

This weeks featured blog is #123 from last week!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-27T06:54:00.004-04:00

Well I've been pretty "wordless" these last few weeks... have I mentioned it's hard to steal away blog time now that I'm back to work?!

Anyway, here are my girls prepping the Halloween bags for their friends at day care and school... no actual 'treats' in these bags. With allergies and such nowadays it's just not a good idea :)

Love these smiles!

Blog Hop Friday!

2010-10-14T22:03:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the 22nd edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to 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!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a "featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! 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 5 slots.

Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

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

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

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

This weeks featured blog is #126 from last week!

Magic Warble Winner!

2010-10-04T22:06:00.004-04:00

A big CONGRATULATIONS to lucky number 49...

I will be emailing you shortly "shairbearg". Thanks to all who entered! And if you are stumped for a great read over the holiday season be sure to think of The Magic Warble!

Blog Hop Friday!

2010-09-24T06:51:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the 19th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to 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!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a "featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! 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 5 slots.

Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

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

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

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

This weeks featured blog is #125 from last week!

Mailbox Monday!

2010-09-19T22:51:00.002-04:00

This is my very first time linking up with Mailbox Monday! It is hosted by the fab people at Simply Stacie, This Mama Loves Her Bargains and A Little of This, A Little of That.

So, if you're stopping in from MM - Welcome! I will be sure to return the favor! Email is really the best way to keep up with all the great blogs out there! :)

Glasses Online?!

2010-09-19T11:09:00.003-04:00

So I was talking to my Mom last night on the phone about how some things are just better bought online than in-store. She agreed. Some things, like children’s shoes, accessories, bath products, fabric can be just as inexpensive as in store AND you can shop at any time in the day – great for someone as busy as I am. Turns out, you can even order eyeglasses from the comfort of your own home!

Yup! You heard right, no more trying on your prescription glasses in a stuffy office. And you know me, if there is a service or a product out there that saves me time, money and energy (all three of which are in short supply lately) I’m all for it!

Truth be told, I had laser surgery on my eyes roughly 5 years ago. In the very first picture I have with my twins I’m wearing glasses… today, they hardly recognize me in that pic!

So when you’re due for new glasses consider looking for your glasses online – it’s amazing how far web shopping has come! The nice people at Glasses USA has offered all Take A Mom's Word For It Readers a special 10% off your next purchase just by entering mommy10 at check out. Also, check out Glasses USA's Facebook page, they're often offering up giftcards! Enjoy!

Disclosure: This post was a sponsored post from Glasses USA

The Magic Warble Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-09-18T19:00:00.008-04:00

I am not much of a reader – at least not for leisure purposes. Let’s face it, I’m a busy, (now) working Mom of three and when I have a few extra minutes reading does not make my top 3! That being said, I was contacted by a lovely woman by the name of Victoria Simcox. Victoria is the author of a book titled “The Magic Warble”.

The Magic Warble is a magical book about fairies, dwarfs, gnomes and talking animals. I was glad I was given the opportunity to read and review this book for you – for one, it forced me to take a little time for myself, and second, it really is a great book! Much to my delight, my book arrived signed, with a bookmark and a bracelet.

The Magic Warble is about an unlikely and somewhat lonely hero named Kristina. She travels to a new and magical land where she makes a few unusual friends as she tries to fulfill her quest to save this newly found land.

The Magic Warble is intended for a tween audience, but as an adult, I still found it to be a great read – and beautifully written. It’s a book of fabulous fantasy and would make for a wonderful Christmas gift!

The author Victoria Simcox has offered one lucky Take A Mom’s Word For It reader a copy of her book!

BUY IT!

The Magic Warble is available for purchase at http://www.themagicwarble.com/ or through Amazon.

WIN IT!

Win your very own copy of The Magic Warble and be transported to a land of fantasy!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

Please leave me a comment telling me who in your family would enjoy this book – simple right?!

Bonus Entries

2 Entries: Become a follower Victoria Simcox’s blog HERE.

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It via Google Friend Connect.

2 Entries: Become a fan of The Magic Warble on Facebook and let Victoria know I sent you. (please leave your FB name so I can verify your entry)

2 Entries: Follow Victoria Simcox on Twitter (please leave me your Twitter handle).

2 Entries: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It on Twitter (please leave me your Twitter handle).

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. Feel free to use this sample tweet:

“#Win a copy of The Magic Warble by @victoriasimcox to be transported to magical land @AMomsWord Ends 10/2 #giveaway http://tiny.cc/1y28i"

This can be tweeted up to 3x day (at least an hour apart)!

2 Entries: Post my button on your blog.

2 Entries: Sign up for Email Notifications from Take A Mom’s Word For It

10 Entries: Purchase The Magic Warble and tell me when you bought it.

Good Luck! Ends October 2, 2010

Giveaway is open to Canadian and US Residents

Disclosure: I was provided with a signed copy of The Magic Warble for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Blog Hop Friday!

2010-09-16T19:43:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the 19th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to 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!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a "featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! 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 5 slots.

Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

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

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

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

This weeks featured blog is #31 from last week!

Owl Hat Winner!

2010-09-15T22:48:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway from my very own shop - My Dandelion Wishes! When you're preparing for the colder weather and holiday gifts please keep me in mind :)

Congratulations to lucky number 152!! I hope you really love your hat!!

