Because I Said So!!! Mom Knows Best!

I love getting things for me. Since I
have been a Mom the chances of actually
getting something for myself are few and far
between so when I do receive something that
is all mine you can find me doing a happy dance
up and down my street with an Irish Jig included
for good luck. Now combine that with an item I
actually like, well let's just say the dance goes
on for a long long while. Did you know there is
a 10 PM noise ordinance in my city?






Anyway I digress. Shanti Boutique sent me a charm
that had my style in mind. Its a Karma Charm and it
is how I try to live my life. I firmly believe in its
inscription of "what goes around comes around" and
have tried to live by that philosophy daily.If you do
something nice for someone something nice is going
to someday happen for you, most times just when you
need it. Shanti Boutique is a web site devoted to healing
your spirit and Karma and has many such items that are
all about what is good for your body and spirit. They have
a beautiful array of charms, pendants and other jewelry
that will offer you peace as well as fashion and leave you
with a good all over feeling. I love mine and can't wait to
find the perfect chain to hang it from. HINT HINT MOM!

















If you are looking for a gift or just want to bring some
peace and harmony to your own mile a minute life,
Shanti Boutique has something to fit your needs. I spent
hours going through their site and found so many beautiful
pieces as well as many functional items. It is truly a place
that offers they key to relaxing.


















Best of all Shanti Boutique is going to offer one of
my readers a chance to win on of their own
too. To enter go on over to their site and let me know
what your favorite item is. Is it Yoga, Chakra or
mediation, just let me know in a post here. There is
so much to choose from. The Contest will start Today,
December 1st and run to December 19th at midnight.
USA and 18 and older only please. You can enter daily
and as always you can earn a bonus entry by entering
the contest of the day The winner will be notified by
email and have 72 hours to contact me.
Extra ways to enter are below.






http://www.shantiboutique.com/shop/






Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.






1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.






2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.






3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.






Don't forget to to enter the My Lip Stuff contest and the Agoo apparel contest!

I am so tired of Tupperware and storing
Rowan's food in containers that open and
leak and end up all over her Diaper bag.
Hey, I spent good money on that Diaper bag
and how long is it gong to last with junk
dripping all over it and me constantly cleaning
it out with harsh cleaners. How long before I am
at the store buying yet another bag and let's not
forget the price of all those plastic containers
I have to replace over and over again! I will
not even get into the damage that all that
plastic is doing to our environment!






When Sprout Baby said they would send me
the solution I couldn't believe it! Really I stopped
and said "No way!" I was proved wrong. Sprout
Baby sent me their 3-Tier Stainless Steel Tiffin Set.
All I can say is "Too COOL!" it has everything a busy
Mom could want and best of all it keeps everything
separate! There site says:


We spend a lot of time thinking about the food we put
in our bodies and our children's bodies, right? Well,
it's just as important to think about the containers
we use to hold the food! Stainless steel is safe for
all kinds of foods, it doesn't leach chemicals (there
are no levels of materials harmful to people or the
planet in these containers) into the food, and cleaning
is a cinch. The top lid can be used as a plate which means
less waste. By eliminating the paper and plastic waste,
you're creating a safe and sustainable way to transport
your food














And I don't think I could agree more or say it better!
Let's not stop there though. Sprout Baby also has everything
from toys to food to items just for Mom. It is truly a one
stop shop! I have already book marked the site and plan
on trying more items for there is way to much to list
here. You have got to see this for your self!
















In fact, to get you on your way Sprout Baby is
going to offer one of my readers a $25.00 Gift
Certificate to spend any way they see fit. To
enter just go to their site and come back here
and tell me what you would spend it on! The
Contest starts today, December 1st and run to
December 20th. To make it even more fun
they have their own contest on the site and are
offering my readers a 15% discountnt off their first
order with the promo code SBBL122. It just doesn't
get any better! You can enter the contest daily and
as always earn a bonus entry by entering the contest
of the day. Extra ways to enter are below!






http://www.sproutbaby.com/









Extra entries.


Extra entries only count after the initial entry


is completed.






1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.






2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest separatete post for each entry.






3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.






Don't forget to enter the My Lip Stuff or Fashion Playtes contest!

I wake up in the middle of the night
and head for the fridge. Once again the
water bottle is empty and I sigh and head
for the faucet. One drink later I am spitting
it out! If we had kids that were considerate
they might leave me a taste or two of the jugs
of water I buy. Or if we had tap water that doesn't
taste like sewer sludge I might be able to get a
cold drink that way. OR, if I could find a bottled water
so cool the kids would only touch that they might
leave me the boring old jugs so there might be
a cold drink for Mom or Dad when we need it.

Sigh! A pipe dream. Or is it?
















I got the chance to review a bottled water
called Wat-Ahh. Is it something special?
Well, yes and no. It's water Tastes like, looks
like, smells like and goes down like. What
makes it different is for one the bottle.
Even my 16 year old opened the fridge and went,


"Woah, what's this!"


Now this is the boy that swears by energy drinks
and a water bottle caught his eye. I don't understand
how packaging can make a product work but it does.
If it were a plain bottle in the fridge there isn't a doubt
in my mind he would have passed right by and grabbed
a Pop or an Energy drink. But that bottle stopped him
cold. Then when he saw the label read Energy he was
sold, hook, line and sinker.


