Christmas Gifts for Kids Blog Hop{Creative Cat $25 Gift Certificate}

 

With the holiday shopping season upon us, zuuzs introduces their holiday shopping page. We all have price points in mind while shopping for our friends and family, so zuuzs has made it easier for you to find the best deals according to your budget. Make sure to check it out! And as always, you get cash back on everything you buy through zuuzs.com.

To help with your Holiday Shopping for your kids, zuuzs is offering the Grand Prize of a KidKraft Grand Espresso Corner Kitchen. Go over to Makobi Scribe and enter to win the Grand Prize! Then hop around all the other blogs participating in the Christmas Gifts Hop for kids below. *the grand prize may be substituted to a similar item to suit the winner's child

Mama Bucks Blog is giving away a $25 gift Certificate to Creative Cat.  You can find our review of Creative Cat here. Also check out Creative Cat's two sites: Creative Cat and Creative Cat Photography Props to begin day dreaming about what you would choose if you win.  Or, if you don't want to wait you can purchase some amazing hats, blankets, headbands, cowls, mittens you name it now.
 

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Travelin' with Baby Blog Hop

Welcome to the Travelin’ With Baby Giveaway Hop Event, hosted by So Easy Being Green and According to Jenny! This Event will run from October 10th - 24th with a Twitter Party Grand Finale on October 25th from 9-10 PM EST!
In this Hop, each blogger has a great prize, worth at least $25, to make traveling with your baby easy and fun! Don’t miss out on the fabulous TWO Grand Prizes worth over $550 EACH - featuring the best, must-have Baby Travel Products - including a Britax Car Seat, QuickSmart Backpack Stroller, Beco Baby Carrier and MUCH more! Mama Bucks will be giving away:

A collection of Live Clean Baby products. You can the review here.

Two coupons good for free Farm Rich snacks and appetizers ($6.99 value each, which covers the cost of the product). You can read our review here.

Indigo Ocean Dreams CD. You can read our review here. According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, and the Travelin’ With Baby participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. a Rafflecopter giveaway

#PhantomFluff Cloth Diapers

Curious what the #PhantomFluff Mystery Diaper is?  Attend the #PhantomFluff Twitter Party on 10-4-12 from 9-10 PM ET and then purchase your own #PhantomFluff at Mamas Emporium.

Birthday Bash Blog Hop {ARV $107 Creative Cat Headband & Coastal Contacts glasses}#BirthdayBash

Welcome to the Birthday Bash Hop. The event is hosted by Cincinnati Coupons! Make sure to stop by the other blogs to see what goodies they have in store for you! You can also enter to win the Grand Prizes over at Cincinnati Coupons here!


Creative Cat is giving away a bad hair day headband in black (ARV $10).  You will never again suffer a bad hair day with this cute headband.

 Cheri is the talented Mama behind Creative Cat.  She, also, makes photography props at Creative Cat Photography props here.  She can customize almost anything to your liking.  From hats to headbands, blankets to cocoons and everything in between.

Mama Bucks is giving away a free pair of glasses from www.coastalcontacts.com (ARV $97).  The free glasses include the frame and standard 1.5 index lenses.



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Green Family Giveaway Hop {Knaebean Wool Soaker and Sheepish Grins Lanolin & Wool Wash} #gbgreenfam

Welcome to the Green Family Blog Hop Giveaway where 47 bloggers have gathered together to giveaway some "Green" Family friendly products. 


Knaebean Creations is giving away a Natural Colored 100% Pure Virgin wool paw print soaker in size small (up to 18 lbs). {ARV $20}.









{Front of Soaker}



{Back of Soaker-featuring the paw print} Read my review of the Knaebean Soaker here.  Orders for your own customized soaker can be placed here.


















Mama's Emporium is giving away a trio of Sheepish Grins (including Foaming Wool Wash, Liquid Lanolin and Creamy Spray Lanolin) products in Unscented found here. ARV $7.65.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: Formula Mom, and the Green Family bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes.

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Knaebean Creations Soaker Review {Sponsor Spotlight}

We were recently lucky enough to go on vacation. I have never taken a vacation with 2 under 2.  The first day we had lofty goals of driving 8 hours or more.  I wasn't sure how often we would be stopping to change diapers, so I decided to put our Knaebean Creations Natural Color Pure Virgin Wool soakers to the test. 

 Here is my sweet Brooke gearing up for the ride (I had to snap a photo before we completely buckled up).  Poor girl had hand, foot and mouth as we took off on our journey.  I put the wool over a pocket diaper and we were off.  We traveled 6 hours before needing to stop to change her.  I am happy to report that the soaker was just a touch damp.

 

Check out the totally cute flower butt on this soaker.  Knaebean Creations is so incredibly talented and takes the utmost care in crocheting a one of a kind design!

Another view of this sweet wool soaker.  Knaebean Creations can work with you to help come up with a fabulous soaker or other customized one of a kind crocheted piece.

