Scholastic Storybook Treasures

Scholastic Storybook Treasures sent Sydney the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom / Chicka Chicka 1-2-3 set to review. Sydney loves anything musical, and she already loves the Chicka Chicka books, so I thought she would love these DVDs.

They came packaged as a set. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a fun alphabet song, and Chicka Chicka 1-2-3 is a similar counting song. Both songs are very upbeat, and keep Sydney very entertained. Both DVDs include extra stories, such as “Emily's First 100 Days of School” and “Inch By Inch,” all with read-along capabilities. The complete set is just over 2 hours long. The stories are at a much slower pace than the songs, so Sydney isn't very interested in them right now. They would be great for beginning readers though. They are easy to follow and read.

Check out Scholastic Storybook Treasures. You will find many of your children's favorite characters (Curious George for one), along with some you may remember growing up (my favorite was always Corduroy)!  They are very reasonably priced as well.  The Chicka Chicka set is only $19.95!

Their website also offers printable coloring and activity sheets for kids HERE!

My Father's Gifts

I came across a jewelry site called “My Father's Gifts” and found a necklace I just LOVED (right before Mother's Day). I had already been in contact with the seller about doing a review or giveaway, but her computer crashed (literally) and we weren't able to talk for a few days. Before I had finalized plans with her, my husband surprised me with the necklace I wanted for Mother's Day! Since she was having computer problems and shipped it out later than she planned, she even included a free pair of matching earrings! 

I absolutely LOVE the necklace and earrings! The stones are beautiful. Sydney likes to touch the earrings, so I don't get to wear them often, but I love it when I do get to wear them. I get to feel “girly” for a little while. The necklace has “Faith” inscribed around it, which I love. It is a good reminder to me that God will provide if I have a little faith. Apparently, we didn't take any Mother's Day pictures this year, so I don't even have a picture of it, but trust me...it's beautiful!!

You should definitely check out My Father's Gifts. She has a large selection of beautiful jewelry, and I'm sure you could find something perfect for yourself or any special lady in your life.  Her jewelry is VERY reasonably priced, and still very pretty and good quality.  Don't hesitate to ask if you are looking for something, I'm sure she will try to help you out!  You can see her blog HERE or her Facebook page HERE. 

Here are a few pictures of her items:

Yoohoo and Friends Review and Giveaway

Almost every kid loves stuffed animals...and most kids have a few (or a basket full like my niece), but most of them aren't even close to being as cute as Yoohoo and friends.  We received three of the adorable plush animals, and they each make a different sound when you press their tummy.   One was an adorable plush princess complete with tutu and tiara.  The first time my niece saw her, she loved her!  She even named her "Princess Tutu."  We also received the birthday Yoohoo, which plays "Happy Birthday" and is equally adorable if you ask me!  These stuffed animals seem to be pretty sturdy.  They are surface washable only (like most stuffed animals). 

About Yoohoo and Friends
One thing I think is really neat about Yoohoo and Friends is that they have a website that is a virtual world based upon the characters created by Aurora World. The characters (and their plush counterparts) are based upon real animals in their natural habitat all over the world.  Some of them are endangered and children will be able to learn about each animal. Children can choose and raise pets, decorate pet’s room, play games and watch YooHoo and Friends animations all from the website.  Any child can register and adopt pets from the YooHoo and Friends characters. Registration to the website is free and does not require any activation code to enter.  After adopting a pet, children can decorate a pet’s room, play games and earn Green points to decorate their pet’s room. They can also watch previews of the upcoming YooHoo and Friends animation series.  The website is intended for kids around ages 5-12.

About Aurora
Aurora World, Inc. (http://www.auroragift.com/), celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality, competitively priced plush toys and gifts. Founded in 1981, the Korean company with headquarters also in the United States, United Kingdom and Hong Kong, has ascended quickly to become a respected leader in the world’s toy and gift industry.  The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos, high-end toy stores such as Learning Express, top gift chains such as Hallmark and Claire’s as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationery stores worldwide.

What do I think?
I think these plush toys are great!  They have small 5" plush that are the perfect size for snuggling and carrying on trips.  I think it's a good idea to create some based on endangered species to help encourage kids to learn about their new pets.  The website has so many different things to do for so many different ages...I was very impressed.  There aren't many online websites I'd let my child play on, but if Sydney was old enough I'd definitely let her play on the YooHoo and Friends world!

GIVEAWAY
Yoohoo and Friends is offering one reader their very own plush toy similar to the ones I received.  It will be a 5" plush that makes noise when squeezed.

How to Enter
Mandatory Entry - MUST do this for other entries to count!
Visit YooHoo and Friends HERE and tell me which animal is your favorite...Beware - they are all adorable!

(1 entry) - "Like" Yoohoo and Friends on Facebook
(1 entry) - Follow Yoohoo and Friends on Twitter
(1 entry) - "Like" So Mommy on Facebook
Giveaway will end August 4, 2010 at 5 pm CST.  Winner will be drawn by a random number generator and contacted via email.  If winner doesn't respond within 48 hours, another winner will be drawn.  I was provided Yoohoo and Friends products in exchange for my honest review which I have given.  See full disclaimer for details.

Bath Luve Review and Giveaway

All of you new moms - get ready - this is a great product!  I wish I had this great bath item when Sydney was a tiny baby!  I know, I know...you're probably wondering if you need another bath product, but when you see this I think you will agree with me!  

The product I am talking about is the Bath Luve.   Luve, LLC was founded by a mom who realized how stressful bathing an infant can be.   If you safely bathe your baby in a few inches of water, it leaves the rest of baby to get cold, and of course in most babies this leads to terrible crying, which makes it a stressful experience for moms and dads.  Bath Luve also offers a Bath Luve Buddy and super-soft hooded terry towels and washcloths.  The Bath Luve Buddy is a sponge that can be used to bathe baby, re-wet the Bath Luve, and become a bath toy as your baby grows.

