Friday, October 19, 2012

Announcing the Holiday Mohawk Home $399 Rug Giveaway Event

 

Are you looking for a little something to spruce up your home for the holiday, and year round? Add some colorful fun with a brand new 8x10 rug of your choice! You'll want to stay tuned for this awesome giveaway sponsored by Mohawk and hosted by Children Teaching Mama and Happenings of the Harper Household.
Prize: 8×10 Mohawk Rug $399 or less (Winner’s choice!)
Starts: Thursday, November 1st at 12:01am
Ends: Monday, November 26th at 11:49pm



Happenings of the Harper Household
 
Here's one of the many prints I really like...
 
There are so many styles and colors to choose from... there's something for every house!
Be sure to check back on the 1st so you can enter for our chance to win!!!
~Amanda

Wednesday, July 11, 2012


The long awaited Fluffy Wishes Giveaway and Twitter Party has finally arrived! We have tons of great prizes to give away, and all for a great cause. Many sponsors and bloggers have teamed up with Fluffy Wishes Cloth Diaper Closet and My Cloth Diaper Stash to help host this giveaway! 

Fluffy Wishes Diaper Closet is a cloth diaper lending service serving Southwest Michigan and newly expanding to Indiana! Fluffy Wishes provides cloth diapers to low income families who can not afford to diaper their children, or have to make the choice between diapers and the basic necessities in life. Fluffy Wishes runs completely on volunteers and donations. There is no cost to families who are approved for the program. 

Here is a list of sponsors who made it all happen:-)
GRAND PRIZE (Ribbons n Stitches):
1 Bumkins Pocket Diaper
1 Bumkins Cover
2 FuzziBunz Elite's
2 Kawaii Heavy Wetter's
1 Thirsties AIO
1 Thirsties Fitted
2 Best Bottom Shells
2 Microfiber Inserts (1 Medium, 1 Large)
1 Changing Diapers Book
FuzziBunz Hanging Diaper Pail
Cutey Baby Wet bag
Rockin' Green Sample
Jar of Mother's Love

RUNNER-UP PRIZE (Hop Scotch):
1 Original Ergo Baby Carrier (Black/Camel)
SECOND RUNNER UP PRIZE (Jack Be Natural):
4 Bububibi Bamboo Pocket Diapers
1 Go Green Champ 2.0


OTHER PRIZES INCLUDE:
Glow Bug Cloth Diapers - Cloth Diaper
Buttercup Baby - Incredibum Bamboo Cloth Diaper in Raven
Pure and Simple Baby - Dandelion Organic Diaper Bag
Boba - Mystery Twitter Party Only Prize
Rockin' Green - Bag of Laundry Detergent 
The Balm - $30 Gift Card 
Rumpkinz - Mystery Twitter Party Only Prize
Super Lotion - Pure Joy Pack, (5) Happy Packs, Super Happy Pack, Lip Balm
Lollido - Green Pocket Diaper
Diva Cup - Size 1 Pack w/wash & Size 2 Pack w/wash
SoftBums - Omni Solo Cloth Diaper Pack
Fluffy Wishes - Mystery Twitter Party Only Prize (HINT: Econobum) 
Green Baby Goods - $20 Gift Card
Greenie Beanie Bottoms - $20 Gift Card
Ecobloomers - $10 Gift Card
FuzziBunz - 2 Elite Diapers (2 Winners)
Bummis - Cloth Diaper Starter Pack
Jack's Choice - $15 Gift Card
Kissed by the Moon - Hanging Planetwise Wet Bag
Scents from the Moon - $15 Gift Certificate
Kalasz Krafts - $15 Gift Certificate (handmade baby items)



Some Notes About this Giveaway:
  • Enter on the Rafflecopter form below. There are no mandatory entries, but the more entries you have, the greater your chances of winning. Remember that there are tons of prizes to be given away, so that increases your chances even more!
  • In order to be eligible for the Mystery Twitter ONLY Party Prizes, you still must enter on the Rafflecopter form below, but you must also tweet at least once during the twitter party on July 24th (9-10pm)
  • All prizes will be announced at the Twitter Party. All winners will be contacted by the e-mail provided on the Rafflecopter form.
  • Open to US and Canada
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Spring Fever Giveaway Event! *April 15-21*


It's finally here!!! The Spring Fever Giveaway Blog Hop! I know you've all been very excited about this, as have I. There are several awesome sponsors offering some great prizes for you! Perfect items to get ready for the fun summer ahead! 

