Candy That Is Good For You?

Maybe it is not candy that is "good" for you but we've found a healthy alternative to artificial, processed, high-sugar candy. Pure Fun™ is offering a wonderful new Organic candy line. That not only is a healthier candy but it tastes yummy. These non-synthetic, natural candies are a real treat.

We taste tested for ourselves the organic lollipops, root beer barrels, and fruit pinwheels. Let's just say I had to fight off my two and half year old for the lollipops, and hubby and my oldest for the root beer barrels (my personal favorite, super yummy). Pure Fun™ was so generous I even sent some to work with hubby and believe me when I tell you these guys are candy connoisseurs and they wolfed them down in one night and asked for more. They even have organic cotton candy, which I so do not need but I'm sure we will be getting in the near future. ;-) Pure Fun™ even has candy canes for the holidays, and many of their products are certified Kosher. Pure Fun is available in almost 2,000 stores across the U.S.

Here is what their candies do not contain:

• NO Gluten,
• NO GMO'S,
• NO FD&C Colors,
• NO Casein,
• NO Dairy,
• NO artificial flavors,
• NO dyes,
• NO Synthetics,
• NO Pesticides,
• NO preservatives...nothing but Pure Fun™

Pure Fun™ candies are manufactured from the finest ingredients--certified Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, and Organic Citric Acid. Natural Colors are derived from great stuff like Red Beet Concentrate, Alfalfa Extract, Red Cabbage, Annatto, and other yummy fruits and vegetables. Their ingredients are sourced all over the world and purchased from Fair Trade Suppliers.

[Learn more about Pure Fun™ candies.]

BabyEarth Unveils World’s First Demo-On-Demand Shopping Service

BabyEarth is an eco-friendly, baby products retailer and specialty store and they anre now offering BabyEarthLIVE, a free interactive shopping service utilizing the latest in webcam technology that gives customers an in-store experience via the Internet.

BabyEarthLIVE gives customers the personal attention they would receive in the store plus the convenience of shopping online. BabyEarth representatives located in the flagship store in Texas are outfitted with webcams and laptops, so they can give live demonstrations of baby gear like strollers, car seats, high chairs, diaper bags and infant carriers. The demo-on-demand is delivered to the online customer live via streaming video, allowing for real-time conversations and a truly personalized shopping experience.

How BabyEarthLIVE works:

1. Sign In - login or sign up at www.babyearth.com/live
2. Request - fill out a request form indicating the baby gear you want to see
3. Connect! – a BabyEarth representative will call you back and do a live demonstration

After the request is submitted, the information is placed into the queue and a BabyEarth representative will return the call, prepared to do a live demonstration of the product listed in the request. Whether a shopper wants to compare and contrast multiple strollers or get a bird’s eye view of the latch on a car seat, the demo-on-demand shopping experience is tailored to their particular needs.

BabyEarthLIVE customers can make their selection instantly, just like they hand-picked an item right off the shelf – even if that item is in the warehouse.

About BabyEarth
BabyEarth is a baby products retailer and specialty store with an eco-friendly flair. Offering everything for baby’s world, from tried-and-true classics to innovative breakthroughs, BabyEarth sells the highest quality products from leading manufacturers. What sets BabyEarth apart from its competitors is the company’s unwavering dedication to customer service, selection, competitive prices and corporate responsibility.

[Visit BabyEarthLIVE now.]

Blog Trip? A Road Trip for Bloggers

Welcome to Goodies for Mom for all those visiting via the "Blog Trip."

For those of you who have not heard about the "Blog Trip," here is how it works. The Mommy Community Blog Trip will be from Sept. 1-5, 2008 and moms all over the net will be blog hopping through other participating mom blogs. There will have a list of participants in a special post in The Mommy Community blog with Mr. Linky. Moms will have an opportunity to meet, learn a bit more, share and chat with other moms in cyberspace.

Now to share a little about myself. My name is Lois and I am the editor of the Goodies for Mom blog, which I began in January of this year.

I was born, raised and currently live in New Jersey. But I am really a Southern girl at heart after attending the University of Richmond and falling in love the south. I have a wonderful husband and two awesome boys, 5 and 2 1/2. (See me with my boys at left although I'm blonde now ;) LOL!) I have my MBA from the University of Phoenix and work full-time outside the home.

I volunteer with an wonderful organizations, Friends of Heroes, which benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (Check out our Blogging for Blood Cancer event earlier this month for more info. on this great cause.)

