Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Ollie Swaddle Giveaway

Welcome to The Ollie Swaddle Giveaway!

Sponsored by The Ollie World and hosted by Game On Mom

Although you and your little both wish you could cuddle all day and night, there are times when you have to put him down to rest. Swaddles are a perfect solution for keeping infants cozy, but many don’t stay put as your baby snoozes—or aren’t snug enough to provide that comforting pressure babes love. Thanks to the mama behind The Ollie World, you can wrap your itty-bitty burrito with a swaddle that moves with him through the night, while keeping him comfy and cool.

The Ollie Swaddle 

Named after and invented for Oliver, a foster baby that wasn’t thriving until Ollie Swaddle founder (and his foster mom) Hindi developed The Ollie Swaddle. Stretchy, soft and breathable, this swaddle is designed to reduce overheating and improve quality and duration of sleep. We know the security of swaddles helps keep infants calm—and the Ollie swaddle is perfect for keeping them tucked in all night long and encouraging self-soothing skills.

Depending on your baby’s size, the top Velcro closure allows you to wrap him tightly when he’s younger, but is adjustable as he grows and has more mobility. (And don’t worry about diaper changes—they’re a snap in this wrap. When you finish the dirty deed, you can fold the bottom up under the Velcro closure, or you can use the handy elastic loop to keep little legs tucked in—but free enough to kick those feet!) Your babe will be happier when he sleeps, and you can rest easy knowing he is safe and content in The Ollie World’s capable swaddle.

To learn more about this amazing swaddle or to make a purchase, visit The Ollie World. Now for the giveaway! Winner will receive one swaddle, value $48. Giveaway is open to US residents who are 18 and older. Ends February 24th, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST. Good luck!   Ollie Swaddle Giveaway

Monday, February 9, 2015

Our Letter "F" Crafts

            Hey folks! We have been working on letter "F" crafts lately as part of our "informal schooling". I love doing crafts and teaching/playing with my daughter so hey, why not make our craft time a little educational?! Let's start with mine (and Myka's) favorite one so far...

"'F' is for Fire" Craft  (Click on the title to view the original post or pin.)


We're not through all of our "F" crafts yet, but this has been our favorite so far because Myka (she's 2, if you're new around here) can help with the set up as well as the final product. Please, someone remind me to look up more tissue paper crafts for this kid on Pinterest later! Win!


Paper Plate Fish (For the life of me, I cannot find where I found this originally. If you type in "paper plate fish" on Pinterest you can find plenty of ideas.)

Sooo John and I actually made these last year when Myka wasn't really old enough to paint, but they go along with our theme and toddlers/preschoolers can totally help out with decorating them!


"'F' is for Flower" Craft

Like I said, Myka is two and, well, not so great at following directions yet, so ours didn't turn out quite as nice as the original. ha ha Actually, almost all of the petals Myka put on are hidden on the back. lol


Dr.Seuss Inspired Fox Craft

"'F' is for Fish" Dot Marker Craft

We've not gotten to these two yet, but I'm sure Myka will enjoy doing both of these as well. She used to love the "What Does the Fox Say?" song (what kid under the age of 7 didn't?) and tissue paper (evidently). She loves fish too! (Toddlers are so easy to please in some ways, aren't they?)


We also do coloring pages for each letter. Usually she barely colors them, but as you can see, she went a little overboard on the fairy page. ha ha At least she was coloring? You can find the Garden Fairy Alphabet Coloring Book on Amazon for $3.99. Here is where I found our other coloring page.

Kidz Bop 27 Giveaway

Kidz Bop 27- the best one yet- CD Giveaway!

Hosted by: CT Coupon Crazy Mommy

Co-Hosted by: Starfish Confidential

and

Michigan Saving and More

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KIDZ BOP 27, the latest volume in the best-selling KIDZ BOP audio series, entered the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at #3. KIDZ BOP 27’s first week sales were up more than 68% from KIDZ BOP’s previous album, KIDZ BOP 26. This was also the largest sales week for a KIDZ BOP album in two years. The album is also #1 on the Billboard Children’s Chart, alongside two other KIDZ BOP albums in the Top 10. Last year, KIDZ BOP sold nearly one million albums, outselling top artists including: Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea and Katy Perry. For the fifth consecutive year, Billboard named the KIDZ BOP Kids the “#1 Kids’ Album Artists of the Year.” KIDZ BOP 25 was also Billboard’s “#1 Kids’ Album of the Year” in 2014.

