Baby Learning Time: Tissue Paper "Suncatchers" & Painting

            Hey folks! It's been quite awhile since a BLT post and I have to admit, I miss them. We've been so busy with chickens, an out of state trip, in-laws visiting etc, I feel like a bit of a chicken myself...Namely, one that's running around with it's head cut off.
            I don't have any fun tutorials today, but I am going to share some fun ideas for craft projects with you.

Tissue Paper Suncatchers

Now, I am by no means the first person to come up with this idea. As usual, I found it on Pinterest. I tried it out with Myka for the first time a few months ago with just pieces of yarn and the contact paper. She wasn't all that into it. She didn't want to stick the pieces on so much as pull them back off. lol So, I decided to give it another go recently now that I have tissue paper and here's how it turned out.

Some of you may know that I'm terribly OCD sometimes. I'm happy to report that I only stuck a few pieces on to show her what to do and to try to get her to fill in certain areas. The picture on the left is what Myka had completed. I ended up putting the last few pieces on just so I wouldn't have to waste them or save them for another time. Doesn't this look totally cute from the outside? I'm tempted to frame it somehow. Hmm...Sounds like a new project...

Painting

Ok, so painting isn't all that new or exciting, but we haven't done it for awhile. The few times we do paint, I usually like her to do it with finger paints because I feel like that's an important experience at her young age...Plus she needs to get over her "Ew, I'm messy" issue that I inadvertently created. Anyways, I happened to be painting some paper plates for another seasonal craft, so I thought I would let her try with the sponge brush too.

She seemed to like it quite a bit better than finger painting since she wasn't all "messy". I still think finger painting is important, though. :) Since I already made two paper plate suns myself (that's why we were using those specific colors), I think I will cut hers up to look like a flower. :)

What kind of crafty or fun things have you and your kids been up to lately?

"Mr. Pete, Where Are Your Feet?" Children's Book Review

            Hey folks! I have a cute new children's book to share with you today by fellow blogger Katherine Bartlett. Mr. Pete, Where Are Your Feet? is actually inspired by Katherine's bird friends in real life, which I thought made this story even more special!
            Mr. Pete, a blue parakeet, is a little different. His human mom always asks him, "Mr. Pete, where are your feet?" One day Mr. Pete starts wondering where his feet really have gone. Some of his toes are shorter than the others and he wonders where they went missing. With the help of his other bird friends, they work together to search around their room and cages to see if they can find Mr. Pete's missing toes.
            What did I like about this book?
1) It teaches about teamwork and what it is to be a good friend. Mr. Pete's bird friends are eager and don't hesitate to help their friend search for his "missing toes".
2) It teaches that it's ok to be "different" and that people will still like/love you no matter what!
3) I liked the bright, colorful illustrations as well. They help the story come to life for kids.

            You can purchase Mr. Pete, Where Are Your Feet? on Amazon HERE. You can also learn more about Katherine's birds on her blog Our Whiskey Lullaby.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. Regardless, all opinions are my own.

Motherlove Herbal Company Giveaway

 

 If you know me at all, you will know that I love natural and herbal products! I have not tried these personally, but I love that they are especially made for mom and baby. It is so important to pay attention to labels and know exactly what you're using on your baby's precious skin, and you can't go wrong with herbal products!-Alicia @ MBM

Motherlove is sponsoring a great giveaway for our readers!

Jen from Tales From A Southern Mom was honored to review several products from their line of great skin care and herbal products.You can read the entirety of her review here.

One reader will have their choice of one full sized product of their choosing from the products that she reviewed.

Giveaway will run from May 24 through June 7 2014.

Must be 18 years old to enter

Good Luck!

Entry-Form

 

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Dropcam Pro Giveaway-MCO's Birthday Bash

It's that time of year again and we're celebrating MCO's 2nd blog-birthday! Mommys Craft Obsession started in May 2012 and their birthday bash has become their most anticipated event of the year! We are so glad that you could join us for this event! We highly recommend that you bookmark the open giveaway page by clicking on the image below then adding it to your bookmarks bar! During the next week you will have the chance to enter to win some amazing prizes from items for YOU and things for your little one!

Click on the link to be redirected to a list of open giveaways.

MCO's Birthday Bash is continuing our celebration with an amazing giveaway for a Dropcam Pro! 