I am also the owner of the Cushie Pushie Company whose signature product is the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow. . It is a pillow designed to help you gain the correct breast position for easier breastfeeding. This breastfeeding pillow pushes your breast upward in order to allow easy latching by your nursing baby, while maintaining correct positioning throughout the feeding. By keeping the breast pushed up, it also frees one of your hands from continually holding your breast while breastfeeding.

[Head over to visit lots of great mom blogs now.]

School Supplies At Your Fingertips

No longer do you have to go on the dreaded scavenger-hunt to four different stores to search for the exact school supplies your little ones needs. EZSchoolSupplies.com provides school supplies to thousands of schools and parents across the country. If your school has registered, you can order online the exact school supplies requested by the school or the teachers for each specific grade level and have them delivered right to your home.

They offer over 26,000 brand name items on the website and can deliver from 32 distribution centers strategically located throughout the U.S. For the schools that have signed up with, they also give them back a 10% donation of their student's purchases to assist them with their fund raising efforts.

Goodies for Mom readers can receive a 10% discount but using coupon code: EZMB078.

Learn how to get supplies delivered right to your doorstep at EZSchoolSupplies.com.

Healthy School Lunches - A Site To Help

School is starting and with it we are packing our little ones lunches daily. But who does not need help packing nutritious, inexpensive, tasty lunches? And ones they will eat? With the onslaught of processed food, pre-packaged, high sugar and high sodium, cute shaped, squeezable foods for kids, with their favorite superhero on it, well… the grocery tab goes up quickly and the taste, and especially nutrition go out the window.

iLunchBox has a solution. The site consists of:

• recipes and menu ideas with a focus on lunch and portability.
• tips and tricks to make lunch easier.
• best “off the shelf” items when making something from scratch is just not an option.
• featured gadgets and products that help us get the job done.
• best products to transport lunch.
• help and inspiration on improving your school’s hot lunch program.
• articles and information on nutrition and children.
• links and resources for more information.

“I can’t tell you how many times a friend has complained to me that their child won’t eat anything healthy, or their child won’t eat anything but PB & J. So, I started giving out suggestions and recipes, things I found useful”, says Beth Ann Bentley, founder of iLunchBox, “most of the things I suggested just made sense; sometimes someone would pass on a great idea to me too. It is amazing how much moms will spread the word of a good idea.”

Additionally, iLunchbox provides its readers resources and links to valuable information and addresses the concerns and questions of its community. It is lunch made easy.

[Check out iLunchbox now.]

Be Just a Little Greener This Back-to-School

by Kelly Neylan

Most parents would like to be greener but they aren't sure about how to go about greening going back to school shopping process. One very simple way you can do this is by purchasing an article of organic clothing. Most people know that you are what you eat but what you may not know is that you are what you wear. Now many people now realized that by buying one organic shirt that they were saving almost 1/3lb of pesticides and chemicals from going into the ground that it would make an impact. But what most people do not realize is that the heavily pesticide ridden inner part of the cotton plant from conventional farming is not thrown away it is ground up and put into our food as fillers most commonly in cookies, crackers and bake goods. Additionally the run off from conventional farming is poisoning our drinking water, rivers, and streams. So each article of clothing where you decide to buy organic rather than conventional helps to save soil, land, and air that we all use. Not to mention that ring spun organic cotton is the softest around and since it hasn't been worn down with chemicals it tends to last longer. So it’s a better value in the long run since it lasts longer. If everyone would buy even one piece of organic apparel for his or her children for back to school it would start to make a huge difference. We can change the world one t-shirt at a time.

Another place that you can help green your children’s school experience would be to green their lunches. Buy a reusable sandwich wrap, there are many with cloth and plastic that have Velcro that can be used for many years and save on the use of plastic bags and plastic wrap. Use reusable water bottles or thermoses (be sure to get a non-plastic one that will not leach if exposed to heat or cold, the stainless steel varieties are nice). Give your child reusable cutlery that they bring home and you can reuse the next day. Pack a cloth napkin instead of paper, you can find great ones on clearance and buying dark colors for children will make them usable for a much longer period of time. Pack the lunch in a reusable lunch bag or box and avoid using disposable bags. These simple changes will saves millions of pounds of trash from being added landfills.

When buying paper, notebooks, and paper products look for ones that have some recycled content. Pens are even available now made from recycled plastic. These items can be found at some of the big box office supply stores as well as online retailers.

Everyone can make a substantial environmental impact by purchasing recycled, re-usable, and organic items for back to school.

About the Author
Kelly Neylan runs BuddhiWear an organic apparel company with a flare for yoga, pilates, energy healing, environment and all things positive. She is also a yoga instructor and mother to two children. BuddhiWear offers apparel for the entire family. Women, Men, Children, and Babies. Their Fall line will launch in August with even more new styles and designs.

