Mom Loves Music - Five For Fighting: Slice {review and giveaway}

When Hub and I first started dating he used to play Five For Fighting's song 'Superman' quite often. I thought it had great sound and loved the message. When their song '100 Years' came out in 2004 I loved it as well and even bought the CD, 'The Battle For Everything.' So when I was offered the opportunity by the One2One Network to review Five For Fighting's new CD, Slice, I jumped at the chance.

Debuting October 13th, Five For Fighting's new album, Slice, will be the their fifth studio album. They have sold over 2.5 million albums so far and Slice promises to only help that number grow.

The first single off the album, Chances, was released in July as a digital download. I enjoyed the song as soon as I heard it and could not wait to hear the remaining 10 tracks!

I sat here trying to think of a way to describe this album as a whole to you, but I think this press release says it best:

"If every album provides snapshots of where an artist’s mind at heart is at the moment, Slice, the latest offering from John Ondrasik (aka Five for Fighting), is a collection of digital jpegs and faded Polaroids. The album takes stories of friends, family and even American servicemen, and sets them to music shot through with the spirit of the great songs of his youth. It’s a diary, or a blog, in which Ondrasik speaks his mind about current issues, experiences and sentiments, while setting those thoughts to piano, bass and drums."

Jon's voice and tone in each song will lets you not only hear the words, but feel the emotions he puts into it. The lyrics all tell you stories and the music ties it all together perfectly. My favorite song on this album is track number 9, Story of Your Life. To hear samples of Slice's tracks visit Amazon's Slice page here. I enjoyed this CD and think if you are previous fan of Five For Fighting, you will really enjoy this album as well.

Click HERE to order your own copy of Five For Fighting: Slice

If you are looking to see Five For Fighting live, you should hurry and order your tickets soon for their current tour, 'An Acoustic Evening with Five For Fighting'. I noticed tonight some locations are already sold out! Get location and ticket information at http://www.fiveforfighting.com.

If you can't see him live John is also doing a few TV appearances this month:

• CBS Saturday Morning 10/10
• The View 10/14
• The Today Show 10/16
  

Make sure to visit John and Five For Fighting at: http://www.fiveforfighting.com
On twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/johnondrasik
On YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/fiveforfighting
And On Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/fiveforfighting

WIN IT!
One Mom Loves Today winner will get an autographed copy of Slice thanks to Five For Fighting and the One2One network!

To Enter: Visit their website and let me know the location and date of the show nearest you!

For additional entries: (leave a separate comment for each action performed)

• Follow @momlovestoday on Twitter & Tweet about this giveaway, including the link to this post and @momlovestoday. (leave your twitter id & the status url, 1 extra)
• Blog about this giveaway or link this giveaway in a contest listing. (doesn't have to be your listing). (leave the post url, 5 extra entries!!!)
• Subscribe to Mom Loves Today. (leave how, 1 extra entry)
  
• Post about this giveaway on your facebook wall. (leave your facebook url, 1 extra entry)

This contest will run from October 9th until 5am EST October 15th. One entry per household.

Good Luck!

This album was provided to Mom Loves Today to review by One2One network.

Stride Rite-Helping my baby to walk {& a giveaway}

One of a parents greatest joys is watching their child achieve their milestones. It's so bittersweet. You can't wait to see them do it, and then they do and you wish they hadn't because it's one step closer to their inevitable independence. Dave and I have kept track of Elijah's milestones from the very beginning of my pregnancy! We ooh and ah at every smile, wave, and coo. As he gets closer and closer to that first step without help our hearts jump for joy, even though we are scared of what's to come. This first step. Elijah's first step. Our little baby's first step. It changes his entire life, our entire lives. He will no longer be our little helpless angel, depending on us for every little thing. He will be our independent toddler. He will be able to decide where he wants to go, what he wants to do.

Elijah has always been an active baby. He was only 2 months old when he realized he preferred you to hold him sitting up than laying down. It was only a month after that he realized he could get a much better view than that even if you held him in a standing position. Honestly I can't remember if he has sat down since. Now just a little more than a week away from 11 months he has been pulling up to stand alone since 8 months and 'cruising' the furniture since 9 months. He loves to 'walk' assisted but I don't think he realizes yet he can do it alone. He will use the wall and stand up and will walk the entire walls in the playroom. He may even see something along the way and reach down to get it, then go back about his way. But he hasn't gotten the courage yet to let go. There are times he has forgotten while playing with Dave and I. He will turn from one of us to the other and take a step forward falling into our arms when he realizes no one is holding him. We know it will be any day now and he will realize he doesn't need us holding him. He will realize its okay. He can do it himself.

