When my babies are little…infants…I keep them close to me.  Even with two, I try to keep my daughter in a carrier as much as possible.  These days, running after a 2 year old with a baby strapped to me is both convenient and challenging, depending on what we’re doing.  And if I’m going to get anything done around the house (or get in a shower) I have to put her down.

I’m actually quite content to put our beauty in Bright Starts’ new Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer.  The bouncer, available in four prints/colors, was “designed to provide supreme comfort for baby with the latest on-trend styling for mom.”  The first thing I noticed about the bouncer (besides the fact that it’s adorably pink), is it’s soft, cushy seat.  This is achieved by a cushioned bolster system and head rest.  The design (the removable padding) naturally gives our daughter a secure, snug feeling.

The Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer features an oversized, cradling seat with Comfort Recline Technology that provides 2 full-body recline positions.  The bouncer reclines to about a 45 degree angle which is great for my daughter after she nurses.  I find that when she’s upright after her feeds, she spits up less.  This is the first time I’ve seen a bouncer with a reclining seat (typically bouncers only offer one position).  The second position is actually suitable for sleeping (something my son never did in our previous bouncer because it didn’t recline).

Music and toys are very important with bouncers (and swings).  Babies get bored very easily and my daughter, in particular, doesn’t particularly like to be anywhere but in someone’s arms.  So it’s even more important that she has some entertainment while she’s in the bouncer.  The bouncer includes 2 plush toys (my son used to bat at the hanging toys when he was a baby) and features seven calming melodies (most of which are quite pleasant).  The only thing I’d love to see changed is the removable toy bar.  It actually comes off easily…a little too easily.  I don’t know if there is a better way to design it but my two year old figured out how to remove it and it’s now a fun game..for him!  It also vibrates (of course!) although to truly bounce it, you’d need to use your hand or your foot (I’m not sure if there is a way to have it automatically bounce…perhaps an idea for a future design).

The Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer is suitable for infants up to 25 pounds and retails for under $50.  It’s an affordable alternative to swings (which can be upwards of $150 to $200.  Minimal assembly is required (even I can do it!) and requires 3 C batteries.  You can purchase it on Amazon or at Walmart and Target stores. A portion of the proceeds supports breast cancer research.

Right now, you could win one of three Babymoon trips by visiting Bright Starts. If you’re pregnant with your first or third, a babymoon is a great way to connect as a couple before your little one is born.  Here are the details surrounding the contest:

Bright Starts is giving away a luxurious 7-night babymoon vacation to three lucky couples.  Relax and reconnect at a U.S. Virgin Islands destination – St. Croix, St. John , or St. Thomas.

Your babymoon includes:
·        Airfare for up to four from anywhere in the continental U.S.
·        Seven night’s hotel accommodations
·        Spa treatment for the mother-to-be
·        Dinner for up to four people
·        $500 spending cash
·        Choice of activities

Sweepstakes ends November 30, 2010. One winner will be chosen each 4-month giveaway period.

Enter to win at www.brightstarts.com/babymoon

If you’d like to keep up to date with Bright Starts, they’ve just launched a Facebook page.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

Evenings are my respite.  That is when my husband comes home and gives me a bit of a break with my son.  Very often I’ll hear them upstairs giggling and squealing…And I know that my husband is forever changed by these babies of ours. These are the moments…the one’s my children and I will remember…recognize.  But they’re the most important…those unsung moments…

Dove recently introduced the first product line created specifically for me.  Men+Care was designed for “men who have a reached a point in their lives where they are comfortable with themselves, but not in their skin.”  I know my husband doesn’t pay much attention to the types of products he uses on his skin.  And just like him, many men simply tolerate dry, irritated skin…the result of suboptimal cleansing products.

The line, which includes a Body and Face Wash and Bar, is dermatologist recommended and “clinically proven to fight skin dryness without irritation or tightness.”  If their men’s line is as moisturizing as their women’s line, I know my husband is going to love it.

Dove is asking you to share your man’s unsung moments for a chance to win a backyard makeover package or other prizes.  Entries must be submitted via photo, video, or blog and the deadline to enter is March 22, 2010. For more information, just visit their website.

