GIVEAWAY: Destress and Recharge with 1800flowers

Win a $50 gift card to 1-800-FLOWERS.COM to help you destress and recharge. What mom does not need this???

According to a recent Harvard study, people who literally "stop and smell the roses" by looking at flowers first thing in the morning feel cheerier and more energetic throughout your day.

There are certain scents and colors that impact mood and overall well-being. Here the De-Stress and Recharge Floral Guide from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM for those of us who can use a little less stress and a little more energy in their lives:

Scents:

• Roses – The sweet aroma and bold colors of red roses can help boost energy and improve mood. Check out the Rose Elegance™ Premium Long Stem Red Roses ($49.99 - $159.99)or Sweetheart Rose Bouquet ($39.99 - $49.99)
• Lavender – The scent of lavender can prompt your body to produce a calming compound which promotes relaxation and helps relax and alleviate stress. Check out the Lavender Dish Garden ($49.99) or the Crabtree & Evelyn® Lavender Hatbox (SALE $55.99)
• Mint – Fresh mint is refreshing and purifying to both the body and soul. Check out the Summer Herb Garden Trio ($44.99) or the Taste of Tea ($16.99)

Colors:

• Light Purple & Blue – Soothing and can help relieve tension and reduce anxiety. Check out the Blue Hydrangea ($59.95) or the Blue Purple Arrangement By Jane Packer ($100.00)
  
• Yellow – Yellow enhances alertness, increases self-esteem and can strengthen overall wellbeing. Try Martha Stewart Golden Sunflower Bouquet ($59.95)

To learn more about de-stressing and recharging with flowers, Julie Mulligan, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM lifestyle expert, recently posted about the “power of flowers.”

ENTER TO WIN
Visit 1-800-FLOWERS.COM website and what you paln to use your $50 gift card on if you win. Deadline is Monday, August 3, 2009 at midnight EST. Open to US residents only.

More Chances to Win
Extra entries for:

• Linking to this contest
• Subscribing to our feed, follow us on Twitter or following us with Blogger,
• Having a link or button to the Goodies for Mom site on your site
• Tweeting about this giveaway

Just leave us a separate comment for each letting us know.

[Visit 1-800-FLOWERS.COM now.]

Winners Announced of Today's Goodie and Clorox Giveaways

Congratulations to the winner of One GOODIE at a Time $20 gift certificate:

• Comment # 40 - threecarnations

Congratulations to the two winners who will each receive coupons for five (5) Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor Canisters:

• Commenter #25 - ChristiS
• Comment #210 - kngmckellar

Thanks to our sponsors Clorox and Today's Goodie for sponsoring these great giveaways!!!

GIVEAWAY/REVIEW: Automoblox - T9 Pick Up Truck

One lucky Goodies for Mom reader will win an Automoblox® - T9 Pick Up Truck courtesy of Lou Lou's Corner.

According to Automoblox Co LLC, "By merging sophisticated design with the simplicity of warm, traditional wooden pieces, colorful translucent roofs and bright rubber tires, Automoblox® offers a innovative play system that inspires creative thinking and many hours of educational fun for kids—and for those who are kids at heart."

My boys are the princes of cars and trucks. I have no idea how many they have and probably do not want to know the officially count. When to box arrived, my boys fought over (ok, they fight over pretty much everything) who got to play the the sturdy wooden truck first. Then I had to time each one's usage in 10 minutes intervals to keep the peace. All night they were swapping the toy backing forth. The smooth, sleek edges of the truck have no sharp edges and the plastic seems very durable (although leave it to my boys to eventually figure out a way to break it at some point.) Even a couple months later they still pull it out and all their playmates love it too. Of course, they lost one of the little men the very first night. I think it is a new world record. They played with it for less than two hours and lost part of it. We did not even leave the family room with it but they managed to somehow lose it and it has yet to be uncovered. Probably down a seat cushion or under the couch. Hmm, maybe I should clean, HUH? They love to take the tires, wheels, roof and pull it apart and rebuild it while using their imagination to play mechanic. This toy is great for 3 year olds and above.

ENTER TO WIN
Visit Lou Lou's Corner website and tell us your favorite product from their fun, colorful selection. Deadline EXTENDED TO Monday, August 3, 2009 at midnight EST. Open to US residents only.

More Chances to Win
Extra entries for:

• Linking to this contest
• Subscribing to our feed, follow us on Twitter or following us with Blogger,
• Having a link or button to the Goodies for Mom site on your site
• Tweeting about this giveaway
• Just leave us a separate comment for each letting us know.