BuddhiWear is sweatshop labor free and plants trees for shirts. Their current line can viewed at http://www.buddhiwear.com/. Use the code “GREEN10” take 10% off your entire purchase.

Product Review: WedgEZ™ Outlet Plug Remover

The importance of baby proofing your house is obvious and part of that is putting protective plugs in all your electrical outlets. However, the plugs are not only difficult to babies and toddlers to remove, they are also tough for parents too. The solution: the WedgEZ™ Outlet Plug Remover. The WedgEz helps you easily and safely remove protective electrical outlet plugs without damage to walls or the plugs themselves. It's a simple plastic tool is shaped to easily fit your hand.

We tried one and it really did help us easily remove those tough to get out safety plugs. But guess what that's not all we found them helpful for. We also used them to open soda can pop tops and anything else that you would use your nails for. I'm all about anything trying to save my nails from breaking because as a mom it seems a losing battle. LOL!

I keep mine hung on my vacuum, which is when I most likely need to get those plugs off when you are going from room to room cleaning.

In addition, the price is great. Just $3.99 each or 3 for $9.99.

[Order your WedgEZ today.]

US Organic Baby Membership Giveaway

This contest is closed.
Click here to view winner.
_________________

US Organic Baby is offering one lucky Goodies for Mom reader the opportunity to win a free US Organic Baby Club Membership.

US Organic Baby is the sister site to the original New Zealand based site. This web site is full of information and resources on natural parenting. It includes articles, the latest product scares, recipes, and links to local organizations. Also Canadian and United States visitors can now find local organic vegetables, and read about things goin on in their own neighbourhoods.

My favorite part is the "Product Finder" that lets you find organic and eco-friendly baby products with a few clicks of the mouse.

You can also join their Organic Baby Club which offers:

• Automatic entry into our monthly prize draw
• Joining gift (value up to US$24) with all new memberships
• Exclusive discount at checkout offers
• Refer-a-friend rewards (see orange box)
• Download a free feeding guide which makes a handy reference with organic feeding ideas from first solids to toddler.
• Receive a monthly newsletter which keeps you informed of new suppliers, products and services as they come to the marketplace.
  
  Only $36 for twelve months!!!

TO ENTER TO WIN:

Just visit the US Organic Baby website and use their “Product Finder” directory. Come back and leave a comment with your favorite shop. Receive an extra chance to win by nominating c company that you think should be in their directory. Deadline to enter is Monday, September 1, 2008 at midnight EST.

[Visit US Organic Baby now.]

Bibzees: Bibs with Style

Instead of covering up your baby's style, Bibzees Bibs show it off. These bibs contain the design instead of cover the design. They even have matching tees available and come in pairs so if one gets wet, you can just swap them and be ready to go looking hip and stylish in minutes.

Designer Beth Powell created these bibs after the birth of her second son. She quicly grew tired of the cutesy, cookie cutter bibs she found in stores and wanted to express her son's personality. From rocker chick to diva to surfer dude there is a set for your little unique person. These are perfect because as Bibzees states, "Even cool babies spit up!"

[Visit Bibzees now.]

Blogging for Blood Cancer Winners

Here are are lucky Blogging for Blood Cancer winners who helped Goodies for Mom raise awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:

• 10,000 Entrecard Credits, courtesy of Eyespi20.com, Travelin' Show, My Reading Nook, Øblog, Chihuatude, Abhishek Deshpande, and the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow.
  Commenter #13 - Trisha of Momdot.com
  
• Signature Floral Half Locket (value=$205), courtesy of The Fine Art of Family.
  Commenter #122 blueviolet
  
• $50 American Express Gift Card
  Commenter #100 Charity
  
• $50 Gift Card from Lord and Taylor
  Commenter #130 Joy
  
• A customized tutus courtesy of Sara Rose Tutus.
  Commenter #63 Elaine
  
• 100% organic cotton kimono set for baby (pink or blue up to 24 months) from Go Natural Baby™ LLC and 100% organic cotton T-Shirt with Coco Pants ( sizes from 3 months - 4T) (choice of three colors for the t-shirt and matching pants) from Go Natural Baby™ LLC
  Commenter #56 Christy
  
• Washcloth Candies 6-Pack (customized to the winners color choice of pink, blue, or neutral) from Bullfrogs and Butterflies
  Commenter #20 Amanda
  
• Set of announcements or invitations from Bellababy Creations
  Commenter #70 Myriam
  
• Princess tiara, bells, and tutu (value=$15.00) courtesy of Stakersensations
  Commenter #132 armyfamilyok
  