Photo Credits: Dropcam

Dropcam was developed by co-founders Greg Duffy and Aamir Virani after Greg's father desperately wanted to figure out which local dog was making a mess of his yard. He began hooking up IP camera's but was having trouble getting the system to work just right and that storing video on his hard drive wasn't an easy or secure solution. Greg was immediately interested in solving his dads dilemma and called his friend Aamir to talk through the problem. They began throwing around the idea around soon connected with tech pioneer Mitch Kapor who decided to fund the initial development which resulted in the launch of Dropcam in 2009. Now Dropcam is widely used around the country to "drop in" on their babies, pets, and even to catch unsuspecting thieves. 

The Dropcam Pro is Dropcam's newest of camera models and perhaps their greatest! With a 130 degree field of view, a 8X zoom capability, night vision and audio, the Dropcam Pro is the perfect addition to any home or business to help keep an extra set an eyes on your valuables. One of my favorite things about the Dropcam Pro is that right from your smart phone you can turn the camera on and off and receive text or email notifications of movement and audio! We personally use our Dropcam Pro at home to keep an eye on the dogs when we are out and about and I love that the camera sends me a text message when there is movement, it's very helpful to see if the dogs are at the door barking at something and to watch to make sure no intruders enter the home! 

To see a full review of the Dropcam Pro, use this link! 

To Purchase: Visit Dropcam's website and pick up a Dropcam Pro for your home or business for just $199.99!

To Win: Dropcam and Mommys Craft Obsession have teamed up to give one lucky person a Dropcam Pro of their own! Enter the giveaway form below for your chance to win!

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of June 7th. The winner will be chosen at random through  Giveaway Tools.  The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on MCO’s Facebook. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize otherwise a new winner will be chosen. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Dropcam, Mommys Craft Obsession and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. US Only. 

Bristle Blocks & "A Day Off"

            I'm sure many a stay-at-home mom can relate to the feeling of just wanting to run away from responsibility and everything else some days. (Maybe even some of you working parents too?) Since the only family we have living nearby are my brother and sister in-law (and they have their own 2 kids), I never get any "breaks". I haven't been away from Myka for over an hour since November when I was really sick one weekend. That, combined with her increasing, er, "toddler behaviors", shall we say, has left me increasingly irritable.
            I think it's important for any parent to have some alone time. That being said, I'm bad about "practicing what I preach". However, I finally made myself "take a break" and asked one of our old babysitters to watch Myka for a few hours a few weeks ago. It was just what I needed, but I have to say, 4 hours was not enough! lol
            You can judge me all you want, but it was nice to be able to be a little selfish for a few hours. There are so many little things you take for granted before you have kids. I got to eat lunch without sharing it with someone else. I also had the rare latte treat and didn't have to futiley (yep, made that up) explain to a toddler why she can't have any. I was able to actually really look at books at the bookstore. I know some of you will be appalled since I try to be into "natural living", but I even enjoyed a nice soak in the tanning bed for the first time since right before I found out I was pregnant! (Say what you want, but it's about the only thing that really helps clear my skin up and helps with the winter blues too. Also, I have never gone religiously. Looking like a tanned piece of leather is just not a good look. Sorry.)
            Speaking of the bookstore, I ended up buying Myka a few things. (That place is about as dangerous as Michael's!) They only had one of the books I was looking for and it didn't seem to be in very good condition (It's one of those board books that has pull out tabs), so I ended up getting some farm animal books because I can't really go wrong with those at this point in time. I got a fun pop up one and the other has the buttons that make animal noises, which I've been looking for forever!
            I also couldn't resist a small box of bristle blocks. Does anyone else remember those as kids? I always thought they were really neat, plus they're a little more age appropriate for Myka than Lego type blocks. (Although she does enjoy the MegaBloks, or however it's spelled.)
            What were some of your favorite childhood toys? Do you try to find time for yourself if you have kids?

Cariloha Bamboo Giveaway-MCO's Birthday Bash

It's that time of year again and we're celebrating MCO's 2nd blog-birthday! Mommys Craft Obsession started in May 2012 and their birthday bash has become their most anticipated event of the year! We are so glad that you could join us for this event! We highly recommend that you bookmark the open giveaway page by clicking on the image below then adding it to your bookmarks bar! During the next week you will have the chance to enter to win some amazing prizes from items for YOU and things for your little one!

Click on the link to be redirected to a list of open giveaways.