My package will include...

Tru Kid Sunscreen Package ($25)
You can find my review of this awesome product here...
http://alifeofpeaceloveanddiapers.blogspot.com/2012/04/spring-fever-sponsor-spotlight-1-tru.html

Baby Carrier Sucking/Teething Pads from Two Little Monkies ($12)
You can find my review of this awesome product here...
http://alifeofpeaceloveanddiapers.blogspot.com/2012/04/spring-fever-sponsor-spotlight-2-two.html

Mucky Seaweed Soap from Natural Garden Soaps ($6.50, self-sponsored)
You can find my review of this awesome product here...
http://alifeofpeaceloveanddiapers.blogspot.com/2012/04/spring-fever-sponsor-spotlight-3-self.html

Store Credit to Peace, Love & Diapers ($10, does not include shipping)
You can find my review of this awesome product here...
http://alifeofpeaceloveanddiapers.blogspot.com/2012/04/spring-fever-sponsor-spotlight-4-peace.html 


Now, with all of these goodies, you're sure to have protected, clean and happy kids wherever your fun travels lead you! Have fun, and good luck!!! :)
~Amanda


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Spring Fever Sponsor Spotlight #4 - Peace, Love & Diapers

Our last sponsor is... ME! haha Peace, Love & Diaper, aka Hippie Heiny's.
I make cloth diapers among many other things. I do lots of customs, including special name embroidery, sports teams, etc. If you're looking for a truly unique, one-of-a-kind diaper, I'm your lady! 


 Here's some info about me and my company...
I'm a WAHM, I make all of my diapers and other accessories myself in my own home. Everything is made with attention to detail, and lots of love! Thanks for your support!~Amanda
Mission
To provide adorable, affordable, eco-friendly diapers for all the sweet little bums in the world! Every baby should have a Hippie Heiny!
Company Overview
I decided I wanted to cloth diaper my son before he was ever born... and in July of 2010, when he was 7 months old, I decided I'd start my own small business making and selling cloth diapers to help support my growing family. My wonderful husband is our bread winner, and I am a stay-at-home-mom... well now I'm a WAHM, work-at-home-mom! I love it! I get to provide the best care for our precious baby boy, and still help bring in a little money to support our household... or maybe just my shopping trips for now. haha Still, it is something I enjoy. Each diaper is handmade by me in my home with care and love. :)
Description
**Spend over $50 and get a FREE cloth diaper key chain (a $4 value)!**

If you order customs, I do require payment 1st. It's just to cover me, so I don't order lots of specific fabric or make several diapers of a certain size and then have someone back out of an order. Unfortunately, this happened to me by a mama here on ds already, so that's why I take the precaution. Thank you for understanding!
*******CUSTOMS... PRICES BELOW!

~Pocket diapers... These have snap closures(can also have hook and loop closure per request). There is a layer of microfleece to wick moisture away from baby's skin... there is a pocket in the back, you can see it in the picture of the inner of the dipe. This is where you will stuff your absorbent insert. There is a layer of PUL as a waterproof barrier, and then the cute print outer.

XXS/PR ~ $8.95 ~ 2 - 5lbs
XS/NB ~ $10.95 ~ 6lbs - 12lbs
Sm ~ $12.95 ~ 10lbs - 16lbs
Med ~ $14.95 ~ 15lbs - 25lbs
Lrg ~ $16.95 ~ 24lbs - 40lbs
OS ~ $17.95 ~ 10lbs - 35+lbs

~Inserts $5 for sm, $6 for m/l, or $10 for both with snaps to be snapped together. This option offers maximum protection, with little bulk, great for night time or heavy wetters! These are super absorbent inserts have 1 layer of Organic Bamboo Velour (OBV) for the top layer, and 2 layers of Organic Hemp Fleece for the bottom layers… to be used with the pocket diaper, as an extra layer in a fitted, or under a prefold or flat in a cover for extra absorbency. ($1 off a set of 2 if bought with a dipe)(can also be shaped to use with gdiapers!)
*New preemie insert sets for those super tiny bums! $7 each, or $6 if bought with a cover.