• A baby bundle and pacifier/toy clip (value=$25.00) courtesy of Stakersensations
  Commenter#50 BonggaMom
  
• Taggie ball from Creatively Inclined Moms
  Commenter #18 Petrina
  
• BusyBodyBook Family Calendar (4 winner, 1 each of 4 designs), courtesy of Busy Body Book.
  Commenter #67 Jen
  Commenter #136 Doreen
  Commenter #22 Peg4blues
  Commenter #65 BlapherMJ
  
• Sheath Style Apron (value=$39.00) & Tea Towel (value=$12.00) in Black ala Mode, courtesy of The Hip Hostess
  Commenter #36 Amanda Werhane
  
• Embroidered Duck Satineesnug (value=$19.95) from My Embroidered Gifts
  Commenter #39 Kris
  
• 4-in-1 Nursing Shawls ($30) plus a Sleeveless Overall (value=$13.50) from Loved Baby
  Commenter#3 Life Is Like A Mountain Railway
  
• Karma Kidz Bath & Body Sample Set, worth $15+ from Karma Kiz
  Commenter #81 Go Natural Baby
  
• Cozy! square blanket (value=$35.00) courtesy of Baby*Fad
  Commenter#52 Kristinia
  
• Twilight Party Invitations from Twilightations
  Commenter #53 Scary Mommy
  
• Sterling Silver Round Precious Images Charm with ball chain necklace (value=$50.00) from My Forever Child
  Commenter #83 Aice Crowder's mom

Thank you so much to all the generous sponsors who helped us be able to offer these great prizes and thank you to all of you who helped make this event so successful!!!!!!!

(Winners will be contacted shortly to claim your prizes or you can e-mail lois(@)goodiesformom(.)com with the prize you won along with your full name and shipping address.)

Babble Soft Offering Web and Mobile Baby Tracking

For moms looking to bring a little order into those chaotic first months of motherhood, Babble Soft has the solution for you. Their product Baby Insights helps you and other caregivers communicate about newborn care and gain insight into your baby's patterns. With the information collected, families can make sleeping, breastfeeding support, and feeding related decisions, as well as crucial medical decisions. The product helps you track:

• Sleep periods
• Breastfeeding times
• Bottle feeding times and amounts
• Pumping times and amounts
• Immunizations
• Medicine doses
• Diaper changes

Their second product, Baby Say Cheese allows parents to create an online baby album for their newborn baby incorporating both photos and milestones as well as a family tree.

About Babble Soft
Babble Soft, LLC is an Austin, Texas based company specializing in technology products that help make new parents' lives easier. As new parents, the founders of Babble Soft discovered that there was not an easy way to track important activities that occur after a baby is born. Out of this chaos and in a search for organization, Baby Insights (formerly Baby Manager) was born. Baby Insights helps make the transition into parenthood a little easier. Not long after Baby Say Cheese was developed.

It's Not Too Late: Today's the Last Day to Win

Don't forget today is the last day to win lots of great prizes in our Blogging for Blood Cancer event!!!!! Visit these posts to learn more about how you can win a lot of great prizes,while helping raise awareness for blood cancer and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:

• We Are Blogging for Blood Cancer (Goodies for Mom)
• Blogging for Blood Cancer a week of great posts and new friends (Friends of Heroes)
• A Beautiful Future of Life Lived; Not A Life Lost

Easy Ways to Help Support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Shop and Give

What's an easier way to give to a worthy organization than to just shop for thing you already need? Make shopping fun, easy and support a good cause. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society partners, with such brand names as Ed Bauer, Sears, KB Toys, Office Max, and more.

[Start Shopping]

Send a Free ePostcard

It's so easy to invite others - your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers - to volunteer or support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by sending a free epostcard.

[Send a Postcard]

Advocacy

Register to become a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Advocates Network. Help The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) advocate for public policy positions that accelerate progress toward cures for leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma.

[Become an Adovacate]

Buy A Sara Rose Tutu and Help LLS

Stacy of Sara Rose Tutus has created this beautiful red and black tulle tutu with a black ribbon waistband just for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They are generously donating 30% of the proceeds for this tutu to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Friends of Heroes Team.

This elegant tutu comes in newborn thru adult sizes.

This opportunity will be running for the next six months and then they will be selecting a new charity every six months. If you would like your charity to be their next charity, please contact sarastutus@hotmail.com.

Stacy is the mom of an adorable little one year old named Sara Rose. She also blogs at Busy Mommy Product Review and is just a really wonderful lady who I've been lucky enough to get to know through mutual blogging groups.

If you've been thinking of getting your little princess a tutu now is the time and you can help raise funds for LLS at the same time. Sounds like win-win to me :)!!!

