Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2012

Spacious, Spill Safe and Loads of Style!

In case you've missed out on the deets, I was selected for Team Refrigerator for Frigidaire Appliance Test Drive. I'm very excited about my new fridge. I love all of the shelf space that we didn't have in our other fridge. We really enjoy getting groceries now because we know that we aren't limited to the small amount the freezer in the other one could accommodate.



The extra bins, food-storage containers, rack extenders, etc., makes it easy to organize. keep food, and easy to find when we need a particular item. No more moving things around or taking things out to get what I want.



The stainless steel with the protective coating is easy to clean, especially with a three year old toddler that seems to like the new fridge as much as we do. I was imagining all of his fingerprints and smudges on it before it was delivered.

We're in love with the Spill Safe shelves. They are designed to keep spills held within. That really will help to clean when a mess is made, even though we haven't made a mess yet.



OK.
I'm not much of a soda fan (I will have a Sprite occasionally), but I love this feature! I keep soda around in case I have company and I've found this feature to be really useful.

You can also follow along the Test Drive Team’s conversation on Twitter, with the hashtag #FrigidaireMoms. We’re excited to see what everyone has to say! For more information on Frigidaire’s new time-saving appliances and a chance to win appliances yourself go to http://www.frigidaire.com



“I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a Frigidaire Refrigerator to facilitate my review.”

 

OnlinePosterPrinting.com Giveaway



One winner will receive a 18x24 Poster Print (High Gloss or Semi Gloss) from OnlinePosterPrinting.com.

Sign the Google Spreadsheet above.

Entry Limit: Daily

Availability:
US Residents
Shipping: Free
Specifications: 1 Business Day Turnaround

Note: Please list bonus entries separately.



OnlinePosterPrinting.com is your number #1 online store for Digital Photo Enlargement and Digital Photos on Posters .



- Follow Welcome to the Motherhood on Twitter.
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The giveaway will conclude March 25th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

 

Dr. Seuss Apps Dropped to $0.99 to Honor Dr. Seuss’s Birthday

Just a quick note to let you know that Oceanhouse Media is celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and NEA’s Read Across America Day by dropping all Dr. Seuss iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad apps to $0.99 each for one day only, Tuesday, March 2, 2010. They are excited to honor Theodor Geisel’s birthday in their own special way.



Oceanhouse Media has a license from Dr. Seuss Enterprises to bring the entire line of classic children’s books to the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. So far they have published six eBooks, games and activity apps. All are available on Apple’s App Store. They began with an enormously successful launch of apps based on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” this past holiday season. Recently, they released “The Cat in the Hat” and “Dr. Seuss’s ABC” eBooks. Many more are coming soon.

 

Review and Giveaway: Nostalgia Electrics Vintage Series™ Hot Air Popcorn Maker



One winner will receive a Vintage Series™ Hot Air Popcorn Maker.

Sign the Google Spreadsheet above.

Entry Limit: Daily

Note: Please list bonus entries separately.



Out of all of the fun products that Nostalgia Electrics has to offer, I chose the Vintage Series™ Hot Air Popcorn Maker, which can be bought at Manufacturers Clearance for $29.99. I'm perfectly happy with my choice, because I can honestly say it makes our Family Movie Night extra special with movie theater quality popcorn.

This popcorn maker uses hot air instead of oil, which produces a lighter and healthier snack for the whole family to enjoy! It includes a measuring cap that assures the right amount of kernels that is poured into the popcorn maker. Reminiscent of the popcorn stands of the early 1900's, it adds an old-fashioned charm to our kitchen. The red looks better in person, just a tad richer than pictured on their site. It has a kernel capacity of 7 tbsp, which makes up to 10 cups of popcorn per batch.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.





- Follow Welcome to the Motherhood on Twitter.
- Tweet this: @HilLesha Win a Retro Popcorn Maker http://bit.ly/9YUNNJ
- Become a fan of this blog on Facebook.
- Join Facebook group.
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- Stumble this post.
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The giveaway will conclude March 15th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

 

I Received the One Lovely Blog Award

Thanks to MisadventuresofMomof3, I'm honored to receive the One Lovely Blog Award. She has a wonderful selection of resources, recipes and giveaways on her blog. So be sure check her blog out! :)



Rules: Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.



