Little Life Portraits - GIVEAWAY

What is Little Life Portraits?
Little Life Portraits is a division of McAlister, Inc and also a sister compnay of Heather McAlister Photography that specializes in non-traditional, photojournalistic, modern photography. Our style is unique, fresh and exciting! We love to capture your life moments by having your little one's personality shine through each image. We do this by catching images of familes with their natural expressions that reflect love, silliness, attitude, giggles, laughter and devotion.

We shoot in studio and on location at parks, gardens, downtown areas, and even in client's homes. At each session, we want to make sure each memeber of your family is comfortable and at ease.

All consultations are complimentary and are not only meant to schedule and plan out your session but to get to know you as well. We like to personally connect with each client to get to know their tastes and desires. That way, each session is personal, relaxing and fun. We like to think of it as a playdate for your little one.

At the completion of each project, each client is scheduled to come back in to view a customized slideshow of their images. Each is personalized to make it special and memorable. These slideshows are wonderful keepsakes as well as great gifts for family members and friends. Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions you have and/or to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Who is Emily McMurry?

The basic stuff: I first met Heather and Dave McAlistser when my husband, Brandon, and I began attending Epic Church.  (Dave and I are in the worship band together)  As we were sitting around talking about photography one day, Dave asked if I would like to begin working for them as an editor.  Of course I accepted!!!! Shortly after, I was asked to take over their division of Little Life Portraits.  I LOVE MY JOB!

The not-so basic stuff: I'm an explorer  and a lover of life.  Period. Photography fuels something very deep within me.  I strive to tell peoples stories with authenticity and my own unique perspective.  I love to wear flip flops all year long, my amazing husband, the beach, hugs from my mom, warm chocolate brownies, my dogs (Samson and Delilah), sweet God moments, cake batter ice cream, snuggled on the couch watching movies, laughing, good wine, vacations, exploring new places, the smell of rain during summer, singing,  long talks with my best friends, starbucks, AUBURN football!, and most of all I love the life that God has blessed me with!

You can contact Emily at emily@littlelifeportraits.com

Giveaway

One winner will receive a slot in a Daydream Session for 2011 (Decatur/Huntsville/Surrounding areas-longer distances will require travel fees).

 Daydream Sessions are one-of-a-kind sessions offered monthly.  There is no guarantee these sessions will ever be offered again and slots ARE limited - if you want in, book them now!  Sessions are 30 minutes and can take place in the studio or on location, depending on the theme.  

How to Enter

(1 entry) - Like Little Life Portraits on facebook HERE
(1 entry) - Visit Little Life Portraits blog HERE and Follow by Google Connect
(1 entry) - Follow So Mommy by Google Connect
(1 entry) - Share the link to this giveaway on your facebook page (tag @So Mommy) and get one entry for each day you post it! 

**Giveaway will end March 4th, 2011 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.**

More Winners!

Ok...so we kind of have internet right now.  Still not great (we are working on switching to a different company), but I can at least check my email and update my blog for the moment.  I hate not being able to share as much with you all, though!


Here are the latest winners:

Aster+Sage:  Anita H. who said, "I like somommy on facebook"

Little Ruler: JT who said, "My favorite item is the independent onesie"

Highchair Organizer:  Jenny W. who said, "I follow you on gfc. jenn29___@hotmail.com"

Congratulations to the winners!  There are more giveaways coming soon, so keep watching! 

God Gave Us So Much by Lisa Tawn Bergren

“God Gave Us So Much” is a limited-edition, three-book treasury created for children of all ages.  The three books included in this treasury are: “God Gave Us the World” – which is new to this series, “God Gave Us Love” and “God Gave Us Heaven.”  The “God Gave Us” series was written by Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrated by Laura J. Bryant.  Each book is written through the eyes of a polar bear cub, who lives in the Arctic North Pole and helps children explore some important questions.    Mama, Papa, and Grampa Bear help to guide the young cub’s adventures and share about God’s miracles and love.