One of Elijah's favorite things since we first showed he could stand, was shoes. He loved to have shoes on and would gladly kick his feet, all smiles when I put a new pair on him! He still enjoys them but I have been having trouble finding a pair that fits him well. He never wore newborn size and we were actually told by a nurse at the hospital that he has some of the biggest feed they ever saw on a newborn. So considering his first pair of shoes were a size 2 and he outgrew size 3 by 2 months later, it's no surprise his feet have continued to grow ahead of schedule. Problem is they got SO ahead of schedule I lost track of what size he should be in. Most recently he was in a size 5. He had a cute pair of sesame street high tops that lit up. Only problem is they weigh so much I worried they were hurting him and making it difficult to walk. Then just in time, Amy from Momfluence contacted me about a possible opportunity with Stride Rite shoes. I was beside myself happy. Not only would I be able to find out what size shoes Elijah should really be wearing, I would be able to get a little insight on what the best shoe for a baby learning to walk is.
Just last month Stride Rite announced the launch of their new collection of baby shoes with patent-pending Sensory Response Technology™ (SRT™). From their press release: 'This revolutionary children's footwear technology, developed in conjunction with the Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Laboratory at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, improves the way a child learns to walk via a sensory feedback system, an ultra-flexible design that allows for more freedom of movement, and a unique construction that reduces the number of stumbles and falls.'

WOW! How cool is that? They said that first walkers need shoes that allow them to feel and grip the surface beneath them, as well as distribute their weight properly to keep their balance, so they designed a shoe that did just that! And to top it off, not only are they functional, they are SO CUTE! They come in so many styles and colors for boys and girls.

What really impressed me too was their e-fitting guide. All you do is go to their site and print out the fitting sheet. There will be a strip on one side you have to cut off to measure the width but boy am I glad I did. I first measured the length of Elijah's foot when he was napping. I pressed the paper to the bottom of his foot, made sure his foot was flat, toes extended... but I was worried that wasn't accurate. So when he woke up I tried again. I had him stand up on the paper. It was a bit off, but basically the same. My 10 month old baby wears a size 6.5!!! I couldn't believe it! Then I measured the width with the other chart. Well that explains it. We could not figure out why shoes always are too skinny for him. Well they are! He has a wide (almost extra wide) foot! I am so glad I was able to properly measure him! I give him a day in these shoes... and he will running!

I can't wait to try Elijah's new pair and will surely update you all when I get them!

Interesting in finding more about SRT™ and other Stride Rite shoes for your toddler or child? Visit them here: http://www.striderite.com/text/srt/

I'm also totally loving their facebook page! Check it out and become a fan here: http://www.facebook.com/striderite

AND

Want to win your own pair of Stride Rite shoes?

***FIVE winners will be chosen to receive ONE pair of SRT shoes, available in sizes 3 to 8 infant/toddler including medium & wide. ($50 value)

TO ENTER: Please fill out this form- http://bit.ly/zb2Qb

Good Luck!

This contest was brought to you by Momfluence & Stride Rite. It is open to legal U.S. residents 18 years or older. The giveaway begins at 12:00 a.m. ET September 14^th and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET September 28^th. Five winners will be chosen to receive a pair of SRT shoes – toddler size only ($50 RV per pair) by Stride Rite & Momfluence by random.org.

Dad Loves V-Moda! Vibe II Earbud Headset with Microphone Review [ giveaway]

Hello All! Dave here! The Dad behind the Mom, behind Mom Loves Today! Since Erin is still taking time out for her I wanted to take this time to share something Dad Loves!

This past Father's day I received an awesome gift thanks to 'The Mom' Erin and Kat at Formula PR, the V-Moda II Vibe Earbud Headset with Microphone!

From V-Moda:

Vibe II Earbud Headset is Forged of premium stainless steel alloy and fabric cables, Vibe II with Microphone, noise-isolating headphone/headset features V-MODA’s world-renowned hi-definition sound, ergonomic detachable sport earhooks, a discrete microphone, and convenient call/music control functions for use with the iPhone/iPod and other music enabled phones featuring a 3.5 mm jack, including the Blackberry® Bold, Curve, and Storm.

V-MODA’s Vibe II with Microphone is a distinct sensory experience of design and acoustic excellence. The pinnacle in quality construction, the revolutionary stainless steel alloy headphones/headset feature compatibility with the iPhone and iPod. One of the first in consumer electronics to use its unique metal manufacturing process, Vibe II with Microphone has a solid and substantial tactual sensation comparable to fine jewelry. The jewelry-like design incorporates a discrete microphone that blends seamlessly with a Kevlar reinforced woven fabric cable and a convenient call/music control feature that allows you to effortlessly switch between carrying on phone conversations and enjoying your music library. The newly fabricated plug features a 45-degree flexible design to allow an optimal range of motion while maintaining a sleek, sturdy metallic core and 24-carat gold-plated plug.

