Easter Giveaway: Embroidered Fleece Blanket & 100% Pure Beeswax Candles

            Hey folks! Spring is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a giveaway!? Mohawk Valley Trading Company and Crooked Brook have come up with an awesome Easter prize pack that consists of the following:

-Two 100% Pure Beeswax 10" Taper Candles

-One 100% Pure Beeswax Candle-Decorative Easter Egg

-One 50" x 60" pink Personalized Fleece Blanket embroidered with 1.5" x 4" Easter Bunny and "Happy Easter"

            For your chance to win this prize package, simply enter the giveaway form below. Only your email is mandatory, but remember the more entries you have, the better chances you have of winning!
            Cant to wait to see if you won? Receive a 20% discount on all Mohawk Valley Trading Company 100% Pure Beeswax Candles, Raw Honey and Maple Syrup from 3/6/14 to 3/13/14 with the Coupon Code “Mixed Bag Mama MVTC Easter Giveaway”.

            Receive a 20% discount on all Crooked Brook Personalized Fleece Blankets and a 10% discount on all Wholesale Fleece Blankets from 3/6/14 to 3/13/14 with the Coupon Code "Mixed Bag Mama MVTC Easter Giveaway".  

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: Mixed Bag Mama did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own and may differ from your own. I am not responsible for prize shipment. Winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsors within 30 days of contest end. Contest open to residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. states 18 and older. If you have any questions about this giveaway, please contact Alicia from Mixed Bag Mama at aliciaowen 6814 at yahoo dot com.

Dive Into Shapes Giveaway

Welcome to the Learning Resources Dive Into Shapes Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Learning Resources

Hosted by: Savory Savings & Gloriously Green Gal

Co-hosted by:  An Ordinary Housewife, Dividing by Zero & Her 3 Little Thinkers

            Encouraging kids to really learn and enjoy math can be difficult in the age of smart technology.  While it is true, we can use our phones, tablets and even simple calculators to “do math” for us, there is a vital and important thought-process to learning math skills – ones that will help us with more complex thoughts in other areas of our lives down the road. 
            That is why Krista from Savory Savings was excited to review Learning Resources Dive Into Shapes geometry set with her girls.  This fun building set encourages thought, planning and sorting which kids will love.  Kids can also get creative and try to build buildings, cars and more with the shapes! 
            If you would like to win your own Learning Resources Dive Into Shapes geometry set, enter with the Giveaway Tools below!   This giveaway is open to US residents, ages 18 and older.  It will run from March 6, 2014 through March 20, 2014 at 11 PM CST.  If you have won a Learning Resources giveaway on any blog in the last six months, you are not eligible to win.  All entries will be verified.  Winner will be emailed (consider adding gloriouslygreengal@gmail.com to your safe list) and will have 48 hours to respond or prize is forfeited and a new winner will be selected.
Good luck!

Entry-Form

Krista from Gloriously Green Gal and Savory Savings received products from this sponsor to facilitate her review, no other compensation was received. All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This giveaway is in no way associated with social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
 

Blast Zone Little Bopper Giveaway

Welcome to the Blast Zone Little Bopper Giveaway 

A $250 Value!

hosted by: We're Parents!?

This bounce house is cute, compact, and perfect for indoors or outdoors.  It measures approximately 6' x 6'.  Here are some of the great features: 

Most Compact Bouncer

Inflates in Seconds

Double and Quadruple Stitching 

Included Storage Case

Commercial Vinyl Impact Surfaces

Ideal for Indoor Bouncing

Included Fan

Fully Enclosed Safety Netting

Great for Smaller Children (Ages 3-6 recommended)

I love that these are so compact, but still large enough for your child(ren) to have plenty of fun! You have to admit, it's not a bad price either, especially considering you can use it whenever you like along with birthday parties and other special events!-MBM

Read We're Parents!? full review here. 

The little bouncer bounce house is currently on sale for $169.99 !  An $80 savings! 