I think these are some of the sweetest kid’s books I’ve read.  I love that each book focuses on something God gave us.  These books can help kids understand a little more about God, and also feel important because God wants to give them these things.  The illustrations in this book are very colorful, and Sydney loved looking at the polar bears on each page.  Each book is short enough to read before bed, and I personally think these stories make great bedtime stories!

**I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah through their Blogging for Books Program.  I received no other compensation for this review.  If you are interested in getting free books to review, please check out their website!**

Skoy Cloth and GIVEAWAY!

I'm pretty sure that none (well, maybe VERY few) of you have heard of Skoy cloth.   If you are into Earth-friendly products, or if you just want to save money then you need to keep reading this post!!

About Skoy

(from their website)

"Our story is quite simple. We had a desire to share a cloth that is better than any cloth we have ever used and was environmentally friendly.  We started to do a little research and were shocked to see how people were cleaning their kitchens. We were even more shocked to find out how many tons of paper towels were being used annually (2.5 million tons) and filling up our landfills.  

We are two stay-at-home moms living in Encinitas, California. Our children have begun Elementary school and we have a little extra time.  We decided that this would be the perfect time to start our business.

We have been working and researching for almost a year on our product. We have such passion for this cloth because we believe that it is the best thing out there.

Our factory is aware of the responsibility for handling its resources carefully. We use renewable raw materials such as cellulose (derived from wood), and cotton to produce our SKOY cloths. Our factory has invested heavily in developing and implementing an integrated environmental recycling and disposal facility in which the economical use of energy and water is first and foremost. Production by-products are purified and recycled as far as possible within the process. Regeneration baths are returned to production by an evaporation process. Wastewater is treated at the site's biological wastewater purification plants. This environmental concept is at the vanguard of operations-related environmental policy and has resulted in our factory becoming a reference company throughout the industry."

My Review

Skoy Cloth is VERY easy to use.  All you have to do is wet the cloth, squeeze it out and start wiping down your hard surfaces!  Skoy cloth is safe to use with household cleaners, but really does seem to work just as well with water.  When it needs cleaning, it can go in your dishwasher or can be washed/dried.  How easy is that?  And if you're like me and worried about sponges, clothes and the germs they attract...you can put a wet Skoy cloth in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to help get rid of germs!  According to Skoycloth.com, one Skoy cloth can save 15 rolls of paper towels (that can definitely save some money)!!  A 4-pack of Skoy cloth only costs about $6.99 , which isn't bad - that saves about 60 rolls of paper towels!!!  I'm pretty sure you can beat that even when paper towels are on sale!

If you can't wait to save money, you can buy them now HERE!

GIVEAWAY

Skoy Cloth is offering 2 lucky winners each a 4-pack of Skoy cloth!! 

 

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - Tell me how much these would help your family...or how much you could save by using these in your home!

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

(1 entry) - Follow Skoy Cloth on Twitter @Skoycloth HERE

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook - Tag So Mommy in it so that I see it (click the lock button and change to everyone to do this).

 

**Giveaway will end February 25, 2011 at 5 p.m. 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.** 

**I received Skoy Cloth in exchange for my review.  No other compensation was received.** 

Eleanor the Hippo Learns to Tell the Truth by Andy McGuire

“Eleanor Hippo talked a lot,

Which is good sometimes…but sometimes not.

It’s fine to have a conversation

Full of honest information,

But sadly what she’d sometimes do

Is tell a tale that wasn’t true.”

“Eleanor the Hippo Learns to Tell the Truth” by Andy McGuire is a book about telling the truth.  It is a short book with good rhymes that is sure to keep any child’s attention!  In the book, Eleanor goes around telling made up stories to different animals in her village, until one day she realizes that her lies hurt someone else’s feelings.   

I enjoyed reading this book.  It was short enough to keep my 2 year old’s attention (which says a LOT), and I’ve always enjoyed books that rhyme.  The book is very simple to understand, and can definitely help you teach your child that lying can be hurtful to others, even if it seems like a silly lie.  The illustrations in this book are good, as well.  The animals look like real animals and are beautifully drawn.  I can’t wait to read “Remy the Rhino Learns Patience” by Andy McGuire!  I think we need it right now to help Sydney learn patience!