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The release of KIDZ BOP 27 follows the announcement of the all-new “Make Some Noise” tour, headlined by The KIDZ BOP Kids. The brand-new, national live tour will hit over 40+ cities in 2015, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, D.C, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The KIDZ BOP Kids – Ashlynn Chong, Bredia Santoro, Matt Martinez and Grant Knoche – will return to the stage to perform kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest hits, including favorites from KIDZ BOP 27. The high-energy and interactive show will feature music from the best-selling series that kids and parents can sing and dance along to.

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CT Coupon Crazy Mommy recently received this CD and rocked out with her kids! The songs are the same popular ones heard on the radio, but clean edits sung by kids. It's a win-win for car rides, and something we can all agree on. Want to win a copy of the CD for your biggest fan? Enter below-Good Luck! Giveaway is open to US residents, ages 18+. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway ends Feb 23, 2015 at 11:59pm EST.
Disclosure: The above item was received in order to facilitate review. I have not been compensated for this post. The Coupon Crazy Mommy blog will always provide honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. We will only recommend products or services that we feel are of benefit to our readers. Coupon Crazy Mommy is not responsible for prize fulfillment; sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. If you have any questions, please contact me couponcrazymomblog {at} gmail {dot} com. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

To Waldorf or Not to Waldorf...


            That is the current question of the hour. If you've been around for awhile, you have probably noticed that my tastes in things can sometimes change like the shifts in wind. You may have also seen that I was interested in Montessori education for awhile. While I haven't completely abandoned the Montessori educational philosophy, I have been re-introduced to the Waldorf method in the past year and have to say that, now that I've researched into it some more, it seems much more in-line with our beliefs and way of life.
            Some of you probably think I'm crazy for even researching as much as I do (which I still feel is not nearly enough!) into "alternative educational methods" since Myka just turned two in October. After all, she won't be officially homeschooled until she's what, 5?! But, knowing the kind of person that I am AND being a LITTLE bit on the OCD side, it's best I start investigating into educational options now for what seems to work best for Myka (and the way she learns/her personality) and how I can get away from the "traditional" schooling methods. If I wanted to do things "by the books", I would send her to public school. (I'm really not meaning that as a put down to those of you who have children that go to public school. I understand that not everyone has the time, money, patience, or desire to homeschool. That statement was just simply how I feel about homeschool vs. public school as a parent who is willing and able to homeschool to diverge from "the norm".)


            While personally I still kind of like Montessori better, Myka is very much our child and has a mind of her own. I think she will be better off with Waldorf to start off with. Even at two years old, we encourage her to use her imagination and show her new or different, out of the ordinary, ways to play with her toys, especially when it seems like she starts getting bored with them. That is the main thing I DON'T like about Montessori: Children are only supposed to play with toys/manipulatives in the exact manner they were intended for, from what I have gathered. For instance, children wouldn't be allowed to stack puzzle pieces because that is not "the right way" to use them. For us, this thinking seems a little extreme (especially for young children!) and we don't want to hamper Myka's creativity or imagination.
            Some other aspects of Waldorf education that we like are that it includes a lot of time exploring outside, natural toys, and arts and crafts type activities. As I'm sure many of you have noticed, we LOVE doing crafts. Actually, I can't wait until Myka gets older so she is more into it because I have hundreds of ideas saved on Pinterest! ha ha All three of us also like spending as much time outdoors as possible. While this winter has been relatively mild compared to last so far, it's been very odd this year not being able to go hiking and fishing during the winter since we are back in Indiana! We also have tried limiting plastic and/or battery powered toys since Myka was born, so the whole "natural toy" business is nothing new to us.
            I still have a lot of reading and researching to do, but I'm sure we'll have an interesting combination of Waldorf and Montessori materials and learning as Myka gets older. How about you? How did you come to your decision on what works best for your homeschooled children?