[Visit Sara Rose Tutus now.]

7 Random Facts About "Me" with a Twist

I was tagged by Pamela from PMKU but since it's is Blogging for Blood Cancer week I thought I'd do it with a twist, ok cheat. LOL! Instead of 7 Random Facts about Me, I'm doing 7 Random Facts about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and blood cancer.

The rules:
* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
* Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. LLS was founded in 1949.
2. 68 local chapters in the United States and Canada
3. Through its popular Information Resource Center, LLS connects patients, families and caregivers to oncology nurses and social workers.
4. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was born out of a family's grief following the death of their teenage son to leukemia.
5. The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
6. Light The Night Walks are celebrating their 10th year.
7. Society Co-Pay Assistance funds are currently available to patients for up to $5000

Now my turn to tag people!!!!

1. Dominique
2. Christy
3. Beth
4. Heroes for Children
5. Friends of Heroes
6. Susan
7. Ashley

Bringing Hope for a Brighter Future

Now starting my fifth walk season doing Light The Night, my national co-captain Jenn reminded me in today’s post on the Friends of Heroes blog of one of the most important reasons for being involved. She reminded me that we are helping to offer HOPE to thousands of families each year battling these devastating diseases. In 1955, Leukemia was considered 100% fatal, now patient survival rates range from 50% to 95% depending on the type of blood cancer. The entire Friends of Heroes team is very hopefully that it will not be long before we can say that blood cancer and all cancers are 100% curable!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(LLS) is doing an amazing job at offering these patients hope for a brighter tomorrow through patient services and research. As Light The Night celebrates a Decade of Difference, look at what LLS has been able to accomplish in just the past 10 years alone:

• Nearly half a million patients and their caretakers have called the LLS Information Resource Center and received critical information about blood cancers, therapy options and issues surrounding treatment and survival.
• Nearly $40 million was disbursed to patients through the LLS Patient Assistance program to help them get the treatment they needed to fight their cancer.
• Over 100,000 patients and family members found comfort and hope through LLS First Connection and Family Support Groups.
• LLS granted $425 million to more than 400 scientists searching for cures and improved treatments for patients in just the past 10 years and has supported more than $600 million in research since its inception in 1949.
• LLS funding contributed to the development of a host of new drugs that are affecting patient survival and quality of life.
• LLS-funded researchers began working in novel areas that hold great promise for finding cures and better treatments including new, less toxic stem cell transplants, immunotherapies and other targeted therapies.
• Their Advocacy Network has successfully supported pro-patient legislation that will: - Help advance blood cancer research- Extend Medicare coverage to include oral anti-cancer drugs - Help fund efforts to reach underserved blood cancer patients
  (Source: LLS and Light The Night, 2008)

This is amazing for just 10 years!!!!!

Won't you please consider helping The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society bring help and hope to the thousands of people battling blood cancers?

RAISING AWARENESS - Why It Ultimately Is Better Than Just Raising Funds

As we hold the "Blogging for Blood Cancer" event, I urge you all to think about the real importance of awareness. Four years ago at this time, I was just learning about little Allie Scott and her battle with Leukemia. It is through Jenny and Allie’s battle that I learned of the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and their incredible mission: "to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families." As I sat reading of Allie's battle, what could a mom in NJ do to help this little one?

• Could I walk 2 miles? Yes!
• Could I send an e-mail or letter to friends, coworkers, and family? Yes!!!
• Could literally every single dollar I and my Friends of Heroes team members raised make a difference? Yes, lots of dollars have added up to over $960,000.
• Would I have ever gotten involved if one single person, Jenny, had not made me aware? Absolutely not!!!!

I think that many of the people who have walked as part of Friends of Heroes (formerly Friends of Allie) over the past four years can say pretty much the same thing. I’ve come into contact with so many people who tell me they have heard of Allie and her story either directly from Jenny or through others sharing it.

I personally have been able to raise only about $5,000 during the four years I've walked. Believe me when I say I am not a big time fundraiser but by working on events like this and being involved in Friends of Heroes has allowed me to raise a significant amount of awareness that is worth way more the that $5,000.

As you participate in this blogging event, please remember how important raising awareness is and how easy it is to do something so important.

• Does it cost you anything? No. You can do it online or even get many of your supplies from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and/or your local chapter.
• Can you tell the story of an honored hero and share why this organization is so important? Who would not want to share these amazing children with others?
• Can you hand out a brochure or write a blog post? Can you tell others about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the importance of cancer research? Can you help get the word out to cancer patients of the services that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers? Not too hard but ok it does take a little effort ;)
• Where can we do it? Anywhere from your front step to your local grocery store to a restaurant to a community fair to YOUR BLOG.