**I received this book from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.**

Winners...Better late than never

Sorry I'm so late on winners this time!  We have been having internet issues this week, so I had to wait until I could visit my mom and borrow internet.  I love technology, but it can definitely be frustrating at times! 

So without further ado, here are the last 3 winners:

Nap Nanny - Imomm

Yo Toddler - Charrisa @ Mimi's Babies

Mommy Time Designs - Iansmomm

Congratulations to these winners.  I will be emailing you shortly....and to those that didn't win this time, Keep Trying!!  I've actually won a couple of things recently and I never win :) Don't forget to check the Current Giveaways tab and enter the other giveaways!

Itty Bitty Laylah Love - GIVEAWAY

   

A little about the owner, Amanda:

My name is Amanda and I am a 30 year old wife and mother of 2.  God has blessed my life with the most amazing man, my husband and best friend Ben.  I have two beautiful children, Dawson who is 9 and little miss Laylah Mae who is 4 months.  They are my world.  I am so grateful that I am able to be a stay at home mommy and not miss a moment of thier milestones. I enjoy crafting as well as photography.  I love to make just about anything.  I am in the process of creating photo prop hair accessories and monogram signs and door hangers.  I learn something new everyday so if there is an item you would like to see that is not in my Etsy shop then please by all means let me know.

I (like all photographers) have a passion. Taking pictures of anything and everything. My "me time" is best described as me taking pics of things I find beautiful from God straight to my lens. I believe some pictures aren't just "good timing" or "luck of the snap" but a glimpse from God that he wanted me to experience and share with the world. 

I started my two ventures ~ Itty Bitty Laylah Love ~ "Handmade Treasures for your little one and you." and also Whitley Art Photography because both have always been dreams of mine and now I have the time and motivation to make my dream a reality.  I couldn't write an "about Me" without giving credit to my wonderful parents (Jimmy and Debbie Peebles and Patty Wilhoite) who support and encourage me in everything I do. 
I hope you enjoy my work and I look forward to doing business with you all in the near future and thank you for taking the time to read "about me"!

Giveaway

Itty Bitty Laylah Love has some adorable items! One lucky reader is going to win a custom 8" monogram doorhanger (an $18 value) similar to the one pictured above.

How to Enter:

MANDATORY (Must be done for other entries to count) - "Like" Itty Bitty Laylah Love on Facebook HERE and tell me what your favorite item is from Itty Bitty Laylah Love

 

Extra Entries:

(1 entry) - "Like" Whitley Art Photography on Facebook HERE

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

(1 entry) - Follow Whitley Art Photography's blog HERE

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook - Tag So Mommy in it so that I see it (click the lock button and change to everyone to do this).

 

**Giveaway will end February 22, 2011 at 5 p.m. 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.** 

Voices of the Faithful Book 2 - A book review

I received "Voices of the Faithful - Book 2" from Booksneeze.  This book is a compilation of inspiring stories of courage, compiled by Kim P. Davis.  The introduction was written by Beth Moore, who is one of my favorite Christian writers/speakers.   There are devotions for every day of the year.  The devotions are short enough that even the busiest of moms can read these!  They could easily be read and pondered on a lunchj break or first thing in the morning.  I prefer to read inspirational stories first thing in the morning.  It helps me get through the day to see that people have gotten through much worse and made it through their day! 

There are stories of children, worried parents, anxious teens, and curious seniors that are all searching for the Good news.  Some of the stories show moments of danger and heartache, and some show hope and miracles.  No matter the situation, all of these stories are written to inspire, and that is exactly what they do!

**Booksneeze sent this book in exchange for my honest review.**

A Rose Revealed - Book Review

I recently received a few books to review from Harvest House Publishers, but I'm only going to review them one at a time so that I don't overwhelm you with books!  I'm from a family that absolutely loves books...and I could read and write reviews on books all day long...but I'm pretty sure you all appreciate it when I mix it up a little!

