See Kai Run WINNER!

First, I want to say a huge huge THANK YOU to everyone who entered. I had such an overwhelming response with this giveaway and in the end had 450 entries! WOW! See Kai Run will be thrilled, and I am grateful for the participation!

So, onto the good news for our winner. I would like to congratulate Mommyhood Is Thankless!

January 28, 2009 10:02 PM Mommyhood is Thankless said...
I have you favved on my Technorati!

Username: wastebasket

mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com

I will be contacting you today and you will have 36 hours from the time of the email to claim your prize or a new winner will chosen at random.

Vote For Me!!

I've been nominated for a Dottie Award. This is a super huge deal to me, and it would mean alot if your guys would vote for me. I've been nominated in the Best Supporting Blogger.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

See Kai Run Giveaway Ends Tomorrow!

Hurry hurry and enter for your chance to win a pair of shoes of your choice from See Kai Run. Tomorrow at midnight is your last chance to enter. So enter yourself, tell your girlfriends, tell your grandma, just make sure that you get your shot at one of these fabulous pairs of shoes! Click HERE to enter!

We have our Justin Roberts CD winner!

Congrats to Candie!

"Candie said... Not Naptime sounds way tooo fun. Thank you."

I will be emailing you today about winning! In the event that I do not get a response within 72 hours, another winner will be chosen.

Wordless Wednesday

Two words.
Shaving cream.

New SEE KAI RUN Styles... coming soon!

See Kai Run and Smaller will soon be unveiling their Spring 2009 collection. This includes lots of new designs, colors, and choices. I am beyond excited for this! 31 new styles are what we can expect. That's like... better than Baskin Robbins - FOR SHOES!

100 Followers! WOO!

I've hit a landmark! I now have 100 followers on Blogger! Awesome. Thanks so much guys! I owe whatever success comes from Grab Bag, to you!

Giveaway Ending Today!

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a Justin Robert's Pop Fly CD! The contest ends tonight at midnight CST!

ENTER HERE!

Wee Step Soft Sole Shoes Review

I'm excited about the fact that soft soled shoes are the best for my children's developing feet. They don't restrict the growth and help them to keep good balance. And until they stable walkers it's best to keep them in a shoe that is flexible. This is such an easy thing for me to do for my little ones and the options are continually growing. But with more options comes more confusion, so let me tell you about one company in particular that is leading the way for our little ones to walk.

My most recent discovery in the world of soft sole shoes is WeeSteps. Their shoes give you some great options with creative designs. These handcrafted line goes on easy and the elastic that holds the top and bottom together also keeps little hands from pulling the shoes off like they would socks. Being fourth generation shoe makers, WeeStep has a particular advantage in knowing not only what feet need, but also want we want to put on them. The designs on the tops of the shoes also help to stimulate mini minds and hands by encouraging grabbing and exploring.

Pair these natural shoes with any outfit you like. Whatever color you are looking for you'll find it here at WeeStep. And to aid you in your quest to fill your babies' shoe racks, WeeStep is providing Grab Bag readers a 20% off discount code!! So use code WEEBSYM0205 when you checkout at WeeStep.com for our special discount.

Coupon good through February 5th at midnight PST.

*ENDED* Planet Pudge Giveaway!

Love is in the tee. This is the slogan for one of my favorite Etsy shops, Planet Pudge. Using recycled fabric scraps, Holly creates gorgeous limited edition designs for her tees. While her designs are changing, this also means that there is constantly an updated selection of cuteness. Perfect for the changing interests of our kiddies!

The shirt I recieved from Plant Pudge is the Mr. Roboto long sleeved navy tee. The design is so much fun, and I loved it from the moment I saw it at her shop. As unbelievable as it may seem, I loved it even more once I saw it in person! The handstitching in impeccable, the design is so secure, and the with fused edges there is no worry about the frabrics pieces fraying.

Imaginative play is essential for our little ones, and this special shirt keeps my oldest in the thick of his imagination. Whenever he wears his Mr. Roboto Tee he pretends he is a robot... as demonstarted in the picture above. LOL Fun clothes that spark learning and play are few and far between for us, so that just adds to my adoration for Planet Pudge.