Featuring V-MODA’s world renowned organic signature sound, Vibe II with Microphone houses an all new V-MASQUE dynamic driver which boasts an unparalleled high-definition, 3D soundstage, invoking the sense of a live music experience through its vibrant bass, vivid mid-range, and vivacious highs.

Ergonomically designed for the most active lifestyle, the Vibe II with Microphone is accompanied by four sizes of medical-grade silicone fittings that enable the BLISS noise-isolating technology, and detachable sport earhooks featuring ACTIVE FLEX technology for a comfortable and secure fit

These are the best earbuds I've ever used. Hands Down! From the moment I first held the packaging of the Vibe II, I was impressed!

The inner packaging is so nice I didn't even want to open it!

The Vibe II with microphone headphones/headset came with great accessories! Detachable sport earhooks, eight pairs (XS,S,M,L) of silicone ear fittings in clear and black, and a designer carrying case.

Normally I cannot wear earbuds. I actually had given up even trying. They are all too big and odd shaped for my ears. So I have to admit I was skeptical trying these. I started off with the medium silicone fittings and thought they were just as uncomfortable as every other one I've ever tried. I figured there was no way my big ears needed smaller. It just had to be I wasn't compatible. But Erin urged me to try the small size anyway. WOW! That was the problem! My ear canals are just too small for normal earbuds, but I put this in and it was almost like it was made for my ear!

Each earbud is marked for which ear is which, but I had trouble seeing it at first. I didn't think it would matter, but it turns out it does.

Once I got the small silicone fittings on each one and situated them properly in my ears I could not believe the sound quality. I have owned expensive headphones and these are amazing. Try your white ipod earbuds, then try these. The difference is amazing! I watch movies on my ipod in bed at night and they are clear enough I can hear them without being so loud they wake Erin. I also found they work really well while mowing the lawn. It takes me about 4 hours on our riding mower to do our entire yard and every other pair of headphones I tried I would have to turn all the way up to hear over the mower and would have to turn them off half way through because my ears would be ringing. Not with these! I was able to listen to them the entire time, could hear them fine over the mower, and didn't even have to have them all the way up, or turn them off!

Pros: Too many to list

Cons: None so far

I give the Vibe II Earbuds a 9 out of 10 because they are by far the most comfortable earbuds I've tried, have amazing clarity, and awesome style!

To find out more or buy your own pair visit: http://www.v-moda.com

OR

Enter to win your own pair right now!

To Enter:

• Visit V-Moda. Come back here and leave a comment with another place you can buy the Vibe II.

For Extra Entries:

• Follow us on twitter @MomLovesToday and tweet about this giveaway, leaving one extra comment with your twitter name and the url of the tweet. (you do can this once a day)
• Follow Erin on twitter @ErinJeany, and Ashley @linkismyhero, leaving one extra comment with your twitter name.
• Leave a comment telling us your favorite song in your i-tunes or playlist.
• Follow this blog through google friend connect on the right sidebar. Leave us a comment with your google name.
• Subscribe to this blog through RSS or Email, leave a comment telling us how you did it.
• Blog about this giveaway linking here and to http://www.v-moda.com, come back here and leave 3 separate comments with the url of the post.

This giveaway is open to US residents only, 18+. Only one main entry per household. You must do the first entry for any additional to count and follow all rules to be eligible.

This contest will run until Monday, September 7th at midnight.

Winner to be announced Tuesday, September 8th by Noon.

Good Luck and Thanks for Entering!

Momfluence Summer Guide

(photo by G Viciano)

Looking for some great products to make your summer that much more fun and enjoyable? Looking to pamper yourself while the kids are off at camp? Or maybe you're dealing with summer bumps and bruises. Momfluence has collected some reviews of great products that you need to know about! Check out what our reviewers had to say about these great summer finds. And don't forget to stop by the Momfluence member giveaways listed at the bottom for some summer winning!

Featured Products

FishBites Swimmies - Spending time in the water is one of the most fun and exciting parts of summer. FishBites Swimmies by Swimways is a great solution to give the little ones the extra security they need in the pool, in a fun and exciting way.





Delsey Helium Fusion Carryon - If you are hitting the road or flying the skies this summer for your family vacation, the Delsey Helium Fusion carry-on offers a lightweight solution for packing your travel essentials.





Do Something Daily Calendar - Tired of hearing the kids say they have nothing to do? The DoSomethingDaily Calendar offers fun and exciting suggestions for things to do on each and every day of the year. Make memories with your family, every day!