Be sure to download your coupon for $1 off a Dove Men+Care purchase.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

I don’t have the opportunity to spend nights out with my girlfriends much these days, but when I do, it’s usually with moms just like myself.  Once you become a parent, it’s hard for others to empathize with you when your toddler sticks a crayon up his nose.  So most of my nights out with the girls are with other moms.  Other moms who have similar stories about things our children have said and done.

Now through February 22, Hallmark and Ovation TV are hosting a contest called “A Girls Gotta Laugh.”  The objective of the contest is to create a funny card that helps any mom laugh about the crazy reality of motherhood.  Twenty four winners will be selected to have their greeting card creation sold in stores and one lucky winner will have their card broadcast on Ovation TV – reaching more than 38 million homes!

Here are some ideas to get you started…

Do you have a funny potty moment with kids?  Ask my husband!

Do you dream of going off somewhere where nobody calls your name (Mommy)?

Have you had the joy of being in the bathroom with everyone and the dog attempting to barge in? (I can’t even go to the bathroom by myself these days)

If you enter, I’d love to know once the contest is over so I can check out your submissions!

I was compensated for this post on behalf of my relationship as a member of the Role Mommy Writers Network.

My son learned the names and locations of his body parts during bath time.  He is able to distinguish his right from his left because of bath time.  He practices swimming during bath time.  In our house, we utilize bath time for many important things.  We use it for learning and playing.  When my son was a baby, he didn’t like the bath.  In fact, it was miserable trying to get him in and washed up in record time.   My husband and I thought about what we could do to make it more enjoyable for him.  These days, he not only asks to take a bath, he protests when it’s time to get out.

A decent bottle of bubbles and some fun bath toys can make a world of difference in a child who does not want to take a bath.  Suave Kids has recently launched their new campaign, Wash Them Grow, encourages you to recognize bath time routine as “an opportunity to teach, nurture and transition your child through the stages of growth and cleansing.”  Right now, Suave Kids is holding a sweepstakes with a chance to win awesome prizes every week including a Family e-Keepsake Kit (which includes a video camera, laptop, and digital camera).  The Grand Prize is a family vacation to Orlando!  To enter, head on over to the site to play a fun online trivia game.  You can enter daily through February 22.  And if you refer a friend, you’ll automatically gain another entry!

Suave Kids offers four body washes for every stage of childhood.  Our favorites are the Strawberry and Berry Body washes because they smell incredible.  I also like the Free and Gentle Body Wash which is dye free and non-irritating to my son’s skin.  My son has very sensitive skin but has not had any reaction to the washes (perhaps because he’s older now as well).  Suave Kids also offers a Moisturizing Body Wash which is a great transition wash for baby’s.  Suave Kids products are made for children’s skin.  They’re ophthalmologist-tested and tear-free (which is important because my son absolutely despises soap in his eyes).

Contest Details:  If you decide to enter the sweepstakes, you will be entered to win some of the fabulous prizes listed above.  And, the blogger who refers the most readers to enter the sweepstakes will win a year’s supply of Suave Kids products for 10 readers.  So it’s a win-win situation! Have fun!

MomSelect and Suave Kids are having a Twitter Party.  Here are the details!

Date:  Monday, February 8th, 2010

Time:  8  p.m. – 9 p.m. EST
Location:  #WashThemGrow
Host: @MomTalkRadio (Maria Bailey, Founder of MomSelect)

Before the party, they’re offering a Disney Online Store $50 gift card for one lucky winner. To be eligible to win, make sure you complete the following:

• Click HERE to RSVP
• Tweet out  the details of the #WashThemGrow party between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the day of the party

Be sure to follow @MomTalkRadio, @ResourcefulMom, @MomSelectAmy and @SuaveBeauty throughout the evening for updates, prize information and contest details.

I’ll leave you with some Bath-Time Tips, courtesy of Suave Kids (with some commentary by me!):

Nurture Your Baby’s Firsts:  We don’t bathe our little girl all that often, but her first bath is forever remembered on photographs.

Start Teaching at Bath Time: Show your children how to get clean all by themselves (we do this with our son!). I tell my son, wash your right arm, and your left arm, and your back…

I Can Do It Myself:  My son is in this stage right now.  He wants to dress himself, feed himself, and bathe himself.  Allow your child to participate in bath time.  It will make the time so much more enjoyable for both of you.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were received, courtesy of Suave Kids and MomSelect to facilitate this review.

