Free Umbrella from Kidorable!

From March 21 through April 4, Kidorable is partnering with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund to help you support a great cause (and get a great free gift, too). 

When you make a minimum of a $20 purchase from Kidorable, you can use coupon code "CCRFUMB2" at checkout to get a free umbrella!   You will need to add the umbrella you want to your cart before checking out.  Plus, Kidorable will donate 10% of their purchase to the Children's Cancer Research Fund, bringing kids health, hope and happiness by revolutionizing the way childhood cancer is treated worldwide. 
So head on over to get your kids some great rain gear for the Spring and help others while you do it!

Dance First. Think Later. Review and Giveaway

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." -Oscar Wilde

"DANCE FIRST. THINK LATER."618 Rules to Live By
By Kathryn & Ross Petras

"The right quote at the right time can change everything-Steve Jobs once read "Stay hungry. Stay foolish." on the back cover of The Whole Earth Catalog, and those four words came to guide his life.  Pithy but profound nuggets of big-picture wisdom can give anyone direction, courage, and inspiration."
"Created by Kathryn and Ross Petras, whose books and calendars have over 5.6 million copies in print, "Dance First. Think Later." (Workman; March 2011; ISBN 978-0-7611-6170-7; $8.95) is a collection of the greatest life wisdom from an unexpected group of speakers, doers, and thinkers. There are 618 rules to live by-funny, thoughtful, offhanded, clever, and always profound." (PR Email Information)

•    "Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you."-Annie Dillard
•    "If everything is under control, you are going too slow." -Mario Andretti
•    "The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook." -Julia Child
•    "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." ―Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)
•    "Don't think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity." ―Ray Bradbury

My Review

I love quotes...I have since I was in high school.  Every notebook I owned was either covered in quotes, had quote stickers, or was a collection of quotes in itself.  My 13 year old sister is much the same now.  When I was contacted about the book "Dance First. Think Later." I was very excited!  I knew that this would be an enjoyable book for both of us, and it has been!  There are quotes by well-known people as well as some I had never heard of, but all of the quotes were great.  I like to pick this book up when I'm having a frustrating moment and read a few random quotes.  It never fails to make me laugh (usually at myself)!  This would be a great gift book for any quote lover, graduate, newlywed, etc.  These qoutes focus on things that everyone has faced or will face at some point in their life.

GIVEAWAY

Workman Publishing is offering one winner a copy of "Dance First. Think Later."

 Open to U.S. Residents only.

How to Enter:

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

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

(1 entry) - Enter another giveaway on So Mommy (1 entry for each giveaway you enter)

 

**Giveaway will end March 31, 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 the book "Dance First. Think Later." in exchange for my honest review.** 

Boon Inc. Review and Giveaway

I'm sure we have all seen products made by Boon by now - they are those brightly colored, unique-looking products that always seem to have a useful purpose!  When I was registering for baby showers when I was pregnant with Sydney, I remember seeing the Flo water deflector/spout cover and thinking it looked like a very neat product (more useful than the huge duck spout covers).  We got it, and still use it!  I love it - since it is a water deflector, it keeps the water in a soft flow - not as loud as a normal faucet.  Plus, it doesn't look like a kids spout cover, which is a plus in my book!  When I was offered another Boon item for review and giveaway, I was excited!  I knew it would be perfect for the month of March and our Virtual Baby Shower! 

A Little About Boon

"It's funny how such a simple thing can lead to so much. It all began with a messy toddler bathtub. Designer Rebecca Finell's wheels started turning and the Frog Pod was born.  But the problem solving didn't stop there. She had lots of ideas for other parenting innovations so she sought out a partner, Ryan Fernandez—who could create a successful business—and together they founded Boon Inc. Today Boon offers a wide range of products that help parents all over the world.  We're committed to creating nothing but the most innovative gear—and keeping it affordable. Our design studio is always in motion, tackling one parenting challenge after another. And don't forget our commitment to quality and safety" (from Boon, Inc.'s website HERE). 

Here are some of Boon, Inc.'s products that I think are awesome!  The first is their "animal bag" which stores stuffed animals by making them into a chair for your kids!  Sydney has several stuffed animals that she doesn't play with constantly and I can't wait to get one of these bags for them!  Next, is the bug pod for the bath tub.  These are great because they can easily scoop up toys in the tub, and then they hang and allow the toys to dry.  Next, I think their potty chair is neat!  No "bells and whistles" on this potty, but it does have a place for toilet paper so that your child can reach it easily.  Sydney doesn't like noisy potty chairs (personally neither do I), so this one is right up our alley!

