Finding Time... (and a "Just for Mom" Giveaway)

This giveaway is closed.

As a busy WAHM of three, it is often hard to find time for myself.  However, I know that I am a better mom when I have had time to rejuvenate myself.   Therefore, I have been trying to run 3-4 times a week and make a date with a friend at least once every other week.  Even these small amounts of time help me to feel energized and motivated.

I was so excited to win a giveaway from The Centisble Life for a night at Harrah's in Atlantic City and a couple's massage at the Red Door Spa.  It has been so long since I have had a entire day and night away.  Unfortunately, after we had booked our date, my husband found out that he has to speak at a fundraiser that same night.  Stinks!  Luckily, though, my friend Renee is up for a girl's night out, so next Saturday she and I will be living it up!

Because Disney Family recognizes that many moms are short on time and cash, they provided tips and advice on easy and inexpensive ways moms can shine. To help moms find their inner beauty & outer glow, Disney Family.com recently added new beauty-related content to their site in the Makeover Mom section, including how to build a better wardrobe, how to make the most of drugstore makeup, three steps to beautiful skin, and more.  They are also hosting a Mom’s Makeover Madness Sweepstakes for a chance to win a glamorous trip to LA for you and a girlfriend!

To spread the word about the new beauty resource, Disney Family.com is offering one of my readers a beauty must-have kit!  Included in a Family.com branded makeup tote are a sleep mask, mini manicure set and Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy candle (approximately a $60 value.)

To enter, please leave a comment telling me how you make the most of “me time” or let me know your biggest indulgence when it comes to pampering yourself.  A winner will be randomly selected on Friday, March 19, 2009.  She will be contacted by email and will have three days to respond. 

This post was sponsored by Disney Family.com

Our Latest Reads (and a giveaway!)

This giveaway is closed.

With all of the snow and freezing cold weather (ugh!) we have been making a lot of library trips.  Our library has a nice children's section, so the kids really enjoy going.  We usually read a few books while lounging on the comfy bean bag chairs, play a couple of games on the computers, and pick out some books and movies to check out.  Amongst all of these reads, we have made some great finds. I thought I'd share some of our favorites with you.
*Notice the author and character websites, as well.  They are awesome!

Sam's Picks 

 The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin (one of my favorite authors)
Grace Lin's Website

 The New Girl (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls) by Meg Cabot
Allie Finkle Website

 Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park Linda Sue Park's Website

Gracen's Picks

 Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) (Junie B. Jones, No. 18)
Junie B.'s Website

FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS (READING WITH HELP, LEVEL 2)

Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia (I Can Read Book 2)
Amelia Bedelia's webpage

Wes's Picks

 Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Giant Little Golden Book)

How I Became a Pirate 

Wes has also enjoyed some books from BubbleGum Books.  They generously sent us three books to review.  All three books feature a likable main character named Sam.  Sam has a wonderful imagination that will inspire young readers.

 The Things a String Can Be

With rhyming, repetition and bold colorful graphics, children are mesmerized with Sam and his fascination with a silly old string. Sam’s imagination takes children on adventurous journeys that lead to a heartwarming ending. The book includes free fun and educational "string" activities.

 Something Shiny, Something Round 

With all of the snow we have had, Wes could totally relate to this book about how

...Sam and his friends turn an ordinary object into extraordinary adventures. This time, the ordinary object is a hubcap and the adventures are as clever as ever with a lesson of responsibility in the end. The book includes a free activity guide/lesson planner filled with fun, educational activities that complement a number of scenarios from the story.

 The Topsy-Turvy Towel (Our Favorite) 

Sam, Sally and Suzy continue to wow children with their elaborate imaginations. This time, their object d’art is a big, colorful beach towel. In their minds it becomes a hot air balloon, a flying magic carpet, a superhero’s cape… and that’s just the beginning. See where this remarkable towel and their playful imaginations take them! Beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations with computer-enhanced graphics. Text that sings. Places where only the mind can take you. The book includes a bonus activity guide.

Wes particularly liked The Topsy-Turvy Towel.  It was easy for him to relate to the concept of pretending a towel is a cape, a magic carpet, etc. because he uses his "blankie" in imaginative ways almost every day. He even commented on this coincidence, "Mommy, I use my blankie like Sam uses his towel!".  