MCO's Birthday Bash is continuing our celebration with an amazing giveaway of a $200 Cariloha Shopping Spree!

Photo Credits:  Cariloha

Cariloha is a combination of the Caribbean style and Hawaiian aloha, which is what inspired the company.  The islands are always hot and humid, and everyone wants to wear something cool and refreshing, they began developing fabrics that would best fit their needs, hitting it off with a proprietary blend of bamboo, a unique alternative that would quench Cariloha’s thirst for the islands.  Cariloha is the only multi-store retailer in the world to provide an entire store experience that’s completely merchandised with products made of bamboo.  

Daedra from Mommys Craft Obsession had the chance to review a few items from Cariloha's Bamboo Fit line!  This is by far the softest and most comfortable fitness wear I have ever worn!  Since it is made of ultra-soft bamboo their fitness wear is like no other on earth, each item features the Four P's to thriving while being active: Athletic Performance, Odor Prenvention, Skin Preservation, and Sun Protection!

To see a full review of Cariloha Bamboo's Fit line, use this link! 

To Purchase:  Visit Cariloha to get your bamboo products today!

To Win:  Mommys Craft Obsession and Cariloha are giving one lucky winner a $200 shopping spree at Cariloha!  Fill out the Giveaway Tools Form below for your chance to win!

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of June 6th. The winner will be chosen at random through  Giveaway Tools.  The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on MCO’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Cariloha, Mommys Craft Obsession and all participating blogs are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. US Only. This review is 100% original and in my own words. Everything written is from my own personal view point and opinions and I have not been influenced by any outside sources. What works for me, may not work for you. All photos have been taken by me unless stated otherwise. I have been provided with product to review by Cariloha however I have not been compensated monetarily for this review. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Combi Go & Grow Walker, Play Table, & Chairs Giveaway-MCO's Birthday Bash

It's that time of year again and we're celebrating MCO's 2nd blog-birthday! Mommys Craft Obsession started in May 2012 and their birthday bash has become their most anticipated event of the year! We are so glad that you could join us for this event! We highly recommend that you bookmark the open giveaway page by clicking on the image below then adding it to your bookmarks bar! During the next week you will have the chance to enter to win some amazing prizes from items for YOU and things for your little one!

Click on the link to be redirected to a list of open giveaways.

MCO's Birthday Bash is continuing our celebration with an amazing giveaway for a Combi Go & Grow Walker, Play Table & Chairs! 

Photo Credits: Combi 

Photo Credits: Combi 

Combi USA is a quality baby gear company that was established in the United States in 1989. Combi originated in Tokyo, Japan in 1957 and cultivated from a firm and growing foundation of customer trust. For over 40 years Combi has been providing safe and original products for every setting of your child's life. 

Several months ago I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review the amazing Shuttle Infant Car Seat and Catalyst Stroller from Combi and am happy to report that I was more than impressed with their wonderful quality and craftsmanship. Combi really listened to what parents want in terms of safety and functionality and brought it to life within their infant car seat and stroller. You can read my review of those two items here.

TODAY is the launch of Combi's newest product, the Go & Grow Walker, Play Table & Chairs! When I was sent over all of the product details for this product, my eyes immediately lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. Combi hit a home run with this product in terms of functionality; what parent wouldn't want to buy ONE product that can be used for so many stages in their child's life? 

Photo Credits: Combi 

Product Features:

(As taken from Combi's Website)

• 3 in 1 modular play set
• Stationary activity center with plush toy bear for small children
• Transitions into a walker for a child to explore his surroundings
• Converts to a table with coordinating chairs for toddlers

Photo Credits: Combi 

Product Specs: 

(Adapted from Combi's Website)

• Stationary Entertainer/Walker Weight Capacity is 30lbs.
• Chair Weight Capacity is 50lbs.
• Recommended Use for Children Who Can Sit Upright, Unassisted
• Walker/Table Dimensions 26" L X 26" W X 25" H
• Chair Dimensions 14" L X 14" H X 15" W
• Total Product Weight 14.5lbs.
• Walker/Table Weight 8.78lbs
• Chair Weight 2.86lbs.

Photo Credits: Combi 

To Purchase: The Combi Go & Grow Walker, Play Table & Chairs will be available in early June for only $139.99! Visit their website to pick one up for your child or as the perfect baby shower gift!