Please won't you help us raise awareness for this important cause?

Battling for Blood Cancer Patients

By Puja Thomson

In connection with the "Blogging for Blood Cancer" event to raise awareness for the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, this blog honors Marty Laforse, who lived with lymphoma for many years. A true champion, he led a Men's Group through Benedictine Hospital's Oncology Support Program in Kingston, NY. When I was looking for stories about the different ways people face the challenge of cancer to include in my book, After Shock: From Cancer Diagnosis to Healing, Marty, a lymphoma survivor, generously offered his vignette. As you will see, he took little credit for his own resilience, and instead was quick to praise the doctors and researchers who fought on his behalf, making incredible advances. Here's what Marty wrote:

"When I was young, cancer was one of those words I did not even like to hear. If I came across an inevitable article delineating symptoms, I would search my body and its reactions for the merest hint of their presence. One day, decades later, when I had retired I found a hard lump in my groin. My home doctor calmly asserted that we should wait two weeks and see what developed. On the return visit he looked again, noted that the lump did not move and advised me there was a 50-50 chance that it was serious. I went through both needle and surgical biopsies. The results were positive.

I had always envisioned myself collapsing into a spasm of uncontrollable fear were I to receive such news. That did not happen. I didn't dance for joy or fall back on disingenuous philosophies of reassurance but neither did I dissolve into quivering apprehension.

A gaggle of medical visits, blood draws, X-rays, CT-scans and MRI's ensued. I guess laughter helped as, for the most part, my wife and I laughed quite a bit at the comic wigs and gaudy kerchiefs I tried on, in expectation of effects from the chemotherapy I was to undergo. I don't think that this experience broadened me or made me more sensitive. It happened and I luckily found doctors who battled my cancer and have kept it in remission for some years now. I was fortunate that the lymphoma proved treatable. I am grateful for those good years but I battled nothing. Those who treated me and those who researched and discovered treatments battled for me."

Since his death of a sudden heart attack last year, his loss has been felt by all of us in the Oncology Support Program. As a tribute to Marty, who was "gentle, kind and wise," a deck and gazebo have been built at the new Reuner Cancer Support House near the hospital.

About the Author
Puja Thomson is the author of After Shock: From Cancer Diagnosis to Healing - a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way. An award-winning comprehensive practical resource. ISBN: 9781928663058. Http://www.aftershockfromcancer.com.

Carousel Designs Baby Bedding Giveaway Winners

The winners of the Carousel Designs Baby Bedding Giveaway / Review are:

• Soft and comfy crib blanket (value=$69.00) is Commentor #10 - WindyCindy
• Diaper stacker (value=$39.00) is Commentor #91 - Kristie

Thank you to Carousel Designs for sponsoring this great giveaway. Also thank you to the 205 readers who participated in this giveaway.

The Trish Green Back To School Program for the Child with Cancer

Each year, approximately, 12,100 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. Even after the initial treatment, child patients may face many years of illness, treatment, stress and post-treatment adjustments. Returning to school can offer a feel of normalcy for families after treatment. In an effort to support families and ease the transition from active treatment to daily life for pediatric cancer patients, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society developed a program to increase communication among healthcare professionals, parents, patients and school officials (campus nurses, counselors, teachers, and administrators).
The objectives of the program are to educate attendees and enable them to:•

• Describe common childhood cancers and treatments
• Identify challenges cancer survivors face upon returning to school and throughout their time in school and college
• Understand laws that protect childhood cancer survivors’ rights
• Have strategies to help meet the students’ short- and long-term educational needs
• Acess resources that support schools and families, including those from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Teachers can learn what accommodations might be needed for their returning cancer student and can help classmates understand what the student is going through. Because of their daily contact with the student, teachers also play a key role if any health concerns should arise in the classroom.

Cancer survivorship is a lifelong journey, and school reentry is a major milestone in that journey.

For more on the Trish Green Back To School Program, click here.

We Are Blogging for Blood Cancer

This post is now closed.
Winners have been announced. Click here to see if you won.

Thank you so much to everyone who partipated in helping raise awareness for this important cause!!!!!
____________________

This first time event will bring bloggers from across the United States together to raise awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. We have lots of great prizes to be won for bloggers and non-bloggers.

