Saturday, August 30, 2008

Mom Select Virtual Swag Suite Giveaway!

I was not lucky enough to go to BlogHer '08. However, I was lucky enough to be able to be part of the Mom Select "Virtual Swag Suite"! Basically, it means that Mom Select is sharing some of the fun with some of us who did not get to go to BlogHer. I must admit that I was REALLY excited to get my box of goodies. And what a fun box of goodies.

I opened it up and the first thing I saw was Jif peanut butter. Yum! (And good timing since we had just the day before run out of peanut butter.) Jif is currently running two different contests. One of them for kids and one of them for moms. Check them out here:



As I continued to look through it I realized that I could not keep all these goodies for myself, but needed to share them. So I am giving away a gift baskets of my own. Each basket will have the following:
* A gift card for 10 free prints from HP for use at the HP Photosmart Express Station
* A Kung Fu Panda Panda-monium activity CD
* A Precious Girls Club- A Little Bit of Faith Book
* Disney Vacation Information and some product information from various WAHM businesses.

Since I am mailing this out myself, I am only able to mail it to the US and Canada.

To enter:
Just leave me a comment letting me know that you want to win (can't get much easier than that, can you?) Please make sure that there is a way for me to get in touch with you in the comment.

Additional ways to get entries (you must leave me a comment for each extra entry, letting me know about it)
* Sign up for my feed: (if you are already a subscriber, leave me a message letting me know in the comment section).

Giveaway ends on September 13, 2008.



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Introduction

Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am a busy mom of 3, an 8 year old girl, a 3 old boy and a 16 month old girl. I guess you could say I am a mom who should read a busy mommy review blog! Well now I will be helping from time to time review some of the things that make our lives easier or are just cute, pretty or fun! Can't wait to get started!

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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Envision Photography: Photo Art

One of the other blogs that I post on is The Neurotic Mom. I was reading the blog (as I do all the time) and saw that she is starting to sell prints of her AWESOME pictures. And I mean AWESOME.


Gorgeous, yes?

How about this one?

I look at this and just feel happiness, I don't even know how else to explain it.

Her prices are extremely reasonable right now, so I would head over to Envision Photography right now and purchase a print. What an amazing present that would be.

Right now she is having a giveaway on her blog where you can win a free 8x10 print of your choice! So seriously...go there now.



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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Vusion Ointment- prescription diaper rash ointment

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We have been really lucky. In the almost 16 months that Sara has been in diapers, we have not had any really bad rashes. She did have a yeast infection once that we had a hard time getting rid of. I remember my dad scouring the internet for information about it. He actually was the first person to tell me about Vusion® Ointment. We did not end up needing the ointment, but I remember being glad that it was available.

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Vusion® Ointment is a prescription skin medication used to treat diaper rash that has been complicated by a certain kind of documented yeast infection. Vusion® Ointment contains the following ingredients: miconazole nitrate (antifungal agent), zinc oxide, white petrolatum. It is specifically developed for babies as young as 4 weeks, and it’s the only prescription product ever approved by the FDA for the treatment of diaper rash with a certain kind of documented yeast infection.

You can get a coupon for Vusion® Ointment here.

Thanks to Mom Central for letting me know about the ointment (well it was really my dad who first told me about it, but they reminded me that I should share it with you all)!



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Monday, August 25, 2008

Introduction

My name is Shannon. I work full time, balance a house and my 15 mo. old son, Karl. My husband is an over the road truck driver, he's usually home every other weekend. This makes for some balancing acts in my life.
I'm looking forward to making my life (and hopefully yours) easier:)

Shannon

Grey's Harbor Designs- Matching Name Hangings and Blankets

I love stuff with Sara Rose's name on it. I think she has a wonderful name (obviously since we picked it, but I digress). We have all sorts of wooden letters that spell her name, and they are all lovely, but they are all so similar. I was looking for something different and not having any luck.

So I was super excited when one of my online mommy friends, Sarah, put out the call for testers for her name hangings and blankets. She makes handmade name hangings using using flannel cutout letters sewn onto muslin using matching thread. She then upholsters this and hangs it with matching 1" ribbon. Here is Sara Rose's:



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You can buy either the name hanging or the name hanging with a blanket from Grey's Harbor Designs. We got both as you can see from the picture. And I was expecting a small little blanket, but it is so big! Much bigger than normal receiving blankets. It is flannel, double-sided and so soft. She also offers the option of substituting the second side with minky. Ahhhh....that is going to be amazing.