[Visit Lou Lou's Corner now.]

PRODUCT REVIEW: Shakers by MolliCoolz

Does anyone not love a good milkshake? Although my hips certainly do not need a milkshake, my boys can usually con me into one once in a while. When Shakers by MolliCoolz wanted us to review their product, I was anxious to try them and so were my little ones.

Shakers let you have a thick and creamy milkshake at home. You don’t need a blender or an ice cream scoop, all you need is milk. I was suspicious they would really produce a great milkshake, because I thought it can't really be that easy? But I was wrong, it really was that easy. I just added milk to the single serving container filled with free flowing ice cream beads. Then I put the top back on and shook it for 30 seconds. Very cathartic too. Shake out a little frustration at the same time.

MolliCoolz’s pelleted ice cream beads are produced through its patented technology that allows the small beads to exist in a free flowing pelletized form at normal ice cream temperatures. MolliCoolz products are made with fresh cream and natural flavoring. Shakers are available in the following flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and cookies ‘n’ cream.

These really are very yummy!!!! The boys loved them too. They were thick and creamy just as promised and so easy to "shake" one up. My favorite is the Cookies and Cream. This definitely isn't an everyday food with 310 calories per serving but it is a great treat on a hot summer day and very filling!!!

You can find them at retail chain grocery stores, such as Wal-Mart Supercenter, and are priced under $2 each per container.

[Visit Shakers by MolliCoolz.]

Bill Engvall Show Season Premiere on July 18

The new season of the Bill Engvall Show starts Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) with two back-to-back episodes. Make sure you set your DVRs if you are going to be out of the house! [Oh, wait you are mommies like me, what am I thinking, out on a Saturday night? What is that like?]

In the first episode, Bill (Engvall) and Susan (Nancy Travis) are feeling the economic pinch like so many of us, just as Lauren getting ready for an expensive trip during spring break. Although you'll laugh throughout the show, there is a scene between Lauren and Bill that will bring a tear to your eye as Bill talks about that special father-daughter bond.

During the second, Bill realizes he is being passive-aggressively manipulated by Susan and decides to do something about it: buy a new bedspread. They also get an eye-full when their senior citizen neighbor decides to indulge in his new hot tub in his birthday suit.

The second episode in particular really hit home with hubby and I. We were both laughing at how much we have in common with the characters. I've had the same situation as Susan, me making decisions without consulting him but with him totally in mind. Women have extremely complicated thought processes and if we took the time to explain it to our husband and kids we'd lose the very precious commodity of time. Why waste time, when it's easier just to decide, act, then apologize later? ;)

Make sure to watch July 18 because you will be LOL literally!

Little Petunia Designs: Designs the Little Petunia in Your Life

My favorite new designer is Little Petunia Designs. Of course, I'm not totally unbiased because the owner and designer, Kristen, is a close friend of mine since are oldest were babies. But I think you'll agree that she is extremely talented when you look at the beautiful outfits that she is offering on her Etsy Shop.

Kristen is a stay at home mom of three who loves to sew. Once she had children, she discovered that making children's clothing was her passion. Her designs of fun for are great for kids of all ages.

Her items include onsies, burp clothes, dresses, skirts, purses, pants, tops and more.

She also offers custom designs for special occasions, baby gifts or your special little one. If you are interested in speaking with her further about a custom order, you can e-mail her at kristen@littlepetuniadesigns.com.

Visit her blog to see what she is up to, or to place an order, visit her Etsy Shop.

Kolcraft Recalls 1 Million Play Yards Due to Fall Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Kolcraft announced a voluntary recall of Kolcraft, Carter’s, Sesame Street, Jeep, Contours, Care Bear and Eric Carle Play Yards. This recall affects an estimated 1 million units.

The play yard’s side rail can fail to latch properly. When a child pushes against the rail it can unlatch unexpectedly, and pose a fall hazard to children. There have been 347 reports of sides of the play yard collapsing unexpectedly, resulting in 21 injuries to young children, including bumps, scrapes, bruises and one concussion.

The Play Yards were sold between January 2000 through January 2009.

If you own one of these, you should immediately stop using the play yard and contact Kolcraft for a free repair kit. You can contact them toll-free at (866) 594-4208 or visit http://www.kolcraft.com/.

[Read more]

Source: CPSC

Eight Popular Baby Products You Can Make at Home

In her recent article, Ashley Grimaldo of www.freeshipping.org/blog offers eight popular baby products that can be reproduced at home.