3 WINNERS!

2010-09-11T14:42:00.005-04:00

I have been MIA these last few weeks... I went back to work and am still sorting out some time management "issues". We had a few giveaways end and a few winners to announce...

Congratulations Brooke! You have won a personalized pencil box! Such a great back to school item!!

Congratulations to Jayda!! You have won 3 boxes (1 box a week for 3 weeks) of Girl Gotch - the ultimate in underwear for little girls!! The pairs we reviewed are always the first to be put on after laundry day - a definite favorite!

Congratulations to "Cherdon"! You have won a set of 3 Stitch Hoodies from Diana Couture!

I will be emailing all the winners shortly. Thanks to everyone who entered... lots of great things coming up!!

Blog Hop Friday!

2010-09-02T22:09:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the 17th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to 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!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a "featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! 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 5 slots.

Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

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

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

We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Hop Along 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. FYI, however, if you follow me and leave a comment, guaranteed, I will follow you back!

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

This weeks featured blog is #34 from last week!

Little Sprout Baby WINNER!

2010-09-01T22:21:00.004-04:00

Out of a whopping 529 entries, congratulations goes to lucky number 65... Emily B.!!
I will be emailing you shortly Emily. For those of you who didn't win, don't forget that Amy from Little Sprout Baby is offering all Take A Mom's Word For It readers 15% off their purchase!! Just mention how you found Little Sprout Baby through me! :)

Modern and Classy Designs Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-25T10:14:00.010-04:00

It’s coming. As much as I have wished September would never get here it is just around the corner. So, as we prepare to send our wee ones back to school (no matter the age) let’s continue to have a little fun with this Back To School Review and GIVEAWAY Event!!

I have been a Facebook fan of Modern and Classy Designs for some time now – though I can’t remember how that came about (* the wonders of social networking!). Modern and Classy Designs offer a number of unique, PERSONALIZED items for all purposes and occasions.

I had been searching for a personalized pencil box or pencil case for the Back To School Event, but hadn’t seen anything that really jumped out at me. Although Jennifer at Modern and Classy Designs didn’t carry anything like that, I contacted her with this special request because I had been admiring her designs for some time now. She immediately agreed and whipped up this fabulous pencil box…

As I have mentioned before, I am a teacher headed back to work this fall after an extended Maternity Leave. This is a perfect box to take with me! It has a fun design that does not come off easily as one might expect – no need to worry about fidgeting hands with this one! It also holds all my ‘teaching essentials’.

Don’t have a little one headed of to school next month? This personalized box would suit many purposes – holding hair clips and a brush, ‘treasures’, a snack, you name it!

Personalized items are so popular nowadays, and Jennifer has a little something for everyone! For the Moms with young babes check out these personalized wipes cases, baby bottles and pacifiers. She also offers piggy banks, bibs and bags!

For those of you planning a wedding and are looking for that perfect item to give you wedding party, how about personalized wine glasses – in your wedding colors?!

Jennifer at Modern and Classy Designs has such a wide array of products from store signs to vinyl decals to embroidered items to mirrors to key chains to cups!! Here are a few of my faves…

BUY IT!

Head on over to Modern and Classy Designs and pick up a truly personalized item at a fantastic price point!

WIN IT!

Jennifer at Modern and Classy Designs has offered one lucky Take A Mom’s Word For It reader a Personalized Pencil Box!!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

Simply "like" Modern and Classy Designs on Facebook - yup, that's it!

Bonus Entries

2 Entries: Visit Modern and Classy Designs on Facebook and have a look through the many, many products Jennifer offers. Comment under your favorite and then come back here and leave me your FB name.

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It via Google Friend Connect.

2 Entries: Follow AMomsWord on Twitter

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. Feel free to use this sample tweet:

“#Win a Personalized Pencil Box from Modern and Classy Designs on @AMomsWord Ends 9/10 #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/2cr6nkc"

This can be tweeted up to 3x day (at least an hour apart)!

2 Entries: Post my button on your blog.

1 Entry: "Like" Take A Mom's Word For It on Facebook.

2 Entries: Sign up for Email Notifications from Take A Mom’s Word For It

10 Entries: Make a purchase from Modern and Classy Designs and tell me what you bought and when.

Good Luck! Ends September 10, 2010

Giveaway is open to Canadian and US Residents

Disclosure: I received a personalized pencil box for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Girl Gotch Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-23T14:53:00.009-04:00

There’s no way around it… we ALL need underwear! ;) And with 3 girls in underwear now (yay! for successful potty training!) I feel like I am forever buying underwear (and socks – but that’s another story!)!

I was recently introduced to a Canadian company called Girl Gotch – and guess what?! They specialize in underwear for girls, “that’s too cute to be boys’” – right up my alley!! For review I was sent 2 boxes of gotch – size 2 and size 6… all my girls got to give it a try!

Little S who is a tiny size 2 was sent the boxer-style to try… this underwear is SOO cute – like little ‘boy cut boxers’! And in fact, when I opened the package we had a few people over that totally thought they were great!

First of all, I love the non-traditional colours. It’s always refreshing to see products for girls that are not pink or purple.