And what's better than seeing a cute picture of my little one in a gorgeous shirt? Getting the chance to win your own shirt for your child! This shirt is most definatley unisex, but I often see giveaways out there that are strictly for girls, and I love that this giveaway can be such a fabulous boy item! Choose this or another fabulous Planet Pudge tee. Wanna know how to win? READ ON!

How To Enter: Go to visit the Planet Pudge shop on Etsy and tell me what your favorite planet pudge tee is in a comment. WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

Extra Entries:please leave in separate comments
-follow me
-add me on twitter and tweet this contest: (GrabBagReviews)
-add my button to your sidebar
-post about this contest on your blog
-subscribe to Grab Bag Reviews (top left)
-"stumble" this contest
-fave me on technorati

Contest ends Feb 10th. Please leave your email address.

Jimeale Review

Mama's got a brand new bag! Well, a diaper bag. But if you're a mama, a cute diaper bag is almost as good as great new handbag. With both of my boys I went with cheapy bags from Wal-Mart, so I've never had a really great, function diaper bag... until now!

I was recently sent a Jimeale diaper bag and makeup bag. The fabric is washable, but so silky. The pattern is the ultra-hip hunter style and has rich shades of blue and brown that are the in combo right now. There are ample pockets, cubbys, and a zippered outter pocket that is perfect for my mommy stuff. I love that there is a detachable bottle/sippy cup holder inside the bag. It's roomy and would fit any number of things, baby bottles, big sippy cups, or even mama's Earthlust water bottle! My matching cosmetic bag also finds plenty of room in the diaper bag!

I've also learned that the stars are in love with Jimeale! Sacha Baron Cohen was spotted toting a Jimeale diaper bag for his little one. All the more reason to get yours!

This is by far my favorite diaper bag I've ever used. It's cute and funtional which makes it great for me and every other mama. Head over to the Jimeale website and get one for yourself! Don't forget to check out the rest of the Jimeale line, which includes weekend totes, men's toiletry bags, and more!

Make Something Monday - Smoothies

I am far from a health nut, but I've been doing my best to change my lifestyle and become healthier and happier. One of my main issues is eating empty calories. I've always enjoyed sodas, sweets, and fast food, and these are the worst culprits of empty calories. I've recently made it a point to eat breakfast every morning. This is supposed to be our most important meal of the day, and it really sets the tone for your nutritional choices throughout the day.

I was given the tip that you add spinach to smoothies and you can't even taste it! I was, understandably, skeptical but I gave it a chance this morning. Oooh, how yummy! I bought 2 bags of frozen fruit, one berries one mixed. I added a couple handfuls of these, about 1/2 cup of organic white grape juice and a good handful of spinach in the blender. It all started swirling around, the shapes becoming less and less distinguishable, and low and behold a rich purple is what poured out into my cup. I couldn't taste even a hint of the spinach, and the fruit was so delicious and perfect for a morning jump start.

So, next time you're worried about eating your greens, power up a yummy smoothie and you'll never know the difference!

Inspired by Finn Review - Coupon Code!

What is one of the most dreaded stages of infancy and toddlerhood? Teething! Teething poops, teething drool, and teething pain are all part of the awful spectrum. If you're a mama who is eco-friendly or concerned with over medicating your kiddos this becomes an even bigger problem. How can you ease your baby's pain without hurting the environment and pumping them full of over the counter meds? In my search of relief for my 10 month old son I was told about Inspired By Finn teething necklaces. They are made of baltic amber beads that when placed against the skin and allowed to warm up release natural oils that are supposed to help soothe the teething pain. I was very sceptical that a necklace seeming to having nothing to do with my son's mouth could make a difference in his level of discomfort, but I was willing to giving it a try.




I purchased my son's necklace and, upon receiving it in the mail, immediately put it on him. As I watched him play I paid close attention looking for any change in his demeanor. Within 10 minutes he was notably calmer, he was drooling less, and he seemed to be much more at ease than before. I couldn't believe the remarkable difference I was noticing in such a short amount of time, but I was sold! My son has gotten some strange looks, and I've gotten some strange comments ("Are boys supposed to wear necklaces?!") but this is working great for us.