My Review

I was able to review the Fluid sippy cup by Boon, Inc.  This sippy cup was created so that kids could hold onto it easily (and any way they want).  It is spill-resistant, but not spill-proof.  If held upside down, it will drip.  That means that your child can actually drink out of it.  Any spill-proof cups we've tried were pretty dificult to drink from, so I'm glad this one is only spill-resistant (just wanted to make that clear).  It also has an angled spout so that your child doesn't have to tilt their head back as far to drink from it.  It's dishwasher safe and only 2 pieces.  It is super easy to clean and put together.  Sydney LOVES this cup.  She prefers to wear it as a bracelet while she drinks from it.  It seems to be very easy for her to drink from and hold.  I'm sure this cup would work well for younger kids as well.  My only issue is that it doesn't fit into the cup holders on most of our diaper bags, but since it has kind of an odd shape, it stays sitting upright inside the diaper bag without any spilling issues.

If you like their products, be sure to visit their blog and vote for them in the Crisbie Awards!

Sorry about the blurry picture - moving toddler :) 



GIVEAWAY

Boon, Inc. is offering one winner a Fluid sippy cup!  Winner picks color from: pink/white, blue/green, orange/teal.  Open to U.S. Residents only.

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - 'Like' Boon on Facebook HERE

(1 entry) - Follow Boon, Inc. on Twitter HERE

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

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

(1 entry) - Enter another giveaway on So Mommy (1 entry for each giveaway you enter)

**Giveaway will end March 31, 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 a Fluid cup in exchange for my honest review.** 

My Baby's Green Cloth Diaper Review

Awhile back, My Baby's Green had a 50% off sale and I took that opportunity to try out their AIO cloth diapers, organic fitted diapers, and the Sweet Knee Bun Glaze.  My Baby's Green is fully operated by a WAHM to three (ages 23 years, 17 years, and 17 months)!  Her goal is to provide quality Eco-friendly, organic products to other parents.  Her cloth diapers are made in the USA!  The owner is very quick to respond to any questions about her products, which is great since I had a few questions about the diapers.  She also has SUPER quick shipping - even during the 50% off sale!  I was amazed by how quickly my orders arrived.  Be sure to check My Baby's Green out on Facebook to stay up to date on sales.

On to my review...

AIO Cloth Diapers - Ok, these are better than AIO if you ask me.  They can be stuffed like a pocket diaper, or you can just snap the insert to the diaper like an AIO.  These diapers come with a bamboo/microfleece insert (which is super soft).  These diapers have an adjustable rise which should fit babies from 10-35lbs.  My 26 lb daughter uses them, and they fit great.  This diaper does have velcro closures, but they overlap so that it fits even skinny kids like mine very well.  If I use an extra insert with this diaper, it usually works overnight.  Every now and then my daughter will leak through it at night time, but she is a heavy wetter. It works fine during the day, and is a pretty trim fitting cloth diaper.  My hubby does have trouble getting this diaper on correctly.  For some reason when he puts it on, the "wings" start drooping and if I don't fix it the diaper will leak.  We have yet to figure out what he's doing wrong, but I don't have this problem (must be a guy thing haha).  Diaper is being discontinued and is selling for under $9 now!

Organic Fitted Cloth Diaper - This diaper is being discontinued and is currently selling for $5.15 which is an awesome price!  This diaper is made from cotton/fleece and is approximately size small/medium.  It has soft elastic around the legs, and hook and loop (velcro) closure.  This diaper fits Sydney and works great.  The rise is a little short for her, but we haven't had any issues because of that.  This was the first fitted diaper I ever bought, and I love the absorbancy of it.  The velcro is extremely sticky on this diaper, and I plan to remove it this weekend so that I can use the diaper with a snappi.  If you are looking to try fitteds, I would recommend getting a few of these since the price is amazing!

Sweet Knee Bun Glaze - I bought the Bun Glaze during the 50% off sale as well. I have been looking around for cloth diaper safe rash relief, and decided to try this one.  Bun Glaze is a non-medicated alternative to diaper rash ointments.  There are no "barrier-type" ingredients like petroleum, so the skin is able to breathe even when using this glaze.  This is a VERY daddy-friendly glaze.  You simply pump the glaze onto the area and you're done!  No touching needed!  This is also great is you have a sensitive child or a bad rash.  Sydney had a prett bad rash a little while back and she didn't want to be touched, so this glaze was a miracle! 

CJN Flowers and Primitives Review and Giveaway!

A little while back, I won a set of 8 snowmen crayons from CJN Flowers & Primitives.  I thought they were really cute, but I wasn't sure how well they would go over with my 2 year old.  So now that we have had time to try them out, I wanted to share my thoughts (and this neat Etsy store) with you all!  This isn't actually something a "new" mom would need, but I'm including it - if you have an older sibling you will want these...you will also want these when your new baby is learning to color! 