A Rose Revealed by Gayle Roper
"A Rose Revealed" is part of The Amish Farm Trilogy ("A Stranger's Wish" and "A Secret Identity" are the other books in the trilogy).  "A Rose Revealed" starts out following the life of Rose Martin, who became a nurse because she wanted to help people.  She knew that part of her job included death, but she never realized she would be dealing with a murder case, especially not one so close to her.   Rose gets drawn into the murder case, and has to hide, and she finds the perfect hiding place on the Zook's farm with the Amish Zook family.  She finds the loving family she has always wanted there, except for Jake, who seems to resent her no matter what she does.

My Review
I haven't read the first 2 books, but that didn't make this one any less enjoyable.  I absolutely loved reading this book.  The story line was great, and not as predictable as most mystery books.  I thought the ending was great as well.  Reading this book has made me want to go back and read the first 2 books in the trilogy.  I like romance novels, but they aren't my favorite, but mix it with a good mystery and it is very enjoyable!  The book is set in Lancaster County, and the author pays great attention to detail when it comes to the lives of the Amish. 

**Book was received from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.**

WINNERS!

And the winner is...

Eebee's Great Adventures - Amanda B. - who said, "I "like" So Mommy on Facebook."

Mia Bella Line - Paula B. - who said, "I like Mia Bella Line on FB...Paula B.... and I left a message on the headband (sweet....19..@yahoo.com)

Thanks to everyone who entered! I will be getting with the winners soon!  Don't forget about the other giveaways going on right now!

Little Ruler Giveaway

About Little Ruler

(From their website)

The problem with young kids isn’t what you might think. It’s not that they can’t communicate well, pull their own weight, or control their bodily functions. No, the real problem is they’re just not cool. Shy of getting a nose ring or trendy fauxhawk, however, there’s help for tykes everywhere thanks to a two-year-old clothing company that, according to “Access Hollywood,” is “setting a new trend for tots – skater chic.”

Little Ruler, founded in September 2004 by ‘80s skateboard legend Jeff Kendall and his wife Maureen, was inspired in part by Jeff’s former profession and in part by the birth of their two sons: Cole (now 5) and Parker (3). “Until we had Cole, I had no idea just how hard it would be to find cool clothes for kids,” admits Jeff, who says nothing about how uncool it is to spit up on dad when he’s feeding you strained carrots.

Luckily, with Jeff’s senior marketing position with NHS, a Northern California skateboard, snowboard and surfboard manufacturer, he was able to custom-print some one-pieces and junior t-shirts with cool brand logos. Maureen recalls, “When our kids wore this stuff, the reactions from people made us realize that skaters and skate fans of our generation may have become parents, but they haven’t lost their passion. So we founded Little Ruler to share that passion with the little ones in their lives.”

Jeff Kendall grew up in Indianapolis, where he discovered and embraced skateboarding in 1978. Seeing more opportunity for growth and travel among the Northern California skate community, he made the decision to ride for Santa Cruz (NHS) in 1985 and turned pro soon thereafter, competing on the circuit until 1992. Among numerous awards, he earned second place in his first pro contest in Southern California and was ranked third in the world in 1989. Seen in the classic skate films Wheels of Fire (1987) and Streets on Fire (1989), Kendall has remained in the skate world as team manager for Santa Cruz Skateboards and senior marketing director at NHS.In July 2007, he was promoted to Vice President of NHS,Inc.

Maureen Kendall, a native of the San Francisco area, grew up in nearby Almaden (San Jose). She graduated from San Jose State University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology and going on to bring her corporate skills to Netscape and a variety of startups as a human resources consultant. Maureen met Jeff Kendall in 1996 and soon after entered a new career, motherhood, before co-founding Little Ruler in 2004.

