My Memories Suite - Review and Giveaway

I love scrapbooking, although I have a hard time finding the time to do it.  By the time I get all my supplies out, get the next stack of pictures, decide how I want to lay everything out... I have time to get maybe 1 or 2 pages done before I have to start cleaning everything up again.  So, I was thrilled when I was asked by My Memories Suite to do a review.  The software was relatively quick to install and fun to use.  How nice to be able to browse layouts and embellishments without making a mess.  And since all my pictures are digital... I don't have to print them out... I can just select them and drop them into my new scrapbook page.  I will admit, nothing beats a true homemade scrapbook page, but the convenience of this is awesome.  Here is a page I created:

Yes, I know... M was born almost 7 months ago and it's true... I haven't started her scrapbook yet.  So, here goes the first page... it took me a while to figure this all out, there are A LOT of templates to look at... not to mention the possibilities of creating a page from scratch.  There are tons of embellishments and cute designs... it was fun to play with.  For the page pictured above, I used a premade template, and I think it is so cute!  I'm not quite sure how to zoom in the pictures... I'll have to keep playing with it.  But overall, I think it looks good.  There are additional items that can be purchased, but I think the stuff included for the base price is pretty great.

Buy It!!! - $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store, that's a $20 value, just for using the using promo code: STMMMS68772

WIN IT!!!! One lucky MDD reader will win a free download of the software!  Enter below by 12:00noon on Friday, January 20th, 2012. The winner will be contacted by e-mail and have 48 hours to respond to me; if the winner does not respond, a new winner will be chosen.

Mandatory Entry: Visit http://www.mymemories.com/, and leave a comment with your favorite(s) digital paper pack or layout.

Extra Entries:

~ Follow my Blog via GFC or Email (2 each)

~ Add my button to your blog and let me know where it is (3 entries)

~ Follow their Blog - http://blog.mymemories.com/


~ Follow them on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593
~ Follow them on Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite
~ Add this giveaway to a giveaway linksy and leave me the link where it is (1 per linksy)

~ Blog about this giveaway linking it to this post. Leave me the link (2)

GOOD LUCK!

~C&M's Mommy

*I was not compensated for this review. The opinions expressed here are honest and my own.

Win a Peg Perego Aria Twin Double

Head over to Mama to 4 Blessings to win a Peg Perego Aria Twin 60 40 Double Stroller.  Contest ends on 10/31/11 at 11:59pm.

Kolcraft Contours Optima Giveaway at Mama B

I have heard so much about the Kolcraft Contours Optima Tandem Stroller and have been trying to win one through silent auctions... but no luck yet.  Now Mama B has one up for grabs on her blog!  The giveaway ends on July 16th... so head over there and try to win it.

Five Little Bunnies Board Book Review and Giveaway

We were so lucky to recieve the Five Little Bunnies Die-Cut Board Book and CD Set to review from Twin Sister Productions.

I opened it and showed it to C as soon as it arrived and the second he saw it he said "awww, it's so cute".  I know, how funny coming from a 22 month old... but word for word, that is what he said!  We immediately sat down on the couch and read the story.  As each bunny hopped away, he would say "hop, hop, hop, bye-bye" and motion with his hand the bunny hopping away.  Periodically throughout the day he will tell me, "Mommy, read the bunnies".  The CD that came with the book was also great.  The first track is a read-along to the book, and the remaining tracks are all great songs that C loved dancing too.


Here he is counting the remaining bunnies...



and here he is "hopping" the bunny away.

For over 23 years, Twin Sisters Productions has been dedicated to producing quality educational and inspirational music resources for children, families, and educators. Founded by fraternal twins, Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand, and Kim Mitzo Thompson, Twin Sisters Productions has continued to expand its product line to include CDs, read and sing-along books, floor puzzles and educational workbooks, all with the purpose of learning through music. These products have received over 160 awards for educational excellence and creativity as well as classroom and family fun, thus reflecting Twin Sisters Productions’ commitment to producing educational audio of the highest quality and value. These awards include nine RIAA (Record Industry Association of America) certified Gold albums and one Platinum album. With thousands of songs that teach and over 26 million albums sold, Twin Sisters Productions positions itself as the leader in children’s educational music.

