Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Winner!

Random.org has chosen our winners for the Crane Humidifier giveaway!

 #76 Life with the Lebedas


Congratulations to our winner! E-mail notification has been sent. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or we will have to choose another winner.

Vanny Bean: Organic Edible Paint Review


Vanny Bean can truly be your one stop shopping for organic childrens clothing. They carry everything from onesies for your little one to dresses and outfit sets. They also have a lovely selection of toys, diaper bags and gear, bedding, furniture, baby slings, shoes and more.

 I have had the pleasure to work with Vanny Bean in the past and have been thrilled with the service and products. And I am pleased to once again be able to share one of the fabulous products that they carry with you!

Vanny Bean sent me a set of Organic Edible Paints from Wee Can Too! I was ecstatic when I was offered the opportunity to review these paints. You may or may not know that I have a degree is Visual Art from my undergraduate days. I had a focus in drawing and painting and love the idea behind self expression. Have you ever felt like your little one has had a lot to say but can't get it out in words? This paint gives even the youngest of artists the opportunity to get their hands dirty and express themselves in colors!


The paints are easy to use and made with infant-safe organic ingredients. They  have an incredible shelf life, leave no stain on tables or skin, have a pleasant taste, but not too pleasant so not to encourage the child to eat the paint, and are very nutritious!
As far as I'm concerned these paints are genius! We had a fantastic time getting dirty and making art. It was easy to clean up and you just store it in the fridge until your next adventure into art. And at only $6 a bottle it's affordable for you to enable your child to create priceless art. 

Check out all the fantastic products carried by Vanny Bean!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Eight is Enough!

I have been tagged by the wonderful Mom vs the Boys! So now I get to answer her 8 questions and then tag 8 more people and come up with my own 8 questions! Yay! I love the getting to know me kinda games!

Ok, here are her 8 questions for me:

1. My 8th Anniversary is coming up. If you are married, how many years has it been and how do you like to celebrate?
I am married... we celebrated our 4 year anniversary this past June <3 We like to celebrate by going away. This year we had our one year old with us so we did a long weekend at the beach and it was perfect!

2. If I offered you an all-expense paid vacation to anywhere in the world, but only for one day-where would you go? (and for the record, I'm not offering! lol)
Oh man, I though bloggers gave stuff away? I think you should give me an all expensive paid vacation! Just kidding... I would totally LOVE to go to Italy. I would eat the whole day I was there!

3. If you could send a message back in time to your teenage self, what would you say to her?


I would tell her to stop stressing about the small stuff and enjoy life. It goes too quickly and in the end none of the silly stuff that you obsess over matters.

4. Along the same lines, What advice would you give to your pregnant self about motherhood?
Pretty much the same thing. I totally stressed while I was pregnant. I worried about not getting enough sleep and how different life would be. I would tell myself to relax and enjoy every moment. Life falls into place and I will quickly forget what life was like before this precious miracle and I wouldn't be able to imagine life without her!

5. Are you living the dream?? Is this what you imagined your life would be like?
Yes and no. I truly do have everything I ever wanted in terms of a wonderful family and true happiness. But I wish I didn't have to work and could be home all the time.

6. I'm coming for dinner, what will you make for me?? Any favourite go-to, company's coming, dishes?
Hmmm.... chicken cutlets and my grandma's mac and cheese. You'll love it! What time should I expect you and could you bring a dessert?

7.What's your favourite cuss word? lol
Hmmm.... I try not to cuss at all. Especially now that we have little ears around. But when I get REAL mad I tend to utter the sh*t word. Yikes!

8. Tell me one thing you would change about my blog and why?
Your blog is awesome! I love your writing style... I always giggle when reading. But I would love to see more giveaways open to US. I'm sure you feel the same way about wanting to see more giveaways open to Canada! Haha! 

Ok... my turn to tag 8 people!
Mrs. Mama Drama
Ace and Friends
Florida Frugal Family
Little BGCG
Show Me Mama
The Bragging Mommy
It's All About the Savings
Southern Reflections

 And here are my eight questions for them:
Do you have any children? If so what ages?

What's your favorite thing you do to unwind?

If you online shop, what's your favorite site and why?

What's your biggest pet peeve about blogging?

 Do you have any fun fall activities that you are going to do this year?

If you have time to read (haha) what's your favorite book?

If you review products, what's your "most wanted" item that you would love review?

What's your favorite blog to visit? 

 Ok, have fun with that! Can't wait to read your answers! 

Zak! Designs Review and Giveaway

Zak! Designs carries a great selection of kitchen items. They offer items for preparing meals, serving food and taking items on the go. Their designs are very hip and trendy! They can help you make your table look good.