Lovely Blogs

38 and Growing
Decorating in Georgia
My Little World
Nurse Momma
Mrs. Blogalot
Velvet Over Steel
Theta Mom
Pickles & Lollipops
Life as a Wife
Goose Hill Farm
Twinsomnia
Midday Escapades
Adventures in Mommy Land
The Halton Mom
Frugal Mom Knows Best


 

Review: Second Base Demi Cami



I received the Brittany Demi Cami in Black ($31), which features a stretch lace neckline that adds a fun and flirtatious edge to the cami, and thin adjustable straps that gives you the flexibility in the amount of coverage you want. This cami fits me very well and is extremely comfortable. The style that I received is also available in White, Ivory, Scarlet and Ballet Pink. It is perfect to wear with low cut tops when you want to present an illusion of a cami without the bulk or riding up around the waist, especially in the summer when it will be too hot to wear a camisole underneath.

Some expectant mothers like to wear Second Base throughout their pregnancy for extra cleavage coverage. Cleavage discreet can be a bit of an ongoing challenge during pregnancy. Others are wearing them when they start breastfeeding - like "Good Day LA" host Jillian Reynolds, who included the camis in her baby shower gift bag in December for her friends and celebrity guests.



1.
Put on your favorite bra.

2. Slip on Second Base.

3. Then wear any top or dress.

Second Base offers other styles:


Sarah, $29 - Just like a traditional camisole, the Sarah demi-cami has thin adjustable straps, giving you flexibility in the amount of coverage you want.

Meredith, $29 - Maybe you're wearing something sleeveless, and don't want those bra straps on display for all the world to see. Meredith has wide straps like a tank top, with a higher back for more coverage.

Marlo, $29 - You can finally get rid of those men's tanks you've been layering under your strappy dresses. The Marlo ribbed tank will keep you covered and cool, and it's so much softer than your old cotton ones.

A colorful bra can add some pop, or choose a racerback to keep it hidden.

Second Base apparel is available at select boutiques and shopsecondbase.com.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

 

Macy's One Day Sale - Spring Clothing Deals for Kids



First Impressions Baby Dress, Baby Girls Dress Was $16.00 Now $6.99
First Impressions Baby Boy Sunsuits Was $16.00 Now $6.99
First Impressions Baby Girl SundressWas $16.00 Now $6.99
Carter's Baby Set, Baby Boys 2 Piece Guitar Set Was $18.00 Now $9.99
Kidorable "Butterfly" Rain Collection Was $14.00 - $36.00 Now $10.99 - $27.99
Sweet Heart Rose Baby Dress and Leggings, Baby Girls Dress Set Was $26.00 Now $11.99
Bonnie Baby Baby Dress Set, Baby Girls Daisy Dress and Capris Was $34.00 Now $11.99
Bonnie Baby Baby Dress Set, Baby Girls Polka Dot Dress and Capris Was $34.00 Now $11.99
Kids Headquarters Kids Outfit, Little Girls Dora Top and Jeans Set Was $34.00 Now $17.13
Kids Headquarters Kids Outfit, Little Girls Dora Dress and Leggings Was $34.00 Now $17.13
Bonnie Jean Baby Outfit, Baby Girls Tunic and Capris Was $34.00 Now $19.99
Nannette Baby Set, Baby Girls Three Piece Set Was $42.00 Now $20.99

 

Eco-Friendly Mom Solutions



Forget the paper plates, there is a brand new line of eco-friendly, kid's tableware! Rooware introduces its line of Plates, Bowls, Cups and Utensils - all made from an innovative bio-based plastic.

Rooware products are sustainable and toxin-free. They are also microwaveable, dishwasher safe, and biodegradable! The plates are divided for easy kid-use, the cups and bowls feature snap-on handles for little hands, and the utensils.

What's more, the Rooware line is adorable - featuring four characters (or 'Earthsaverz') who are part of the Rooware animated cartoon series. The videos will be a way for parents to expose their kids to an array of environmental issues in a fun way.



Pura Stainless introduces the brand-new Kiki line. This electro-polished stainless steel bottle is BPA free, hygienic, lightweight, durable and will not leach anything into a child's drink. The beautiful bottles are available in an array of colors including spring green, racing red, pretty pink., aqua blue and tangerine for a modern sleek look. The feeding system grows with a child - turning from a bottle with slow-flow silicone nipple to a medium-flow bottle and then ultimately a sippy bottle with sip spout!