Buy It!!! - 30% off their website, good through March 31, 2011 by using promo code: FIVEBUNNY
Win It!!! - One lucky Mommy's Diaper Dreams reader (from the US) will win the same Five Little Bunnies Die-Cut Board Book & CD Set I reviewed here.  Enter below by 10:00am on March 7th, 2011. The winner will be contacted by e-mail and have 48 hours to respond to me; if the winner does not respond, a new winner will be chosen.
Mandatory Entry: Follow my blog via GFC and leave a comment below.
Extra Entries:
~ Subscribe to my emails
~ Add my button to your blog and let me know where it is (3 entries)
~ Visit Twin Sister Productions website and let me know what else you like.
~ Follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/twinsistersprod
~ Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/twinsisters
~ Add this giveaway to a giveaway linksy and leave me the link where it is (1 per linksy)
~ Blog about this giveaway linking it to this post. Leave me the link (2)
GOOD LUCK!
~C's Mommy
*I was not compensated for this review. The opinions expressed here are honest and my own.

EZ-SOX Review and Giveaway... Extended

We were thrilled to be contacted by EZ Sox to do a review/giveaway.  C LOVES putting our socks on and off, probably because they are so big for him it makes it easy.  He also loves putting his own socks on and taking them off, but sometimes it can be tough, although he is getting quite good at it!  EZ Sox has a collection of socks just for kids to help build confidence, while making putting on socks fun and exciting.  As soon as we received our EZ Sox, all he wanted to do was put them on and take them off... over and over again!  The socks are absolutely adorable and look like they are made well.

EZ SOX are socks that are designed just for kids with loops for easy pulling on.  They have cute animal faces that help act as a guide, non-skid bottoms (great for our house with hard-wood floors), reinforced loops, seamless, and come in solids or with animal faces.

Animal faces include Dog, Cat ,Teddy Bear, Piggy, Frog, and Bunny. Solid colors include Black, white, navy, soft pink. Sizes include 4-12 and include ages 3-5.

EZ SOX make a great gift and serve as a great tool for kid's with special needs. Giving children the added confidence, self esteem, and assistance to help them dress themselves.

BUY IT!!!  For more information or to purchase, visit http://www.ezsox.com/.  Retail price is $4.99.

WIN IT!!! One lucky Mommy's Diaper Dreams reader (from the US) will win a pair their choice of EZ SOX!  Enter below by 10:00pm on January 10, 2011. The winner will be contacted by e-mail and have 48 hours to respond to me; if the winner does not respond, a new winner will be chosen.
Mandatory Entry:
Visit EZ SOX and let me know which pair you like the best AND follow my blog.

Extras:
~"Like" EZ SOX on Facebook (1)
~"Like" EZ SOX Group Facebook Page (1)
~Follow EX SOX on Twitter (1)
~Tell me who you would like to win this for (1)
~Subscribe to my emails (3)
~Grab my button and tell me where it is (3)
~Add this giveaway to a giveaway linksy and leave me the link where it is (1 per linksy)
~Blog about this giveaway linking it to this post. Leave me the link (2)

GOOD LUCK!

~C's Mommy
*I was not compensated for this review. The opinions expressed here are honest and my own.

Misikko Product Review and Giveaway

I am so excited that Misikko offered me 2 products to review... their Chi Silk Infusion and their Hana Shine Shield Heat Therapy.  Now, anyone that knows me at all can tell you that I am not one to fuss over my hair and I especially don't like spending a lot of time or money on it.  However, I might make an exception on the money part for these products.  I am not saying these procucts are expensive, but they are more than I normally would spend... although that isn't saying much, most anything is more than I would normally spend for my hair.