Perlabella Pearls - Want to combat some of the wrinkles cause by sun damage? Perlabella's Retinol solution helps to fight the signs of aging, that can be caused by excessive sun exposure and other factors.

More Summer Fun

iTurtle

Playdoh Spaghetti Factory

Submergency

Nerf NFL Progrip Football

SuperSoaker 50

Boochie Game

Good For The Kids

Talking To Toddlers


Two Belles and A Bead Engraved Necklace

Cardstore

Jumeau Handbags

Staphaseptic

Member Reviews/Giveaways

Bonggamom - $50 Tiny Prints Gift Certificate

IceFairy's Treasure Chest - KiNeSYS, Purex 3-in1, and more

Eccentric, Eclectic Woman - Bra Barrette, Skipping Hippos

Riding With No Hands - 20 Piece Rubbermaid Set

Consumer Queen - FurBuster

PlusSizeMommy - Giant Hershey Bar, Zensoy, and more

MommyNotGuilty - KidBanz Sunglasses

Robyn's Online World - Kodak Digital Frame

Simply Being Mommy - EA Sports Active

Lattes and Life - Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs & http://www.lattesandlife.com/2009/06/parents-choice-infant-formula-savings.html">Parent's Choice Formula

Motherhood Moment - Summer Fun

A Simple Kinda Life - Summer Soiree of Giveaways

From Cribs to Car Keys - EcoStore $25 Gift Certificate and more

Miscellaneous Finds 4 U - Tiny Prints and more

All Momfluence guide reviews are product-provided, featured positions were purchased by vendors. Member reviews and giveaways are not associated with Momfluence.

Huggies Pure & Natural Review, Freebie & GIVEAWAY

As a new parent there are many choices when it comes to products to suite you and your baby best. Just in Elijah’s 7 months we have used 5 different types of bottles with 3 stages of nipples, have tried numerous lotions for every day use and his eczema, 2 powders, 3 different diaper creams, 5 different thermometers, 4 soaps, 6 types of wipes, and oh my the DIAPERS.

We have tried at least 10 brands of diapers so far. Pampers Swaddlers, Pampers Baby Dry, Pampers Cruisers, Kirkland’s (Costco’s Brand), Parent’s Choice (Walmart’s Brand), Target’s Brand, Huggies Gentle Care, Huggies Natural Fit, and some other generic kinds.

Of course I was able to find pros and cons with all of them, but some pros really out weigh the cons. When evaluating a diaper I like to use certain criteria to assure I am getting the best for my little guy.

• AFFORDABLE –The average child will go through between 5 and 10 THOUSAND diapers. Do you want to pay top dollar for them?
  


• SOFT – My lil’ man’s ‘hiney’ wants to be comfortable! Would you want to walk around in a hard diaper all day? If the answer is no, then that is not the diaper for your baby.

• ABSORBENT – Even if you change your baby right away, every time he pees, that wetness on his skin can lead to diaper rash and make your baby uncomfortable. The better the diaper wicks up that moisture the better for your baby.
  
  
• LEAK PROOF – Funny things happen when babies go to the bathroom. It will go every direction BUT the way you expect it to. You need a diaper that will help contain that!
  

When you factor in those points when choosing a diaper it makes it easier. Many parents make the mistake of sacrificing one of those to save a buck. But if your constantly doing laundry after your babies diaper leaks, how much are you really saving?

The one thought I have never considered is how healthy the diapers are. I never considered what the diaper is made of and how it will affect my baby. Most of today’s diapers contain gels that help to sponge up the moisture. What is really in those gels? Will long term studies deem it to be unhealthy for your children after all? What is in the lining?

When I first read about Huggies Pure & Natural diapers in April I was intrigued. ‘The super premium diaper that includes natural, organic materials and ingredients to provide gentle protection for new babies, as well as initial steps toward environmental improvements, without sacrificing performance.’

Could it really stand up to my strict standards? Or would it fail to meet my expectations? Is it really better than the others for my baby? for the environment? Especially with everything claiming to be ‘green’ these days when they are really not.

I was excited when I was contacted to try Huggies Pure & Natural and see for myself if it stood up to the test.

The diaper is hypoallergenic, fragrance free and features a breathable outer cover that includes organic cotton. Which is great especially for Elijah because anything with fragrance breaks him out horribly! The liner includes natural Aloe & Vitamin E and materials from renewable sources. These diapers didn’t seem ‘plastic-y’ like some of the others, they didn’t feel hard, and Elijah did not seem to be all hot and sticky in the diaper area after playing. They didn’t leave big red marks at the leg openings either like some other diapers. They also have gone a bit more green with their packaging, using 20% recycled materials.