As an educator and mother, I appreciate the related activity ideas at the end of each book.  They are all fun and engaging ways to encourage children to stretch their imaginations.  

The BubbleGum Books website offers free printables, as well.  Check out this page.

Now for the best part ~ BubbleGum Books is offering two lucky winners a copy of The Things a String Can Be. 

To enter:  Leave a comment telling us about something imaginative your child likes to do.

For additional entries:

• Become a BubbleGum Books Facebook Fan (1 entry).
• Become a BubbleGum Books Follower on Twitter (1 entry).

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry, so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! The winners will be announced Friday, March 19, and contacted by email. They have three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

Promo Code ~ They are also offering my readers a 20% discount off of any of these three books.  Simply, order from their website and enter the voucher code "itty" at the bottom of the shopping cart page.  They will even have the books autographed by the author.  Great deal! 

**BubbleGum Books provided the books  for us to review.  However, as always, I blog with integrity and these are our honest opinions.

Play Appeal...And a Giveaway

This Giveaway is Closed.
MaryAnne from Mama Smiles is the lucky winner!

With Christmas a month in the past, it is always interesting to observe which Christmas presents are being loved and which have already been forgotten.  This phenomenon happens each year in our house. It isn't that my children don't appreciate their gifts, it is just that some have more "play  appeal" than others.  This is what is currently being loved at my house.

We all love My Busy Kits, so when the company offered to send me one of their newly designed kits I was thrilled.  I wrapped it up and gave it to Wes as a Christmas present.  Of course, as I expected, he loves it.  We take it with us to appointments where "waiting" will be involved, to dinner at sit down restaurants, and on long car rides.  Busy Kits never disappoint!

All three kids have enjoyed this set of Melissa and Doug Lace and Trace Pet Cards available from Gummy Lump, an on-line shop specializing  in  creative and educational wooden toys for children ages 0-6.  Samantha likes to trace them onto paper, color or paint the animal shapes, and then cut them out.  She even used the cut outs to decorate a school project.  Gracen likes to lace them. It is great fine motor practice for her.  I have also pointed out to her that the down and up motion is good practice for learning to sew (which she really wants to do).  As for Wes, he really doesn't use the cards for their intended purposes.  He likes to lace the strings onto the cards just a little bit.  He then proceeds to pretend that the string is a fishing line and that he is "catching" the animals (doesn't seem to matter that the animals aren't all fish).  He also pretends that the strings are leashes and walks the animals around the house.  What can I say...he has a great imagination!

This Dolphin Explorer Boat has been one of Wes's favorites.  It is made by Sprig, an amazing eco-friendly toy company which makes battery-free, kid powered, expandable toys.  This Explorer Boat is a great bath toy, but it could also be used in pools and water tables. Wes plays with this just about every night. 

Wes loves to read about and play "Astronaut".  Therefore, he had this Explorer Rocket Ship from Back to Basics Toys at the tip top of his Santa list.  It set Santa back a couple of dollars, so I am very happy that he loves it so much.  He plays with it all of the time.  He also incorporates other toys into his play.  For example, he has used his unit blocks to create a launch pad and the surface of the moon .  I have to say ~ I love this toy, too.  It is made extremely well, was easy to put together (or so I am told ~ thanks, honey!), and came with lots of additional play pieces (martians, astronauts, and space vehicles).

According to my girls, we are one of the last families they know to get the Wii.    It may be true, as I am not a huge fan of gaming systems.  However, I have to admit, the Wii is a bit different.  We have all had a ton of fun playing bowling, golf, boxing, and tennis as a family.   The girls and John liked to play Super Mario Brothers.  I stink at it, so I usually just watch them.  They get very excited and quite competitive.  Thankfully, we are all good sports!

And last, but definitely not least, ... American Girl Dolls.  Samantha and Gracen play with them a LOT.  I am thrilled because I think too many little girls are trying to grow up too fast.  I like that my girls still find dolls entertaining and stimulating.  

How about your children?  What are their favorites?