What I first noticed was 1) how fast the products came and 2) how great they were packaged.  Not only did I get the two products but they were in a box with beautiful stuffing, a gorgeous angel ornament type thing, a set of nail files and a pretty satin bag.  Just opening the box I felt special, it was so beautiful.  So, I take out the products and open them to smell them and they smell incredible.

I put on the Chi Silk Infusion first and it feels like oil.  I think to myself... great, this is going to make my hair look so greasy (something I have been battling the past week or so since I started washing it only every other day because I've gotten so much advice about that).  You really only need a small amount and immediately I feel a difference in my hair, and it looks smoother too.

Next, I wash my hands and then put on the Hana Shine Shield Heat Therapy.  The reason I washed my hands before is because the directions state that you can put this on your hair or skin, so I figured I would try it as a moisturizer for my hands overnight.  This one also seemed a little oily when I saw it, but to my sheer pleasure, neither of them were and neither of them made my hair look greasy.  I then blow dried my hair and knew immediately that it felt softer.  Before I was sent these products I told my husband, I wish I could make my hair look and feel softer... and then I get these... YAY!!!

Overall I feel like both of these items are great products.  I have used them separately, for review purposes... and I noticed an improvement in my hair, but overall, I liked using them together for the best results.

Misikko has a bunch of great products.  I hear they have the Best Hair Dryer and I would love to try out one of their Chi Straighteners.

BUY IT - Go to Misikko's site and purchase Hana Shine Shield Heat Therapy for $29.99 and the Chi Silk Infusion for $12.99.

WIN IT!!! One lucky Mommy's Diaper Dreams reader (from the US or Canada) will win the 2 products that I received for review!  Enter below by 10:00pm on August 31.  The winner will be contacted by e-mail and have 48 hours ro respond to me.

Mandatory Entry: Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect

Extra Entries:
1. Follow Misikko on Twitter (@misikko)
2. Blog about the giveaway on a personal website.
3. Join Misikko’s newsletter (www.misikko.com/newsletter-signup.html)
4. “Like” Misikko on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MisikkoBeauty)
5. Interact with Misikko’s Facebook – Comment on a post or picture, or write on their wall - however, you can't just write “extra entry for Mommy's Diaper Dreams Blog giveaway” or “Mommy's Diaper Dreams Blog sent me!” Their Facebook is one place where their customers can access their beauty experts directly. You can ask questions about products or hair care, or comment on a recent trend or style – anything relevant to beauty! It’s not a mandatory entry, so like your mother always said, "if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all."  Leave me the comment here that you left on FB for your entry.
6. Subscribe to my emails via feedburner (2 extra entries)
7. Put my button on your blog and leave me the link so I can find it (5 extra entries)
8. Comment on any of my other posts (1 entry each, maximum of 5 entries)
9. Post a linky to my giveaway and leave me the link (3 entries)
Good Luck!!!

~C's Mommy
*I was not compensated for this review. The opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.

Thankful Thursdays - Patience

I am thankful for my own patience and yours!  I have waited 16 months to be a stay-at-home mommy and starting Monday... it's finally here!  I actually thought it would never happen, so I am super-excited!  Also, I know I have been behind on posting and I thank all of you for being patient and hanging in there.  This is my last week of work (1 more day!) and I have been super busy at work and at home.  I hope to have things settled down after the weekend so I can get back into a good posting routine.  Also, the Kawaii Baby Pocket Diaper Giveaway is ending tomorrow and I will have another review and giveaway coming up soon for some Misikko Hair Care products!  Plus, a more detailed review of all our cloth diapers - including pictures... since we will be cloth diapering exclusively, full-time, starting Friday evening!

And just for fun... here's a family pic of us in front of the White House from our trip to DC last month.  About 2 seconds after this was taken C fell asleep in his carrier - can't you see how tired he looks.

Kawaii Baby Pocket Diaper Giveaway!!!

Yes, that’s right… here is my first giveaway!