~PUL diaper cover prices vary depending on size, can be with snaps or hook and loop (These can also have any cute fabric on the outside, or can be made with printed or color PUL)

Sizes fit as follows...
XXS/Preemie: 2 - 5lbs ~ $9.50
XS/Newborn: 6lbs - 12lbs ~ $10.00
Small: 10lbs - 16lbs ~ $10.50
Medium: 15lbs - 25lbs ~ $11.00
Large: 24lbs - 40lbs ~ $11.50
OS: approximately 10lbs - 35+lbs ~ $12.50

~My fitteds are made with organic hemp/fleece as the outer absorbent layer, organic bamboo velour as an inner soaker fabric, 2 more layers of thirsty hemp/fleece inner, and then a microfleece layer against baby's skin to wick away moisture. (fitteds need a waterproof cover)
Fitted price list as follows:
***The prices on the left include either snap or hook and loop closure, your choice. The prices on the right are for a snappiable or pinable closure. (no snaps or hook and loop, you close with your snappi or diaper pin)
****If you prefer an AI2 style fitted with a snap in liner, that will be $2.00 extra per dipe. If not specified the fitted will be made in an AIO style.

SIZE ~ W/ PRINT ~ W/OUT PRINT *** W/ PRINT ~ W/OUT PRINT
XXS/PR ~ $11.95 ~ $9.95 *** $10.95 ~ $8.75
XS/NB ~ $13.95 ~ $11.95 *** $12.95 ~ $10.95
SM ~ $15.95 ~ $13.95 *** $14.95 ~ $12.95
M ~ $17.95 ~ $15.95 *** $16.95 ~ $14.95
L ~ $19.95 ~ $17.95 *** $18.95 ~ $16.95

~AI0's, which has everything on one piece... just like a disposable. It's got the water-proof layer, the absorbent inner, and the microfleece layer against baby. I can also add a pocket so you have the ability to stuff them for even more absorbency! (This is $2 extra per dipe)

XXS/PR ~ $15.50 ~ 2 - 5lbs
XS/NB ~ $17.50 ~ 6lbs - 12lbs
Sm ~ $19.50 ~ 10lbs - 16lbs
Med ~ $21.50 ~ 15lbs - 25lbs
Lrg ~ $23.50 ~ 24lbs - 40lbs
OS ~ $24.50 ~ 10lbs - 35+lbs


~AI2's, which has 1 one size "tongue" insert. Fold it to whatever length you need, and viola... you've got 4 layers of organic hemp fleece, 2 layers of organic bamboo velour, and microfleece on the top against the skin. Super absorbent, and still trim!

XXS/PR ~ $16.50 ~ 2 - 5lbs
XS/NB ~ $18.50 ~ 6lbs - 12lbs
Sm ~ $20.50 ~ 10lbs - 16lbs
Med ~ $22.50 ~ 15lbs - 25lbs
Lrg ~ $24.50 ~ 24lbs - 40lbs
OS ~ $25.50 ~ 10lbs - 35+lbs

*REPAIRS*
~Snap Conversion, 1 row of snaps, for a thinner banded diaper, are $3.50 per diaper. 2 rows of snaps, for a thicker banded diaper, are $5 per diaper.
~Elastic replacement is also available. Leg elastic $3... Leg and back elastic, $4.

PLEASE READ BELOW!!!

*** As many of you know... some fabrics are much more expensive than other fabrics, so if you order a dipe with printed PUL or minky as your outer it will be $2.00 more per diaper.
**** Also, if you'd like to add inner leg gussets to any of your diapers, that will also be $4 more per dipe as they take more material and a lot longer to make.