Years ago, babies survived without electronics, videos, and the latest gadet. Grimaldo gives instructions for baby items that can easily be reproduced at home with very little expense. Projects include:

1. Buckle teddy bear
2. Soft baby wipes
3. Pack 'n Play sheets
4. Bubble bath
5. Personalized burp cloths
6. Organic baby food
7. Finger puppets (pictured above)
8. Crib mobile

[Read more]

Giveaway Roundup - 7/8/09

As part of the launch for Breyers new Smooth & Dreamy all natural, light ice cream, you can enter for a chance to win a dreamy Hollywood sweepstakes at www.SmoothandDreamy.com/natural. The grand prize is an eight day/seven night trip to Hollywood for four people, a deluxe Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour and $5,000 cash. The sweepstakes ends September 30, 2009. For complete details, see the official rules at www.SmoothandDreamy.com/natural.

Prize: Shower Hug
Blog: http://www.thefamilygroove.com/jul09_Giveaways.htm
Win it! July 1, 13, 22

Blog/Host : A Bookworm Mom's Diary
Prize : The Universe - Dvd Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 25, 2009.
Eligibility : US only
Giveaway URL : http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/universe-dvd-review-and-giveaway.html

Blog/Host : A Bookworm Mom's Diary
Prize : The Prehistoric Collection - Dvd Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 25, 2009
Eligibility : US only
Giveaway URL : http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/prehistoric-collection-dvd-review-and.html

Blog/Host : A Bookworm Mom's Diary
Prize : Cities of the Underworld - Dvd Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 25, 2009
Eligibility : US only
Giveaway URL : http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/cities-of-underworld-dvd-review-and.html

Blog/Host : A Bookworm Mom's Diary
Prize : Military Combat - Dvd Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 25, 2009
Eligibility : US only
Giveaway URL : http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/military-combat-dvd-review-and-giveaway.html

Blog/Host : A Bookworm Mom's Diary
Prize : How the Earth was Made - Dvd Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 25, 2009
Eligibility : US onlyGiveaway
URL : http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-earth-was-made-dvd-review-giveaway.html

Blog/Host : A Bookworm Mom's Diary
Prize : America at War - Dvd Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 25, 2009
Eligibility : US only
Giveaway URL : http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/dvd-america-at-war.html

Blog/Host : A Bookworm Mom's Diary
Prize : Stealing Lincoln's Body - DVD Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 25, 2009
Eligibility : US only
Giveaway URL : http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/stealing-lincolns-body-dvd-review-and.html

Blog/Host : A Book Blogger's Diary
Prize : Summer Beach Bag Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of August 31, 2009
Eligibility : US & Canada only
Giveaway URL : http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/2009/07/summer-beach-bag-books-giveaway.html

Blog/Host : A Book Blogger's Diary
Prize : Gena Showalter Book
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 15, 2009
Eligibility : US only
Giveaway URL : http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/seduce-darkness-by-gena-showalter.html

Blog/Host : A Book Blogger's Diary
Prize : Stunned
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 11, 2009
Eligibility : US only
Giveaway URL : http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/stunned-new-generation-excerpt-and.html

Blog/Host : A Book Blogger's Diary
Prize : Father's day Giveaway
Deadline : Midnight CST of July 31, 2009
Eligibility : US & Canada only
Giveaway URL : http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/fathers-day-book-giveaway.html

Val's Views - Tracey Singer CD - ends 07/08/09 http://valsviews.com/index.php/2009/tracey-singer-sweets-n-treats-cd-review-and-giveaway/

Mom Knows It All - WiggleTime.com Subscription - ends 07/12/09 http://www.valmg.com/index.php/2009/wiggletime-viritual-world-review-and-giveaway/

Computer Chit Chat - Dress Your Blog domain - ends 07/12/09 http://www.computerchitchat.com/index.php/2009/dress-your-blog-domain-contest/

Here And There - Coffee Bean Direct Gift Basket - ends 07/12/09 http://hereandthere.us/index.php/2009/coffee-bean-direct-review-and-giveaway/

Blog: Disney Contest Blog
Prize: Swimways Ariel Float
http://www.disneycontestblog.com/index.php/2009/07/disney-spring-float-kids-boat-giveaway/
Ends 7/26/09

Blog: Disney Contest Blog
Prize: EcoStoreUSA $25 Giveaway
http://www.momsblogs4u.com/index.php/2009/07/ecostore-giveaway/
Ends 7/26/09

Blog: Disney Contest Blog
Prize: FREE Blog Hosting for 3 Months
http://www.myblogs4u.com/index.php/2009/06/3-months-free-blog-hosting-contest/
Ends 7/26/09