Greenie Tots introduces a complete line of kid-friendly meatless meals for ages 6 months - 12 years old. From wholesome purees of pears, peas, carrots, and applesauce for babies to mouth-watering macaroni & Cheese, quesadillas, pasta and even "chicken" nuggets. What's more - the meals are delivered all over the country, right to your doorstep - and go from freezer to table in a matter of minutes. Everything is 100% meatless and contains no hormones, pesticides or high-fructose corn syrup. All meals come packaged in environmentally friendly containers and go from the freezer to the table in 5 minutes or less. They come in various sizes - Stage One (for babies) - Older Kids.



Which drink is mine? There's a new solution to the community drink confusion that happens at parties, soccer games and more. Drinkmarx is a novel, customizable drink marker for identifying your bottle, cup or can - it fits most commonly used beverages. They are easily transferable from one drink to another - reducing waste and the spread of germs. Drinkmarx are also fun and unique and available in an array of colors and styles. The cost is $9.95 for a package of 4 Drinkmarx: espresso, green, pink and blue plus 120 decals to personalize.

 

Review: My Virtual Tutor for the Nintendo DS

This season, you can combat the seasonal blues with an interactive, “edutainment” game that has been recognized by some of the top toy awards. My Virtual Tutor: Reading for the Nintendo DS enhances kid’s reading and comprehension abilities on the number one portable video game system. My Virtual Tutor: Reading has been honored by the top toy awards in its category including Dr. Toy’s Best Picks, iParenting Media Award and the Tillywig Toy Awards; proving it to be a great choice for quality “edutainment.”



My Virtual Tutor has a series of educational tools that will engage children and help them maintain their attention. While the child holds their DS vertically like a book, the the virtual tutor will guide children through 8 interactive books and encourage the child to complete fun exercises and quizzes to improve reading skills. Through self-correcting practice, the different modes of interacting with the exercises and stories advance along with the player.

My Virtual Tutor: Reading is available in 3 versions for children in Pre-K through Second Grade. Each includes eight interactive books with 4 modes of play:

Read To Me - Virtual tutor reads the story with exciting animation
I Can Read - Beginning vocabulary word-based activities
Interactive - Clickable animations with interactive quizzes to test reading and vocabulary comprehension
Paint - Unleash creativity and illustrate scenes while listening to a story

I received the My Virtual Tutor: Reading 1st Grade to 2nd Grade. I'd have chosen the My Virtual Tutor: Reading Pre-K to Kindergarten if I knew this was available since my son is a toddler. However, the one that I received will still come in handy when my son starts the 1st Grade. I will be buying the My Virtual Tutor: Reading Pre-K to Kindergarten version since I don't want to overwhelm him too much with something that is more advanced than his current reading level. :)

My Virtual Tutor: Reading was developed by 1st Playable Productions, LLC. My Virtual Tutor: Reading for the Nintendo DS is available at mass and specialty retailers throughout North America such as Toy R’ Us, GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon.com for a suggested retail price of $29.99. The Pre-K- K SKUs is rated EC (Early Childhood) and the K-1st Grade and 1st-2nd Grade SKUs are rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.

For More Information on My Virtual Tutor: Reading and to become a fan of My Virtual Tutor: Reading on Facebook or follow updates Twitter, please log onto http://www.myvirtualtutorgame.com.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

 

Alice in Wonderland Crafts & Recipes

Add a little bit of Wonderland to your day with these crafts, recipes, and printables.

Click here for the Top 15 Alice in Wonderland Crafts & Recipes.





Edible Teacups

Made from ice cream cones and cookies, these edible cup-and-saucer treat holders are a cinch to assemble and will ensure that each guest at your child's tea party gets his or her fill.

Click here to learn how to make these teacups.



Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat Frame

The Cheshire Cat likes to pop up every now and then in Wonderland. This Cheshire Cat photo frame will be there to always remind you of your best friends or family.

Click here to learn how to make it.



Cheshire Cat Cupcakes

Inspired by the crafty cat that bemuses Alice, this cupcake is all grins -- and likely to disappear in the blink of an eye.

Click here to learn how make these cupcakes.



Alice in Wonderland Door Hanger

Are you in an Alice or Red Queen kind of mood? Make sure everyone knows it with this bedroom door hanger. Trespassers, beware!

Clcik here to learn how to make it.

 

Blog Hop: Friday Follow Blog Hop #7


MckLinky Blog Hop


Friday Follow

 

Good For You Girls Giveaway





Three winners will receive Blemish Wash (a $14.99 value) from Good For You Girls.