One lucky reader is going to win their own Little Copper Bounce HouseEnter using the Giveaway Tools form below.  Open to US Residents Only!  Ends 3/19/14 at 11:59pm EST. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: **We're Parents!? received this bounce house in order to run this giveaway. All opinions are our own.  We're Parents!? and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. 

What's for Dinner? Cheesy Curry Rice!

            It shouldn't be a secret by now that I love rice and pasta dishes. I'm also a firm believer that cheese makes (just about) everything better. I know. I can't imagine why I'm overweight either! ;)
            I'm not a huge fan of meat in general, so I made my own take on curry rice. Simply:

-Cook your rice according to the directions.
-I also suggest adding some curry while your rice is still cooking. It makes it more flavorful in my opinion.
-Shred some cheddar cheese while your rice is cooking. (However much you want.)
-Add some more curry if you want/need to your rice once it's finished cooking.
-Mix in your cheese while your rice is still pipin' hot so it gets all melty smelty!

            Ok, ok. So this would probably be better as a side dish for something else, but....I'm a weirdo and like eating it on it's own. Can you believe I didn't discover the deliciousness of curry until I was pregnant?! (Yes, I totally tried the spicy food/curry trick to go into labor. No, it didn't work. lol)

What are your go-to meals when you're in a hurry or short on ingredients?

Buttons Cloth Diaper Review

            Hey cloth diapering parents! I am super excited to bring you a new review of Buttons Cloth Diapers today! Buttons Cloth Diapers is based out of Washington state and offers not only cloth diapers, but cotton flannel wipes, flushable bamboo liners, and wet bags as well. They were very generous to let us try out one of their one size diaper covers in Lavender, a large daytime insert, and a large nighttime doubler. (pictured above)

            As much as I love trying different types and brands of cloth diapers out, as I've mentioned before, I'm always leery I'm not going to like them or they won't fit right etc etc. However, I was really excited to try Buttons out because, well, they're so similar to the Best Bottoms that we already use. I was not let down either and if you love All in Two (Ai2) cloth diaper systems, you will LOVE these!

Announcements

            In case you haven't already noticed, the blog has had a bit of a makeover along with a new name! I will still be sharing the same kind of posts and reviews/giveaways as before, but I felt a new name would be a nice change to incorporate all of the other things I like posting about, such as crafts, baby and toddler activities, etc. I may branch out a little bit on what types of giveaways I'll be sharing, but that's a good thing!
            All social media links will remain the same and if you're already subscribed to email updates, you should still be getting them with no problems. If you do have issues with anything, please let me know and I'll see what I can do to fix it!
            I also wanted to share something else I am super excited about. If you caught my VBAC series back in January, you already know that cesarean awareness is something I feel strongly about. A member of my local ICAN group on Facebook alerted us to an awesome new fundraiser to help support ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) and spread cesarean awareness!
            I would love it so much if you would check out the link HERE and consider buying a t-shirt if you are able to if this is something you feel strongly about too! If nothing else, I would love some shares for this with your friends and family to spread the word. Thanks so much and have a great week!

Images Source

P.s. All funds raised go directly to ICAN!

Keeping Your Toddler Busy

She was "supervising" while I cleaned the bathroom. ;)

            Let's be honest: This is easier said than done many times. Plus, some kids are more easily entertained than others. Regardless, I thought I would share my ideas (what works for us, anyways) on how to keep your toddler busy.

1) Put their toys away regularly
I've talked about this before in a previous post, but it bears repeating. I read on another Montessori focused blog (long enough ago that the name is eluding me) that kids get bored more easily if there are tons of toys laying around. From personal experience, I have to agree. Lots of toys scattered all over the place can be overwhelming (for kids AND parents). I try to pick up after Myka at least every other day (we leave certain toys out and rotate some) and she is a lot more prone to play by herself if everything is arranged neatly. It may seem like a pita at first but trust me, you should notice a difference in how long they stay engaged in play by themselves before long.

Freemie Breast Pump Giveaway

A few months ago, a friend emailed me (Nissa from Cloth Diaper Guru blog) a link to a new product: Freemie Hands-free pumping system for breastfeeding mothers.  I was a seasoned, working and pumping mom, and this was something new. I shared the link with a few of my followers and there was a huge interest in this product.