I was sold too, for unlike the Pop or Energy drink
he was on his way to grab this was, well Water! Other
then added vitamins there isn't anything extra. No
Sugar, no caffeine, no dies or preservatives or other
goop for me to worry about. WATER! Pound the gavel
auctioneer, SOLD!



















Best of all Wat-ahh is going to sell one of you too
with a gift pack they are offering up as a prize to
one of my readers. The Healthy Hydration pack includes
a mixed case of Wat-aah! with cool stickers and tattoos.
Perfect for under the Xmas tree. To enter all you have to do
is go to their site and then come come back and tell me
something you have learned about Wat-Aah. USA and 18
and older only please. You can enter daily and the
contest will go from today, December 1st to December
16th at midnight. As always you can earn a bonus entry
by entering the contest of the day. The winner will be
notified by email and have 72 hours to contact me.
Extra ways to enter are posted below.






http://www.drinkwataah.com/




Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.






1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.






2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.


3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.






Don't forget to enter the Fashion Playtes or My lip stuff contests!

I miss toys I grew up with and I
despise toys with too many batteries.
Please, to keep your kids toys working now
a days you have to own stock. What happened
to the days of old and the toys I grew up with?
What happened to good old fun that didn't beep,
squeak or give me a headache?
I don't really know but Oompa Toys
just about made my day with this latest product
review! I received a Bajo Wooden Pyramid Tower
for Rowan to give me the two thumbs up on!
And she did, abet they are two drool covered,
often dirty thumbs. She just loved it. Anything she
can take apart, throw, let Mom or Dad put back
together so she can start the process again is
right up her alley! No batteries makes my day.

















Let's not forget these are one of a kind items.
The Bajo I received was hand-finished in a small
village near the Carpathian mountains. These
beautiful European toys are made of locally grown
apple wood, cherry wood, alder, maple, beech, birch
or walnut and are finished with child-safe, non-toxic
lacquers. Every single one of their items is
top quality and unique. These would make a perfect
gift as well as a lifelong addition to your family you
can pass down from child to child. I know I plan on
passing it down. This will last forever!












There are so many items on the site you will
look up from the computer and realize hours have
gone by. They cover every age, every category and
every childhood whim. Just take a look for yourself
and soon you will realize you are lost in the pages
of their site just like I was!























Rowan was amazed for hours and your child can
be too for Oompa is offering the same toy to one
of my readers. You will not be sorry! To enter just
head over to Oompa and tell me another toy you
think your little one would love! The Contest starts
today December 1st and runs through December 21st
at midnight. USA and 18 and older please. You can enter
daily and I will contact the winner by email and they will
have 72 hours to contact me. AS always you can earn a bonus
entry by entering the contest of the day. Other ways to
enter are below.




http://www.oompa.com/






Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.






1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.






2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.






3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.






Don't forget to enter the My Lip Stuff or Soda Stream Giveaway!

I have waited 16 years to dress up
a little girl. I love my son but
PLeazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzze, in no way is he
interested in wearing cute frilly outfits or
dressing up like a princess. In fact for the
last 5 years the only thing I can get him to
wear is Rock and Roll T-Shirts and Levis.
If I try to put a bow in his hair at 6 feet
and 250 I might be in a little trouble.


Along came Rowan and come
H-E-double hockey sticks or high water,
that little girl is going to be dressed up. I have
been to every single local store and in the last few
months have been hitting the Internet looking for
just the perfect touch to make my baby a
princess. I think I hit Jackpot at Agoo Apparel.








That have the cutest, to die for items that
would make even the fussy-est of tomboys look
like a princess. Whats even better is their clothes
are for active kids with features like wick away and
4-way stretch fabric. They are also stain resistant,
offer UV protection and antibacterial. Who could
beat that? Agoo sent me a pair of their Leg Huggers
in Butterfly Garden to review and I couldn't be more
happy! They are about the cutest thing I have seen
and also will let me get a little more life out of those
adorable little dresses I had to by for the baby that
are now going to leave her little legs freezing.
Agoo Leg Huggers to the rescue. All I have to do
is slip them on and she is warm and snugly all over!





As much as I like them I can't keep a secrete to save
my life so Agoo is going to give a pair of their Leg Huggers
to one of you too! All you have to do is head over to their
site and tell me what one of their fabulous items is
your favorite. It doesn't have to be the Leg Hugger's
either, it can be anything! Then come back here and
leave it in a comment. 18 and older and USA only
please. The contest runs from today, December
1st to midnight on December 18th. You can enter daily,
and as always earn a bonus entry by entering the
contest of the day. Other ways to enter are posted
below.

Hey guys, here is a perk too! The owner just emailed me and
let me know he is giving you all 30% off anything in the site
just for reading the review. Here is your code to enter on
checkout!

FOR 30% OFF THE ENTIRE SITE “xmas012

http://www.agoo4u.com/



Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.



1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.



2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.


3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.




Don't forget to enter the Kinder Glo contest or the My Lip Stuff!