Make sure to visit the Friends of Heroes blog each day during the event for a chance to win these great prizes as you learn more blood cancer and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

• Monday - Welcome to the event (win a $25.00 Starbucks Gift Card)
• Tuesday - Light the Night Walks (a $30 gift certificate to The Blue Top Hat plus a cookie card and cookies from the Greeting Cookie.)
• Wednesday - Every Dollar Counts Toward a Cure (handmade soap and 5 pairs of sterling silver earrings.)
• Thursday: FOH and Their Affliates - Partners in Eradicating Pediatric Blood Cancer ($50 gift certificate to Susan Murphy, Inc.)
• Friday: Our Fifth Season as a Team and 5 sets of vinyls wall decals (value=$48.00) courtesy of Stakersensations.
• Saturday: Pediatric Cancer Research - Why Is It Important? (Princess purse and ribbon tutu from Pretty Posh Princess and 1-Disc necklace from the signature collection courtesey of Circle of Sentiments)
• Sunday: A Beautiful Future of Life Lived; Not A Life Lost (Fused glass pendant from Lucky Girl Trading Company & Tess shopping bag (value=$20.00) courtesey of Mimsi Bags)
• Monday: Blogging for Blood Cancer a week of great posts and new friends (It’s a Glam Thing beauty gift basket (value=$175) courtesy of It’s a Glam Thing)
• Grand prize - $900 Timberland and Lacoste product assortment, including duffle bags, totes, luggage tags, backpack, key ring, i-pod cases, and purse, courtesy of Samsonite. (This will be drawn from all the comments throughout the event)

Goodies for Mom is "Blogging for Blood Cancer" too:

• Easy Ways to Help Support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - 8/17/2008
• Buy A Sara Rose Tutu and Help LLS - 8/16/2008
• 7 Random Facts About "Me" with a Twist - 8/15/2008
• Bringing Hope for a Brighter Future - 8/15/2008
• RAISING AWARENESS - Why It Ultimately Is Better Than Just Raising Funds - 8/14/2008
• Battling for Blood Cancer Patients - 8/13/2008
• The Trish Green Back To School Program for the Child with Cancer - 8/12/2008
• How did I get involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society? - 8/11/2008

HOW TO WIN HERE:

We have lots of great prizes to win here too if you help us raise awareness! Here how you can win:

1. Bloggers: Post about the importance of blood cancer research, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Friends of Heroes, The Light Night Walks, or how you have been touched by blood cancer. Please include a link to the Friends of Heroes blog (http://www.friendsofheroes.org/blog) and this post. Also make sure to tell us in your post what prize you'd most like to win. Then leave us a link directly to your post below on MR LINKY. (1 chance to win for each post you make, so make sure to post each day during the event for up to 7 chances to win.)
   
2. Non-bloggers: Even if you don't have a blog, you can get a chance to win too. Just e-mail five (5) friends about this event and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Then leave us comment as your commitment that you've sent the e-mail. E-mail 5 friends each day for more chances to win. Make sure to tell us in your comment what prize you'd like to win most.
   
3. Contest closes Monday, August 18, 2008 at 12:00PM EST.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN:

• 10,000 Entrecard Credits, courtesy of Eyespi20.com, Travelin' Show, My Reading Nook, Øblog, Chihuatude, Abhishek Deshpande, and the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow.
• Signature Floral Half Locket (value=$205), courtesy of The Fine Art of Family.
• $50 American Express Gift Card
• $50 Gift Card from Lord and Taylor
• A customized tutus courtesy of Sara Rose Tutus.
• 100% organic cotton kimono set for baby (pink or blue up to 24 months) from Go Natural Baby™ LLC
• 100% organic cotton T-Shirt with Coco Pants ( sizes from 3 months - 4T) (choice of three colors for the t-shirt and matching pants) from Go Natural Baby™ LLC
• Washcloth Candies 6-Pack (customized to the winners color choice of pink, blue, or neutral) from Bullfrogs and Butterflies
• Set of announcements or invitations from Bellababy Creations
• Princess tiara, bells, and tutu (value=$15.00) courtesy of Stakersensations
• A baby bundle and pacifier/toy clip (value=$25.00) courtesy of Stakersensations
• Taggie ball from Creatively Inclined Moms
• BusyBodyBook Family Calendar (4 winner, 1 each of 4 designs), courtesy of Busy Body Book.
• Sheath Style Apron (value=$39.00) & Tea Towel (value=$12.00) in Black ala Mode, courtesy of The Hip Hostess
• Embroidered Duck Satineesnug (value=$19.95) from My Embroidered Gifts
• 4-in-1 Nursing Shawls ($30) plus a Sleeveless Overall (value=$13.50) from Loved Baby
• Karma Kidz Bath & Body Sample Set, worth $15+ from Karma Kiz
• Cozy! square blanket (value=$35.00) courtesy of Baby*Fad
• Twilight Party Invitations from Twilightations
• Sterling Silver Round Precious Images Charm with ball chain necklace (value=$50.00) from My Forever Child
  
  

Lots of Giveaways From BookWorm(Mom's) Diary

Here are some great giveaways from Book Blogger's Diary and A Bookworm(Mom)'s Diary

Host - A Bookworm(Mom)'s Diary
DVD Review and Giveaway - Veggie Tales
TWO copies of this hilarious DVD to giveaway.
US only.
Deadline to enter is midnight cst of August 18th.