Riding With No Hands
Rubbermaid All-in-One 20-piece set
Ends July 12th, 2009 at 11:59 PM.
US residents only
http://ridingwithnohands.com/rubbermaid-easy-find-lids/

Riding With No Hands
Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues and $50 Visa Gift Card
Ends July 14th, 2009 at 11:59 PM.
US residents only
http://ridingwithnohands.com/kleenex-anti-viral-tissues/

Riding With No Hands
Oreck Halo UV-C Germ-Killing Vacuum
Ends July 23rd, 2009 at 11:59 PM.
US residents only
http://ridingwithnohands.com/oreck-halo-vacuum/

Val's Views
Arm & Hammer Total 2-in-1 Dryer Cloths
ends 07/12/09 http://valsviews.com/index.php/2009/arm-hammer-total-2-in-1-dryer-cloths-review-and-giveaway/

Here And There
Energizer e2 Battery Charger
ends 07/12/09
http://hereandthere.us/index.php/2009/energizer-e2-15-minute-rechargable-battery-charger-review-and-giveaway/

Here And There
Fancy Fortune Cookies
ends 07/13/09
http://hereandthere.us/index.php/2009/fancy-fortune-cookie-review-and-giveaway/

Giveaway - My Secret Circle
URL - http://themamahoodsgoods.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-secret-circle-review-and-giveaway.html
Number of winners – 1
How to Enter – Leave a comment
Earn extra entries by following, subscribing, blog listing or blogging about this contest.
Deadline – Sunday, July 12, 2009 at midnight MST
Open to US & Canada only

Name of Blog & Sponsor: Bon Bon Cupcakes Leggings
Number of Winners: 1
Prize: 1 pair of ruffled leggings
Link: http://bonboncupcakes.blogspot.com/2009/06/july-is-back-to-basics-month.html
Restrictions: US resident only
Ends: July 27, 2009
Sandier Pastures
Handmade silkscreened shirt from Ahpeele
ends 7/10
LINK: http://www.sandierpastures.com/giveaway/giveaway-ahpeele.html
Open to ALL

Sandier Pastures
Any jewelry from Lillyella
ends 7/14
LINK: http://www.sandierpastures.com/giveaway/giveaway-lillyella.html
Open to ALL

Mom Knows It All
Slacker Radio Plus Subscription
ends 07/14
http://www.valmg.com/index.php/2009/just-in-time-for-graduation-parties-slacker-radio-review-and-giveaway/

Val's Views
Fruit2Day
US only
07/13/09
http://valsviews.com/index.php/2009/fruit2day-review-and-giveaway/

Here And There
Guiltless Gourmet Tortilla Chips
US only
07/14/09
http://hereandthere.us/index.php/2009/guiltless-gourmet-unsalted-tortilla-chips-review-and-giveaway/

Blog: Moms Blog 4 U
Prize: Rubbermaid Giveaway
http://www.momsblogs4u.com/index.php/2009/07/rubbermaid-20-piece-system-giveaway/
7/9/09 – 8/6/09

Important Recall for the Holiday Weekend

Aqua-Leisure Industries, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling it Inflatable Baby Floats due to a drowning hazard. About 4 million floats have been sold at retailers nationwide, including Target, Toys “R” Us, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Kmart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware, and Bed, Bath & Beyond from December 2002 through June 2009.

The leg straps in the seat can tear, and causing children to unexpectedly fall into or under the water, posing a risk of drowning. There have been 31 reports of float seats tearing, causing children to fall into or under the water. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

The recalled inflatable baby floats were sold in a variety of styles and colors, including the one pictured to the right.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled inflatable baby floats and contact Aqua-Leisure for a full refund.

[Learn more and view which floats are recalled.]

Product Review/Giveaway: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor Canisters

Two (2) lucky Goodies for Mom readers will each receive coupons for Five (5) Free Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor Canisters.

Can I just say I LOVE Clorox wipes? They are quick to grab and clean up tough messes, which with two young boys happens well just about every 5 minutes at our house. I used them all over the house, especially in the kitchen. Things just clean up so well and sparkle when you are done. My favorite thing to use them for is cleaning baseboards. Just grab the canister and get the dirt and grime up quickly in all the little cracks and crevices.

Now Clorox has made them even better by putting them in attractive, easier to open and dispense canisters. I just sit it on the counter and it blends right it. "Hiding cleaning products under the sink a distant memory."