Be sure to enter to win a $10 store credit in the Spring Fever Giveaway, good towards anything in my shop, or towards any custom order! (Does not include shipping)

 

Spring Fever Sponsor Spotlight #3 - (Self Sponsor) Natural Garden Soaps


 I am self sponsoring the soap giveaway, but I'd still like to give credit to the maker. Paula Parrish has an amazing blog where she posts fun giveaways, awesome recipes, and great info! I'm sure you would all love her! So please, visit her blog here...


I have a bar of the Mucky Seaweed Soap that I've been using for a few weeks now, and I also have a bar I'm going to be giving away to the winner of my Spring Fever prize package. Do you want to know what I think the coolest thing about this soap is? I LOVE that Paula is a fellow Florida girl, and she actually collected the seaweed used in this soap from our beautiful beaches! How awesome is that?!?

 Here's some info from Paula's site on her awesome Mucky Seaweed Soap.

Close your eyes and recall the smell of seaweed drying on a salt water beach with fresh ocean breeze.

This Mucky Seaweed Soap Bar has the amazing natural properties of the minerals of earth and sea, so good for the skin. I wanted to create a soap rich in sea kelp and seaweed so this is the final product. Seaweed is packed with vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and amino acids that are essential in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. Sea kelp has more than 21 amino acids and 60 minerals and elements, including calcium, iron, iodine, and zinc. Sea kelp is also rich in Vitamins B12, C, E and K. In addition, sea kelp contains alkali, which helps to balance the body's ph.

The natural aroma of this soap comes from a unique essential oil blend to create a wonderfully fresh clean ocean breeze scent.

Rich in seaweed, this natural soap is packed-full of essential vitamins and anti-oxidants for your skin, plus an exfoliating seaweed scrub. Mucky Seaweed Soap softens the skin as you lather.

Skin Benefits of Seaweed:

restores moisture levels
revitalizes and firms the skin
nourishes
oxygenate and detoxifies the skin
reduces appearance of cellulite
balances
hydrates
is cell generating
purifying
re-mineralizes
absorbs easily
improves skin texture and tone
cleanses
soothes
slows skin aging
protects from environmental elements
contains antioxidants and beta-carotene

I added french green clay to this soap bar. French green clay acts like a sponge, removing impurities, dust, oil and dead skin. Pulling toxic substances from skin invigorates the complexion and tightens pores. It is naturally absorbent, it cleans, tightens, and renews skin cells.

Olive Oil ~ One of the best natural treatments that you can use for dry skin. It's light plus mild and has antibacterial properties.

Coconut Oil ~ The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin, giving it a soft, smooth texture. It makes an ideal ointment for the relief of dry, rough and wrinkled skin. Eczema suffers often see great improvements with coconut oil based soaps. Coconut oil has antifungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It has wonderful antioxidant proerties that protect the skin from free radical damage. It is the ability to nourish and heal the skin.

Palm Oil ~ Protection against UV-induced skin damage and skin aging. Palm oil is very high in Vitamin E. Tocotrienols found in palm oil are useful as a sunscreen, containing compounds that reduce penetration of, or absorb of ultraviolet radiation. Tocotrienols in palm oil applied onto the skin are found to penetrate rapidly through the skin and in the highest concentrations.

Ingredients: Oil of olive, coconut oil, palm oil, pure distilled water, crushed seaweed, french green clay, sea kelp, black oxide and lots of love.

Soap Bar Size: 3 3/8 Long x 2 1/2 Wide x 1 1/8 Thick 
Approximately 5 oz. 

I've been really pleased with her soap. I've been using it as a hand soap in my master bath, so I use it multiple times a day to wash my hands. They are soft and smooth, and I like the natural smell of the bar too. 


 Be sure to enter to win a bar of this luxurious in the Spring Fever Giveaway here...
 

Spring Fever Sponsor Spotlight #2 - Two Silly Monkies

Our second awesome sponsor is Andrea, from Two Little Monkies. Andrea makes all sorts of fun, cute items for your little one. Here are some of my favs from her shop...

Toddler/Child Travel Neck Pillow

 

Crayon Caddy Roll Up

Diaper and Wipes Pod w/ Pocket and Carrying Strap

There are so many other cool things you'll find there too. Like these adorable Baby Carrier Sucking/Teething Pads I received for review. 