Host - A Bookworm(Mom)'s Diary
DVD Review and Giveaway - Disney Little Einsteins
1 copy to giveaway.
US only.
Deadline to enter is midnight cst of August 25th.

Host - A Book Blogger's Diary
Book Review and Giveaway - Left to Die by Lisa Jackson
3 copies of this book to giveaway
US only.
Giveaway ends midnight CST of August 31th.

Host - A Book Blogger's Diary
Book Review and Giveaway - The Night Villa by Carol Goodman
1 copy.
US only.
Giveaway ends midnight CST of August 26th.

Burp’ems Headed for Babies R' Us

Handy Burp 'Ems by Love Prints will soon be coming to a Babies R'Us near you soon thanks to a licensing agreement Hamco Inc. Handy Burp'ems are a mom-invented, unique burp cloth with a protective covering for your hand.

[Learn more]

Source: Philly Burbs

New High Tech Products Keep Baby Safe

Childhood accidents are the leading cause of death for children under 14. New products that marry technology with safety to protect our children are entering the marketplace. From a high-tech car seat to a crib monitor that alerts you if a baby stops breathing are now available.
[Learn more]

Source: News 8

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival Winners Announced - Peeka Books

Congratulations to the five (5) lucky winners of the Peeka Book from Peeka Producations.

• Commenter #119 - Gina
• Commenter #89 - Naomi
• Commenter #44 -Karen of Sillymonkeez
• Commenter #34 - HisBeloved
• Commenter #39 - Dee

Thank you to all of the 153 people who entered the giveaway and make sure to check out all the great prizes you could win next week in our "Blogging for Blood Cancer Event."

Thank you Peeka Producations for sponsoring this great giveaway.

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival Winners Announced - Mambino Organics Skincare

Congratulations to the winner of the Mambino Organics kissable lips lip balm and a travel size version of their organic body wash:

• Commenter #305 - Noreen

Thank you to all of the 395 people who entered the giveaway and make sure to check out all the great prizes you could win next week in our "Blogging for Blood Cancer Event."

Thank you Mambino Organics for sponsoring this great giveaway.

Bumkins All-in-One Cloth Diaper Bundle Giveaway

Bumkins is sponsoring a giveaway in honor of World Breast Feeding Week (August 1st-7th). In celebration of this wonderful cause, they will be giving away an All-in-One Cloth Diaper Bundle 3 pack, retail valued at $72.95, to one lucky winner.

To enter all contestants have to do is sign up for an informative, educational cloth diapering newsletter.

[Sign up now.]

Carousel Designs Baby Bedding Giveaway / Review

This contest is closed.
Click here to view the winners.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carousel Designs is sponsoring a Baby Bedding Giveaway for two (2) lucky Goodies for Mom winners. The first will win a functional diaper stacker (value=$39.00). . The second will win a soft and comfy crib blanket (value=$69.00). Winners can choose from their favorite Carousel Designs' contempary, hand-crafted collection.

Goodies for Mom received a Carousel Designs 4 piece crib bedding set in the Modern Zoo fabric. Believe me when I tell you the photos do not do these fabrics justice. The vibrant colors are incredible. The fun, funky modern zoo animals cover this comfy cheerful comforter. I also includes the denim minky sheet that feels so soft. The best piece in the set I think is the very cushy bumper pads and the matching skirt. I know there is always controversy about using bumper pads (we've used them with both boys) but if you are going to use them, these are the rolls royce of bumper pads.

Carousel Designs offers 18 collections for any taste and style. Sweet Candy Pink Angel Toile to fun Minky Giraffe, I'm sure you'll find something for your new arrival.

ENTER TO WIN
To enter to win, just visit Carousel Designs, look around at their great collections, then come back here and tell us, which collection you'd like your prize in if you win. Deadline is Monday, August 11, 2008 at midnight EST. Open to US Residents only.

[Visit Carousel Designs now.]

About Carousel Designs
Carousel Designs is a leading manufacturer of high quality infant linens, crib bedding, nursery décor, and accessories. For twenty years, Carousel Designs has designed, manufactured, and distributed to baby specialty stores. They have twice been selected as the "Manufacturer of the Year" by two different independent retail buying groups.