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Culinary Gadgets Giveaway

Deliciously Savvy's Culinary Gadgets Giveaway ~ Ends 2/26

CulinaryGadgetsGiveaway
Hosted By: Deliciously Savvy
Co-Hosted BY:
&
PLUS a big thank you to all other blogs promoting this giveaway!

Welcome to the Culinary Gadgets Giveaway! 1 Lucky Winner Will Receive all of the products below!

A Big Thank You & Shout Out To Each Of The Sponsors Below!

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive:

KitchenPalz Smooth Edge Automatic Electric Can Opener

kitchen 1($39.99 ARV)
Shatterproof Glass Water Bottle - 3 Pack Giveaway

Monday, February 2, 2015

The Outsider


            To be totally cliche, have you ever felt like you were on the outside looking in? I have felt like that on a lot of mine and Myka's kid-friendly outings since we have moved back to Indiana. While I take her to the library and other special kid-centric events mostly for her benefit, a part of me is always hoping to meet another mom I might get along with and actually have something in common with...other than having children. However, I had somewhat of an epiphany after getting home from our very first in-home playdate last week: I don't really belong to any type of "mom group" and I probably never will. And I'm surprisingly ok with that!
            I'm the type that dances to the beat of their own drum. Sure, everyone is unique...but I feel like I'm one of those that is more unique than "normal". Maybe even a little on the *gasp*weird side. Well, I think most of my "weirdness" is just socially awkwardness, but I digress.
            My hobbies and interests are majorly random. I love playing computer games, but I'm also really interested in sustainable living. I hate pop and country music, but I can listen to just about anything else all day long, even classical. We cloth diaper, try not to watch tv too much, and feed our kid better than we do ourselves, but we are not into attachment parenting at all. Do I expect to find someone that is into exactly the same things I am? Absolutely not! But are two or three of them too much to ask for?
            Don't get me wrong. I don't really care about "social acceptance" either. I just want someone to share my weirdness with who, even if we don't agree on everything, will at least understand where I'm coming from.
            I'm really not into "appearances", either, which some of the moms I overheard talking at the playdate seemed to be into, not surprisingly. (I know this is extremely judgmental, but that's always how I've imagined moms would be at those things, but I was pleasantly surprised with a few of them. :) ) I could care less how big your house is in fill in the blank high end subdivision. And don't get me started on how bad some moms can be about comparing their children. Little Billy started talking when he was 3 months old? Good for him! You're full of shit, but good for him!
            Overall, though, Myka and I did have a good time at our playdate and I'm sure I would do it again. There were a few at least semi-kindred souls to talk to. (Mostly I'm just happy none of the other kids tormented or maimed mine.) But while I do enjoy socializing sometimes, I am totally ok with being my weird self at home most of the time. It's good practice for when we move to the country and start our homesteading journey sometime this year (hopefully). Plus it's way easier to be anti-social. ;)

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Step 2 Sit & Play Picnic Table Blogger Opp


Spring will be here soon! What better way to get prepared for the kids to be able to play outside in the warm sunshine than with a Step2 Sit and Play Picnic Table with Umbrella Giveaway?

Giveaway Dates: February 1-18th, 2015 

Hosted by So Simply Stephanie


Co-Hosts $10- Includes 6 links of your choice (no Google+) and at least 1 co-host page. 
Bloggers $5- Includes 3 links of your choice (no Google+) 

OR 1 FREE link with announcement post! Co-Hosts & Bloggers can receive an additional link with announcement as well!

Infertility Fears: Will this be my only child?