GIVING BACK Little Ruler is proud to donate to the following charities:

Alliance for Smiles-Non Profit helping children with clef lip/palate anomalies http://www.allianceforsmiles.org/

SMA-Non Profit helping children and families with Spinal Muscular Atrophy http://www.fsma.org/

GIVEAWAY

Little Ruler offers a TON of great clothes for kids! They have onesies, tshirts, shoes, hats, and even backpacks!  Maureen, of Little Ruler has offered one lucky reader the Independent Forever black tshirt (pictured above)! 

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - Tell me what your favorite item is from Little Ruler

(1 entry) - "Like" Little Ruleron Facebook HERE

(1 entry) - "Like" So Mommy on Facebook HERE

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

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook - Tag So Mommy in it so that I see it (click the lock button and change to everyone to do this).

**Giveaway will end February 18, 2011 at 5 p.m. 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.** 

Aster+Sage Giveaway

How about another giveaway since TODAY is the actual 1 year anniversary of So Mommy Reviews?  I'll just go ahead and tell you that this is an AWESOME giveaway that you will most definitely want to see...and it's not just for moms or just for babies...Everyone (except maybe the dads) will love this one!

About Aster+Sage

(from their website)

"Ever since I can remember I’ve been frugal with supplies--not a scrap of construction paper went to waste--and I’ve always tried to maximize utility from the materials I use. Using material conservatively encourages me to be more creative with what I have.

I also love using fabric that’s been manufactured with recycled content. Of course that means less waste, but there’s also something exciting about using material that has existed before--in its previous life was it a different color? Was it a fabric scrap or a soda bottle?

My philosophy is to design first and then find recycled materials to compliment the design. I don’t want my

products to be limited by the availability of recycled material; I’d rather make dynamic products that include recycled content.

It’s a thrill to design and sell products that people love to use. I hope Aster+Sage brings you joy too."

What does Aster+Sage make with these recycled materials? 

 They make all kinds of unique products from cell phone and accessory bags to jewelry and handbags and more.  Trust me when I say these items will be noticed!  They are very unique and beautiful in design.

                 

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader is going to win the blue Nina Messenger bag pictured above (retail value approx. $110)! Open to US residents only.

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - Tell me what your favorite item is from Aster+Sage

(1 entry) - "Like" Aster+Sage on Facebook HERE

(1 entry) - "Like" So Mommy on Facebook HERE

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

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook - Tag So Mommy in it so that I see it (click the lock button and change to everyone to do this).

**Giveaway will end February 18, 2011 at 5 p.m. 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.** 

Aden + Anais - Swaddle Love Book Review

If you haven't noticed yet, I love books.  In fact, my entire family loves books - so I was excited to be offered another book to read.  Aden + Anais offered me "Swaddle Love" by Raegan Moya-Jones, and since I have a little one on the way I was very excited!  We swaddled Sydney when she was a baby, but mostly because my older sister (who has 2 kids) said it was best and I trusted her.  After reading this book I'm glad I listened!

"Swaddle Love" is an entertaining and practical guide that includes personal stories - humorous and heartfelt. It also explains the history, science, and different techniques of swaddling. "Swaddle Love" was written by an Aussie emigrant and anxious mother-to-be (if you've been pregnant, you've been anxious, right?).  Raegan discusses the successes and challenges, good times and bad, of motherhood.  Realizing the importance of swaddling, she has become a major advocate for reviving this ancient practice.  This book tells why. 

I have really enjoyed reading this book!  As I said earlier, I swaddled Sydney mainly because it worked for my sister's kids, and I trusted that she knew what she was talking about!  After reading this book, I understand a lot more about why she swaddled.  Swaddling creates the secure feeling of being back in the womb, and babies need that feeling sometimes!  I remember a lot of people questioned my sister and I about why we wrapped our babies up like little burritos.  Most people seemed to think that babies shouldn't be wrapped like that - that the baby would want to be free to flail around.  Raegan discusses why people began to think this way about swaddling.  Several different races/countries used some types of swaddling to change babies - such as, to "bind" them and straighten their backs.  This is not the case with modern swaddling!  I love that she includes lots of pictures and even swaddling instructions in the book. 