So how does it stand up to my tests?

AFFORDABLE – The Jumbo pack of Newborn sized Huggies Pure & Natural (33 diapers) is $11.99 at Babies R’ Us. Compare to the Jumbo pack (34 diapers) of Newborn sized Pamper’s Swaddlers at Target which are also $11.39 or the Jumbo pack (40 diapers) of Seventh Generation Newborn sized diapers also at target for $11.99. So basically there is not much of a difference in cost between the other brands, so it definitely fits into my affordable range.

SOFT – It is soft. In my opinion it is not as soft as Pamper’s Swaddlers, but TONS softer than Walmart’s Parent’s Choice, which is borderline soft by my standards. Elijah seemed comfortable and moves with ease in them.

ABSORBANT – Even with heavy pee diapers he seemed dry as can be. The diaper seemed to pull the moisture right from him! No redness, no rash, no nothing.

LEAK PROOF – Elijah typically sleeps 10 hours a night. 6 or 7 hours straight before wakes to be fed and changed. After a particularly long day last week Elijah had drank 9oz in the 2 hours before bed. He then slept for 8 hours straight. After 8 hours I worried his diaper would be bursting at the seams so I went in to check on him and change him. The diaper was HEAVY to say the least. BUT not a drop leaked! As long as you make sure to ‘pull the ruffles out’ (like with any diaper) I don’t think this diaper is going to leak. That was seriously a lot of pee and it held wonderfully! Not to mention the fact that it has the elastic on the back. The only blow outs Elijah ever has had were straight up and out his back. I love the fact that with Huggies it always stops right before that band.

Huggies Pure & Natural is offered in 6 sizes, from newborn through size 5. The are widely available in North American retail outlets as of April. For more information visit http://www.huggiespureandnatural.com.

Huggies has also launched their new Enjoy the Ride Rewards program to give you even more incentive! Find out more at https://enjoytheriderewards.com

Overall I was pleased with the quality and performance of Huggies Pure & Natural. I will not switch to it completely, but it will join the rotation of the current 3 brands I use depending on the store I am shopping. I think when it is in more stores it will help me to purchase it more and also it would be nice if they put more coupons for them in the Huggies Baby Network mailers.

Would you like to see how Huggies Pure & Natural stacks up to your favorite brand? Will you be converted?

Visit http://www.huggiespureandnatural.com/FreeSample.aspx to get your own free sample to try or…

ENTER TO WIN A PACK OF HUGGIES PURE & NATURAL!

WHAT: Winner will receive 1 pack of Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers – Size Newborn, 1 or 2 (size 2 fits up to 18lbs)

WHEN: From June 7th to June 15th at Midnight

HOW: Leave me a comment below telling me: WHY you want to try Huggies Pure and Natural and WHO you will try them on. Please make sure to include what size you want if you win and a way to contact you.

For Extra Entries you can do one or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each:

• Follow Mom Loves Today through Google Friend Connect (on the right side bar) or Subscribe to the RSS feed. (1 extra)
• Follow me on Twitter @erinjeany & Tweet about this giveaway once a day. Please include your twitter name & status URL so I can verify. (1 for following and 1 a day per tweet - Max of 10 extra)
• Add Mom Loves Today button to your sidebar. (2 extra)
• Blog about this giveaway. (3 extra)
• Follow my other blog, From Son Up To Son Down, through Google Friend Connect or Subscribing to the RSS feed. (2 extra)
  

Winner will be announced on June 16th. This contest open to the US & Canada only! Please be sure to follow all required steps or risk disqualification. I will not accept 'Enter Me’ or ‘Count Me In’ comments in lieu of required information. Review sample and prize were provided by Huggies. Thank you!

Good Luck!

Mom Loves Story Time Felts

It's fun to look back to our childhoods. Look at the toys we played with, the games, the activities, the adventures. We didn't sit on our parents lap at the computer. We didn't watch TV more than MAYBE an hour a day. We read, we ran around outside. We MADE toys out of bits of things we found around the house and a imagination. We didn't need everything fancy, talking, lights flashing, music, LOUD, like today's children do. 

I have been striving to find all the simple, enjoyable, educational, imaginative, fun toys I can for Elijah. He is a very smart baby, whose favorite activity is to sit with you and read. He will sit on your lap and stare at the pages for hours. Laughing at the pictures, rubbing his hand across the pages as if he can touch the objects. He loves the bright colors. He loves the expressive words. He loves the rhymes. He loves the poems. Elijah loves just listening to the words.