The boxers fit Little S great! As I mentioned, she’s a pretty tiny girl so although the boxers were a little roomy they offered great coverage in a super soft fabric.

Miss A and Miss H received the brief-style which was inspired by the original “tighty whitey”.

The big girls LOVED these! The 3 colours are vibrant and girly – which was a hit! They offered great coverage and what’s more, the band at the top does NOT have a seam on the side(s)! Often times I get complaints about other underwear digging into their sides with certain pants or while sleeping – not the case with these!

One other feature I wanted to note was that Girl Gotch is made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex so they’re sure to fit great and retain their shape!

Here’s a little on how Rebecca founded Girl Gotch, “One afternoon, we were at my sister’s house. My daughter and nephew were playing outside and were so wrapped up in their fun that my daughter had an accident. I didn’t have a change of clothes, so I borrowed a pair of my nephew’s gotch. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but as the day went on I noticed that she wasn’t complaining about her underwear hurting. I also watched her jump and play around and they stayed in place. The gotch covered her whole bm, which was something her panties never managed to do.

That got me to thinking…why don’t they make gotch for girls? And so, Girl Gotch was born and that brings me to today. I have been working with designers and manufacturers to get what I believe are the best girls’ underwear on the market!”

Girl Gotch is a little more expensive than I’d usually pay for underwear, but in this case you definitely get what you pay for!!

BUY IT!

Head on over to Girl Gotch today and cover your little girls’ fannies in a great product!

WIN IT!

Rebecca from Girl Gotch has generously offered one Take A Mom’s Word For It reader 1 box of Girl Gotch a week for 3 WEEKS! That’s 3 whole boxes – what a great way to start back to school!

Mandatory Entry

PLEASE leave your email address with every entry (unless it’s in your profile).

Rebecca and Girl Gotch are entered into the Savvy Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Go HERE and vote for Rebecca and Girl Gotch. Be sure to leave a comment on the Savvy Mom page (for contest tracking) AND then here on this post to be entered to win 1 box a week for 3 weeks!!

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: “Like” Girl Gotch on Facebook and tell her I sent you. Please leave your FB name so I can verify your entry.

1 Entry: “Like” Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook. Already like me?! Aw shucks! Please tell me!

3 Entries: Update your Facebook status telling all your lovelies about this great giveaway. Please tag “@take a mom’s word for it” in your post.

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It Blog through Google Friend Connect.

1 Entry: Follow me on Twitter HERE.

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. You can use this sample tweet:

“Win 3 boxes of Girl Gotch – it’s too cute to be boys’! @amomsword ends 9/8 #giveaway #win http://tiny.cc/dmxnh"

This can be done 3 times a day max(at least one hour apart) for 2 entries each time until the giveaway closes. Be sure to include the permalink to verify.

3 Entries: Post the Take A Mom’s Word For It button on your blog. Please leave me the link.

3 Entries: Sign up for email notifications from Take A Mom’s Word For It. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription through Feedburner.

10 Entries: Make a purchase from Girl Gotch. Leave me your name, what you purchased and when.

Good luck to everyone! Open to Canada & US only.

Giveaway ends September 8, 2010

Disclosure: I received 2 boxes of Girl Gotch for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

CSN Stores - Happy Shopping!

2010-08-23T08:49:00.003-04:00

Ok people... need lights, need handbags, need shoes, need a car seat?! CSN Stores is your one-stop shop to SHOP! I hadn't heard of the CSN family of online sites until I started reading a few great blogs, and now?! Who hasn't heard of them? They have fantastic customer service and thousands of products to choose from!

If you're in the market for, well, just about anything, be sure to check them out - you wont be disappointed!

Happy Shopping!

My Dandelion Wishes GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-23T00:04:00.009-04:00

Yes, get ready for a little shameless self-promotion... ;)

I have officially opened my own etsy shop! I had been thinking about it for some time and finally thought, “What am I waiting for?” So, to generate a little buzz and celebrate my opening, I’m doing my own giveaway!!

My shop is called "My Dandelion Wishes" and has a pretty similar feel to my blog – calm, serene. I just love the image of dandelion seeds blowing in the breeze. My girls and I call them wishes. When some people are suffering from allergies we’re out there blowing wishes and having a great time! J

As many of you already know, I am currently a stay-at-home-mom, but not for too much longer! I’m headed back to teaching this fall and anticipate the household being crazy busy! As a result, most items in my shop are ready made. That being said I am always open to special requests and questions – never hurts to ask right?!

My Dandelion Wishes carries items for Mom, child and babe. Check out this super funky and unique crocheted Rainbow Splash Necklace for Mom.

It’s super light weight and totally safe for babes to chew or pull!! And at only $4 it’s a total steal for the statement it makes!

I have also been busy crocheting luxurious baby blankets – these blankets are made from a pattern that was passed down to me (taught only, never written down) by my Grandmother and have such a great bubble-like texture.

With 3 girls at home it’s only natural that I’m drawn to all things girly and pretty – these Large Boutique Flower Hair Clips certainly fit that bill!

I can make these in virtually any color combination! They’re great for attaching to hats and also get great reviews when included in birthday party loot bags!

My current fave item in my shop are these totally irresistible Crocheted Owl Hats. I can make them in any size from NB to adult! My girls just LOVE theirs!