This would make a PERFECT baby-shower gift. Or a great first birthday gift for that matter. Oh my goodness, I have all these people that I want to buy them for now running through my head.

So head on over to Grey's Harbor Designs right now.

Rating:
Appearance- 5
Customer Service-5
Cost- 5
Quality- 5
Functionality-5
Overall-5



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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Inspired Designs by Teresa-Unique Jewelery Handcrafted for Unique Women

I have mentioned before that I am a member of a bunch of different social networking groups. One of the social networks that I belong to is Skwiggazine. There is a blog-ring that I am part of and each week, I will be posting about a different member.

This week it is Teresa from Inspired Designs by Teresa. Teresa makes beautiful and affordable jewelery. I was just browsing through her Etsy shop and I came across this beauty

Guess how much it is? Just guess. Nope, not $20, not $15. It is $10! I am loving that her jewelery is so affordable. She really makes it possible for everyone to be able to own some beautiful jewelery.

So head on over to her Etsy shop and blog today!



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Saturday, August 23, 2008

Sunny's Adventures by Leketha Marie Johnson

Another children’s book that I was lucky enough to receive for review was Sunny’s Adventures by Leketha Marie Johnson.

Sunny is a spunky, fun little girl who solves mysteries in her neighborhood. The case of the missing puppy, the care of the missing turtle, the cooking contest mystery, the case of the missing doll, and the disappearing diamond ring are all cases that Sunny is able to solve using her quick thinking and by following the clues.

Sara Rose is a little young for the book, but I did read it to my neighbor's kids and they LOVED it. They got so excited when Sunny solved the mysteries. And they really understood what was going on and were able to follow the story really well. At the end of every adventure there is an opportunity to discuss what the clues were and how they helped Sunny.

So I read it the first time. And then they wanted me to read it again. I ended up leaving the book with them so that their parents could continue to read it to them, over and over. We are hoping to get it back for Sara Rose in a year or so.



Check out the website to find a downloadable coloring book, join Sunny's fan club, and more. There is also information on the website for teachers and parents.

Make sure you check out Leketha’s blog as well.

Rating:
Appearance- 5
Customer Service-5
Cost- 5
Quality- 5
Functionality-5
Overall-5




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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

New Contributor Introduction!

Hello all! Thought I'd introduce myself before reviewing anything!

I'm Jen, WAHM to two girls - Nana (3), and Pia (1). I run a small business out of my home, and am married to the most wonderful man on the planet! I'm a "crunchy" mom - into natural and eco-friendly products. I'm opinionated and honest, busy and perpetually tired!

Looking forward to participating here.

Smooches,

Jen

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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

More Reviewers Coming on Board

Just wanted to give you all a head's up that there will be more reviewers joining Busy Mommy Product Review. I am sure that you all will love them as much as I do.
Stay tuned!



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Monday, August 18, 2008

Buy a Sara Rose Tutu and Help Out a Charity

I have had the idea for awhile that I would like to find someway to be able to use my tutus to give to charity, and I finally figured it out.

Every 6 months, I will be picking a charity to work with. I will design a special tutu using the colors of the charity and then I will donate 30% of the proceeds of each tutu to that charity.

For example, the first charity that I will be working with is The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Friends of Heroes team. When you purchase one of the special LLS tutus, 30% of the proceeds from the tutu will then go to LLS through theFriends of Heroes team.

The special LLS tutu red and black tulle with a black ribbon waistband.
Pricing is as follows (does not include shipping):
Newborn- $18
Infant -$20
Toddler-$23
Child Size 3-4- $25
Child Size 5-6-$27.50
Child Size 7-8- $30
Child Size 10-12- $32
Adult Sizes- varying by size

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If you would like your charity to be our next charity, please contact me at sarastutus@hotmail.com

I am also looking to find someone who can make me an animated 125x125 button for the charity tutu. Please email me at sarastutus@hotmail.com with pricing



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Sunday, August 17, 2008

Crafts Made by Flory and Poetry by Flory

I have mentioned before that I am a member of a bunch of different social networking groups. One of the social networks that I belong to is Skwiggazine. There is a blog-ring that I am part of and each week, I will be posting about a different member.