Didn't I just get done saying that I seldom
have contests without a review. Wow, today is a day
of days then for I have another contest for you!

















Friendship Bracelet Maker is offering up on of their
products for my readers as well. This is a perfect
gift for your budding artist or preteen. Heck, I can
even see my 16 year old son spending some time
with this for he loves crafts, just don't tell his friends!






http://www.myfbm.com/






Be the first of your friends to own the all new
Friendship Bracelet Maker! With the FBM you can
easily create Fabulous Friendship Bracelets to wear
and share with your family and friends. Just slip the
knot into the Butterfly Clip, place your threads in the
string holder and begin knotting.






To enter all you have to do is go on over
to the web site and come back and tell me something
you have learned. Now I know a lot for he lives right
up the road from me! AND if you are another local
Michigan Mom you can always head on over
to Lakeside mall and grab one there. The contest
is for 18 and over USA only please and you can
enter daily. It runs from today, December 1st
and ends December 17th at midnight. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest
of the day located on the sites header. Other ways
to enter are below.






http://www.myfbm.com/




Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.




1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.






2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.




3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.






Don't forget to enter the Soda Stream contest or the My Lip Stuff!

Hey guys
Most of the time when I have a contest I have
a review first but Beth at She Essential Beauty loves our
 site here so much she wants to offer my readers a contest
just in time for the Holidays. I am planning on a review later
but right now she wants one of you to have their
Frankincense and Myrrh Holiday Gift Set!
It is a $50 value:

Using the wound healing powers found in frankincense (ru xiang) and myrrh
(mo yao), this skin healing trio is especially helpful in the winter
months, when it is common to have chapped lips, dry cuticles and rough
skin. This gift set includes a .85 ounce size of our Herbal Lip Balm,
Lemongrass Cuticle Butter and Sweet Lemongrass Body Butter.
Sounds awesome doesn't it!



http://www.sheessentialbeauty.com/#


To enter all you have to do is head on over there and
let me know what product of theirs is a must have for
your house? 18 and older, U.S.A only please. You can
enter Daily and the contest will start today December
1st and run to December 17th at Midnight. She wants
to make sure you have it for Christmas! It is that
good! As always you can earn a bonus entry by
entering the contest of the day found on the
site header and other ways to enter are listed
below.
Some new goods for you guys, 20% off, plus free
ground shipping between now and Dec. 17th if you
 use coupon code "Holiday09" at checkout.





http://www.sheessentialbeauty.com/#


Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.



1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.



2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.


3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.




Don't forget to enter the Wett Giggles or Wee Squeak Shoes Contest!







LINK FROM SITE



http://www.sheessentialbeauty.com/

Date: 11/29/2009
Stress Level: Not really though a little under the weather
New Grey hairs added: 3






I sat the better part of the day today and watched Rowan
play with the night light we got from Kinder Glo to review.
In the mouth, stare it down, back in the mouth. Bam Bam
Bam on the highchair.


"Nope, it still looks like an owl that changes colors!"


Back in the mouth, repeat.


I learned something.


No, not watching her with a nightlight, though
that did cement the deal. I learned about children
and our need to get the "must have", most expensive
gadget on the market, no matter what the category,
when all they want is something simple.


With my son 16 years ago I was guilty, lock me
up and throw away the key guilty. Your basic items
were a big expenses for he had to eat, sleep and
live in style. Clothes? Well, lets not go there for I
found myself at Kids R us ( we did not have the
selection of stores we have now) every three months
buying him a whole new wardrobe. Top to bottom.
And toy's?


Oh, my, GAWD! You would have thunk I owned
stock in every toy store. To this day his Father does
not know how much I spent on that first Christmas
and he never will. I could have put a darn good down
payment on a car. We had only been together a few
years by that time and still kept some of our finances
separate and that was the end of my savings. But
I sure filled that tree! Did he love them all?


NO


He was only 2 months old and if memory serves
he outgrew most of them before he never even laid a
hand on them.


Now did I learn?


NO


By the time he was five years old our back yard looked
like an obstacle course of step 2 toys. Wagons, Castles,
Forts, Slides and other gizmos. There was so much that
when I was at work the neighbors would bring their kids
over to play in my backyard house of fun. Did Andrew
love it then?


NO


All he cared about was his Buzz Lightyear doll. Every-
thing else in and out of the house was ground clutter.
I would like to think I have learned a lesson with
Rowan but I haven't. I am just more frugal. With her I
took advantage of Craigslist, and free cycle and hit
more then one garage sale. I saved a fortune. Okay,
I will admit I am a clothes hound and I have waited
16 years to dress a little girl so I have spent some
major cash there but I have bought a lot of her every day
items at thrift stores. And I could just kiss whoever invented
that Onsie extender! What an invention!


What is Rowan's favorite?


Well right now its a mirror I paid 10 bucks for
( another great invention because with Andy I had to
dig out my compact and he drooled all over it) and her
Kinder Glo Nightlight. Total cost under 30 bucks and it
keeps her amazed for hours! The room full of gadgets
that cost an arm and a leg? Untouched, again!






Moral of the Day: Kids have more fun with the box
something comes in then what came in it!