These hats would also look super cute on a babe for his/her first Halloween!

BUY IT!

Head on over to my shop My Dandelion Wishes and make a purchase – every order over $20 (before shipping) will receive 2 FREE Boutique Hair Clips!! Not only that, but scroll down and you’ll see it will also get you a few extra entries into the giveaway!

WIN IT!

One lucky reader will win a Crocheted Owl Hat! You choose the size, up to 12 months and whether you’d like it for a boy or a girl!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

Visit My Dandelion Wishes, have a look around and choose your favorite item then come back here and tell me what it is.

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: Heart My Dandelion Wishes on etsy and leave me your username.

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It Blog through Google Friend Connect.

1 Entry: “Like” Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook. Already like me?! Aw shucks! Please tell me!

3 Entries: Update your Facebook status telling all your lovelies about this great giveaway. Please tag “@take a mom’s word for it” in your post.

1 Entry: Follow me on Twitter HERE.

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. You can use this sample tweet:

“Win a super cute, hand Crocheted Owl Hat @amomsword ends 9/14 #giveaway #win #crochet #etsy #handmade http://tiny.cc/rpkry"

This can be done up to 3 times a day (at least an hour apart) for 2 entries each time until the giveaway closes. Be sure to include the permalink to verify.

3 Entries: Post the Take A Mom’s Word For It button on your blog. Please leave me the link.

3 Entries: Sign up for email notifications from Take A Mom’s Word For It. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription through Feedburner.

10 Entries: Make a purchase at My Dandelion Wishes. Leave me your name, what you purchased and when.

Good luck to everyone! Open to Canada & US only.

Giveaway ends September 14, 2010

Disclosure: I am the owner of My Dandelion Wishes. All opinions are my own.

3 WINNERS!

2010-08-22T23:00:00.004-04:00

3 Giveaways ended in the last few days... check to see if YOU are one of the lucky winners...

All winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond before another winner is found.

Congratulations!!

Diana Couture Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-21T21:11:00.011-04:00

If you are a Facebook fan of mine – and you should be ;) you’d know that I have recently dabbled in my lost past time of crocheting. My Grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was a tween and I have only recently begun to experiment with different patterns and yarns.

During all of my ‘creating’ it became increasingly apparent that I needed some form of organization for the project(s) that I was working on. I needed a bag that would be functional, have pockets and a place for my hooks, easily transportable, and lastly – fashionable! Being an etsy lover I immediately did a search for project bags. There are a lot of shops out there offering project bags, but none compare to the bags I found in Diana Couture.

Diana from Diana Couture is a knitter, teacher and designer. In her shop she offers not only practical solutions for the knitter/crocheter, but also highly stylized and hip items. I received this Serena Project Bag for review…

Doesn’t it just scream classic handbag?! The print is great, and so too is the inside…

The bag offers a number of envelope-style pockets perfect for hooks or needles, small pattern books, measuring tape, and the like. This bag measures 8”wide, 6”deep and 8” tall and is perfect for those mid-sized projects – not to mention a few extra items like my small container of buttons!

The bag is so versatile too which is a total win for me – the more bang for the buck the better! Since the bag is sturdy, when open, it stands like a basket which means no wasted time fiddling! It also spots a good length handle for easy transport!

Before finding this bag, I was using an old, larger sized handbag. While crocheting I found my yarn looking a little fuzzy – from the zipper! My yarn was actually rubbing on the zipper as I pulled at it! You will not have that problem with this bag! Your yarn can rest safely inside while you pull the strand through the small opening in the front of the bag – genius!

Diana Couture also offers this bag in a larger version for those larger knitting or crocheting projects. LOVE Damask!

And how about these super cute and funky Owl Yarn Holders offered in a couple different sizes?!

And for all the knitters and aspiring knitters out there, Diana Couture offers these great Stitch Hoodies! Here’s what Diana Couture says about them: “These unique on-needle project holders keep stitches from falling off the needles, keep needles stored together and help protect needles from damage”. I think these would also protect your hours of work from curious little hands!

BUY IT!

Head on over to Diana Couture and pick up a little something for your crafty-self. Don’t crochet or knit? Each one of the items in Diana’s shop would make a perfect gift for the knitter or crocheter in your life! Yes, Christmas isn’t that far off! ;)

WIN IT!

Diana from Diana Couture has generously offered one Take A Mom’s Word For It reader this set of 3 Stitch Hoodies!!

Keep curious little fingers from ruining hours of work!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

Visit Diana Couture on Etsy and add the Stitch Hoodies to your favorites (“heart” them!). Then come back here and leave me your etsy user name – simple, right?!

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: “Heart” Diana Couture’s shop and leave me your etsy user name.

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It Blog through Google Friend Connect.

1 Entry: Check out Diana’s Blog HERE and make a comment on one of her posts – just wait til you see the wedding dress she made!! Just let me know which one you commented on.

1 Entry: “Like” Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook. Already like me?! Aw shucks! Please tell me!

3 Entries: Update your Facebook status telling all your lovelies about this great giveaway. Please tag “@take a mom’s word for it” in your post.