I was very fortunate to have met the most wonderful woman, who knows A LOT about story time and how to make it enjoyable for your children. Lois told me all about her company, Story Time Felts, and was sweet enough to even send us a Nursery Rhyme Felt Board Toggle Book. Elijah loves it!

"Story Time Felts  offers the very finest in felt board stories and visual aids for learning and open-ended play.  Strict attention is paid to the quality as well as the educational value of each product. We carry an extensive line of educational felt board story sets and non-denominational religious felts as well as dress-up dolls,including custom photo dress-up dolls, felt activity books, finger plays, puppets, and audio story and song Cd's and more for preschool through school aged children."

They are all made in the U.S.A.,  beautifully and brightly colored, and come with unlimited possibilities! The felt is even washable -- which is a big plus! Not even drool filled, sticky fingers, Elijah could harm the colorfast felt images! He loves the feel of the felts on his fingers. He loves to help mommy move them around the story boards. I have no doubt in my mind by 9 months he will be moving them around without my help. He already tries now. Lois also recommending putting Velcro on the back of the pieces for finger puppet play. Elijah laughs and laughs when he sees the little characters pop up and hears me do the different voices while moving my fingers around. 

"Children are natural storytellers but often their stories remain locked in their heads because they lack the ability to express themselves. Story Time Felts help parents and teachers bring back creativity and imagination to the children in their lives through beautiful felt products such as felt board story figures, activity books, dress up dolls and other educational felt items!

Experts agree that kids these days are too "plugged in," so we offer something that is High Touch, not High Tech! Imagination is rediscovered and fostered with Story Time Felts!"

How true is that? How many times a day are you telling your children -"turn off that TV... get off that computer... put down that video game" - These felts not only help the children turn of the technology and use their imaginations, they help to remind YOU how important it is to turn off and to play with your children. I am loving laying on the bed with Elijah and coming up with story after story using the characters. Even with the nursery rhyme set... Did you ever hear of the time that Humpty Dumpty DIDN'T FALL. He in fact SAVED the kingdom by having such a spectacular view from up there! -- I am having so much fun coming up with these stories myself!

These would be a great present for any children in your life, teachers, your church's Sunday school class or playgroup. They would be a great present for birthdays! You don't have to stand in an Toy isle at Target and wonder which toy the other guests bought, which toys does the kid already have, which toys are appropriate, how much do you want to spend. Story Time Felt is inexpensive, one of a kind, and guaranteed to be a hit.

If you would like to place an order with Story Time Felt , please do so using her name, Lois Graham, when prompted for your Consultant's name.

For more information please visit Lois' Story Time Felt page. She would love to help you with orders, educational home and catalog parties - to earn free felt,  joining her sales team, teacher workshops, vendor events and more. Her contact information is availible there or you can follow Lois on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/LoisGraham

More posts to come on Elijah & playing with Story Time Felt as he grows and can plays along.

Mom Loves Music - Yanni Voices song widget & Ballas Hough Band review /Free MP3

Have you heard Yanni Voices? If not click the widget above to listen! Let me know what you think! And feel free to post this widget on your own site!



I am loving the Ballas Houghs Band more and more. Click the above widget to get your own copy of their hit - "Longing For." One of my favorite songs by them! If you hadn't seen my review on FSUTSD, here's another chance! Enjoy!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first put the Ballas Houghs Band in, but I liked the sound right away. The more I listened, the more I liked it. It's a really easy to listen to sound, one of those albums you can put in and listen straight through and enjoy. I actually listed to it 3 times through on itunes before I even realized I had even listened to it once. The songs sound similar enough to all flow together really well, but different enough to stand on their own. Its pop and dance and would be a great album to play during a party, while cleaning, or just dancing with your family/children/friends. It's also an enhanced CD with links to their sites!

Longing For, Do It For You and Break Through are my favorite songs from the album, but honestly in my opinion there is not one song that is bad. I recommend this CD to anyone who likes pop music like Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, it even sort of reminds me of Savage Garden. Even if you don't like any of them, give it a chance, you may be surprised!

This CD confirms, not only are Mark Ballas and Derek Hough amazing professional dancers (winning in seasons 6 & 7) but they are also amazing singers.

Thanks for reading!

WomenHeart’s All Heart Family Cookbook {Giveaway}

Many women know that Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the U.S. Sadly though many women don't know how to help prevent it or the risk factors. Which of these applies to you?