 Believe it or not, my son chews more on our carrier straps now, then when he was a baby! (He's 2, by the way) These have come in to handy! I was getting tired of having wet straps on my shoulders from him sucking and chewing on them. Now with these pads, I don't have to worry about that anymore. He can chew away all he wants, and I don't mind! 

We have a babyhawk oh snap, and these work perfectly for us with that carrier. They also fit well with the ergo, beco, mei tais, and other SSC's.

Here are a couple shots of us in action!

 Sasha loves our new pads too, b/c that means he doesn't get in trouble for chewing on the straps anymore... in fact, I encourage it! Go ahead, I say. That's what they're for! And as you can see, he doesn't hold back! haha

Here are some details from Andrea's shop on the pads I received...

As soon as your baby can reach the straps of your carrier they will begin to suck and chew on them. The Two Little Monkies Baby Carrier Sucking/Teething Pads will add a little style to your baby carrier and protect the straps from those little chompers to extend the life of your carrier.

This pair of sucking pads is made with an off-white cotton fabric with a green, blue, brown, orange and yellow owl pattern (Urban Owls Bermuda). They have a layer of flannel and are backed with a coordinating terry cloth fabric, giving you 2 extra layers of absorbency. There are 3 ribbon loops (tags) added to the bottom to give your baby something to play with, chew on or to hold toys or a pacifier. The tags are triple-stitched for safety and each pad is topstitched with a coordinating thread for a seamless look and to add durability.

They measure approximately 6.5 inches high and 4 inches wide when closed and attach securely on your baby carrier straps with a velcro strip. They fit all major soft structured baby carriers including the Beco, Ergo, Boba, BabyHawk Mei Tai and any other carrier with straps 4" or less. All of our sucking pads are machine washable.

CUSTOMIZE
Customize a pair of Sucking/Teething Pads by adding a second set of tags to the opposite side, make them reversible with minky or another patterned fabric on the opposite side. They can also be made in most of the fabrics shown in my shop or I can make them to match or coordinate with your baby carrier. Send me a convo to discuss what you are looking for: http://www.etsy.com/conversations/new?with_id=9679645


CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
Before washing, secure the velcro to itself. Wash on any temperature (cold is recommended) and dry low or lay flat to dry. Iron on medium heat when needed.

✿ SAFETY: Please do not leave babies and young children unattended when using my products! Some items may contain small parts which can pose a choking hazard and babies who are under 1 year should only use neck pillows with an adult present.

✿ SHOP POLICIES: For more information on my shop, products and shop policies:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/twolittlemonkies/policy
  

You can enter to win your own set of Carrier Sucking/Teething Pads, a $12 value, by entering the Spring Fever Giveaway here...

http://alifeofpeaceloveanddiapers.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-finally-here-spring-fever-giveaway.html 

Spring Fever Sponsor Spotlight #1 - Tru Kid


Our 1st amazing sponsor for the Spring Fever Giveaway Event is Tru Kid! I am sooo excited to be able to share this awesome company with you. Their products are amazing!!!
I received the Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen (SPF 30) and the Sunny Days Face & Body Stick (SPF 30). Both are water resistant for fun play in the sun! That's great for us, since we live in Florida, and spend most of our summer at the river or beach.
Here's some great info from their site about their company.

Our Mission

By providing quality products and education to our consumers, as well as a fun and exciting work environment to our staff, TruKid™ is what a company and its products should be: safe, fun and effective. The goal of TruKid™ is to encourage a healthy, well rounded lifestyle. TruKid: Our product is skincare, our business is healthy living™

Our Philosophy

We encourage kids to form healthy habits that last a lifetime. By combining all natural skincare with fun and education, TruKid™ cultivates a relationship between healthy habits and being a kid. In turn, our goal is that kids will grow up taking care of themselves, each other and their environment. From our Friendly Face Wash™ to our Funny Foot Cream™, families receive only the best in ingredients, attention and dedication to their well being.

What makes us different?