1 Entry: Follow me on Twitter HERE.

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. You can use this sample tweet:

“Win a set of 3 Stitch Hoodies from Diana Couture. Protect your work @amomsword ends 9/8 #knit #giveaway #win http://tiny.cc/w0wwz"

This can be done 3 times a day (at least 1 hour apart) for 2 entries each time until the giveaway closes (to a max of 3 times a day). Be sure to include the permalink to verify.

3 Entries: Post the Take A Mom’s Word For It button on your blog. Please leave me the link.

3 Entries: Sign up for email notifications from Take A Mom’s Word For It. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription through Feedburner.

10 Entries: Make a purchase at Diana Couture. Leave me your name, what you purchased and when.

Good luck to everyone! Open to Canada & US only.

Giveaway ends September 8, 2010

Disclosure: I received the above Serena Project Bag for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Today is my Birthday!!

2010-08-20T10:43:00.003-04:00

Yup! Today is my birthday!! I already enjoyed a lovely dinner with my family last night - surprise guests and a RED cake included! I was also spoiled with gifts :) Today we're headed off for the weekend... hoping to get a few bloggy-issues tidied up and posted. Stay tuned for 3 great new giveaways!!

Have a great weekend - I know I will! :)

Piggy Paint WINNER!

2010-08-14T09:04:00.004-04:00

The winner of the $15 GC to Piggy Paint (as chosen by Random.org) is...

Congratulations to Britney!! I just need to confirm your purchase and you're ready to go!

If you weren't as lucky as Britney you can still save 10% (until September) with the code MOMSWORD10L. Happy piggy polishing!

Little Sprout Baby Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-13T22:54:00.008-04:00

Let’s face it – we could all use a little organization in our lives. Whether it’s a few baskets in the bathroom drawer (lifesaver in our house) or a 12 month, color-coded deluxe calendar, different things work for different people at different stages of their lives.

With two 5 year olds and a 2 year old, my household organization is a work in progress – and so too is my van! Although we have 2 vehicles, the van is our only means of transporting all the girls at one time. As such, (despite my best efforts) there are often hair bands, toys, books, hats, and miscellaneous items strewn about!

Enter Little Sprout Baby. Amy from Little Sprout Baby describes herself as “a traveler, a runner, a wife, a teacher, a gardener, a new Mommy and a sewist.” She says that “life is a fabulous journey with all of its twists and turns. My sewing is inspired by my everyday needs and wants – oh and fabulous fabric!” Amy handcrafts everything found in her shop. I was fortunate enough to review a Car Toy Organizer from Little Sprout Baby and I have to say, I’m a BIG fan!

This is the organizer I received for review:

The Organizer is considerably hefty – something you really can’t appreciate from any of the photos. The seams are top-stitched and the loop is made of durable webbing. The colours co-ordinate beautifully and add a nice visual touch. It is definitely *the* most attractive thing in my van!

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was so pumped about giving the Car Toy Bag a try that I never took a before photo! Gah! But I will say it has alleviated nearly all of the toy clutter!

Now, despite the Organizer being able to hold – a lot, I like to just put a few things in at a time and roll the edge down just a little so Little S can reach everything. That way I can switch the things out and it keeps her interest.

Little Sprout Baby offers a number of “adorable products for practical uses”! Just check out this super sweet child backpack. I’m always hearing about how most children are lugging around bags that are much too big for them.

Amy also carries diaper bag organizers – where were these when my twins were smaller?!

If you’re in the market for a little something for yourself, be sure to check out Little Sprout Baby’s Messenger Bags. There's no reason why us Moms need to be last on the purchase list EVERY time!

This little number is one of my favorites - Linen and Poppy Wristlet.

BUY IT!

Head on over to Little Sprout Baby and check out their range of super cute, super functional wares. BUT WAIT! Amy from Little Sprout Baby has generously offered all Take A Mom’s Word For It readers a 15% discount!! After you’ve made your purchase, just write in the “Comments to Seller” that you found her shop through Take A Mom’s Word For It. You’re discount will be refunded!

WIN IT!

CLOSED

Enter to win a Car Toy Organizer from Little Sprout Baby and say good-bye to your clutter!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

Visit Little Sprout Baby, browse around and choose your favourite item (good luck choosing only one!) and come back here and tell me what it is.

Bonus Entries

2 Entries: Add Little Sprout Baby to your Favourites (please leave me your etsy username)

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It via Google Friend Connect.

2 Entries: Follow AMomsWord on Twitter

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. Feel free to use this sample tweet:

“#Win a Car Toy Organizer from Little Sprout Baby on @AMomsWord Say good-bye to clutter! Ends 8/31 #giveaway #handmade http://tiny.cc/qvbg2"

This can be tweeted up to 3x day (at least an hour apart)!

2 Entries: Post my button on your blog.

2 Entries: Sign up for Email Notifications from Take A Mom’s Word For It

10 Entries: Make a purchase from Little Sprout Baby

Good Luck! Ends August 31, 2010

Giveaway is open to Canadian and US Residents

Disclosure: I was provided with a Car Toy Organizer for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Blog Hop Friday!

2010-08-13T00:04:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the 13th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to 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!

While you're here be sure to check out all the current giveaways - top right side bar. So many great products looking for new homes! :)

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a "featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! 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 5 slots.

Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

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

This weeks featured blog is #29 from last week!

Back To School Event - UPDATE!

2010-08-11T21:47:00.004-04:00

It's coming... slowly, but surely school is coming! Be sure to check out and enter all of the great reviews and giveaways going on for our Back To School Event!

Brugo Mug Review & GIVEAWAY *CAN/US* (ends 8/13)
Easy Lunch Boxes Review & GIVEAWAY *CAN/US* (ends 8/14)
Nachomamastee.com Review & GIVEAWAY *US* (ends 8/15)
Mabel's Label's Review & GIVEAWAY *US/CAN* (ends 8/16)
Sass Rocket Mini Notepad Holder GIVEAWAY *CAN/US* (ends 8/20)
$10 GC for Buddy Bandz Review & GIVEAWAY *CAN/US* (ends 8/20)

Stay Tuned... there's more to come!

Meet Me On Monday

2010-08-08T23:16:00.004-04:00

Linking up once again with Java at Never Growing Old for Meet Me On Monday... this week's questions (and answers!)...
1. Do you watch any Soap Operas? Nope - none!
2. What appliance is used most in your house? Refrigerator - of course!
3. Do you wear make-up everyday? Yep - though not a lot!
4. What is your worst pet-peeve? Ooooh, I have SO MANY - dirty nails, slow walkers, cashiers who don't know how to pack my bags, people who seem to know everything, close talkers...
5. What is your favourite lunch meat? Turkey!
Until next week...

Winner!

2010-08-08T18:51:00.003-04:00

The winner of the $25 GC for iTunes (as chosen by random.org) is...

Congratulations Marci! I will be emailing you shortly. You will have 48 hours to respond to my email.

A special thanks to My Living Stories, Mom Central and Decode Media for making this great giveaway possible!

Blog Hop Friday!

2010-08-05T23:22:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the 12th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

We have some new changes!!!!

Due to a decline in our particpation and a hostess vote, we've chosen to simplify our hop and keep it to blogs only. It's less confusing and it seems you get more followers as people know who their following. Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to 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!

While you're here please take a minute to enter my giveaways - listed just to the right there. I am co-hosting an awesome Back to School Event so please check back often for new and exciting reviews and giveaways! Cheers! K.

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a "featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! 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 5 slots.

Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

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

This weeks featured blog is #21 from last week!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T08:46:00.004-04:00

Visiting the place where we were married :)

The very spot!

Playhouse Disney Channel Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-04T00:40:00.005-04:00

I grew up loving Disney and my children are also growing up loving Disney. The Playhouse Disney Channel is one-stop shopping in my house! My girls find it entertaining, funny and they often find themselves making connections between the programs and real life. For me, the Playhouse Disney Channel offers quality programming with shows that are “safe”, educational, light-hearted and FUN!

Little S just L.O.V.E.S. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and was able to say “Toodles” long before any of the characters’ names! Miss A and Miss H have a few favourites too – Imagination Movers, Strawberry Shortcake and Little Einsteins! What’s more, despite the 3 year age difference between my twins and my youngest, they are able to enjoy shows together!

There are a lot of programming options out there for the kiddos and all are not created equally. Playhouse Disney channel for me, is one of the best. We often also choose the Playhouse Disney Channel over watching videos. The programs are shorter, but just as satisfying for my young viewers – important when monitoring television usage!

And for all you technologically savvy families out there, Playhouse Disney has a fantastic website. We will sometimes play around on it during breakfast… shh! There are activities, games, contests and videos – all featuring your favourite Disney characters!

I was sent this Playhouse Disney prize pack to enjoy with my girls and guess what?! The good people at Playhouse Disney want to give one away too!!

WIN IT!

Enter to win a Playhouse Disney Prize Pack like the one I received to enjoy with your kiddos! The kit includes a Playhouse Disney DVD (with 5 full episodes), sticker sheet, a magnetic pen, crayons and colouring magnet!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

Please leave a comment telling me which Playhouse Disney show is your child’s favourite.

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: “Like” Playhouse Disney Canada on Facebook. Please leave your FB name to verify entry.

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

3 Entries: Sign up for the Playhouse Disney Newsletter. Subscribers get access to the latest Playhouse Disney news, information on new shows, activities and contests!

3 Entries: Subscribe by email to Take A Mom’s Word For It. Be sure to verify your subscription through Feedburner.

1 Entry: Follow AMomsWord on Twitter.

2 Entries: Tweet the following once a day for 2 entries each day until the giveaway closes.

“#Win a #PlayhouseDisneyCanada Prize pack on @AMomsWord ends 8/18 http://tiny.cc/ag31n #giveaway"

Good Luck to Everyone!

Giveaway open to Canada only. Readers may enter the contests on multiple blogs participating in this Playhouse Disney Canada blog tour but are only eligible to win once.