Itty-Bitty Promotion and Giveaway

Promo ~ For the  month of February, My Busy Kits is offering my readers 20% off of their purchases.  To take advantage, simply enter the promo code "bittybookworm" at check out in their Google store.

Giveaway ~ Gummy Lump is offering one lucky reader a set of the Melissa and Doug Lace and Trace Pet Cards.

First Entry Requirement ~Visit Gummy Lump and then come back and leave me a comment about a toy your kiddo(s) would like. 

1. Become a Gummy Lump Fan on Facebook (1 entry). 
2. Follow Gummy Lump on Twitter.
3. Subscribe to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms. (1 entry)

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! Winner will be announced Monay, February 11, and contacted by email. Winner has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*
**Sprig, Gummy Lump, and My Busy Kits all provided the toys for us to review.  However, as always, I blog with integrity and these are our honest opinions.

Friday's Gracious Giveaways: Kid Bean

 This giveaway is closed.

Being a mom who owns an on-line business, I like to support other mom-owned businesses.  For this reason, I am excited to introduce you to Kid Bean.  Kid Bean is an online boutique of earth-friendly, labor-friendly, vegan baby and children's products.  Not only does this boutique have beautiful products at reasonable prices, their website is easy to navigate and offers lots of valuable information on green living, baby-wearing, cloth diapering, sustainable living, and much more.

Kid Bean very generously sent me two toys to review.  One was this adorable New Native Organic Cotton Child's Doll Sling.  This was perfect for my girls because they are intrigued with baby wearing.  Now, they can wear their own babies (or stuffed monkeys). 

I was really impressed with this doll sling.  The organic cotton material is thick, so I know it will hold up well in the wash.  It is also simple to use with no rings, belts, or buckles.  It is designed to just slip on, so Gracen can put it on by herself.  This would be a great gift for a child with a new baby brother or sister.

The other toy I was sent is the D and Me Wooden Logging Truck.  From the pictures, you can see that it has been much appreciated.  Wes has enjoyed using the truck and 6 logs in conjunction with his unit blocks.  This truck was made with fair labor in the USA.  In addition, it is made of solid hardwoods from sustainably managed forests.  Definitely a toy you can feel good about buying!

 

For this giveaway, Kid Bean is offering these beautiful toys to two lucky winners.  One winner will receive the D and Me Wooden Logging Truck.  The other will receive the doll sling in the color of her choice.

First Entry Requirement ~Visit Kid Bean and then come back and leave me a comment about something you saw that you liked. 

1. Sign up to receive the Kid Bean e-newsletter (sidebar of their website) (1 entry).  

2. Subscribe to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms. (1 entry)

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! Winner will be announced Friday, January 22, and contacted by email. Winner has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

~ If you have a giveaway on your blog that you'd like to share (or know of one you're posting about), link it up with "Mr. Linky" below. *Please read FGG rules for participating* 

Friday's Gracious Giveaways: Pretend and Play Cash Register

This giveaway is closed.
Katie from Kitchen Stewardship is the lucky winner.

New to FGG? Go here.

The winner of last week's FGG is
Jacquelin from A Stable Beginning.
Thanks to all who entered!

Good Luck this week!

As you know, from this post, my children and their friends recently set up a little toy shop in our basement. They set out all types of little toys, stuffed animals, and dolls. They made a checkout stand by putting this cash register full of pretend money, an old phone, some pens and paper, and shopping bags on a small table. They even made store signs and hung them on the walls. Then they took turns being the shoppers and the cashier (or "shopkeeper"). The kids played this for a long time and asked to leave it set up so that they could play again soon. This dramatic play was a huge success.


One thing that made this so much fun for them was the pretend and play cash register. Toys AndGamesOnline.com recently sent it to us to review and, I have to say, it has been well LOVED by all three of my children. Wes, 3 years old, likes to open and close the drawer to hear the little bell ring. He also likes to play with and stack all of the play money. Gracen, 7 years old, has set up a grocery store using items from our pantry and grocery bags. She also likes to practice counting the money because she has been practicing that in school. Samantha, 9 years old, likes to use the calculator on the cash register to add up the costs of the items in their "shop". She then likes to try and make change for her customers after they have kindly paid.