While there are plenty of breast pumps on the market, Freemie is completely different.  The Freemie milk collection cups allows you to pump with your shirt on.  You can pump in front of anyone, you can pump anywhere, and the pump is much quieter than the typical breast pump.  If you already own a breast pump, Freemie sells adapters to make the milk collection cups usable with many popular brands.  Freemie also sells a manual breast pump that is great for on-the-go use.

When I heard about Freemie, I had almost 2 years of pumping experience between my two children.  I was using a typical, double-electric breast pump that required partially undressing and holding the milk bottles for 10-20 minutes pumping. While I usually had access to private nursing areas, sometimes I had to pump in unusual locations.  While in graduate school, I often sought privacy in a rarely-used conference room near my work space. If the conference room was occupied, I pumped in a single-person bathroom because the lactation room was on the other side of campus and always very busy. I was particularly good at balancing my pump on the sink in the bathroom, but standing and pumping for 20 minutes was tiring for a sleep-deprived mom.  Despite the hurdles, I pumped until my first child was 13 months old. When I had my second child in 2013, the acrobatics and adventures in pumping increased as my work required more travel.  I learned to pump while sitting on a toilet seat and balancing the pump on my lap. During one busy trip, I pumped in an airplane bathroom.  All the time spent pumping in less than optimal locations made me realize that location does matter.

Not only does location matter, but your time matters too, and not taking enough time to pump can impact your milk supply.  I usually needed to pump three times during my typical work day to supply enough milk for daycare.  Using the Freemie system, you can pump right at your desk without having to walk to a lactation room.  You are able to keep working and pump at the same time, so you can get the maximum amount of time you need to collect the most milk.  What about pumping on your way to or from work?  You can pump on the bus or while driving: no one would be aware.  The more opportunities moms have to pump, the more milk they will collect.  Freemie is a game changer and I only wish this was available when I started pumping for my first child.  Unfortunately, Freemie came too late for me (my second child is turning one year old), but I'm thrilled that new moms can use this technology to their benefit.

Kassondra from Motherhood Community, uses the Freemie collection cups and shared a few of her thoughts about them versus other hands-free pumping accessories:

"I had all but given up on pumping before I got my set of Freemie collection cups. I'd tried several other "helper" items before with no luck. [I tried a] hands-free pumping bra [that] only barely fit my 46Js and it was so constricting, and tight, and uncomfortable - I just couldn't handle it. [I also tried] another attachment meant to angle the flanges differently so that I could lean back [while pumping and it] was a complete waste of money. [With Freemie] I am able to easily and comfortably pump anywhere! I love that the collection cups are discreet. Even as a woman with large breasts, I can pump in the car without drawing too much attention. My friends with average sized breasts have even walked into stores with their cups in place! There are far fewer pieces to worry about cleaning and assembling each time so it's just generally less work to use. I love my Freemie and honestly can't imagine pumping again without it!"

You can read Kassondra's full, non-sponsored review of the Freemie collection cups on her website. Now that you're all excited about Freemie, let the fun begin!

 Freemie is giving away a double electric breast pump to one lucky reader. Giveaway open to US residents 18 years of age and older.

Oh...My...Goodness. This has got to be one of the most awesome things I've ever seen! Upon visiting their website, I can't help but wonder why no one has come up with this sooner! My pumping days didn't last long, but I can still attest to the nuisance of pumping. Let's face it: It's just NOT fun. The Freemie is SO quiet compared to traditional electric breast pumps and you don't have to juggle anything. What more could a breastfeeding mom ask for?! (Except maybe some extra sleep. ;) ) Seriously, though. Go check their website out!-GGWB

This giveaway is sponsored by Freemie and co-hosted by Cloth Diaper Guru, Viva Veltoro, and The Parenting Patch.

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Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Freemie.  One winner will be randomly selected at the conclusion of this giveaway.  Participating bloggers and Getting Green with Baby are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  Participating bloggers were not compensated for their participation in this event. Opinions expressed in this post are that of Cloth Diaper Guru blog.  Please direct questions to ClothDiaperGuru@gmail.com.