Oh, if you think new moms don't have much reading time - you're right, and Raegan knows it!  She made this book short - with short chapters - so that even a new mom can squeeze in time to read this one!

Be sure to visit the website HERE to listen to the introduction and 1st chapter!  While you're there - be sure to check out the other items from Aden + Anais.  They have some beautiful Muslin swaddle blankets!

CSN Stores

Ok, by now most of you must have heard of CSN stores, right?  If not, keep reading!  If you have...you should still keep reading!  CSN has over 200 different stores you can shop from with items varying from an Eames lounge chair to Bumkins cloth diapers and even Diaper Dude diaper bags (ok they have a lot more, including my favorite section - the organization supplies).

Seriously, if you need it - they will probably have it!  I could (and have) spent hours looking at things on their website.  They have so much to choose from!  In fact, I ordered a Christmas gift for my nephew and a birthday gift for my daughter back in December.  It was very easy to order through CSN, and my orders arrived when they were supposed to with no glitches!  I was very happy with their products as well.  Everything was just as stated on the website.

When looking for a gift, be sure to check out CSN - they have some unique items (which is why I ordered for my nephew and daughter from CSN - the kids have everything already, so I was struggling to find something unique that wouldn't break the bank).

By the way...don't you just LOVE these kids storage bins??  CSN sells them, too!

Mommy Time Designs Review and Giveaway

First off, I have to say Happy 2nd Birthday to my baby, Sydney! She's growing up so fast - it's amazing!  She is preparing to be a big sister soon, and I have to say that I think she is going to be an excellent one!  I have to thank Mommy Time Designs, Marsha Barton Photography, and our own Meme (Sydney's grandmother) for making her 2nd birthday a VERY special one! 

Sydney wanted a My Little Pony birthday party, so we tried to make it as special as we could for her!  My mom made the cake for her, and let me just say that it looked great and Sydney loved it!

Ok, so on to the actual review...

(though I'm sure you don't mind the extra pictures, right?)

After picking the theme, I knew Sydney needed a special shirt to wear for her birthday, and the first person that came to mind was Michelle, owner of Mommy Time Designs.  She has some amazingly cute birthday sets (among MANY other items).  I decided not to put Sydney in a tutu for her party because I expected her to run around and act crazy, so I emailed Michelle to see if she had any My Little Pony designs for shirts.  She got back with me super quick and shared some designs.  After I picked one, she did her best to make the pony look like Rainbow Dash (Sydney's favorite)...I think she did an amazing job!  She even put a "2" on the pony!  Later, while browsing the other items at Mommy Time Designs, I saw a cute Tutu Puff bow, and I asked if she could do one to match the shirt...and she did! I have to say the shirt and bow looked GREAT together, don't you think?  I love that Mommy Time Designs is local for me, but don't worry she ships items, too.

One of my other favorite items from Mommy Time Designs is her wreaths!  As soon as I saw these, I told my mom that L.B. NEEDS one to go on the hospital door when she is born (it will later become a bow holder).  These are gorgeous, don't you agree?  This is the one she made for L.B...and I can't wait to hang it on the hospital door.  Seriously, I could go on for days about how nice and helpful Michelle is...actually, at Sydney's birthday I found out that TWO other girls had birthday outfits from Mommy Time Designs and they both spoke very highly of her as well!  She has many, many happy customers all over (just look at her facebook page and you'll see all of the wonderful comments)!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader is going to win a short sleeve shirt (youth or adult) with an applique & name -winner's choice.  The value of this is about $25! Open to US residents only.

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - "Like" Mommy Time Designs HERE

(1 entry) - "Like" So Mommy on Facebook HERE

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

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook - Tag So Mommy in it so that I see it (click the lock button and change to everyone to do this).