It’s not often I post about contests.  It’s not that I don’t enjoy them…it’s that there are so many that I could never find time to post them all.  So I strive to bring you only THE best contests!  Serta is hosting a “Get Sheepless with Serta” promotion and the grand prize is a brand new Serta mattress (very cool!).  I’ve already entered and it’s easy!  The basic premise of the contest is that Serta wants to help you get a good night’s sleep (and therefore stop counting sheep to sleep).  Here are the deets:

All you have to do is share a favorite “sheepless” tip (in 140 characters or less) for a chance to win a Serta plushie and/or a new Serta mattress with a retail value of up to $3,000.  Visit the official Serta Facebook Page for details for entry rules and to get more info.  You don’t have to be a fan to win or enter, but when you become part of the “Serta Flock” (aka, a fan) you’ll have access to exclusive giveaways and be among the first to hear about the latest promotions and events.

The contest runs until next Sunday, January 31^st at 11:59 PM EST.

For full Serta mattress contest details click here

I did not receive compensation for this post.

Have you head the buzz?  Where the Wild Things Are:  The IMAX Experience opened on Friday.  The movie is based on a 1963 children’s book by Maurice Sendak.  I don’t remember reading the book as a child, however, the book is very short (only 10 sentences) and tells of the story of Max who one evening plays around his home “making mischief” in a wolf costume (Wikipedia).  Here is a little synopsis about the movie:

The film tells the story of Max, a rambunctious and sensitive boy who feels misunderstood at home and escapes to Where the Wild Things Are. Max lands on an island where he meets mysterious and strange creatures whose emotions are as wild and unpredictable as their actions. The Wild Things desperately long for a leader to guide them, just as Max longs for a kingdom to rule. When Max is crowned king, he promises to create a place where everyone will be happy. Max soon finds, though, that ruling his kingdom is not so easy and his relationships there prove to be more complicated than he originally thought.

On Monday, October 19^th, IMAX is launching a promotion just for their Facebook fans!  Each day of that week, two lucky fans who put the Where the Wild Things Are crown on their profile picture and comment on the IMAX Wall will be entered to win an exclusive IMAX Where the Wild Things Are poster, book, and a pair of IMAX movie tickets!  The crown image and full instructions will be released on the IMAX Fan Page on Monday!

Win It! Two readers – across all participating Momfluence blogs (about 30) will win a Where the Wild Things Are Prize Pack which will include the following:

-          An adult Where the Wild Things Are t-shirt (L or XL)

-          A kids Where the Wild Things Are t-shirt (size large)

-          A Where the Wild Things Are Crown

-          An exclusive Where the Wild Things Are IMAX poster

-          Where the Wild Things Are book

-          A pair of IMAX movie tickets

To enter, you need to do two things:

1.       Become a fan of IMAX on Facebook here: http://facebook.com/IMAX

2.       Fill out this secure document: http://bit.ly/1kjn8H

The contest ends Friday, October 23^rd at 11:59 p.m. ET and is open to all legal U.S. residents age 18 years or older.

ALSO:

There will be a Twitter party – hashtag #IMAXWildThings – Monday from 9 to 10 p.m. ET and even more prizes and tickets will be awarded during that event.

Summer is in full swing, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the upcoming school year.  My son just started preschool, part-time so we’re getting into the swing of an actual routine in preparation for next year.

If you have a budding artist in your home, you may want to check out the Project Backpack Design Contest, brought to you by Office Depot and Sharpie.  This national contest will allow you to submit pictures of your child’s Sharpie-designed backpack for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes, including the opportunity to have the child’s backpack design reproduced and sold in Office Depot stores nationwide during the 2010 back-to-school season.

Here is how to enter:

1. Go to your nearest Office Depot store to pick out the qualifying backpack (sku 789-795; blue, pink, olive or khaki) and select 2 FREE Sharpies to decorate it. Click here to find an Office Depot store near you.
2. Decorate your backpack and take a picture of it. Need inspiration? Visit www.sharpieuncapped.com
3. Fill out the online entry form and upload the image of your decorated backpack.
4. If you do not have a qualifying backpack, there is an alternative way to enter the contest. Simply download the Sharpie Backpack template, decorate it and upload your design.

You can enter the contest all summer long and entries will be accepted through September 19, 2009.