The  Bath Luve can be purchased at Kohl’s stores nationwide as well as other retailers such as Babies R Us, select Baby Depots, and Wal-Mart.com. The Bath Luvē, in frog, fish or duck design, retails at $6 to $10.
You can also see product information and buy these products online at http://www.bathluve.com/. 

I think this is a great product!  Like I said, I wish I had this when Sydney was born!  Since she was my first baby, bathtime was especially stressful for me.  I know some of you moms out there are thinking a washcloth would do the same thing, and it would, just not as well.  The Bath Luve is made to curve around your baby's body to get maximum coverage.  It would take 3 or 4 washcloths to get the same coverage...and who wants to try to keep all of those on a baby? 

GIVEAWAY
Amy, the creator of the Bath Luve, is offering one reader a Bath Luve of their own! 

How to Enter
(1 entry) - Follow the Bath Luve Blog HERE
(1 entry) - Go to Bath Luve HERE and tell me which design is your favorite.
(1 entry) - Follow the So Mommy Blog HERE
(1 entry) - Leave a Happy Birthday or Half-Birthday comment to my sister, my husband, or Sydney

Giveaway will end August 4, 2010 at 5 pm CST.  Winner will be drawn by a random number generator and contacted by email.  If winner doesn't respond in 48 hours another winner will be drawn.  The Bath Luve was provided to me for my honest review, which I have given.  See full disclaimer for more information.

Winners!

I know...I'm a little late posting winners, but here they are!!  Thanks to everyone who entered and good luck next time!!

My Embroidered Gifts "Puppy Lovie" winner is....Imomm, who said, "I love the 'lovies' on My Embroidered gifts! My favorite was Jakka the giraffe :) I liked "My Embroidered gifts" of fb!"

Auntie Bubbles $10 gift certificate winner is....Nell, who said, "The item I like the most is the Adorable Flamingo Dress-- pink and turquoise (size 4T)! Extremely cute! But I also love the red, white and blue striped onesie with tie!"


Also, yesterday was my older sisters birthday and today is my hubby's birthday...AND today is Sydney's half-birthday...so since we're in the birthday gift-giving mode here...I'm going to post a couple of giveaways for all of YOU this afternoon! 

Auntie Bubbles Review and Giveaway

I received a chance to review an adorable skirt from Auntie Bubbles, who is an Etsy seller that makes clothing items for girls and boys.  I was excited to receive this skirt, because they are unique and very colorful!  The top portion of the skirt is jean, and the bottom is fabric.  Feel free to ask about the fabric choices; many times she can work with you on creating something custom.  She has skirts and dresses for the little girls, and tie shirts and onesies for the boys!  Everything in her store is priced $10-$35 so that even those on a budget can shop here!

Auntie Bubbles definitely makes quality items!  Sydney has worn this skirt many times, and it is still as good as new!  It is a little long on her right now, but that gives her a little growing room.  The jeans and fabric used is very good quality and have a good fit.  I guess the only thing I would change about it is the bow.  I wish the bow was sewn so that it stayed tied...mainly because some Dads (like Sydney's Daddy) aren't able to tie a cute bow.  Otherwise, I love the skirt.  The style is adorable, and I love that you can get different fabrics for each holiday!  Sydney gets a lot of compliments on her skirt!

GIVEAWAY

Auntie Bubbles is offering one reader the chance to win $10 off a purchase!

How to Enter:

You can do one or all of these.  The more you do, the better your chances. 

(1 entry) Visit Auntie Bubbles and tell me which item you like the most

(1 entry) Follow So Mommy by Google Friend Connect (publicly)

(1 entry) Vote for Auntie Bubbles HERE

(1 entry) Blog about this giveaway (leave the link to the post)

(1 entry) Grab my button for your blog (leave the link please)

Giveaway will end July 26, 2010 at 5 p.m. CST.  Winner will be drawn by a random number generator and contacted by email.  If winner doesn't respond within 48 hours, another winner will be drawn.  I was provided the skirt for my honest review.  See full disclaimer for details.

Wild at Heart

I received the book "Wild at Heart: Revised and Expanded" by John Eldredge (awhile ago...more about that later) through the Blogging for Books program with Booksneeze.   I chose this book because it is written about men, but for women OR men to read.  I was intrigued by how this book could supposedly help 2 completely different sets of readers.   I have to say, the author exceeded my expectations.

This book is written to help men and women discover "the secret of a man's soul."  After reading the first chapter of this book, I looked at my husband and said, "This is such a sad chapter, I hope it gets happier."  What I was refering to is the author describing how many men feel.  I never really thought about it, but the author paints a very vivid picture using quotes from friends, the Bible, and various other people.  He explains how we (as a people, in general) have pushed men into more feminine roles through the years, and how that has taken the passion out of every man's life.   He then goes on to explain how men have been wounded, many by their fathers or mothers.  A boy needs a dad (or dad figure) to usher him into man-hood and let him know he is good enough. 

This book explains so many things that I can't begin to talk about them all, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It is based on the Bible, and it uses several Bible stories, but ANYONE could benefit from reading this book, man or woman, Christian or not.  I think this book can help wives understand their husbands, mothers understand their sons, and husbands help themselves and other men.  If you have a son or a husband, please read this book!  It may save you a lot of headache from trying to figure out the men in your life! 

John Eldredge also offers a Wild at Heart Small Group Guide with videos.  I'm sure this would be a great series for a men's Sunday School class!