Inspired By Finn has an entire line of baby, toddler, and mama baltic amber jewelry. Apart from teething the jewelry also boasts relief of a number of other problems including joint pain, and headaches. They come in varying lengths, colors, and bead styles and they offer bracelets as well as necklaces. Next time around I'm buying a necklace for my 3 year old and mama is getting some bling too! Too bad these necklaces don't help with those teething poops. Now THAT would be a product a mama could love!

And now, if you're one of the lucky Grab Bag readers you can take 20% off of your Inspired By Finn order with coupon code grabbag (Good through Valentine's Day).

Appaman Review

Finding great new clothes for our kids feels like winning the lottery sometimes. That's who I felt when I discovered Appaman. This line gives your child "street-cred" because it's so cool. With awesome cold weather jackets, super cute tee designs, and adorable dresses with the right amount of "hip" this line meets all your cool clothing needs. Pair one of their long sleeved tees with a puffy vest and your little ones will be snug and super cute!

With affordable prices vibrant colors, unique designs, and the perfect look for any time of year, you can't go wrong with Appaman! Check out their whole line from one of the many online stores by clicking HERE!

Starbucks . Free . Even better!

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but, I L.O.V.E. Starbucks. Venti Iced White Mocha, if you please! They really are a great company, never mind the yummy drinks. They carry Ethos brand water, which helps provide clean water for our world. And now for every 5 hours of community service you pledge, you get a free tall brewed coffee! Click HERE for the details. I'll leave you with Starbucks own statement.

What if you gave 5 hours to help your community?

*******

What if we all did?

*******

Your small commitment could add up to something

BIG!

Time Is Running Out!! ENTER NOW!

There are only 5 short days left to enter Grab Bag's first every giveaway! You'll be making history by entering, and also giving yourself a chance to win the awesome Pop Fly CD by Justin Roberts. Go enter now... hurry... run, Grab Bagger, run!

CLICK ME TO ENTER!

*ENDED* Nature's Gate Natural Results Giveaway!

I've had problems with breakouts my whole life. Well, I'm pretty sure as an infant it wasn't an issue, but I think you catch my drift. I've tried countless over-the-counter remedies, a few homemade concoctions, essential oils, and even alcohol. WOWZERS. Don't use alcohol. It burns! My point is this, I was constantly switching products because I hadn't found something that worked all the time. I had yet to find a product that actually made my skin feel and look healthier.

I was recently sent the Nature's Gate Natural Results Acne Treatment Kit. This was exactly what I've been looking for, and now I'm a fan for life! This is a 3 step kit that includes a Corrective Cleanser, Calming Toner, and Controlling Lotion. It's such a simple process, takes only a few minutes, and the results are more than worth it.

First is the Corrective Cleanser which has a light clean scent. You put a little dollop in your hand and add a bit of water, then wash. I love this because it's obvciously winter here, which means the water takes a while to warm up. Now I don't have to waste the water letting it warm up before I can even start washing. I wet the cleanser and get to work, letting the water warm before rinsing. Then comes the toner. It doesn't sting like most others I've tried, and the scent doesn't close up my lungs either. Last is the lotion. This has a slightly warm tingly feeling, but it's pleasant. So simple and it's been very effective!

So do you want the chance to try it out too? Nature's Gate is going to give one of you lucky readers your own Natural Results kit (valued at $29.99).

How To Enter: Go to Nature's Gate's website and tell me your favorite Nature' Gate product. WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

Extra Entries:please leave in separate comments
-follow me
-add me on twitter and tweet this contest: (GrabBagReviews)
-add my button to your sidebar
-post about this contest on your blog
-subscribe to Grab Bag Reviews (top left)
-"stumble" this contest
-fave me on technorati

Contest ends Feb 10th. Please leave your email address.