To Win: Combi and Mommys Craft Obsession are giving one lucky winner a Go & Grow Walker, Play Table & Chairs of their own! Enter the giveaway form below for your chance to win!

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of June 5th. The winner will be chosen at random through  Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on MCO’s Facebook. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to their winning email otherwise they forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Combi USA, Mommys Craft Obsession and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. US Only. For questions or concerns please contact mommyscraftobsession@gmail.com

Gtech AirRam Vacuum Giveaway

Welcome to the

Push Through Spring Cleaning Sweepstakes

Organized by Budget Earth

Special thanks to

My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life, Mommy on the Money, & The Tween & Me

Sponsored by Gtech

            What is your least favorite chore during cleaning? For many people, it's vacuuming. Nothing is worse than lugging around a heavy vacuum and dealing with messy bags that make cleaning even more difficult. Wouldn't it be great if there was a fairly inexpensive, lightweight vacuum on the market that does everything you want without the mess? Well, its time to put that heavy vacuum aside, since we are about to make your dream come true with the GTech AirRam Vacuum.
            This lightweight, cordless, and bagless vacuum is light enough for just about anyone to pick up one handed, and is great at picking up dirt, dust, pet hair, and even common allergens. To make emptying even easier, it compresses vacuuming debris into tidy bales, making cleaning up quick and simple. Best of all, it can hold up to a 40 minute charge on a single battery, letting you take care of all of your cleaning without wasting power or stopping for a charge!
            While the GTech AirRam may just be making its way to the US, it is the fastest growing vacuum brand in the United Kingdom. People all over the world are falling in love with this vacuum since it is lightweight, and easy enough to maneuver to allow you to vacuum almost any surface, even under furniture or on stairs! To learn more about this awesome vacuum, make sure to watch this awesome video by Brookstone and read Budget Earth's GTech AirRam Review!

            Currently, the GTech AirRam is sold for $350 on Brookstone online, or can be purchased directly from the GTech website. If you purchase this vacuum directly from Gtech, you can try this vacuum for 30 days to see if this is the right vacuum for you. They even pay for shipping both ways, making it totally risk free for you. Once you try this vacuum, you will see why Susan at Budget Earth loves hers! Would you like to win this awesome vacuum for your own family? We are excited to be working with GTech on this fantastic giveaway, where one lucky reader will win a Gtech AirRam vacuum! To learn more, make sure to read the rules below and then enter through the Rafflecopter! Push Through Spring Cleaning Sweepstakes Sweepstakes

• One lucky reader will win a Gtech AirRam Vacuum ($350 value).
• Open to Continental US Only.
• Winners will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter via Random.org.
• Sweepstakes ends June 5 at 11:59pm ET.
• Winner will be notified via email.
• Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.
• Budget Earth is shipping the prize itself; the vacuum is courtesy of Gtech.
• Must be 18 years or older to enter Rafflecopter.
• Only one entrant per household.
• Void where prohibited.
• Entering the Rafflecopter means you agree to terms above.
• Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog did not receive compensation for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this sweepstakes. Prize fulfillment will be handled by Budget Earth.

Would you like to have your products featured in a giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure this holiday season? See how Mom Powered Media can help! Contact susan.l.bewley@gmail.com to see what we can do for your company!

Solar Mosaic Globes 4th of July Giveaway

Solar Mosaic Globe 4th of July Giveaway

 Hosted By:
Holiday Contest and Sweeps

Co-Hosted By:

Fabulous Deals and Steals 

Deliciously Savvy

Michigan Savings and More
 

Proudly Presents The

 Solar Mosaic Globe Fourth of July Giveaway

 1 - Grand Prize Package Winner Consisting Of:

1 - LED Flameless Solar Mosaic Red Globe

1 - LED Flameless Solar Mosaic Silver/White Globe
1- LED Flameless Solar Mosaic Blue Globe

Holiday Contest and Sweeps is pleased to bring you a collection of Solar Mosaic LED Flameless Globes from Mark Feldstein and Associates, Inc. These beautiful

globes will add style and decor in both indoor and outdoor settings. The globes add
arm warm glow to your night and the winner will relieve a Patriotic Red, Silver(White)
and Blue for your 4th of July festivities.