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes new Décor canisters:

• Come in eight unique color palettes to match any home décor
• Feature a sleek new shape and wider mouth
• Have a new effortless single sheet dispensing system
• Have the same disinfecting power of their namesake wipes
• Are fashionable enough to be left on the countertop
• Available at retailers nationwide

Plus the prices have even went down since they launched in February!!!

ENTER TO WIN

Visit Clorox Disinfecting Wipes new Décor canisters website and tell us your favorite new canister design. Deadline is Monday, July 13, 2009 at midnight EST. Open to US residents only.

More Chances to Win

Extra entries for:

• Linking to this contest
• Subscribing to our feed, follow us on Twitter or following us with Blogger,
• Having a link or button to the Goodies for Mom site on your site
• Tweeting about this giveaway

Just leave us a separate comment for each letting us know.

[Visit Clorox Disinfecting Wipes new Décor canisters now.]

Tonsillectomy Care Package from Dreyers

If your child or a child of anyone you know (under the age of 18) is having a tonsillectomy in the near future (or who has had one within the past month) is invited to request a special kit full of fun and refreshing surprises from DREYER’S Fruit Bars. This kit is offered at no charge.

The Tonsillectomy Care Package contains goodies to help speed you on your way to a tasty and timely recovery, including

• a gift certificate for one free box (6 or 12 bars) of DREYER’S Fruit Bars with real fruit and Vitamin C,
• a crayon set,
• a coloring/activity book, a
• fruit bar key chain and
• a lime rubber bracelet.

To receive the Tonsillectomy Care Package, fill out their form to request one.

Offer only good where Dreyer’s products are sold.

[Learn more]

25 Random Things That Make Me Feel Like A Bad Mom

In reponse to Facebook's famous "25 Random Things About Me," Caron Guillo has identified 25 things that make her feel like a bad mom and calls on others to follow suit.

“The rules are simple,” says Caron. “Make a list of 25 random things that make you worry you're a bad mom. They don't have to be reasonable. In fact, it's better if they're not.”

I think all of us could create this list if we tried. Join us with your list.

25 Random Things That Make Me Feel Like A Bad Mom

Some items that made it into Caron’s list include:

• I work outside the home (and have enjoyed it).
• I routinely snuck candy from my children's Halloween stash.
• I have spent long stretches of time reading in the bathroom just so no one would interrupt me. Sometimes it worked.
• I had a child who, by the age of three, could quote word-for-word the dialog from Free Willy, but didn't know his colors.
• Sometimes I say "no" simply because I'm too tired to say "yes."
• I've let my kids eat chocolate cake for breakfast. Multiple times.

Read Caron's entire list at http://www.newchristianvoices.com/column/bad-mom-25-random-things.

Here are some of my 25 Random Things That Make Me Feel Like A Bad Mom. Some are very similar to Caron's so you know we are not alone:

• I work outside the home and some days after a particular bad night before I can't wait to go to work
• My kids sometimes like my husband better than me
• My youngest has had animal crackers for breakfast
• I use M&Ms to bribe my kids for toilet training (and it works)
• Chicken nuggets are a meat at our house
• Some days I am not sure I am cut out to be the mom of boys as they run screaming around the house and I'm breaking up fights...

Share your list with us...

About Caron Guillo
Caron Guillo is the author of BAD MOM, a humorous parenting column at New Christian Voices online magazine. Her second novel, CHILDREN OF LIGHT, reached a Top 100 semifinalist ranking (out of 5,000 entries) in the 2008 international Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition.

Visit Caron’s A WORK IN PROGRESS blog at http://caronguilloswriting.blogspot.com/.

CeraVe® Moisturizing Cream

Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin are the key ingredients of many high-priced face creams. But there’s no need to spend $52.00 and more for less than 2 oz. on an expensive department store ceramide cream when you can get the same moisturizing benefits and beautiful skin results you love for much less. For about $15.00 you can get a full 16 ozs. and many of the same ingredients in CeraVe® Moisturizing Cream.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream provides all-day moisturization with a single application and is clinically proven to increase skin hydration. The majority of moisturizing creams need to be applied throughout the day because the ingredients are released in a single "burst" and absorbed quickly. This cream offers the benefits of a unique, patented MVE delivery technology, which provides a controlled release of ingredients slowly over time.

Many dermatologists recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream alone for dry, itchy skin as well as in combination with prescription medication. CeraVe may help to reduce the signs and symptoms of conditions such as moderate-to-severe eczema and psoriasis. My son's allergists recommend this to us and said many of his patients found this very helpful for eczema related to food allergies.

[Read more about CeraVe® Moisturizing Cream.]