CJN Flowers and Primitives offers unique, handmade items such as beautiful jewelry and magnets, crochet hats,  kids crayons, baby gifts, and more!   I just love her necklaces!  But, back to the crayon set I won!  When I opened the package, Sydney was excited about the "no-men."  She didn't realize they were crayons at first, but as soon as she did she started coloring with them.  I actually love these crayons because I don't have to worry about them rolling all over the place.  The 8 "main" colors are included - no need to give your young child 20 or 30 crayons at first!  We keep these crayons in a small pouch so that we can carry them out with us.  When we go out to eat, we don't have to chase crayons all over the table!  The size of the crayon is a good size for young kids to be able to hold on to, but the drawback is that they are smaller than the normal crayon, so you need to watch and make sure your child isn't putting them in their mouth.  Sydney has never tried to, but I'm always with her when she is coloring.  I would recommend these crayons to any mom (or dad) out there who is tired of chasing crayons!  These would make a great party favor, also!

Here are some pictures of her beautiful items.

GIVEAWAY

CJN Flowers and Primitives is offering one lucky reader a set of 8 Spring crayons (pictured above) - these would be great in your child's Easter basket! Open to U.S. Residents only.

 

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - 'Heart' CJN Flowers and Primitives on Etsy

(1 entry) - 'Like' CJN Flowers and Primitives on Facebook HERE

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

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

(1 entry) - Enter another giveaway on So Mommy (1 entry for each giveaway you enter)

 

**Giveaway will end March 31, 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 nothing in exchange for this review. The crayons were a prize from a giveaway.** 

Curly Girl: The Handbook Review and Giveaway

About "Curly Girl: The Handbook" by Lorraine Massey

CURLY GIRL is the unrivaled bible for everything related to the care, management, and styling of curly hair and you’ll find it in the January issues of Glamour and Cosmopolitan magazines and on NBC’s “Today Show”. This book includes a whole chapter devoted to hair care and management for curly kids and it also includes a wealth of helpful tips for busy parents on the go (fathers aren’t excluded, there’s a whole chapter for curly men as well).
 
An unbelievable 65% of women have curly or wavy hair, but you would never know it. That’s because so many curly- and wavy-haired women blow-dry their hair straight, hide it under hats, pull it back with rubber bands, disguise it with weaves and braids, or flatten it with anything they can find. Too many of us are at a loss about how to properly care for our hair. In CURLY GIRL, Lorraine Massey shows how to work with your curls instead of against them.
 
Some useful links:
Lorraine Massey’s book tour: http://bit.ly/gkQ288
Going curly saves time and money: http://bit.ly/ggsRlE
Curly hair in the news: increase in sulfate-free products, controversy over the Millionaire Matchmaker bashing curls, backlash against Brazilian hair-straightening


My Review
I was very excited to review this book, especially since I have a curly haired neice and a mostly curly haired daughter.  I was definitely not thinking about myself when I got the book, but once I started reading it - I realized that I needed it for myself as well!  "Curly Girls" is a wonderfully simple guide to taking care of curly hair.  I've always thought that curly hair was difficult or not as pretty (I grew up when straight hair was best), but after reading this book I realized that none of that is true.  Curly hair can be pretty as well!  This book also give help for those with frizzy hair - which is definitely the area I needed help with.  "Curly Girls" describes the different types of curly hair and how to deal with each type.  Oh, there is even an instructional DVD that goes along with the book. 

The author is the founder and co-owner of Devachan, a group of salons specializing in curly hair.  She is also the co-creator of DevaCurl products - but you wouldn't realize this by reading her book.  She does not endorse her products throughout the book (which was impressive and wonderful if you ask me).  I hate reading books that constantly tell you to ONLY use their products.  She doesn't do that at all!  If you have curly hair or a child with curly hair, this book will definitely help you out!

GIVEAWAY

Workman Publishing is offering one lucky reader a copy of the book "Curly Girls" as well as a travel kit from DevaCurl! Open to U.S. Residents only.

 

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - Tell me what your main issue with curly hair is

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

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

(1 entry) - Enter another giveaway on So Mommy (1 entry for each giveaway you enter)

 

**Giveaway will end March 31, 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 "Curly Girls" from Workman Publishing in exchange for an honest review.** 

Diaper Cakes and More

I recently won a washcloth lollipop from Diaper Cakes and More, and it was so adorable that I just had to share with you all!  I don't have a picture of the actual washcloth lollipop that I won (Sydney took it all apart VERY quickly), but it was similar to the one pictured below just in a different container.

Each washcloth was curled and attached to a baby spoon and individually wrapped to look like little lollipops.  Mine was in a cute green vase.  I had never seen a washcloth lollipop before this one, and I think these would be adorable as baby shower decorations!  The perfect accessory to a diaper cake!

Shelly at Diaper Cakes and More makes diaper cakes, towel cakes, washcloth lollipops, washcloth cupcakes, hairbows and more.  She also does custom orders, so if you are looking for a specific theme, just ask!  Her prices are very reasonable as well!  Her mini cakes (pictured below) are around $6-8 each!  I LOVE the cute hippo cake!

DISCOUNT CODE

Shelly has offered to give my readers a discount on their orders!  Use code MARCH10OFF when ordering and you get $10 off a $25 purchase.  This is an amazing deal so don't miss out!