 

Clara, the two year old is in the beginning stages of potty training.  Here is her adorable lady bug soaker.  She went 5 hours before needing a potty break and her Knaebean Creations Wool Soaker was completely dry!

You can purchase your own 100 % Virgin Wool Soaker here or win you own in the upcoming Blog Green Family Giveaway Hop on Mama Bucks blog September 15-30.

"Me Time" {Literary Love Sponsor Spotlight}

"Me Time"...What is That? (Guest Post by www.SimplyBalancedCoaching.com)

Do you tend to push yourself too hard and strive for excellence? Do you have unrealistic daily expectations of yourself? Do you feel like your life has become a series of tasks to complete versus moments to enjoy? Are you convinced you can do it all, even if it creates a chaotic stressful lifestyle? Do you consistently put yourself last on your "to do" list? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I would like to share with you the value of "me time". This is Strategy #1 in the new book Live Life Beyond the laundry by Christy Tryhus. www.SimplyBalancedCoaching.com

Many women believe that taking “me time” is selfish; I used to be one of them. Spending time on yourself is critical! Yes, as impossible as it may seem, taking “me time” is a necessity. If you do not take “me time” you are likely to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out, or even depressed. If you continue to neglect yourself you will begin to notice your lack of an overall sense of joy and purpose in life. Your health may suffer and it will likely become harder to tend to the needs of other people, priorities and responsibilities.

Even just 10 minutes a day helps. If you neglect tending to your own needs for relaxation, enjoyment and happiness, you are not at your peak. You are operating with your battery partially charged. The typical response I get when I ask people about "me time" is…” I am too busy to take time for myself”. My response is…” you are too busy not to plan taking time for yourself”. “Me Time” is critical time needed to re-energize and recharge your battery. Batteries are more productive and efficient when fully charged. The same rule applies to you.

Here is your challenge: For the next 5 days take 10 minutes each day to do something you enjoy, "me time". After 5 days ask yourself, "how do I feel"? If you feel energized, keep doing it. If you feel stressed, keep doing it. Often it takes 3 to 4 weeks of consistent "me time" to reap the reward. Are you up for the challenge? Share your success stories on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SimplyBalancedCoachingAndTraining and learn more from busy women just like you.

*Don't forget to enter the "Me Time" Giveaway here.

Literary Love Giveaway Hop #literarylove {Live Life Beyond the Laundry prize pack ARV $120+}

Welcome to the Literary Love Giveaway Hop hosted by Views from the Ville and Money Saving Mindy.  You will find 40+ bloggers giving away prize packages centered around books.  Mama Bucks is giving the following prizes that are centered around Strategy #1 "Me" Time in the book Life Life Beyond the Laundry by Christy Tryhus.



Live Live Beyond the Laundry Book by Christy Tryhus.  7 strategies to shift life from chaos to calm. ARV $19.95.  Find my review here.

immuno viva Sunrise Tea{Energize Naturally}. ARV $11.95.


immuno viva core ARV $54.95



Lusa Lotion Bar from Mama's Emporium. ARV $8.15.


Piggy Paint - Non Toxic Nail Polish from Mama's Emporium. ARV $8.99


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Just For Baby Giveaway Blog Hop/#Just4Baby {$130+ ARV}

Welcome to the Just For Baby Giveaway Hop. This Giveaway Hop is hosted by Fabulous Finds and Mama Chocolate. This Giveaway Hop features everything under the sun you’ll need for baby. Be sure to visit each blog from the linky below and enter for your chance to win some really amazing prizes! This event will end on August 10th at 11: 59pm EST.

 Mama's Emporium is offering a Rumparooz Wet Bag {ARV $18.95} You can read my review here.

Small Concept - A Boutique born of the love for children. Is offering an Ah Goo Baby - The Plush Pad. {ARV $29.95} You can read my review of the Ah Goo Baby - The Plush Pad here.

Glowbug Cloth Diapers is offering a pocket diaper {ARV 12.50}.  Read my review on Glowbug Cloth Diapers here.

Thirty-One Consultant Lindsay Thompson is offering a Large Utility Tote in the Circle Spirals Print. {ARV $35} (Embroidery not included)

Copy-Kids is giving away their Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables DVD {ARV $19.95}. Read my review of the Copy-Kids DVD here.

The Willow Store is offering Sprout Cream {ARV $9.95}. Read my review here.

Potty Cover is offering a package of 6 disposable Potty Covers {ARV $5.99}.  Read my review here.

Mama Bucks Blog is offering a Medium Sized Fleece Soaker from Wahmie-Panties {ARV $7.50}.  Read our review here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway *Mama Bucks Fabulous Finds, Mama Chocolate and the Just For Baby Giveaway Hop bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes.