While I love many of their products, what caught my eye was their selection of baby and kids products. They have great products for at home or on the go that will make eating tons more fun for little ones! Some of the characters you can find in their kids section are Dora, Toy Story, Hello Kitty, Disney Princess's and so many more!

Zak! Designs was awesome enough to send me one of their hot items for review, a 3-piece dinnerware set with Lunch bag. This set is available in Toy Story, Cars, Disney Princess and Fairies. I decided that the perfect match for my daughter would be the Fairies.

This set is fantastic! It comes with a cup, plate and bowl and has a matching lunch bag. This makes it so easy to pack up the set and take it on the go! The images on the set make it fun, but the set is also the perfect size for little ones. All the pieces are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. They are also very durable and can survive being dropped (I can vouch for that!).

You should definitely check out Zak! Designs fantastic selection and look for them at a retailer near you!  And you know I have to add that you can find them on Amazon.com. I love Amazon.

* Zak! Designs has also launched a Mealtime Fun Zone that has a discussion forum, recipe exchange and other ways for parents to get involved. You can check it out and get in on the action HERE!

GIVEAWAY: One Lucky Reader will win a 3-piece dinnerware set and lunch box of choice (Toy Story, Cars, Disney Princess or Fairies)
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Zak! Designs and tell me which set you would pick AND another product you love.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Enter another one of my current giveaways(1 entry per giveaway)
2. Follow my blog
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day)
4. Fan me on Facebook
5. Grab my button and tell me where it is (3 entries)
6. Follow Zak on Facebook
7. Follow Zak on twitter 

This giveaway is open to US only.
This giveaway ends on October 4, 2010 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Winners!

Random.org has chosen our winners for the Raock N Learn DVD's and The Rattles CD Giveaways!!

Rock N Learn - #18 Closer to Lucy
The Rattles - #9 Karasceviour

** Closer to Lucy has generously passed since she is reviewing this item... so we have a new winner!
#52 Shiela

Congratulations to our winners! E-mail notifications have been sent. The winners will have 48 hours to respond or we will have to choose another winner.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles Review and Giveaway

I have been reading books from the Chicken Soup for the Soul series for years. The name tells it all, each book really is a type of healing for the heart. The stories provided in these books bring you so many emotions. They have been a help for me throughout my life because they can truly put things in perspective.

One of the things I love about this series is how you can find a book that focuses on your personal needs. Whether you are a teen, a mother, a dad, an athlete, a teacher... there is something for everyone. And for many of us we will fit into several of these books. I have about a dozen of them and still go back and read different stories even though I've read them all before. They just provide something for your soul, reading real life experiences from people just like you. Some are going through things similar to you, some are funny, some are sad, all are moving and inspirational. And each story is a quick read, so you can turn to these books to read one story or many. Whatever your soul is craving at that moment.

The newest book in the series is A Book of Miracles. This book is incredibly touching. Here is a little about the book:
101 True Stories of Healing, Faith, Divine Intervention, and Answered Prayers
Everyone loves a good miracle story, and this book provides 101 true stories of healing, divine intervention, and answered prayers. These amazing stories prove that God is alive and very active in the world today, working miracles on our behalf. Regular people share their personal stories of God's Divine intervention and healing power as He makes the impossible possible! The incredible accounts shared by people from all walks of life show His awesome love and involvement in our lives. This book of miracles will encourage, uplift, and recharge the faith of Christian readers.

This book has restored many of my doubts and made me stronger in my faith. Sometimes life hands you something and you feel there is no way out, no hope. But these stories are proof that miracles happen and faith should never be lost. I got a glimpse into 101 different people's lives, different struggles and different emotions. And I have come to view life in a different way thanks to their stories. I have come to view prayer in a different way. It's a powerful book.

The Chicken Soup for the Soul books can be found at many bookstores. You can also find them on Amazon.com. You can also check out their website to see all the great books!

GIVEAWAY: One Lucky Reader will win a copy of the newest Chicken Soup for the Soul Book - A Book of Miracles
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me your favorite Chicken Soup for the Soul book OR tell me why you would like to win this one.



EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Enter another one of my current giveaways (1 entry each)
2. Follow my blog
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day)
4. Fan me on Facebook
5. Grab my button and tell me where it is (3 entries)

This giveaway is open to US and Canada.
This giveaway ends on October 1, 2010 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

BIG NEWS about Beas Gift Baskets

You all know my love for Beas Gift Baskets! I have reviewed several of their baskets here on Momma Drama and they have given a few away to my readers. Every basket is filled with fabulous goodies and presented in beautiful and artistic way. They have pride in their work, as they should! And now I would like to share some wonderful news about this amazing company!
The "You're a Star" Basket
Beas Gift Baskets have been selected to showcase their products at the 31st Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards. Those will be held Monday Sept. 27th, 2010. Beas Gift Baskets will be sending 710 gifts for all of the Television Personalities Gift Bags. Anyone who is anyone will be there! The baskets will be filled with peanuts, m&m's, pretzels and cheese crackers. They are beautifully packaged in fabulous fall colors. They will look and taste amazing!