Differences are what make everyone special and stand out from the crowd. TruKid™ believes in being proud of who you are. We are a different sort of company and of course, proud of it! For starters, our products are uniquely created just for kids of all ages (there simply weren't enough healthy skincare products out there just for kids). Second, we are all natural and completely chemical free. But what sets us apart even more than our products, is our philosophy. TruKid™ strives to impact the world one healthy habit at a time. Through rhymes, songs, facts and more, we provide the tools your family can use to start forming healthy habits the fun way.

Why use TruKid™?

Well, besides the fact that we only use ingredients that are good for you, we spent a lot of time making our products just right! We encourage kids and their families alike to use our product line everyday. Everything from the lighter textures for quick and easy application to the great, cheerful scents that kids love; we made sure everything was kid approved. You have enough to worry about, let us help you teach your kids healthy skin care habits to last their lifetime.


 I was able to use both of these amazing products on myself and my son during our last river trip, and I really LOVE them!
The tube of sunscreen is nice and thick, but still goes on smooth and easy. I really like the face and body stick. When you have a squirmy toddler, they don't want to sit still while you rub sunscreen on their face. The stick is great for that... easy application, and you don't have to worry about it getting in their precious little eyes. Plus, there's no color like a zink stick. It glides on clear. I was very happy with how these worked. We were out in the sun by the river for 2 days straight, and neither of us got burned... not even close. We had great protection with these items! 
Another thing that's very important to me is the fact that this sunscreen is mineral based, with no chemicals! I'm so particular about what goes in and on my little guys body. We don't use mainstream sunscreens, nope, nope, nope. I'm glad to have found a safe sunscreen that is also water resistant too! We do re-apply through the day, but we are constantly playing in the water, so having something that will last a while, and not rinse right off is another major plus for me. As a tip, you are supposed to re-apply this sunscreen every 80 min, but if you're swimming a lot like us, you should re-apply every 40 min.
I would def recommend this brand to anyone! I think their products are fantastic, and their business practices are awesome too. What more could you ask for?
 
Here's my little man in action...



I guess he liked it huh? ;-)
Here's some info on the Tru Kid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen from their web site...

New All Natural TruKid Sunny Days SPORT SPF30+ Water Resistant & Unscented Lotion Tube.. The perfect lotion for Water Safe Fun in the Sun. Safe and non toxic, TruKid provides all natural SunCare products that are good for the whole family! We are always FREE of toxins, parabens, phthalates, SLS, gluten, BPA and 1-4 dioxane. Only the best for your kids. Our sunscreens contain no Vit. A and are also Non-Nano.

We want our customers to have a positive experience with our products, but also know that we are all individuals with individual skin types and needs so we recommend for any new product you try:  to first do a Patch Test. A Patch Test is a method used to determine if a specific substance causes allergic inflammation of the skin. Apply the product to a small patch of skin on your forearm. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction to any of the ingredients. We highly recommend doing this if you or your children already have skin sensitivities or are pregnant. If you develop any inflammations, discontinue use.  
 INGREDIENTS: Active: Zinc Oxide 20%
Inactive: Purified Water, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut) , sorbitan stearate (vegetable), polyglyceryl-4 isostearate (plant derived), hexyl laurate (plant derived), hydrogenated methyl abietate (pine wood resin), cetyl dimethicone (sand), dimethicone (sand), castor oil, magnesium sulfate (epsom salt), helianthus annus (sunflower) oil, simmondsia chinesis (jojoba) oil, cucnis satvus (cucumber) fruit extract, camellia sinesis leaf (green tea oil), tocopherols (soy), punica grantum (pomegranate juice), hyaluronic acid (potato), ethylhexlglycerin (Vegetable derived preservative) , *polyaminopropyl biguanide.  ( paraben free, extremely mild anti-microbial , no formaldehyde / donors, non-solvent & non-genotoxic)
BOLD= ORGANIC
*UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
*Water Resistant

And some info on the awesome Tru Kid Sunny Days face and body stick, which is also reef safe!!!