Giveaway ends August 18, 2010

Disclosure: I am participating in the Playhouse Disney program by Mom Central. I received a Playhouse Disney Prize Pack and a thank you gift card to facilitate this post. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Buddy Bandz Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-03T15:56:00.009-04:00

Check out the latest Back To School Reviews and GIVEAWAYS>>>

Brugo Mug Review & Giveaway@The Knit Wit ends 8/13
Easy Lunch Boxes System Review & Giveaway @The Knit Wit ends 8/14
Sass Rocket Studios Review @The Knit Wit
Mini Notepad Holder from Sass Rocket Studios Giveaway @Take A Mom's Word For It ends 8/20
$10 GC to Buddy Bandz @Take A Mom's Word For It ends 8/20

August is officially here and while we’re busy enjoying hazey days and long summer nights, back to school preparations will soon be whispering in the back of your mind. For some families going to school can lead to all sorts of anxiety – and I’m not talking about whether the teacher will be nice or not, but rather will life threatening allergies be respected.

A fellow Canadian blogger suggested I look into Buddy Bandz - a Mom created, Canadian Company when I was planning this event and I’m glad I did! Buddy Bandz offer Food Allergy Alert Bracelets for children. Unlike other *reactive* bracelets, Buddy Bandz’ bracelets are designed to be PROACTIVE. They use simple, universal food allergy symbols which are easily recognized by everyone – despite age or language.

I was sent the below package from Buddy Bandz for review.

As you can see, the bracelets are currently offered for Peanut, Milk, Shellfish and Egg Allergies. The bracelets can be worn by boys or girls and are comfortable to wear. Miss A tried one on and said she liked the way it felt. I tried the very same bracelet on Little S and it fit great – the bandz are fully adjustable so they’re great in the long-term. They are also waterproof and contain no metal!

When I was young *cough*, there were virtually NO children with food allergies that I can remember. Luckily, my own children do not have any food allergies. But now as a teacher, I have yet to have a school year go by where there isn’t at least one student in my class with mild to life-threatening allergies! Times have certainly changed and while food allergies are more prevalent, parents of children with food allergies cannot assume other children or adults are aware of their child’s needs. I see these as a definite MUST for school trips where the environment is not easily controlled.

Buddy Bandz not only offers the bracelets, but also t-shirts

and easily identifiable medical packs – great place to store auto-injectors!

Your first defense against exposure to food allergies is a child’s self awareness. Buddy Bandz are a great second line of defense. The symbols are easy to understand and send a clear message. If your child – or a child you know, is going back to school this September and has a food allergy, be sure to check out Buddy Bandz – “because PREVENTION is key”.

BUY IT!

Protect your little ones and head over to Buddy Bandz to make a purchase today!

WIN IT!

Lisa at Buddy Bandz has generously offered one lucky Take A Mom's Word For It reader a $10 GC to use on any products on the web site!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

In a comment tell me if you or someone you love is affected by food allergies. Who would make good use of one of these bracelets?

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It Blog through Google Friend Connect.

1 Entry: “Like” Buddy Bandz on Facebook and tell them I sent you. Please leave your FB name so I can verify your entry.

1 Entry: “Like” Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook. Already like me?! Aw shucks! Please tell me!

1 Entry: Follow me on Twitter HERE.

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. You can use this sample tweet:

“Back To School Event $10 GC from Buddy Bandz. Protect your kids from food allergies @amomsword (8/20)#giveaway #win http://tiny.cc/l3i0x"

This can be done once a day for 2 entries each day until the giveaway closes. Be sure to include the permalink to verify.

3 Entries: Post the Take A Mom’s Word For It Back To School Event button on your blog. Please leave me the link.

3 Entries: Sign up for email notifications from Take A Mom’s Word For It. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription through Feedburner.

10 Entries: Make a purchase at Buddy Bandz. Leave me your name, what you purchased and when.

Good luck to everyone! Open to Canada & US only.

Giveaway ends August 20, 2010

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

My Living Stories iPhone/iTouch Review & iTunes GIVEAWAY!! QUICKIE!

2010-08-03T15:20:00.009-04:00

Technology sure has come a long way since I was a kid! I remember enjoying my radio/tape deck, my ‘original’ Nintendo and making calls on a rotary phone! Today children are way more savvy with all the ‘in’ gadgets and I have to say, I’m enjoying them too!

At my house we don’t have a fancy game system – after all, my girls are only 5, 5 and 2. What we do have though is an itouch. This thing is fantastic! There are apps out there for any and everything you can imagine – current news, videos, weather, stats, games and the like.

Both my hubby and I have our favourite apps – some of which get used on a daily basis. And like us, our girls have their favourite apps too! I was recently given the opportunity to test an app series called “My Living Stories”. My Living Stories offers 5 popular children’s stories (Princess and the Pea, King Midas, The Tortoise and the Hare, Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks and the Three Bears) in an interactive, easy to use format with fantastic illustrations. I let me girls each choose a story they were interested in and we ended up with – Little Red Riding Hood, Princess and the Pea, and an all-time favourite: Goldilocks and the Three Bears!

My older girls were immediately drawn to the animated illustrations and easy to use display. They were thrilled that they were able to use it independently and also mentioned that the narrator sounded like a young girl.

Each illustration allows for the user to know what was happening and I often found the girls predicting what the words would say before they were read!

The My Living Stories apps also allow for your child to record their own voice. We were unable to use this feature as our itouch does not have a microphone.

Our itouch and the My Living Stories apps have been a great distraction while waiting in line at the store and also on our recent trip to the doctor! They will also be great on our upcoming camping trip!

WIN IT!