• Family history of coronary artery disease or stroke
• Age 55 or older
• Post-menopausal
• Family history of premature cardiac disease (under age 60), especially in a sibling or parent
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
  
• Smoking
• Hypertension
• High over all cholesterol
• Low HDL cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Increased CRP
• Use of birth control pills, especially if you smoke
• Complicated pregnancy

Wow. I can check a bunch off myself even only being 24 years old! So now that you know the risk factors what types of things do you want to change in your life? I am proud to say I have been making a change to live healthier and help my family to live healthier. I am VERY proud to say I quit smoking over 8 months ago. We also have been working hard to get more exercise. Having a 5 month old definitely helps with the exercise! But the biggest thing we have been doing is cooking healthier.

Do you want to start cooking healthier too? Then why not start with the WomenHeart’s All Heart Family Cookbook?

WomenHeart is the national coalition for women with heart disease. Their cookbook, written by Kathy Kastan, Suzanne Banfield, along with Wendy Leonard and the members of WomenHeart, features information and recipes using the 40 foods that have been proven to promote heart health the best!

The cook book covers everything from Heart Health and what you need to know to keep your heart in shape, to learning about these 40 heart healthy foods such as Dark Chocolate, Salmon and Red Wine, and then how to make wonderful recipes using those 40 ingredients for heart healthy meals!

Sara Lee Fresh Bakery offered some of their delicious heart healthy sandwich recipes in the WomenHeart's ALL HEART Family Cookbook. They have partnered with The Heart Truth Campaign to help raise awareness of heart disease among women and encourage them to make healthy choices every day. To further help the cause Sara Lee will contribute one dollar for every cookbook ordered up to $35,000 to the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

To Purchase your own copy of the cookbook please click here.
Or
Thanks to Momfluence, Sara Lee and Women Heart, you can enter to win your copy!

To Enter: Please fill out this form here, and then leave me a comment saying you did!

This contest is open to all U.S. Residents & ends Wednesday, April 15th. One entry per household.

Thanks for reading!

Let me introduce myself:

Hello Moms!

My name is Erin Pyle. You may know me from From Son Up To Son Down or from twitter, @ErinJeany! I wanted to take a second to let you know that I am now the new "The Mom." I know we will all miss Jennifer, but you can always show her love at The Baby Bloak! I am happy to be here and hope you will all welcome me with open arms!

I am planning a wonderful re-launch party featuring reviews of great items I'm sure you love. I have a team of great Moms that will be contributing and bringing you the latest and greatest of Mom - Must -Haves! If you want to contribute a product for review or a giveaway or advertise with us, please feel free to contact me!

More details to come! Until then ~ Email me with any questions at momlovesreviews [at] gmail.com or Tweet me @ErinJeany! Thank You!

Mom Loves Wednesday's Gift - Palumba Toys

Palumba Toys

Palumba Toys are USA made, contain NO TOXINS or unsafe parts, heirloom quality, and crafted with green technology. And they are beautiful! In case you haven't guessed I prefer toys that don't light up, spin, screech, dance, etc...Give me the simple life, right? If you are looking for an idea for someone else's child, take a chance and get them something unique from Palumba's toys! Trust me, most moms would prefer these play inspiring toys to the latest mechanized toy truck!

Take a moment to peruse the beautiful craftsmanship of these toys and you will see that this is a gift that will last many generations! Prices range from $9-$400! Get anything from a wooden iron to a beautiful play fridge.

Mom Loves Tuesday's Gift - Bug Bites Play Food

Bug Bites Play Food

Mom Loves these adorable felt play food sets! Felt is eco-friendly and washable, so your little one can get lots of use out of it. No lead paint to worry about or little plastic parts, just well-made, adorable pieces of food. I love the sushi bento box and the farmer's market set! You can even get a 3 tiered cake decorating set! Because they are soft, young babies will love gnawing on them and older children will love playing kitchen with them. Prices range from under $10 to over $45.

Mom Loves Monday's Gifts - My Little Seat & The Baby Bloak

1. My Little Seat

I recently got to try out my own My Little Seat and I have to say I loved it. When it arrived, I opened it happily and decided we'd be going out to dinner that night.

There are 2 reasons I love My Little Seat. First, I have left restaurants before when I realized there was no highchair for my little man. He's not ready to not be restrained yet! I've also been out to eat where are the highchair's straps are broken! No big deal if you have the compact My Little Seat with you! The second reason I love it is that it allowed my toddler to sit like a big kid with us that night. He really loved feeling all grown up in his own big chair with his own little seat.

You could easily use this at home instead of a highchair, making its $39.99 price tag very reasonable!

2. The Baby Bloak

I'm a bit biased here since the Baby Bloak is my own idea, but I can genuinely say I give it as a gift to all my mom friends. And what better time to give a Bloak then Christmas when the weather is chilly?