Blogger Opp-Whisper Diaper Pail

Sign up today for this awesome giveaway.  Spots are limited, and it's first come first serve.  Open to all bloggers new and not so new.  This is a great way to gain followers and get some traffic to your blog!  This is a sponsored giveaway for the Whisper - Odor (and Hands) Free Diaper Pail from Rem Brands, valued at approx $80, to be hosted by Holyjeans & My Favorite Things from March 12 through March 26th. 

• Needed:  Up to 10 Bloggers
• Up to 3 Co-Host Spots available for $10
• 1st Link Free (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin') additional links available for $2 each
• Prize:  Whisper Diaper Pail - Newly launched November 2013 Valued $80
• Agree to Promote 3xs/week
• Giveaway will run from 3/12 - 3/26
• Giveaway HTML will be emailed out by 3/10
• Grab Announcement post here
• Sign Up Here

*The Blogger with the most referrals will receive a FREE Co-Host Spot including:

• 1 link back in top of giveaway post
• 4 Social Media Links placed in top spots in giveaway widget
• Email or Youtube Subscribe
• Daily Comment or Vote

If you have any questions please contact Amy at pnppowell09@gmail.com

Ultimate Baby Shower Giveaway

Amy from This Mamas Life is expecting a little bundle of joy! What a better way to celebrate than to offer a great Baby Shower Prize Package to our readers!

There are TONS of great prizes in this prize pack! This would be a great gift for any new mom to start off with.-MBM

 

 Hosted By: This Mamas Life & Anderson's Angels  

Co Hosted By: Mama on A Green Mission, More is Merrier, Howling Horns, Budget Earth, and Mama Pure.

 

Value: Over $1500.00 in Prizes! (We are still adding prizes)  

Lullaby Earth Mattress - $199 Value  

Super Baby Food Book - $19 Value  

Pretty Pushers - Labor & Delivery Gown, Postpartum Undies & Nursing Pads - $90 Value  

Glow Bugs Diapers - 1 Diaper Boy/Girl/Neutral - $12.50 Value  

AuraWeavers - Swaddle Blanket - $20 Value 

Buttons Diapers - 5 Covers, 5 Liners and Large Wet Bag - $90 Value 

Aveeno Gift Set - $ 29 Value 

Fair Haven Health - Doppler & DreamBelly Butter & Cream - $61 Value  

Bada Boum - Sleep Sack - $47 Value  

Tommee Tippee -3 Pack of Bottles - $20 Value  

Project Pomona - Your choice of Item upto a $34 Value 

Itty bitty BabyBundle - $30 Value  

The Children's Place - Gift Card - $50 Value  

MAM Feed and Soothe Gift Set - $25 Value  

Pediped Shoes - $30 Value  

Tortle - $20 Value  

Kushies - Layette Set - $15 Value  

Svan Totseat - $35 Value  

Avent Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump - $204 Value 

Glamourmom Nursing Bra Nightgown - $69 Value 

Joovy Nook Highchair - $149 Value  

Crane Humidifier - Either the Drop or Adorable Animal Style - $45 Value  

Ubbi Diaper Pail - Diaper Pail in your choice of color - $80 Value  

Wink Shapeware - $54 Value 

Miracle Blanket - $30 Value 

Baby Breeza - Original Processor - $99 Value 

**More Sponsors May Be Added **

*One Lucky Reader will receive the items shown above ( $1500.00 Value) *Giveaway starts March 1, 2014 at Noon est. *Giveaway will end at 11:59pm est on March 22, 2014 *Giveaway is open to US only * You must be 18 or over to enter * Winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter * Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. * The lucky winner will be notified by email at the end of the Giveaway. * MI Savings Mama and the other participating blogs are not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment.
 a Rafflecopter giveaway    
Disclosure: MI Savings Mama received the items above in exchange for review. This blog did not receive financial compensation or product in exchange for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway. Prize fulfillment and shipping will be handled by the Sponsors.