Sign the Google Spreadsheet above.

Entry Limit: Once

Note: Please list bonus entries separately.

Good For You Girls™ offers premium skin care made with 100% Natural and Organic ingredients specifically formulated for the unique needs of young skin. Great skin care shouldn’t just be for adults only. In fact, young skin deserves and benefits greatly from the soothing botanicals, healing extracts and nourishing organics found in all Good For You Girls™ products. So girls, say NO to nasty chemicals and YES to a headstart on great, healthy skin.



For those with blemish issues our Blemish Wash helps deep clean pores and fight bacteria naturally. Delicate 100% natural Jojoba beads loosen excess oils and impurities without leaving any lacerations or irritation. Contains nature¹s most powerful salicylic acid, willow bark extract that exfoliates and unclogs pores while an effective blend of tropical fruit enzymes and natural antiseptic, meadowsweet extract, helps fight and inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes acne. Organic aloe, calendula and chamomile extracts help soothe skin and calm redness.




- Follow Welcome to the Motherhood on Twitter.
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- Link giveaway on your own blog, Twitter, Facebook, and / or Myspace.
- Follow Welcome to the Motherhood via Google Friend Connect.
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The giveaway will conclude March 12th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

 

Review: New York City Risotto Chips



Honestly, I'm really not fond of traditional chips, but I do like rice chips since they are a healthier alternative. I've tried them before from a different company. I jumped at the opportunity when I was offered to try out New York City Risotto Chips. These chips are something my family and I really enjoyed. We received each flavor - Spicy Marinara, Parmesan & Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt.

These chips are made from whole grain brown and Arborio rice. They are all natural, gluten-free, 0 grams trans fat and 11 grams whole grains - without sacrificing taste. I was very fond of the Spicy Marinara and my son loved the Parmesan & Roasted Garlic. They have plenty of flavor on their own, but they are extremely tasty when dipped in Sour Cream. And, you may think I'm nutso for doing this, but I love crumbling the Sea Salt chips and putting them in salad. With that and Caesar Salad Dressing, you have a very tasty salad! Click here for a variety recipes to enjoy your chips in other ways.

Click here to register for a .75 off coupon. This coupon is valid on most of their products. Their products can be bought from their online store or purchased at your local grocery store such as Kroger, Meijer, Sam's Club, Buehler Foods, etc.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

 

Review: Teather Snacks

Teather is a brand of dried fruit snack strips bursting with natural ingredients: a refreshingly tart reward made with organic whole fruits and organic white tea leaves – real ingredients that are packed with antioxidants and other beneficial phytonutrients to keep you on the road to health and happiness.

Unlike most fresh fruit, Teather not over ripen, bruise or require refrigeration. Its portability and a satisfying, clean taste make it an ideal snack for today’s on-the-go, health conscious adults. Children of all ages also love the authentic flavor of Teather .



We received the Teather Sampler ($11.95). This includes Strawberry Pomegranate, Berry Cherry Acai and Mango Goji Citrus. Every flavor was a contender, but I'm crowning Berry Cherry Acai as the champ since I love just about anything with blueberries. It mentions on their web-site that this particular flavor has subtle hints of chocolate. However, I didn't notice it. I highly recommend their line of snacks if you're opting for a healthy snack that is low in calories. There are no added sugars, preservatives or additives.

They suggest putting Teather atop breakfast cereals, salads, or yogurts. Try serving it with your favorite cheese. For a wholesome trail mix, combine with dark chocolate and nuts. Pair with red wine. Imagine the possibilities.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

 

Review: Tiny Truffles



Founded in 2005, TinyTruffles.com is a specialized retailer offering high quality products for new moms and babies. Moms know that babies are like tiny truffles, small and delicious but they pack quite a punch.

However, being a mom doesn’t mean forgetting about everyday luxuries. From opulent yet practical leather diaper bags that could double as a high-end handbag to daily planners, agendas and post pregnancy creams, wraps and oils, TinyTruffles.com offers it’s customers the finest products available.

You can find hand cable-knit sweaters, blankets, faux mink stroller wraps and newborn specific shampoos and conditioners because babies deserve luxuries as well. Older children will learn from their selection of the charity driven Karito Kids dolls from Kidsgive, an award winning toy year after year.

