Blog Hop Friday!

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 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 #29 from last week!

Back To School Event - UPDATE!

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

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!

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!

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 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 #21 from last week!

Wordless Wednesday

Visiting the place where we were married :)

The very spot!

Playhouse Disney Channel Review & GIVEAWAY!

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!

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!

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!

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.