I gave a short review of the Kawaii Baby Pocket Diaper in a previous post after my first weekend of using cloth diapers, and now I have used them for 2 weekends... so here is a little more info.

This was a long weekend because I worked from home on Friday and then had Monday off for the holiday... so that was 4 full days of cloth diapering!  We used the animal print "overnight" diapers for overnight with both inserts stuffed in them.  All the Kawaii Baby pocket diapers come with 2 inserts, but the overnight ones come with 2 XL inserts.  To be honest with you though, I'm not sure what the difference is between the large and X-large inserts, as all the inserts we have appear to be about the same size... oh well, I don't really see that as being a big deal.

So, back to using the diaper overnight... it worked great, no leaks at all and when C got up his PJ's and crib sheet were dry.  Our Little C is usually a pretty heavy wetter overnight if he doesn't sleep completely sound... which he doesn't right now because 2 molars have just come in and 2 more are on the way.  He isn't waking up screaming at night, but I know he is getting up stirring, then falling back asleep on his own.  Anyway, so far so good for overnight cloth diapering.

And during the day we only had one leak so far, and that was all our fault because I knew he would need to be changed soon... we had just gotten home Saturday evening and K was going to take the dog out.  C loves going for the short walk with K, so I put him in his bike and off we went.  Well, then we say hi to neighbors and one thing leads to the next and before you know it, it is another hour or so before we are back home... so due to us leaving him in his diaper too long, a little wetness did creep up the top front of the diaper and wet his one-sie a little.

So far I think the fit is good.  It is hard for a disposable diapering mommy to get used to the fluffiness of the cloth diaper.  Not that I don't love it... it is just a lot different than what I am used to!  I am still playing with the snap settings too and trying to figure out how to get the right fit.  Right now I am using the larger snap setting so I guess if the diaper snap settings would be small, medium, and large (unsnapped), then we are on medium.  Sometimes I feel like we need large, but then the diaper just hangs.  I know, it's just a diaper... how hard can it be???  It's not hard, it's just that I am one of those people that likes to have everything just right.  The diaper must be completely flat under C and he must be laid completely in the center (which is hard with him always moving!), and when I bring up the front I like for it to be a perfect fit withough me having to pull more from under him, lol.  Anyway, I'm learning and loving the experience so far.

All in all though, cloth diapering is going well.  I'll try to get at least one or 2 pictures up soon... but I am so not good about uploading off my camera very often.

Your turn... enter to win a one-size pocket diaper in my choice of color from theluvyourbaby.com and me :)

Mandatory Entry:

~Become a follower via GFC of my blog... Mommy’s Dreams about Diapers and More

Extra Entries... since this is my first giveaway I am allowing for a ton of extra entries! (remember to leave a separate comment for each)  Please make sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it isn't visible in your profile so I can find you!

~Subscribe to my blog via feedburner e-mail – 1 entry
~Add my button to your blog and tell me where it is – 5 entries
~Visit theluvyourbaby.com and tell me what diaper or cover you would want if you could choose – 1 entry
~Post about my giveaway on your blog and leave me the link so I can find it – 3 entries
~Post about my giveaway on a mommy/cloth diapering forum and leave me the link so I can find it – 2 entries
~Enter in your extra entries if you left me a comment here – 3 extra entries for commenting early and 2 extra entries for commenting now
~Comment on any of my other posts – 1 entry each, maximum of 3 entries
~Give your baby a hug/kiss and tell him/her/them that you love them! – 1 entry
~Post a linky to my giveaway and leave me the link – 5 entries

The giveaway will run until July 30th at 12 noon (EST).  The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond to me.

***I was not compensated in any way for this review.  The opinions expressed are honest and completely my own.  I was provided one pocket diaper for the giveaway from theluveyourbaby.com and am paying for the shipping of that diaper to the winner on my own.