Some of you may know that I recently joined Momfluence, which is basically a network of bloggers.  As part of this network, I often receive information that may be valuable to you, the readers.  Tomorrow (Saturday, June 27th at 9 pm EST), Resourceful Mommy will host a SiteWarming Party for House of Gems.  Here is the information, provided to me regarding the event tomorrow night:

Have you ever wanted to start your own handmade jewelry store on Etsy or Silkfair, but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you already enjoy scrapbooking and knitting and thought beading might be worth a try, but weren’t sure about the investment.

Now you can win a bracelet making kit plus $75 in product – a $100 value – by entering the “Bejeweled Giveaway” contest. Ten readers across the Momfluence network blogs will be chosen to win!

But there’s more! Those ten winners will be able to submit a picture of their completed bracelet to the House of Gems, and one will be chosen to receive a $250 gift certificate, enough product to really jump start your business.

To Enter – choose one or more ways to enter to win:
Option 1 – Subscribe to one or more of the House of Gems feeds – each feed subscription counts as a new entry! Once you’ve subscribed fill out this entry form: http://cli.gs/ND4NMe

Option 2 – Blog about the “Bejeweled Giveaway” contest on your own site then fill out this entry from: http://cli.gs/ND4NMe

Join us on Twitter Saturday, June 27th at 9:00 p.m. eastern for a #houseofgems SiteWarming party where the 10 winners will be announced!

Don’t miss your chance to win an iPhone 3GS from #houseofgems…

About the House of Gems:
House of Gems, Inc. was established to provide quality beads, pearls, findings, pendants, chains and other jewelry making accessories at wholesale prices, directly to the consumer. The people behind House of Gems have been in this business since 1992 and have an extensive network of designers, manufacturers and other direct suppliers to draw upon. Since they have their own factories,craft shops and import directly, they have the best prices on quality products. Now, with the power of e-commerce they have eliminated the ‘middle men’, bringing their quality products at low wholesale jewelry prices, directly to your doorstep.

One more teeny, tiny bit of info…you could win an iPhone!

iPhone Contest Details:
Anyone on Twitter who tweets with the hashtag #HouseofGems between Noon eastern Monday, June 22nd and noon eastern Saturday, June 27th will be entered to win an iPhone 3GS! U.S. residents 18 years and older are eligible. The winner will be announced during the #houseofgems SiteWarming party Saturday, June 27th at 9 p.m. eastern.

This contest was brought to you by Momfluence: Rocking the cradle and shaping the world.

As a mom who is passionate about preserving the environment, I’m always looking for companies that offer eco-friendly alteratives to conventional products.  Some of the products we use most often (body care products and cleaning products) can contain the most toxic chemicals.  New Zealand-based company Ecostore, strives to ensure that every product is “good for the user and good for the planet.” The company has expanded to other parts of the world, including here in the US and offers baby care, body, hair care, household, and pet care products.

Now through June 29, the company is hosting a contest on their Facebook page where you could win a $500 Visa Card (wow!).  Here is what you need to do to enter:

• Make a 30 second clip of you using the lemon cream cleanser showing the effectiveness and how it is healthy and eco-friendly.
• Download your 30 second clip to any service such as YouTube, Google Video or Viddler. Link to this video on our Facebook fan page.
• Become a ecostore USA Facebook Fan and provide the link to your video.
• One winner will be chosen by the ecostore USA team based on creativity, uniqueness, and effective use of the product.
• Video Contest begins June 16th and ends June 29th, 2009
• All Entries MUST Fill out the online entry form (found on their site).

What the Winner Receives

• A $500 Visa Card
• A link to the ecostore USA website and blog to the winner’s blog, video or both.
• A link to the winner’s video, blog or both that will be used for a coupon at coupon.com to promote the lemon cream cleanser at Meijer stores.

I actually love cleaning with plant-based cleansers so I’m definitely planning on entering!  When I get my video up, I’ll let you all know!

My review for the brand-new Vroom is almost ready!  But I didn’t want to delay in letting you know that TONIGHT…in one hour…there will be a virtual Tweetup (follow hashtag #vroomvac). They will be talking about tips and challenges to keeping a clean house Two Vroom Solos will be given away so be sure to follow @vroomvac!  See ya there!