Laptop Lunches

The days of brown bagging it are long gone. Laptop Lunches has come up with the perfect alternative. No more wasted plastic baggies, no more plastic forks and spoons. When you bring your lunch in a Laptop container your food stays compartmentalized and whatever you don't finish can be stored for later, creating less waste. With 4 food containers and your own fork and spoon, there is more than enough room for your meal. Just imagine all of the trash you will be keeping out of the landfills by bringing a Laptop Lunch, and imagine the moolah you'll be saving yourself by not eating out!

This is one of the most practical and innovative food products I've seen a long time. It fills both needs and wants and helps to aid us in our fight to Go Green! There was a cool little booklet that came with this that outlines the impact that disposable products are having on our world, and also some really yummy and healthy lunch ideas that pack perfectly into your Laptop Lunch. Now I know you want one, so read on!

How To Enter: Go to Busy Mom and enter HERE!

PlanToys

It can be very hard to find quality toys that can outlive your child's interest or ability to play with them. I can't tell you how many toys we've had shattered, torn apart, colored beyond recognition, or just thrown in the back of a closet to be forgotten forever. That will never be the case with our PlanToys! This exceptional line of toys are beautifully hand-made from all natural rubberwood, non-toxic glue, water or soy based dyes, recyclable and recycled materials. Their sturdy contruction gives them a higher life expectancy than most of the toys we've had.

I was sent the Musical Band, which is essentially a drum set. I did have to assemble it, but with only 2 screws and a few pieces fitting together easily, I had it all together in about 2 minutes. Both of my boys love this, even though it says for 3 and up. The sound is actually very musical. I think this is what surprised me the most of anything, because every other child's instruments we've tried (and we've tried ALOT!) has been shrill, annoying, and the opposite of melodic. The drum has a deep thud thud thud, and the cymbal gives a nice tink tink tink that the boys loved and I, in fact, enjoyed myself! There is also a ridged piece that you drag the drumsticks across that is remniscent of pulling a twig accross a picket fence. This little band held my boys attnetion for an extended period of time, and they actually played together really well. I gave them each a musical task, I joined in, and we had such a blast!

If you're looking to add to your toy collections with ethical, eco-conscious brands that stimulate little minds then PlanToys should be your next stop.

And now onto the fun part for YOU! If you would like to win the same Musical Band that my boys have (new, not our used one LOL) then see below.

How To Enter: Go to BusyMom and enter!

*ENDED* Go Picnic Giveaway

Recently, my friend Sarah, of the Ohana Mama blog, told a tale of car problems and being stranded with hungry kiddos out on the open road. Well Sarah, listen up chica! You need to make sure your diaper bag stays packed with a few Go Picnics! These ingenious quick meals have tons of food that a good and good for you! They make as many of their products organic and natural as possible, which means they really are giving you their best. And with a price tag of only $3.99 this beats fast food by a long shot!

Their selection ranges form yummy turkey sticks, all the way to Kosher Picnics. The versatility and ease of use of these make them indispensable. This is my new must have product! It feeds a hungry mama who never has the time to grab food that's good for her, and it feeds ravenous little ones whose bellies seem to be made of the same material as black holes. Add in some organic juice boxes, or a refillable water bottle and you're set. Grab a blanket, a Go Picnic, and make a date at the park.

And now, lucky you, you get to enter to win a Might Munch Sampler from Go Picnic. That's SIX different Mighty Munch Meals!

How To Enter: Go to the Go Picnic website and tell me what picnic you would most like to try in a comment. WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

Extra Entries:please leave in separate comments
-follow me
-add me on twitter and tweet this contest: (GrabBagReviews)
-add my button to your sidebar
-post about this contest on your blog
-subscribe to Grab Bag Reviews (top left)
-"stumble" this contest
-fave me on technorati

Contest ends Feb 8th. Please leave your email address.

Progress in the Fight for Handmade!!

I just received this email updating me on the status of the campaign by the Handmade Toy Alliance to change the HR4040 law. Here is the official update!

Thank you for your support on change.org! Because of your votes, 'Save Small Business from the CPSIA' is now one of the top ten ideas for change in America on change.org. These ideas were presented to President-elect Obama's change.gov/transition team at a press event in Washington DC this past Friday, January 16th.