They strive to offer the best pricing, the fastest shipping and premium customer service. No voice mail goes unreturned, no email un-replied and no live chat is left waiting. Browse their products, read their testimonials, place an order. They will make sure you are 100% satisfied.

15% off at Tiny Truffles with coupon code: FEB15 Exp. 2/28/10



We received the minimink Toddler Hat in Honey ($40). The quality of it is top of the line, in terms of softness of fur and stitching. This is guilt free fur, in that animals are spared, at a decent price. This hat is very stylish, comfortable and toasty warm. It is also available in Milk or Chocolate. The colors are unisex and will combine well with other colors of children's clothes.

Features:

- 100% Cotton lined
- Mild hand wash
- Do NOT tumble dry
- Suitable from 2 - 4 years





Love, Chic Baby Fragrances Was $48.00 Now $32

Already enjoyed by such famous mommies as Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Rachel Weisz, Kelly Preston, and Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Love, Chic Baby’s fresh scent is the ultimate in luxury and style. It is the perfect, sophisticated scent for girls and boys from 6 months to teenagers.

For Girls: Love, Chic Baby’s scent for little girls creates a burst of crisp, floral freshness that delicately captures the innocence and youthful radiance of little girls. A calming, airy fragrance is created in a soft bouquet of Pink Mandarin, Italian Bergamot, Water Lily, Pink Peony, Yellow Freesia, Island Pineapple, and Sheer Rose.

For Boys: Love, Chic Baby’s scent for boys tickles the senses witha light burst of tootie fruity freshness. The scent combines a calm and soothing blend of Mandarin, Orange, Pink Grapefruit, Sweetheart Melon, Wild Strawberry, and Dew Berry to keep even the most rugged of little boys smelling fresh and delicious.


Mama Mio Boob Tube $45

Mama Mio Boob Tube is a leave-on moisture mask for the delicate skin in the bust area. This skin does not take well to large size changes and however much you wish your fantastic pregnant profile was permanent, it isn’t. So keep rubbing in Mama Mio’s Boob Tube – an EFA-rich blend of Evening Primrose Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, nature’s perfect Shea Butter (the most potent and healing of all butters) and the AMAZING CoQ10 – a heavy duty anti-oxidant that makes your skin look and feel firmer, softer and more toned.


Karito Kids Doll - Pita (Mexico) Was $100.00 Now $90

Pita Rena Corta is an 11-year-old girl from Mexico City who loves to go to her family’s ranch outside the city so that she can ride her favorite horse. Pita comes with a hard-bound fictional 123-page chapter book that includes a fun 8-page scrapbook done by Pita about her country!


The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

 

A Great New Gift for Pregnancy - Prenatal Music Player



What is it? It is an advanced sound system that promotes fetal development, bonding, stress reduction and child development using music in the womb. It is a perfect maternity gift. Nuvo Ritmo ($129.99) gives support as you grow and is chic and fashionable. It is adjustable, care free, washable and convenient. The hands free, advanced acoustical technology produces safe sound via a 4-speaker-sound stereo set.



Reactive listening begins at 17 weeks, so choose classical music for the calming Mozart Effect, the classic rock of The Beatles, or the upbeat show tunes of Broadway. Any type of audio you can listen to on your iPod/MP3's earphones can be enjoyed by your baby at the same time.

And why not get Dad and other family members involved? Record Dad reading his favorite children’s book, siblings talking, grandparents singing a lullaby, or the family dog barking. Babies remember and prefer sounds they heard before they were born.

 

Make the Most of Your Grocery Store Budget

 

Re-Use Kids Items, Help Charities



Moms and Dads can use KidSponge to sell items their kids have outgrown or no longer need, set the price they want, and donate part or all of the proceeds to established charities such as Action Against Hunger, Project Renewal, HealthRight, Truth.com, and Peta.


Kidsponge Believes:

• Re-using items keeps them out of landfills.
• Parents appreciate affordable prices even more these days.
• Recouping some of the cost of kids items makes sense.
• Supporting charitable organizations helps protect children, the environment and social justice.
• Recycling protects the environment for future generations
• De-cluttering your home is a great fund-raising activity.

Example:



$0.03 Toy Story 2 DVD - Stephan gives $0.02 to:




$20.00 Barbie from 1959 - Diane gives $18.00 to:




5.00 Hello Kitty Doll - Stephan gives $3.00 to:




$15.00 Disney Edition Monopoly - Stephan gives $1.00 to:

 

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