This week I am posting about Flory. On this blog Flory posts about the different craft projects that she is working on...including quilting. I love quilts, well no that's not entirely true- I love the idea of making a quilt. Taking little pieces and putting it together to make something beautiful is just so amazing to me.
And that is why I am so excited to be writing about Flory today. Right now she is working on a quilt for her first great grandson! How exciting is that! Congrats Flory!

Be sure to check out her Craft Blog and her Poetry Blog.



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Saturday, August 16, 2008

Winners: Lilly P. Badilly and Your Little Sweet Pea Boutique

Whew, sorry that I have not been posting as much lately, my internet was out at home and just got fixed today. Talk about withdrawal. Anyway, I have lots of great products that I have been reviewing and have tons of great giveaways coming up, so stay tuned. But first let me announce some winners:

Winner of a copy of The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly:Costa Rica:
kathy55439 said...

Love the pictures.... I would share with the 4 kids I am hoping to be nannying for soon


Winner of 2 dresses (size 9-12 months) from Your Little Sweet Pea Boutique:
furygirl3132 said...

I love the crib sheets, my favorite designs are the Tuilp Stripe and the Purple Dot. Thanks so much for the great giveaway, these dresses are too cute!

Eloise
furygirl3132@comcast.net


Please contact me at sarastutus@hotmail.com ASAP to claim your prize! Thanks everyone!



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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Green Party Goods- Planet Friendly Products For Any Celebration

I like to think that I am pretty eco-friendly. I use cloth diapers, recycle, and try to use cloth napkins and towels instead of buying disposable ones. Well, I must say that the idea of buying eco-friendly party goods never crossed my mind. Ever. I am sort of embarrassed to think about all the party goods that we used for Sara Rose's first birthday party.

So imagine my surprise when I was contacted by Carole from Green Party Goods to do a website review and giveaway! Well, I checked out her site and it is just great! In addition to being good for the environment, the products that she carries are gorgeous and affordable.

From Green Party Goods website.
"The earth is suffering as a result of the way we consume resources.
The most offending items in the tableware industry are plastic disposables.
Plastics are petrochemical products, which end up in land fills where they do not degrade.
(10% of the U.S. oil consumption is used to make plastics)

Unfortunately, many celebrations use disposable products destined for land fill.

GreenPartyGoods knows that parents and other celebrators, given the convenience of shopping for eco friendly products that are stylish and sensible, will embrace this option.

All of GreenPartyGoods’ products meet at least one of these criteria: recycled, re-useable, biodegradable, sustainable, or organic.

We have also maintained our commitment to the environment through our packaging materials, when possible.
Boxes are from recycled board, protective chips are biodegradable, tissue paper and labels are from recycled paper. And the cellophane bags and ribbon are biodegradable."

She has tableware, goodies boxes and felt bags, party favors, decorations, green toys and games, eco-friendly green gifts, and tote bags.

I have to say that one of my favorite items that she has are the party hats. Oh how I wish I had the felt princess hat for Sara Rose for her birthday party. Photobucket

Another one of my favorites are the handcrafted wooden toys made in the USA. How cool is this log cabin! Can you imagine how excited a kid would be to get this? I can!
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Carole has been generous enough to offer a discount code to my readers: 10% off of toys, use code BUSY10

AND she is also sponsoring a giveaway! She is giving away a party hat of someone's choice and a hand crafted Folk toy of their choice. How cool is that?! (This is one of those times that I am sad that I can not enter my own giveaways, LOL).

To enter, leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite item at Green Party Goods is.

Additional ways to get entries (you must leave me a comment for each extra entry, letting me know about it)
* Sign up for my feed: .
* Blog about and link to the giveaway

I will pick a winner on August 31.




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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Banana Splits Are Returning (and a Giveaway)!