This is the beauty of this wonderful toy. It is perfect for boys and girls and a wide variety of ages. I would advise, however, that parents of younger children be present while their children are playing with the cash register because the small play coins could pose a choking hazard if swallowed.


I am so excited to be able to offer you a chance to win one of these award winning pretend and play cash registers. See below to enter. However, if you are not the lucky chosen one, you can get one of these cash registers for a great bargain at Toys AndGamesOnline.com They are currently 25% off.

ToysAndGamesOnline.com is part of the CSN Stores LLC. They have over 200 specialty stores with the best prices online and a huge range of products from holiday decorations to game tables
to nursery decorations.

First Entry Requirement ~ Leave me a comment about with whom you would share this fun toy.

1. Visit ToysAndGamesOnline.com and tell me about another toy or game that your little one would enjoy. (1 entry)

2. Subscribe to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms. (1 entry)

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! Winner will be announced Friday, December 18, and contacted by email. Winner has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

~ If you have a giveaway on your blog that you'd like to share (or know of one you're posting about), link it up with "Mr. Linky" below. *Please read FGG rules for participating* ~

Friday's Gracious Giveaways: Lemon Tree Cards

New to FGG? Go here.

The winner of last week's FGG winner is
Nicole from Ramblings by Nicole.
Thanks to all who entered!

Good Luck this week!

This giveaway is now closed!

One of my new favorite on-line shops is Lemon Tree Cards. Although this shop carries lots of adorable cards, they also carry a lot of other fun products. Here are some of my favorites:

Bookplates and Labels



Thank You Notes and Stationary


An Assortment of Invitations



Birth Announcements

Lemon Tree Cards generously sent me a set of these cute, personalized note cards. They are perfect. The print job is beautiful - crisp, clear, and colorful. In addition, the paper upon which the cards are printed is thick and a nice quality. The note cards came beautifully packaged with envelopes and address labels with a matching graphic. I am so impressed and highly recommend this mom-owned web shop.

For this giveaway, Lemon Tree Cards is giving one lucky winner a $25 gift voucher. So fun ~ I wish I could enter. I would have to get one of these!

First Entry Requirement ~ Check out Lemon Tree Cards on-line shop. Then come back and leave me a comment about your favorites.

1. Subscribe to or follow the Lemon Tree Cards blog. (1 entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow the Lemon Tree Kids blog. (1 entry)

3. Subscribe to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms. (1 entry)

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! Winner will be announced Friday, December 11, and contacted by email. Winner has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

~ If you have a giveaway on your blog that you'd like to share (or know of one you're posting about), link it up with "Mr. Linky" below. *Please read FGG rules for participating* ~

Friday's Gracious Giveaways: Fun and Fancy Crayons

New to FGG? Go here.

The winner of last week's FGG winner is
MaryAnne from Mama Smiles
Thanks to all who entered!
Good Luck this week!

If you are looking for a fun, inexpensive gift for a toddler or a preschooler, you have to check out Gaddy Nipper Crayons. This kid-friendly Etsy shop offers crayons in a wide variety of colors and shapes.

For Girls ~ They have tea pots, princesses, and make-up, and more.

For Boys ~ They have pirates, Hot Wheels, and astronauts, and more.

In addition, you can now get holiday crayons in Santa, snowman, snowflake, reindeer, and Christmas tree shapes. Any of these would be perfect for party favors, birthday and Holiday gifts, and stocking stuffers. Not only are they cute, but the prices are very reasonable. Each large crayon is only about $1.25.

For this giveaway Gaddy Nipper Crayons is giving one lucky winner a set of Santa Crayons.

Aren't they cute?

First Entry Requirement ~ Check out Gaddy Nipper Crayon's Etsy shop. Then come back and leave me a comment about your favorites.

1. Subscribe to my blog. (1 entry)

2. Become a Google Follower. (1 entry)

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! Winner will be announced Friday, November 27, and contacted by email. Winner has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

~ If you have a giveaway on your blog that you'd like to share (or know of one you're posting about), link it up with "Mr. Linky" below. *Please read FGG rules for participating* ~