The lovely people at Decode Entertainment have offered 1 lucky Take A Mom’s Word For It reader a $25 iTunes Gift Card!! Think of the possibilities!

We’re going to keep things simple this time folks – this is a quickie giveaway!!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

Comment below telling me which My Living Stories story you (or your little one) would like the most.

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: There are a lot of apps out there - tell me another app that your little one loves. Know of 3? Leave a comment for each one for a couple extra entries (max of 3 entries).

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It via Google Friend Connect.

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway – help me spread the word. You can use this sample tweet:

“Quickie Giveaway for $25 iTunes GC @AMomsWord ends 8/6 #giveaway #MyLivingStories http://tiny.cc/f94f8"

Tweet today for 2 entries, tweet tomorrow for 2 more and then again on Thursday and Friday!!

Good Luck!

Giveaway open to Canada only.

Giveaway ends August 6, 2010

Readers may enter the contest on multiple blogs but are only eligible to win one iTunes GC as part of the My Living Stories contest.

Disclosure: I am participating in the My Living Stories program by Mom Central on behalf of Decode Entertainment. I received 3 free apps and a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Sass Rocket Studios GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-02T14:45:00.011-04:00

Time for my first Back To School Event post and it's a great one to start with! Be sure to also check out my co-host The Knit Wit for other great Back To School giveaways!

Brugo Mug Giveaway @The Knit Wit ends 8/13
Easy Lunch Boxes System Giveaway @The Knit Wit ends 8/14

She’s baaack… Lindsay from Sass Rocket Studios is back to take part in our Back To School Event! Sass Rocket Studios sponsored a review and giveaway for a tampon clutch a few short weeks ago. If you entered you'll already be ahead of the game for this great giveaway! If you missed it, shame on you! But you’re in luck because you can read my original review HERE and Shari over at The Knit Wit wrote a review too HERE! Well, Lindsay is now giving away a super hip Mini Notepad Holder!

Say good-bye to crumpled homework lists and torn contact names and say hello to organization at it’s finest.

Not only is the outside super cute, but the inside is highly functional! There is a place for the mini notepad, a spot for your pen and even a pocket for miscellaneous papers or cards!

This same Mini Notepad Holder is available in a number of different prints sure to meet your (or your child’s) tastes!

Aside from Mini Notepad Holders, Lindsay at Sass Rocket Studios offers a number of highly practical, super cute and funky items – all designed to make your life simpler and more organized all while being fun, funky and “sassy”.

Here are a few of my faves… Check out this eco friendly, reversible Coffee Cozy!

Coupon Wallet - LOVE this idea!

Roll Up Change Pad - chenille backed!

I now own 4 items from Sass Rocket Studios – a drool bib, a diaper clutch, a tampon clutch and a wristlet! Each item is made of high quality materials and with a great deal of skill and attention to detail!

BUY IT!

Head on over to Sass Rocket Studios and purchase a super functional ultra chic item that WILL make your life easier!

WIN IT!

Lindsay at Sass Rocket Studios has offered one lucky Take A Mom’s Word For It reader a Mini Notepad Holder of your choice!

Mandatory Entry

As always, please leave your email address with every comment (unless it’s in your profile)… you don’t want to win and then have me not be able to reach you!

Visit Sass Rocket Studios, browse around and choose your favourite item (good luck choosing only one!) and come back here and tell me what it is.

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: Follow Sass Rocket’s blog through Google Friend Connect HERE.

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It Blog through Google Friend Connect.

1 Entry: “Like” Sass Rocket Studios on Facebook and tell her I sent you. Please leave your FB name so I can verify your entry.

1 Entry: “Like” Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook. Already like me?! Aw shucks! Please tell me!

1 Entry: “Heart” Sass Rocket Studios on Etsy. Please leave your Etsy name to verify.

3 Entries: Update your Facebook status telling all your lovelies about this great giveaway. Please tag “@take a moms word for it” in your post so I can see it.

1 Entry: Follow Sass Rocket on Twitter HERE.

1 Entry: Follow me on Twitter HERE.

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. You can use this sample tweet:

“Back To School Event! Win a cool Mini Notepad Holder from @sassrocket on @amomsword ends 8/20 http://tiny.cc/vz9lp #giveaway #win"

Tweet once daily for 2 entries until the giveaway closes. Be sure to include the permalink to verify.

3 Entries: Post the Take A Mom’s Word For It Back To School Event button on your blog. Please leave me the link.

3 Entries: Sign up for email notifications from Take A Mom’s Word For It. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription through Feedburner.

10 Entries: Make a purchase at Sass Rocket. Leave me your name, what you purchased and when.

Good luck to everyone! Open to Canada & US only.

Giveaway ends August 20, 2010

Disclosure: I received a tampon clutch for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Back To School Event!

2010-08-01T23:11:00.004-04:00

Welcome to our Back To School Event!! Over the next month I will be featuring some really great products, companies and yes, GIVEAWAYS!! Everything featured was hand picked and will surely make your back to school transition easier! Also, don’t forget to check out my co-host’s blog The Knit Wit. She too will be hosting some pretty awesome giveaways! You can enter and win on both sites!! So let’s get this event started…

Win a Brugo Mug @ The Knit Wit ends 8/13