Thankful Thursdays – The Little Things

So, I did it… I finally placed my order for Little C’s Kawaii Baby Diapers and Covers!!! I am so excited, it will be like Christmas morning when they arrive… for me anyway, my husband and son really don’t care, I’m sure. I ordered the detergent last night, Allen’s Naturally and will be ordering my Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bag and Pail Liner later today or in a few days… once I decide on the colors! I already ordered and received some Indian prefolds, cloth wipes and flushable liners (for when Daddy will be doing changes) from CottonBabies.com. CottonBabies.com is a great site that always has free shipping! They happened to have the Indian Prefolds on sale for 40 cents off when I purchased them – although in all the price comparing I have done they have always had the best prices on prefolds I could ever find, so this extra savings was even more awesome!

So… back to the title… THANKFUL THURSDAYS… what am I thankful for?? On-line shopping deals and the fact that just thinking about starting cloth diapering full-time has me feeling like a kid on Christmas morning, and also for the great deals I feel like I am getting… I love saving money! It’s the little things in life…

My grand total for everything that I think I will ever really “need” is… $232.90! I think that is a great price and it even includes a freebie or too. Here’s the breakdown.

http://www.cottonbabies.com/
8 Indian Prefolds: Premium – $12.80 (that’s $1.60 each!)
4 Indian Prefolds: Infant – $4.40 (that’s $1.10 each!)
2 Packs of 12 count bumGenius Flannel Baby Wipes – $23.90
1 Pack of Imse Vimse Flushable Liners: Toddler – $12.99
The total was $54.09 and then I used coupon code: BESTDEAL to save 5%
Bringing the grand total to $51.39!

http://www.theluvyourbaby.com/ (Kawaii Baby)
7 Pocket Diapers for $48.93 ($6.99 each and all Pocket Diapers come with 2 inserts!)
2 Over-Night Pocket Diapers for $15.98 ($7.99 each and 2 extra large inserts each)
1 Special Print Pocket Diaper for $7.25 (yep, 2 inserts)
5 Diaper Covers for $22.50 (wow, $4.50 each)
1 free Pocket Diaper for a giveaway on my site!
***Make a comment on this post by answering my questions below for 3 extra entries into my Kawaii Baby giveaway starting on Monday July 5th!***
Since I ordered 10 pockets, the shipping was free!
The total came to $94.18!

http://www.nurturedfamily.com/
1 box Allens Naturally Detergent - 5 lb Powder for $17.55 (it was $19.50 but I had a 10% off offer for signing up for their newsletter – else allensna.ipower.com would have been a better deal)
Shipping for $10.78
That’s $28.33 for the total and here are the costs per load (including the shipping proce) for my HE Front
Load washer:
Cloth Diapers: 900-1200 loads, which is between 2.4 and 3.1 cents a load!!!
Regular Clothes: about 300 loads, which is 9.4 cents a load!

http://www.kellyscloset.com/ – Although this order hasn’t been placed yet… I am still debating back and forth about if I want wet bags or wet/dry bags and what color pail liner… and just 1 or 2 - so this is an estimate, but it's close enough
2 Planet Wise Pail Liners for $33.00 ($16.50 each)
1 Planet Wise Small Wet Bag for $9.50
1 Planet Wise Medium Wet Bag for $16.50
1 free Pocket Diaper with coupon code: OSMOTPROMO
Free shipping because my order is over $49.
Bringing this total to $59.00!

Okay, so what does everyone think? Did I figure this stuff out fairly well or am I completely off base about what I should need? I am so new to this stuff and although I love the idea of trying a bunch of stuff to see what works best for us and our son… I am too cheap to buy all those higher priced diapers! I have heard great reviews about Kawaii Baby and you really can’t beat the price! I also have heard great recommendations for Allen’s Naturally and Planet Wise, so I hope I made some good choices.