With 12,280 votes from supporters, our issue is now part of a campaign to increase national awareness of the lack of provisions for small business in HR4040, the CPSIA, and bring about positive changes to the law. In the upcoming week, we will be working with the chang.org team to engage an appropriate non profit group to help us further our cause.

A forum has been opened for discussion on how to most effectively turn our idea into a successful national campaign, and the Handmade Toy Alliance would love your suggestions on how to bring about this Idea for Change. You can join the conversation here:

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

We still have a lot of work ahead of us to make it possible for the thousands of American craftspeople and small businesses to stay in business, and to keep unique, beautiful hand-made children's products available to consumers. But this was an important milestone in our journey, and we are grateful to you for helping us to reach it.

www.handmadetoyalliance.org

Award Time Again!

And no, I don't mean the Golden Globes. My beautiful girlfriend Sarah of Ohana Mama has bestowed 2 wonderful awards on me... and several other worthy moms! So here they are...

AWARD #1: Honest Scrap

The rules: Honorees are to list 10 honest things about themselves - and make it interesting, even if we have to dig deep! Second, we are to pass the award on to 7 bloggers we feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

10 Honest Things About Me:

1. In general I would rather talk to people via email than on the phone.
2. I love taking pictures, but I am horrible at getting prints. I took my sister to Atlanta for a concert on her Sweet 16. We took a dispoable camera. I still have that camera, undeveloped. She is going to be 19 in April. Woops!
3. I hate dishes and laundry the most of all cleaning tasks.
4. Guilty Pleasures: Twilight, Hanson, Starbucks, Grey's Anatomy, & Spunk Ranson. hehe (only the cool people will get that last one)
5. I'm overweight and doing little to nothing to change it. How's that for honest. Pff.
6. I only have 2 bras that fit.
7. I haven't been to church since I moved. :(
8. I get upset when things don't go my way, even if it was predictable.
9. I take everything WAY too personally.
   
10. I'm the coolest, most awesomest person you'll ever meet. :P

AWARD #2: Your Blog Is Fabulous!

List your 5 addictions. Easy peasy!

1. Twilight
2. Starbucks
3. coughcigarettescough ( I hope my Grandma doesn't read this... or my Dad!)
4. Blogging
5. BabyTalkBio - soon to the The Mamasphere!
   
6. Just Tomatoes
7. Scarves

Thanks so much Sarah. You rock the Casba!

And now onto my winners! This is a whole group of ladies that I am honored to work with! We are known as Playdate Picks and they're all scrapily honest and their blogs are fabuloso!

Melinda - Look What Mom Found
Erin - The Mom Buzz
Susan - Life in a House of Blue
Samantha - One Mom's View
Jenna - For the Love of Baby
Trisha - Sweet & Sassy Girls

And lastly my good friend Lauren!

Lauren - 4 Baby & Mom

*ENDED* The Peach Tree Giveaway

I have a soft spot for beautiful jewelry. I don't wear it very often, but if I do I need to truly love it! I found the Peach Tree shop on Etsy, and as soon as I saw owner Amy's style it was like finding my owen personal jewelry store. I received the most beautiful pair of earrings. They are feather light, with gorgeous peacock freshwater pearls. I think she made these just for me!

With careful attention to details, secure fittings , and beautiful pieces, the Peachtree meets all of your jewelry needs. Whether you like things a little bit funky and chunky, or, like me, prefer dainty and understated, the Peach Tree has what you're looking for!

And now, lucky you, you get to enter to win the same pair of earring that I have. Copy cat!

How To Enter: Go to the Peach Tree shop and tell me what your favorite piece is besides the o2 earrings. WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

Extra Entries:please leave in separate comments
-follow me
-add me on twitter and tweet this contest: (GrabBagReviews)
-add my button to your sidebar
-post about this contest on your blog
-subscribe to Grab Bag Reviews (top left)
-"stumble" this contest
-fave me on technorati

Contest ends Feb 7th. Please leave your email address.

Parents Magazine FREE!!

We can all use tidbits of parenting advice, fun articles, and activity ideas that get us more involved with our little ones. Parents magazine is one of those resources. And right now you can get 2 years FREE!!! Just click HERE!