Do any of y'all remember The Banana Splits? It is a vintage cartoon that came out in the 60's. (Now, I must say that I was not around in the 60's so I don't actually remember them but it looks really fun.) The four characters, Fleegle (a dog), Drooper (a lion), Bingo (a gorilla), and Snorky (an elephant), were fun animal characters that brought music, fun, and comedy to kids.



Well, they are coming back! And I have been checking out their website and it seems like it should be fun (well fun if you are a kid or a big dorky adult like me). On September 2, 2008 the Cartoon Network will begin to feature their music videos and comedy shorts between 9 am and 2 pm. If you don't want to wait until September 2, head on over to their website right now! You can see cool videos, hear great music and even become part of the club!


To celebrate the re-launch of this classics kid's show, I am giving away a limited edition (only 500 in existence), Banana Splits toddler t-shirt size 4t, made with organic cotton.

To enter, leave me a comment letting me know what you love most about their return. As always, you can get an extra entry by signing up for my feed (make sure you leave a comment letting me know that you are signing up):. I will pick a winner on August 27.


Thanks to Team Mom for giving me a sneak peek at the Banana Splits and for the cool t-shirt to giveaway!




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Gloves in a Bottle and Prima Princessa Winners!

Gloves in a Bottle Winner:

Tammy said...

I like that it has no odor -- too many hand creams are way overscented.

Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake Winner:

CHOZEBAH said...

Prima Princess Presents Swan Lake combines ballet performance, animation, and students demonstrating ballet moves. I watched the video clip with my 5 year old and she wanted to see it again and again. Any aspiring ballerina would love it!

Please email me at stacyandgreg@hotmail.com to claim your prize.
Thanks!



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Sunday, August 10, 2008

Note to Self: On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Samara O’Shea

I have mentioned before that Hubby and I both love to read. So of course, I was excited about reviewing Note to Self:On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Samara O'Shea. Now let me tell you that I am not someone who journals, in fact other than my blogs, I don't really do any documenting of events at all. I used to. I have lots of diaries from when I was little. Starting with one that just has scribbles and my name in it, on and off right up through high school. I think I even wrote once in one in college. I did keep a pregnancy journal on-line when I was pregnant with Sara and I love going back and reading through it.




I think the hardest thing for me when I keep a journal is to remember to stick with it and write daily. And I think that is the biggest thing that I took away from reading this book. It is okay to not write every day. Phew. This is big deal for me. I would always feel like I was going something wrong and therefore was not able to keep a journal.

An excerpt from her website that basically sums it up for me:
"The way I made it work was I stopped getting mad at myself if I didn’t write everyday, and I stopped expecting myself to write down the exact details of the day. Basically, I broke the journal-writing rules, and, as a result, I was able to keep a journal. Many journals. Now, sometimes six months will go by and I don’t write at all, while other times I write everyday. Some days I write an epic poem, and other days I only write two sentences. I am the policy maker for my journal, and the policy is, “Write what feels right.” Keep this in mind if you’d consider trying a journal again. It’s worth it! We need to check in with ourselves and seeing our thoughts come alive on paper is a meaningful and profound way to do it. Anne Frank and I strongly advise you to develop yourself and express all that is inside you."

This book really did inspire me. I am going to crack open my old journal and start writing, whatever and whenever I want. In addition to being an inspiration for me to starting journaling again, it was just a wonderful read. O'Shea takes excerpts from her journal (and other famous journals) and weaves it together with her advice to create a wonderful book.

You can also check out her first book For The Love of Letters: A 21st Century Guide to the Art of Letter Writing

Rating:
Appearance- 5
Customer Service-5
Cost- 5
Quality- 5
Functionality-5
Overall-5



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Saturday, August 9, 2008

Skwigga-zine- An Interactive Indie Zine for an Online Community

I have mentioned before that I am a member of a bunch of different social networking groups. One of the social networks that I belong to is Skwiggazine. There is a blog-ring that I am part of and each week, I will be posting about a different member.

This week I am posting about Missy from Skwiggazine. Yep, the creator of Skwiggazine. So first, I guess I should be giving her a heartfelt thanks for creating such a great community. So thanks Missy!

It really is a neat place that I strongly suggest you check out. It is a fun magazine style of social networking. I have found great articles about how to get the word out more about your art, and different places to sell. I have also met some really neat people through it.



Check out her blog as well.



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