**Giveaway will end February 15, 2011 at 5 p.m. 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.** 

Yo Toddler Review and Giveaway

Stonyfield Farms is the producer of Yo Baby, Yo Toddler, and Yo Kids.  If you haven't heard of them yet, keep reading!  You even get a chance to win some to try!  They have many products for different stages in your child's life.  They have Yo Baby: yogurt, drinkables, and meals; Yo Toddler: yogurt; Yo Kids: yogurt and squeezers. 

Why are these products good for your child? 
"Certified organic. Because YoBaby is organic, you know it’s made without the use of persistent pesticides. That’s especially important for babies, because their little bodies are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure. YoBaby is also made without the use of synthetic growth hormones or antibiotics. Learn more.
Helps support brain development. We make YoBaby from whole milk, which helps support healthy brain development. Pediatricians recommend whole milk for babies and toddlers up to two years.
Helps support baby’s immune system. One serving of YoBaby provides 25% of your baby’s daily need for zinc, the mineral that helps support a healthy immune system.
Helps support growth. Each serving of YoBaby provides at least 25% of your baby’s daily needs for calcium, protein, and vitamin D, plus other nutrients essential for babies' growth.
Six live active cultures. Like all of our yogurts, YoBaby contains our exclusive blend of six cultures, including the probiotic L. rhamnosus.
Makes feeding time easy. YoBaby is delicious, so babies love it. Parents tell us all the time that YoBaby is one of the first foods their babies ask for by name.
-From the Stonyfield website.


My Review
Now that you know the important things about Yo Toddler, let me tell you what I think...or better yet, what Sydney thinks!  Sydney LOVES yogurt, but not all yogurt is created equal in her eyes.  She can't read, but she definitely knows if she likes the taste or not.  She especially likes yogurt with fruit in it, and she does not like the "kids" yogurt that tastes like candy and is extremely sweet.  Weird, I know.  Yo Toddler comes in strawberry banana and apple flavor (but our store doesn't carry the apple flavor).  I wish they had more flavors to choose from, but luckily Sydney likes strawberries AND bananas.  I realized really quickly that this yogurt is easiest if you pour it in a bowl so that you can mix it up.  I tried it and I liked the taste, but I'm not really the important one here, am I?  Sydney absolutely LOVES this yogurt.  She asks for it pretty much every day and will eat the entire container (pretty quickly, I might add).  As a mom, it makes me feel better that this yogurt is VERY good for her and is organic.  Somewhere, when Sydney was born, I read that if you are going to buy one item organic you should make it milk because it makes the biggest difference.  I will confess that I don't buy all organic products, but Sydney drinks organic milk most of the time, and since yogurt is in the milk family (as far as I'm concerned) I like to know that there is an organic option there as well. 

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader is going to win 3 free packs of YoToddler as well as an Eric Carle growth chart! Open to US residents only.

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - Tell me what you learned about Stonyfield's Yo Baby / Yo Toddler products

(1 entry) - "Like" So Mommy on Facebook HERE

(1 entry) - follow So Mommy by Google Friend Connect

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook - Tag So Mommy in it so that I see it (click the lock button and change to everyone to do this).

**Giveaway will end February 14, 2011 at 5 p.m. 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 Highchair Organizer Review and Giveaway

Are you always looking for items to make your life-after-baby more organized, but still have everything you need nearby?  I know I am!  I can't stand clutter, but after having Sydney - I have realized that clutter multiplies when you have children.  It seems like there is no end to the things you need...and they are usually not within reach when you need them!  Well, here is a product that can help simplify at least one area for you!

About The Highchair Organizer

This is The Highchair Organizer.  It easily attaches to most highchairs and helps you keep the mealtime necessities within reach.  Setup is a breeze - it snaps on behind the chair cover with adjustable straps for a secure fit.  It contains 5 pockets in various sizes to hold a variety of items such as: bibs, forks/spoons, wipes, plates, and pretty much anything else you may need.  It is made of very durable, easy to clean material.