The "First Impressions" Basket that will be on the table in the VIP Gift Room


I couldn't be more thrilled that such an amazing company is being honored in such an extraordinary way. And just think, the next time you send a gift basket you can let the person receiving know that these baskets are of "Emmy" quality!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Costume Squad Review and Giveaway

Halloween is just around the corner......

Costume Squad has a fantastic selection of Halloween costumes. They have mens costumes, womens costumes, sexy costumes and funny costumes. They even have a section for dog costumes. My personal favorite? The Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head costumes.... hilarious!

Their selection of costumes is huge and you are sure to find what you are looking for. But if you are like my husband you won't wear a costume at all. This is really an inconvenience because I love Halloween and I love to dress up. But the hubster is not a fan and I am lucky if I can get him in a Halloween looking outfit. So when I showed him the Halloween t-shirts on Costume Squad's website I was thrilled when I saw the 13 year old boy come out at the site of the Ghost Busters t-shirt. Yes, this he would wear and he would wear it with pride.

Costume Squad very generously sent us the Ghost Busters shirt for review and they did not disappoint my husband. Get this... the shirt even glows in the dark. He will be the coolest guy on the block sporting the Ghost Buster logo. I am pleased with the quality of the t-shirt and think this will keep him happy for many years to come!

GIVEAWAY: One Lucky Reader will win either a mystery shirt or a $15 gift certificate (winners choice)
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Take a look around Costume Squad and tell me your favorite costume!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Follow Crazy Dog T-shirts on Facebook (1 entry) post on their wall for 1 extra entry!
2. Post a comment or "mark as favorite" one of their Flickr Photos
3. Follow my blog
4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day)
5. Enter another one of my current giveaways (a list can be found top right - 1 extra entry for each one you enter!)
6. Fan me on Facebook
7. Grab my button and tell me where I can find it (3 entries)

This giveaway is open to US only.
This giveaway ends on October 1, 2010 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

*Winners cannot have won a shirt from them or have been sent a shirt for promotional purposes in the last 90 days

A Very Rare Spotted Bug....

Happy Friday everyone! I love Fridays... I feel like my weekend has started. The only downside to Friday is that it's laundry day. But I feel like it's so much easier to get through the laundry on a Friday because I know the next day will be a fun day! Unlike Monday laundry day that is just rotten and often ends with the laundry not getting done... hehe!

Anyway, I feel like I haven't done any momma blogging in so long! i even missed Wordless Wednesday this week! Well, I have an explanation.... this week we discovered a very rare spotted bug......

Yes, this is my sweet little bug covered from head to toe in very mysterious spots. These spots started with a low fever.... never reaching above 100.9. I wasn't too concerned with this fever since it lasted less than 24 hours and when she wasn't sleeping (she slept a lot that day) she was happy. So I figured she was fighting something off and when she woke the next morning all was well and she was back to herself.

Then... the spots. A few at first... hmmm... allergic reaction? Then more... ummm chicken pox? Then a million ALL OVER..... ahhh my child is cleary suffering from some rare disease that needs immediate medical attention! Off to the pediatrician we went. Yes, I am stronlgy considering signing up for that standing weekly appointment with the pediatrician. Just kidding.. I don't go THAT often... every 2 weeks should do it :)

I love doctors reactions.. it's kind of like "oh this is not big deal" when I am sitting there with my heart in my throat and sure that the next words out of his mouth are going to be a serious diagnosis. Nope... this is a virus and it doesn't even have a name. At least not a name he can give me. It's a normal, every day, run of the mill virus that will work it's way out. HAH! I would think he would know by now that that answer is not going to cut it with a first time mom. I want a name and something I can DO. I hate not being able to DO anything.

I had to do nothing. Ugh! I just had to sit and stare at her to make sure the spots didn't continue to multiply. I had to check her temperature every 30 minutes because I was sure at any minute it would be sky rocketing. I had to chase her around the house with her sippy cup because I was sure she would be dehydrated at any moment. Mind you this whole time that I am acting like a lunatic she is acting completely normally, showing no signs of illness... well except for her spots!

And then we woke up this morning... and the spots were gone. Just like that! Who knew? Well, the doctor knew. My other mommy friends knew. Even my own mother knew! Who knew our mothers knew anything?!? And now I know... and I won't freak out the next time. Haha.. yeah right! I will never learn. But that's ok... I would rather be safe than sorry and my pediatrician is quickly learning that. See you next week, doc!