Going Scuba Diving or Surfing? TruKid Sunscreens are Gentle on the Earth and are safe for our oceans. This Sunscreen is Reef Safe!!! Highly Rated for safety on SkinDeep/EWG/Cosmetic Database. For those on the go days. TruKid's Sunny Days SPF 30+ water resistant is a great way to enjoy the outdoors safely. Easy to apply and non-greasy, your kids will actually have fun using this sunscreen! Truly all natural, this mineral-based sunscreen protects from both UVA/UVB rays. Please reapply every 40 minutes for best protection. TruKid Sunny Days Face & Body Stick SPF 30 Water Resistant
 
 So, if you're looking for a safe effective way to protect your little ones from the sun this summer, Tru Kid is def the answer for you!

Want to grab your own? Use code dancingmom to get a FREE Dancing Detangler with any order of $30 or more!

Be sure to enter to win your own Tru Kid Sunny Days Sport sunscreen and Sunny Days face & body stick! That's a $25 value!!! Enter in the Spring Fever giveaway event here...






Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wordless Wednesday 3/28

My friend is prego... her shower was this past weekend. I snapped some shots of her outside afterwards b/c I loved the balloons she had at the shower. Hooray for babies!!! :)

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Booty Buns Go Green * Give Charity GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Booty Buns Giveaway Event


Welcome to the Go Green ♥ Give Charity Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event sponsored by Booty Buns Cloth Diapers! Over 175 blogs have teamed up to present this amazing cloth diaper giveaway hosted by Daily Mothering.

Here's your chance to win an entire stash of one-size cloth diapers!



This amazing cloth diaper prize pack includes:


20 Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

(these true one-size cloth diapers fit 3-45 lbs!)

20 matching flannel/terry cloth wipes

40 microfiber inserts

20 cotton flannel liners

Booty Buns Cloth Diaper Giveaway
(picture does not show inserts or liners also included)


First, a little about Booty Buns...


Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

In case you haven't heard about them, Booty Buns Cloth Diapers are incredible one-size cloth diapers that truly fit from birth to potty training! They feature a snap-down rise with 5 different snap settings (most one-size diapers only have 3!) and a waist with 10 regular snap settings plus 2 crossover snap settings. The diapers have hip snaps to prevent wing droop on smaller sizes. The incredible size range of this diaper fits from 3-45 lbs!

Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

Booty Buns Cloth Diapers are pocket diapers and each diaper includes 2 snap-on microfiber inserts that can be stuffed into the diaper or laid on top with the included cotton flannel liner against your child's skin. The diapers have a waterproof PUL outer and a soft suedecloth inner with dual gussets on the inner lining to ensure everything stays IN the diaper! Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers come in an assortment of bright colors and each diaper includes a matching handmade flannel/terry wipe. You can find out more about the diapers at Booty Buns, or check out the detailed Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diaper Review at Daily Mothering!

Booty Buns Cloth Diapers

Booty Buns is dedicated to encouraging others to "go green" and "give charity." Shannon, the owner of Booty Buns Cloth Diapers, leads by example. For every diaper that Booty Buns sells, she donates one Booty Buns Cloth Diaper to a child in need in the US and third-world countries. Booty Buns is the exclusive cloth diapers donator for Operation Showers Of Appreciation, and they are also donating diapers to babies that have severe medical issues here in the US. Shannon hopes to donate a lifetime supply of cloth diapers {20 diapers} to every baby in need around the globe. You can join in this effort by purchasing your own set of Booty Buns Cloth Diapers and telling your friends about Booty Buns!
Make sure to stop by and follow Booty Buns via Facebook, Twitter and Blog for news and giveaways!


And now for the giveaway!!


Booty Buns Cloth Diaper Giveaway

ONE WINNER will receive this gigantic cloth diaper prize pack valued at $546!


And, the winner will get to select their choice of diaper colors!

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada.

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Sign in using your Facebook account OR your name and email address.

Click "Do It" for instructions on how to complete each entry.

There is no mandatory entry. Complete as many entries as you wish.
The more entries you submit, the better odds you have of winning!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wordless Wednesday! 3/7 KONY 2012

This weeks Wordless Wednesday is going to be a little different. Today I'm going to share a video. One that every single person in the entire world should watch. PLEASE SHARE!!!!