Let's Take a Look At The Prizes:

 LED Flameless Solar Mosaic Red Globe

Solar Mosaic Jar provides soothing mood lighting both indoors and outdoors. Features exquisite Hand Blown Glass Jar with Red Mosaic pattern that is beautiful in daylight as it charges with its energy-saving solar panel. At night, Flameless LED turns on automatically and radiates a spectacular warm glow.

LED Flameless Solar Mosaic White/Crystal Globe

Solar Mosaic Jar provides soothing mood lighting both indoors and outdoors. Features exquisite Hand Blown Glass Jar with Crystal Mosaic pattern that is beautiful in daylight as it charges with its energy-saving solar panel. At night, Flameless LED turns on automatically and radiates a spectacular warm glow.

LED Flamesless Solar Mosaic Blue Globe

Solar Mosaic Jar provides soothing mood lighting both indoors and outdoors. Features exquisite Hand Blown Glass Jar with Blue Mosaic pattern that is beautiful in daylight as it charges with its energy-saving solar panel. At night, Flameless LED turns on automatically and radiates a spectacular warm glow.

A Big Thank You To A Great Sponsor:

Visit Their Website Today

At this time Mark Feldstein & Associates, Inc  sells  direct to licensed retailers only. 

To locate a retailer near you who carries our products –

1. Locate the product that you are interested in purchasing on our website by entering the name or item number in the search field

2. Once results have been displayed, click on the product name or image for more detailed information

3. Enter your zip code in the “Product Locator” field along with the search distance (25, 50, 100 miles)

4. Results shown reflect retailers that have ordered this product from using within the last 6 months.

5. If no results are returned, we recommend that you expand the search distance from your zip code.

A Big Thanks to Mark Feldstein & Associates, Inc for Sponsoring this event.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is valid in the Continental United States only and entrants must be

18 years of age or older to enter. This giveaway is in no way associated, endorsed

or affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Networked Blogs or any other

Social Media Networking Sites. 

This Giveaway is valid in the Continental United States only and entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter this giveaway This giveaway will end 12:00 AM (EST) 6/17/14

Holiday Contest and Sweeps did not received any compensation for this giveaway.

Mark Feldstein & Associates, Inc. will be responsible for awarding and shipping

of the Galileo Thermometers directly to the winners. The winners will have 48 hours 

to reply to the prize notification email. Failure to reply in that time frame will result

in another winner to be drawn.

"Sky1-Foundation" Adult Fiction Book Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. 

            Hey folks! I finally have an adult fiction novel to share with you today! As much as I enjoyed reading the YA books I've recently reviewed, it was nice to read something a bit more, er, age appropriate, shall we say. :)
            Normally I try to steer clear of series books because, well, then you're compelled to read ALL of them. However, when I came across the opportunity to review Sky1-Foundation, I couldn't resist. I've recently become very interested in post-apocalyptic movies and stories, so this sounded like it would be right up my alley!
            Nick Burke lives in a future world where living quarters are cramped, disease spreads quickly, and people are constantly struggling to move to a higher Ground than their own. In this future, you see, people don't live spread across the face of the Earth, they live above it in a giant structure that reaches skyward, complete with fake atmospheres. The higher the Ground is from the bottom, the better living conditions are as well.
            Nick finds out about an eminent quarantine for "malady unknown" on the Ground he, his wife, and son live in. However, Nick has come across some things in his career as a journalist that most people wouldn't believe...and would probably get him killed if he shared the knowledge with the public. He knows the horrors of what can really happen in a quarantine and, with the help of some acquaintances and friends, races against the clock to get his family to a safer ground before it's too late.
            First of all, I have to admit this book wasn't at all what I expected...At least the first 3/4 of it, anyways. I was expecting more of a "run for your life and get out alive" type of plot, which it is later on in the book. The first portion of the book is more like a heist story, though, which isn't my cup of tea. If it is yours, though, then you'll love it.
            I also had a hard time following the story and some of the actions that were going on at times. But, it may just be me. Perhaps my imagination wasn't firing on all cylinders.
            Overall, I did enjoy Sky1-Foundation and I have a feeling that the 2nd and 3rd books are even better! There are all kinds of different twists going on and I can't wait to see how they come together and find out more about how the place they live in came to be. Plus, I was majorly surprised by how the first book ended, so I'm eager to see how the second one starts.
            Be sure to check out the author's page on Amazon HERE to learn more about William Amerman and his books. You can also find him on Goodreads.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.