 

My Review

When I first opened The Highchair Organizer, I was surprised at how thick the fabric was.  This is definitely a sturdy product!  It is a little stiff at first, but after you use it some, it gets a little better.  I understand that it needs this to be effective at holding multiple items, though.  I do wish it came in more parent-friendly colors (maybe simple solid colors?), but the designs are cute.  We have a "normal" highchair we use at my moms house, but only the space saver chair at our house currently, so I was curious if it would attach to our chairs to use.  I was able to attach it to the back of our chair, and since the straps are adjustable I just tightened them as much as possible.  It worked just fine (I'll add a picture at the bottom of my review)!  I thought of another use for this product as well...if you travel a lot you may thank me!  It will attach to the back of a car seat (not your child's carseat, but the back of the seat you are sitting in).  I will probably use it for this frequesntly after Lakyn is born!  If you travel, you know how nice it is to be able to keep pacifiers, cups, snacks, diapers, wipes, etc. all within reach and this can most definitely help with that! 

GIVEAWAY

The Highchair Organizer is offering one lucky reader their very own organizer! Open to US residents only.

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - Tell me what you like about this product...and if you would like the pink or green if you won

(1 entry) - "Like" The Highchair Organizer on Facebook HERE

(1 entry) - Follow The Highchair Organizer on Twitter - @highchairorgan

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

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook - Tag So Mommy in it so that I see it (click the lock button and change to everyone to do this)

**Giveaway will end February 21, 2011 at 5 p.m. 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.** 

Nap Nanny GIVEAWAY

Nap Nanny's Story - from their website:

“Why don’t you stop talking about it and just make it?”

Those were the words of Leslie’s husband, Jamie. Words that led to the creation of the Nap Nanny^®. Leslie and Jamie’s newborn daughter Kendall didn’t like sleeping flat even a little bit when she was born. The only way for everybody to get any sleep was to put Kendall in the car seat or swing.

Leslie kept asking the rhetorical question, why hasn't anyone made something shaped like a car seat but for home use? There were plenty of wedges on the market, but inevitably the baby rolled down to the flat part of the mattress, or it just plain didn’t work. Something shaped like a car seat would hold the baby in place, and even better, could be used on every floor in the house.

That is how the Nap Nanny^® was born.

For those of you who have never heard of Nap Nanny, here is some more information about their product.  I love the idea behind their product.  When Sydney was a baby, she developed a small reflux problem and had to sleep at an incline for awhile - which for us meant swing, carseat, or held.  We had no idea this product existed at the time!

OVERVIEW

The Nap Nanny^® is a portable recliner designed by a mother to increase comfort and improve infant sleep. The Nap Nanny^® mimics the contours of a car seat, the comfort of a baby blanket and features maximum stability — allowing your infant to rest peacefully. The cover has a waterproof liner protecting the durable foam for greater longevity, while the safety harness keeps baby secure. Weighing only three pounds, the Nap Nanny^® travels and stores easily.

USE

The Nap Nanny^® is ideal for:
• playtime & rest
• babies who don't like to sleep flat
• reading books
• watching your favorite infant video
• feeding twins

With no top-end weight limit, the Nap Nanny^® transitions into the perfect toddler chair!

FEATURES

Security. The patented foam design cradles an infant while the safety harness holds baby securely in place.
Fashionable Covers. A full line of minky-dot and fashion covers, sure to compliment any nursery.

Dimensions. The Nap Nanny measures approximately 32" long, 17.5" wide, and 10" high.

Portability. Weighing only 3 pounds, the Nap Nanny stores easily and travels well.
Durability. The waterproof, washable cover protects foam for greater longevity.

GIVEAWAY

Nap Nanny is offering one lucky reader their very own Nap Nanny (Retail value $129.99)!! Open to US residents only.

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - Tell me why you need this product!

(1 entry) - "Like" Nap Nanny on Facebook HERE - they do giveaways on their page, too!

(1 entry) - follow So Mommy by Google Friend Connect

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook - Tag So Mommy in it so that I see it (click the lock button and change to everyone to do this).

**Giveaway will end February 14, 2011 at 5 p.m. 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.**