Keep in mind I also have a Bumkins All-In-One in Medium that still fits our son and also a Knickernappies One-Size Pocket, both of which I won… not bought. Okay, I also have won a Wahmies Pocket Diaper… but that was almost one month ago and I still haven’t received it – even though I was in contact with the hosting blogger (I won’t mention any names) and she said she’d let me know when it ships :( Also, I e-mailed her this past weekend and still haven’t heard anything… so I’m not counting on that diaper :(  What would you do in this situation?

My First Giveaway!!! - Kawaii Baby

I am so excited to announce that I will soon have a giveaway for a Kawaii Baby One Size Diaper.  I am about to place an order for a bunch of Kawaii Baby Diapers and Covers - I am so excited, these are just the remaining items I'll need to cloth diaper full time.  Basically, April from http://www.theluvyourbaby.com/ is going to include with my order 1 free diaper that I will then give to one of my readers!  Since I am so new and don't have many followers and/or hits yet... and the shipping for April is kind-of expensive, I thought if she could send me a free diaper (with my order) to giveaway, I would pay for the shipping to send it to the winner.  I'll probably be posting the giveaway, with a review of all my new Kawaii Diapers and Covers, in early July.  Hope you'll stop by and join me on my first giveaway!!!

I'm Glad You Were Born... Giveaway

It was pure bliss and happiness from the moment we found out we were having you, and has only gotten better every day since. Colson, our sweet, happy, cheerful, easy-going, 14-month old son, you are the best thing that has ever happened to Daddy and I and we are SO GRATEFUL and THANKFUL for you. We are so glad you were born and we're so glad you are here with us. Every time I look at your beautiful face, look into those deep blue eyes, or even just think about you, my heart feels like it will explode. I never imagined I could love someone so much, but I do, and that someone is you. You are my world and I promise to always love and support you and to always remember how happy I am that you were born!

Head over to Cotton Babies' Blog, Cloth Diapers and enter the great giveaway to win $100 certificate to Cotton Babies. What an amazing giveaway. The giveaway is themed around, "I'm glad you were born!" So, make sure you cloth diapering mommas check out this giveaway!  Above is my entry about our amazing son.  I love Cotton Babies, they have great prices and FREE shipping all the time!  Check it out and Good Luck!

Giveaways

Visit Knicker Nappies to win a Custom Made Knickernappies sized or one-sized diaper in your choice of outer, inner, snap color! Hurry, contest ends Friday, 4/16/10

Visit Monkey Tales to win some of these great items:
- Trim Hemp Fitted diaper from Tiny Tush
- Tot Wraps Dream Diaper AIO One Size diaper
- My Emmy Baby custom onesie or t-shirt
- Fuzzibunz One-Size diaper in your choice of color
- Superior Soapnuts 500g bag
- Oompa set of wooden ABC blocks
- Thanks Mama One-Size GroBaby diaper
- ThinkBaby BPA-free ThinkBaby Bowl and Cup Set

FuzziBunz Giveaway

Visit Mom to Bed by 8 for a chance to win a FuzziBunz One Size Cloth Diaper in Apple Green from Strawberry Kids!

Exergen TemporalScanner Giveaway

Visit The B Keeps Us Honest for your chance to win a Exergen TemporalScanner Thermometer.

Kissaluvs Giveaway

Visit The B Keeps Us Honest for your chance to win a Kissaluvs Marvels One-size AIO and a One-size Diaper Cover.

Win gift certificate from No Pins Required

Go to Thrify Mama B's for your chance to win a $30 gift certificate from No Pins Required.

Fuzzibunz Giveaway

Visit Makin' It for your chance to win a Red, One Size Fuzzi Bunz Diaper from The Diaper Wagon.

BumGenius Giveaway

Visit Monkey Tales for a chance to win a ORGANIC BumGenius AIO One Size Diaper from Fluff Envy.

Tot Wraps Giveaway

Visit Monkey Tales for a chance to win a Tots Wrap OS AIO Dream Diaper.

Fuzzibunz Giveaway

Visit Monkey Tales for a chance to win one (1) One-Size Fuzzibunz diaper!