            I'm not really sure how to start this post, so let's begin with a disclaimer of sorts. Infertility is a touchy subject for most who experience it, and for good reason. I've been there myself and it can be extremely frustrating, especially when it seems like everyone around you is popping out babies left and right. You want to be happy for them, but there's also a big part of you that is insanely jealous.
           With that being said, it is not my intention to discredit anyone's feelings with this post, especially those of you who may not have been able to have ANY children yet. My intentions with this post are to share a little of myself with the world in hopes to reach out to other (what seems like small group of) women out there who have the same fears as me. Oftentimes it seems our fears about being unable to have any more children after having at least one get brushed to the side because after all, shouldn't we just be thankful to at least have one child after experiencing infertility?
            Absolutely! I'm thankful for my daughter every day, even if I have to remind myself of that occasionally on the days she is driving me crazy. But, and maybe this is greedy on my part, I've always wanted AT LEAST two kids. I grew up as an only child (I have a half brother and we are two peas in a pod now, but that is a whole other big, long story) and I was one of the ones who actually always wished for a brother or sister. I don't want that for my child. There are much worse things in the world than being an only child, but it's still something I think about a lot when it comes to Myka, especially now that she's older and we are ready for another baby.
            As I've mentioned before, it took us a little over three years to get pregnant with Myka. We weren't actively trying the whole time, but still. How many young couples (I was 25 when I finally got pregnant) can go for that long without using any contraceptives without having an "oopsie baby"?
            We were hoping after having Myka it wouldn't take nearly as long to get pregnant with our next one. Well, we haven't been "using anything" for a little over a year now, so needless to say, I'm getting a little worried again. We've already been through this once. Do we really have to go through this again?
            I've gotten my menstrual cycles fairly regulated myself without the use of prescription medicine, told my new gynecologist it's been over a year since we've used any protection and all about my previous problems, and she still manages to be blase about the whole thing and says to give it another year. And people wonder why I don't like doctors. I can't help but wonder why in the hell no one but me wants to get to the root of the problems and figure out WHY my cycles get messed up and WHY it's so hard for us to have a baby so that we can maybe do something about it. I'm still young. I still fall into the "if it's been 12 months and you still haven't gotten pregnant..." category, so what gives? But, I'm getting a bit off course, aren't I?
            With all of that being said, I've "caught" myself appreciating Myka in all her not-fun-for-mommy terrible twos glory more lately as I ponder over these things more and more. As much as I really dislike this stage in child development (I know. I should be "appreciative and embrace all stages", but I don't. If I said I did, I'd be lying. I've never liked this age.), I can't help but wonder now if it will be the first, last, and only time I experience these things with my own child. And it scares the hell out of me.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

On the Go in 2015 Giveaway

            All moms understand that it's really hard to travel with kids, even if only going to the park or the store. Here are some great products to make getting out of the house a little easier, whether it's just for an afternoon or for a whole weekend. We are excited to bring you this awesome giveaway in collaboration with Green Scene Mom!
Green Scene Mom On The Go in 2015 Giveaway

Make taking kids on the go a little easier, and definitely more fun!

Wally Inflatable Bed Rail, from The Shrunks giveaway
The Shrunks Wally Inflatable Bed Rail - $25
At The Shrunks, we believe that kids are cool. Creating stuff that makes bedtime fun and safe for them, wherever they are, is what we love to do. Keep your child safe from rolling off the bed with The Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail! Its slim design allows the bed rail to slip conveniently under any fitted standard sized twin, queen or king size bed sheet. Each package comes with a bed rail, foot pump, and a carrying bag for easy transport to all of your destinations. Recommended for kids 2 years and up. Shop @ theshrunks.com.
Milkdot Popdots Go Pouch giveaway
Milkdot Popdots Go Pouch - $20
Popdots Go Pouch is the perfect carryall for everyday or for travel. Plus, it's insulated so it makes a great snack bag too. Use it as a toiletry bag, storage bag or quick change diaper bag. With one large elastic pocket and three smaller elastic pockets, your items will stay in place and organized. It's the versatile pouch for children, teens and women to take on the go for school, work or travel with plenty of room for school supplies, arts and crafts, toys, cosmetics, medicine, toiletries, first aid, baby essentials, snacks, drinks and much more! Shop @ milkdot.com.
Poncho Baby Pack-N-Run Organic Diaper Pouch giveaway
Poncho Baby Pack-N-Run Organic Diaper Pouch - $35
This eco-friendly and portable organic diaper bag pouch is perfect for those times when a diaper bag is too big. Made in the USA with 100% Cotton Muslin Imported. Use it for a quick trip to the supermarket, the park or an airport bathroom. It's been carefully sized to hold just the necessities. Also works great as an insert in a purse or diaper bag. Shop @ ponchobaby.com.
Poppy Drops $30 Gift Certificate giveaway
Poppy Drops $30 Gift Certificate
Poppy Drops was created due to a dilemma lots of us face — when to pierce a little girl's ears? Poppy Drops earrings really are the perfect solution that is practical for parents and super fun for kids! From our signature earrings came other solutions for modern kids! We now offer Tattoo Nail Art, Mix & Match Tattoo Jewelry, Perfume Sticks & Lip Luster — all of which are designed for little ones but are great for EVERYONE! All of our products are made with natural ingredients — 100% safe for any age. We make staying young even more fun than growing up! Shop @ poppydrops.com.
yummi pouch reusable food pouch giveaway
Yummi Pouch Reusable Food Pouches set of 6 - $15
Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches combine style and convenience in an eco-friendly container you can fill with homemade smoothies and blended snacks! Yummi Pouches are easy to fill and clean through the top zipper opening and are great for taking healthy snacks on the go. Shop @ yummipouch.com.
Zippyz Baby Footed Pajamas
Zippyz Baby Footed Pajamas - $27.99
Zippyz are baby footed pajamas with a patented design to make diaper changes quick and easy. Zippyz have a zipper from foot to belly so parents can change diapers quick and easy while keeping their baby covered and warm. Shop @ shopzippyz.com.
Pacidoodle Personalized Pacifiers set giveaway
Pacidoodle Personalized Pacifiers set of 2 - $12.50
Pacidoodle Personalized Pacifiers are the Cute, High Quality Solution to Accidental Paci-Swapping! Baby's name, monogram or cute saying is engraved on pacifiers and will not rub off or fade. "A little paci love made with a lot of His love". Shop @ pacidoodle.com.