If you are seeing this, you have eyes and a soul... if you are seeing this, make time to watch it. Use your eyes. Use your soul. Be alive. CARE.
Make a difference. Become active in this movement.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Wordless Wednesday! 2/29

It's been raining here every day this week, and I'm so ready for some dang sunshine! That's why I'm posting a couple old summer pictures of Sasha... from his 1st summer. 2009


Enjoy!
~Amanda

Sunday, February 26, 2012

My love of Photography...

So, something you've probably noticed about my blog is that it always has a lot of pictures. There are multiple reason for that. I'm a visual learner... pictures interest me. Not that words don't, but I like to have a picture to associate with them. (Unless of course I'm reading a novel, which I love to do. I've graduated out of picture books.) However, with magazine articles, other blogs, etc, I want the visual stimulation. Another reason for all of my photos? 
I'm a photographer.
I have a small photography business. I focus mainly on family and child portraits... though on a personal level, I photograph just about anything. It's ALWAYS been an obsession for me.
I got my first camera when I was 4. It was out of a Kellogg's cereal box, and it took, excuse me, takes I-10 film. Yes, I still have that camera, with the little Kellogg's rooster. It's stored away at the moment, but I'll make it a point to find it, and photograph it, so you can see. It takes the grainiest of grainy pictures, but oh how I loved that thing. When I was in 3rd grade I upgraded to a point and shoot 35mm camera. Simple. No zoom. But it took clearer pictures than my cereal box find. It was all I asked for, and I was in heaven! I shot photos of everything, everywhere, and then used my small amount of chore money to develop the film. 
When I was in 6th grade, I upgraded again to a 35mm point and shoot... with a ZOOM!!! Oh. My. Gosh. It was, like, the coolest thing, like, EVER! haha By this time I had a new baby niece to photograph. She was my star. I fell in love taking pictures of children then. I also started taking tons of shots of the babies in the nursery at church, which the parents liked and appreciated. That camera lasted me until high school. 9th grade hit, and suddenly I was yearning for an SLR. I was in the yearbook class at school, so my dad bought me a Nikon N55. Half the photos in the yearbook that year were taken by me. I took so much pride in that. I wasn't overly popular in school. Just kind of average. I played soccer, was a member of FCA, an officer in the art club, etc. I was just the girl next door. For once, I felt like I got to shine. I loved that everyone saw my photos, and remembered me taking them. They were fun memories, and I'm glad I have them. That camera, which I still have, was my primary camera up until 2 years ago. I bought a few other 35mm SLR's. One off ebay, and from a boss. They're much older, and I love the way hey add that natural vignette look to the pictures I shoot with them. 
What changed 2 years ago? I was married, and had my 1st child. I couldn't afford to spend so much money developing film all the time, and I was taking TONS of pictures. Of course! (I still have a bag full of film that need to be developed... it's been collected over the course of the last decade. Something that will take me hundreds of dollars to finally get all done.) So, for my 1st Mother's Day, my wonderful husband bought me my first, and hopefully not my last, digital SLR. I got the Nikon D5000, with 2 lenses... one of them is a micro, which I love and have so much fun with. That's what I still shoot with today. It's a great camera, and it does what I need it too. I hope to eventually upgrade again, but I won't be adding that chapter of my story for a another few years. 
Now, it's funny that I've typed this entire story without posting the 1st picture... you know, me being a visual person and everything.I just had to type and get it all out. Below I've included some black and whites... all of them were shot at least 5 years ago. I wanted to include some older photography to incorporate with this story about my photo history. I hope you enjoy my story and my pictures. Go out now, and shoot some of your own! ;-)
~Amanda




Saturday, February 25, 2012

Close To My Heart Ergo Carrier GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!


It's here! Now is your chance to win your very own ERGObaby Carrier! Hosted by Mama Chocolate and sponsored by several other great bloggers, including myself, we're bringing you a fantastic giveaway for this exceptional carrier. Carry your sweet little one close to your heart this year in your brand new Ergo Galaxy. Entries are easy! Just complete by following directions on the Rafflecopter form. Only the Facebook entry is mandatory, but you'll significantly increase your chances of winning by finishing some or all of the bonus entries! Many thanks to all the bloggers who contributed to this giveaway!
Have fun, and good luck!!!