The Baby Bloak is a wearable blanket that you could put on and take off in seconds when you are running to the car, into the store, or on other errands. Since coats aren't safe in car seats, many parents try to keep blankets from falling off in the cold. The Bloak lets you strap your baby into the car seat without interfering with straps and without having to be removed! It also makes a great stroller blanket and nursing cover - that's one handy blanket!

Mom Loves the Diaper Clutch - a stylish wipe/dipe solution!

We've all seen the diapers and wipes clutches, but I was pleasantly surprised to find one that was different, practical, and really, really cute! The Diaper Clutch is different from the others because it gives you access to your wet wipes without needing to remove a portable travel case. Instead you can just open your clutch, grab a diaper, and pop open the wipes section which holds a standard huggies wet-wipes pack!

The best part though is that they are ridiculously cute! I can't wait to cart mine all over town because it's completely stylish and compact! I'm loving my brown disco dot clutch, but I'd love to hear what your favorite is. The Diaper Clutch just introduced new designs and even a design your own option!


Cloth-diapering mama? I tested the Diaper Clutch and was pleased to see that it holds at two medium bumGenius AIOs. Personally, I use disposable wipes when I am out, so it works great for me! Non-cloth diapering moms, I got 3 size 4 diapers in it comfortably. I think it's just the right size for running errands, dinner out, or a playdate!

The Diaper Clutch is a must-have for the modern mom that's for sure!

Mom Loves the Cozy Care Cape - a bath must-have for mom and baby!

I got to check out a CozyCare Cape today and I have to say, I love it! The first thing I noticed when it arrived was how professional Spa Time Baby's shipping and packaging is. I have the great pleasure of networking with Debra, one of the company's founders and I just wanted to give her proper credit for how professional her product is!

But what you want to hear is about the cape! This is a brilliant idea, moms! The cape features a waterproof backing and a cozy terry outer to protect you from getting soaked during bath time and allow you to dry baby without struggling with a towel. I love the style of the CozyCare Cape as well.

The set of a CozyCare Cape, CozyCare Mat, CozyCare Cap, and two rubber duckies came elegantly presented in an organza bag. My first thought was how fabulous this would be as a baby shower present - pretty and practical!

The CozyCare Cape starts at 38.95 and you can have it personalized with baby's name if you want!

Mom Loves Zip-n-Go - the all weather, portable blanket!

Be sure to enter to win below!

The other day I ran across a great new product (yay for twitter!) The mom behind the product was super friendly and offered to host a fantastic giveaway! I love the zip-n-go Blanket because it's super practical, cute, and compact and its proudly made in the USA!

Jennifer Locke is a mother of two young boys and knows the importance of a product that is easy to use, quality made, and can be put away quickly and neatly. She is the creator of the Zip-n-go Blanket™ (www.zipngoblanket.com) , a weatherproof outdoor blanket that folds and zips to become its own tote bag. This blanket keeps you dry, clean, and hands free! You don't have to worry about keeping track of a separate carrying case or strap. These outdoor blankets are made in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with quality materials. From the highly water resistant Urethane Coated Nylon Oxford Lining, Premium Velour Anti Pill Fleece, to their YKK® Zippers you can be sure you are getting a superior outdoor blanket that is also machine washable. It is the perfect multi-purpose blanket for babies, picnics, soccer games, concerts, camping and dogs. It is great to keep in the car too, when you wish you had a blanket!

From Jennifer:
"The blanket when laid out measures 5 ' by 6' so you will have plenty of room to stretch out or enjoy a picnic. The blanket comes with a inside zippered security pocket to keep your belongings like keys, wallet, and cell phone. The pocket can be easily tucked under the blanket to hide from view. When the blanket is folded and zipped up it becomes it's own tote measuring 18" x 15" x2". The large outside pocket can easily hold magazines, drinks, snacks, toys, diapers and wipes. It can also be custom embroidered with your monogram or name. From Plaids, Damask, Leopard,Children prints to solids, Zip-n-go Blankets offer 12 colors and styles from which to choose. They are priced at $74.99 and every blanket comes with free shipping to all US locations and APO addresses by USPS Property Mail! They make great Christmas, birthday, and baby shower gifts. It is a gift that will last for years to come! Zip-n-go Blankets are so sure you will love their outdoor blanket, they also come with 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Zip-n-go Blanket's mission is to keep you dry and clean, while relaxing and enjoying life where ever you might be!"

You have to love it! Jennifer is generously offering up a Zip-n-Go to one lucky reader in either Bright Paisley, Zoo Animals, or Friendly Sea Life!

WIN IT!

Three ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment below telling me where you'd use your Zip-n-Go!
2. Blog about this giveaway and post a comment here with a direct link!
3. Follow this blog! I just added this function!