Enter to win this Amazing Prize Set!

This giveaway is open to United States and Canada.
Green Scene Mom On The Go in 2015 Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated for this post. Opinions may differ from your own. This giveaway is not affiliated with any social media platform.  

Monday, January 26, 2015

Culinary Gadgets Blogger Opp

Blogger Opp ~ Culinary Gadgets Giveaway ~ Free and Paid Options Available!
I have been given the chance to review each of the items that are included in this giveaway and am able to share them with 1 LUCKY Winner for this fun Culinary Gadgets Giveaway! I will be adding items as well as my reviews throughout the sign up process, so be on the lookout!

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive: 1) KitchenPalz Smooth Edge Automatic Electric Can Opener ($39.99 ARV)
2) Shatterproof Glass Water Bottle – 3 Pack Giveaway ($55 ARV)
3) Stainless Steel Microfiber Cleaning Cloths ($34.99 ARV)
4) Pro Chef Kitchen Tools Premium S Shaped Hooks in 10 Pack Stainless Steel Metal ($28.99 ARV)
&
5) Smart Touch Wine Opener ($24.99 ARV)
($180 Total Package ARV) & I will add more if they become available!

Now I need your help promoting!

As always, 2 FREE links with announcement post! (Choose from Facebook Visits, Twitter, Pinterest and / or Instagram Follows) OR Pay $3 For the 2 links without Announcement Post Payable to mcushing7@hotmail.com via PayPal ANNOUNCEMENT POST BELOW (Just copy and paste) Co-Hosts Needed: $5 for 5 links of your choice PLUS the 2 FREE links above = 7 links total. And I mean ANY links you choose… Facebook Likes, shares and or Comments, Twitter Re-tweets, Website Comments, Giveaway Entries, Daily Votes, Daily Endorsements, Extra Follows, Anything, you tell me! You will be be highlighted in the Giveaway Picture and Giveaway HTML, as well as receive a co-host page PLUS an extra follow page or two depending on total number of entries which are all linked back to your website. ***Other Sign Up Options Available On Sign Up Form*** SIGN UP HERE SAVVY OFFER: The Blog With The Most Referrals for this giveaway (whether your own announcement post or word of mouth) will receive a FREE Co-Host spot for this giveaway. If you sign up for the co-host spot and have the most referrals you will be refunded the co-host fee. Open To Us Residents and must be 18+ to enter SIGN UPS Close 2/01! Don’t Wait! Giveaway Dates: 2/03 12AM EST until 2/26 12 AM EST