Sprout Cream {Review and Sponsor Spotlight}

The Willow Store sent us Sprout Cream to review.  It seems that our two little girls are constantly suffering from diaper ailments of one sort or another.  Sprout Cream is the all-over ointment that works to heal and prevent diaper rash. We have been using it with every diaper change and have kept the red bottoms at bay.  Sprout Cream is great for use with any type of diapers, washes out easily, and won’t stain which are all very important features for any cloth diapering parent. 

The first thing I did when we received the Sprout Cream was to read the ingredients.  It contains the following ingredients:

Ingredients:
Vegetable Glycerine
Cetearyl Glucoside/Phosphatidyl Choline
Silver Oxide and a dash of kindness

The 2 ounce container it comes in makes it extremely portable.  You can purchase you own Sprout Cream at the Willow Store for $9.95.  The Willow Store will be giving one lucky winner their very own container of Sprout Cream in the Just for Baby blog hop July 30th-August 10.

*I was giving a product free of charge for the purpose of providing an honest review. All the opinions and thoughts are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review

Fred's Swim Academy Swimtrainer "Classic" Red {Review and Giveaway}

Thanksmama.com is a family owned and operated natural baby store.  They offer a great selection of cloth diapering products, potty training pants, swim diapers, natural baby care products, baby carriers, bibs, toys, nursery furniture and bedding, strollers and much more.  The look for innovative products that are good for the baby and the environment and they never forget that most families are on a budget.  That's why Thanks Mama offers the Lowest Prices, Free Shipping on orders over $60 within the USA, 90 days easy returns; Buy Safe Guarantee and Price Guarantee.  Thanks Mama does ship worldwide!

You can follow Thanks Mama on Facebook, Twitter, their Blog, Pinterest or Google +.  They host weekly Giveaways, Contests, Sweepstakes, Twitter Parties, talk about modern family fun and challenges, natural parenting and green living.

Thanksmama.com sent us the Fred's Swim Academy SwimTrainer "Classic" in Red, which is the stage 1 for 13-40 pounds.  It is designed to help little ones become comfortable in the water and teach them correct leg movements.  Prior to receiving this our toddler was using a boat like floaty which teaches her no swim movements at all.  We have been using this for about two weeks now and I love it!  Not only is she learning how to move her legs, she is becoming much more confident and comfortable.  We will definitely be buying the next stage of SwimTraining when she reaches 33 pounds. 

ThanksMama.com is giving one of my readers a Fred's Swim Academy SwimTrainer of their own. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Potty Cover {Review and Sponsor Spotlight}

Potty Cover sent us 6 of their disposable Potty Cover.  We are a family of 7 that are constantly on the go.  We travel quite often for kids activities which some times leads to some unpleasant bathroom visits.  I am talking about porta potties or wayside rest stops.

Enter in the Potty Cover, a disposable toilet seat cover for children.  You simply place the Potty Cover on the toilet and it covers the sides and front of the toilet keeping germs and wetness at bay.  Each Potty Cover is individually packaged in a small bag portable enough for the diaper bag. 

We took our Potty Cover on our latest hockey weekend.  We have a two year old dabbling in potty training so the Potty Cover arrived at a perfect time.  I love that it has a large front flap that prevents her legs and clothes from touching the toilet.  She is small and just learning to balance on the toilet, so the side flaps help keep her germ free.

Potty Cover will be giving away disposable toilet seat covers in Our Just for Baby Hop July 30-August 10.

Budget-Friendly Family Vacation Lodging-Redweek.com Review and Giveaway

Looking for an inexpensive lodging option for your family vacation?  Have you considered timeshare rental?  Timeshare rentals usually cost up to 50% less than a hotel room. 

In addition, besides saving money on your lodging you will also be saving money on meals.  Most timeshare rentals have a full-sized, fully equipped kitchen. 

The kids generally love the swimming pools at hotels.  With a timeshare rental you will often get more entertainment value than just the pool.  Many timeshare rentals have water parks, hot tubs, kiddie pools, playgrounds, arcades and mini golf. 

Timeshares become available for rental when timeshare owners are unable to use their timeshare weeks.  Renting out their timeshares are great option for the owners and and an even better bargain for the renter who can afford to rent at a luxury resort.

RedWeek.com is basically an online marketing site, with over 1.5 million members, where owners list their timeshares for rent. A RedWeek.com membership gives access to all of the information on timeshare rental listings on RedWeek.com, including reviews, and the ability to engage in rental agreements with incredible budget-friendly offerings.  On RedWeek.com you are able to search listings by "Kid Friendly" or "Pet Friendly", as well as specialty destinations such as "Golf" or "Beaches.  

  Enter below to win a free two year RedWeek.com membership.

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Summer Sizzle Giveaway {$25 US/Can}

Welcome to the Summer Sizzle Giveaway Hop hosted by Mom With A Dot Com!  Over 65 bloggers have got together to give you a chance to win some amazing prizes to keep you entertained throughout the summer!

Summer Sizzle will begin June 24-June 30th. As you are hopping around, I hope you find some prizes that you love and may be even win! Each giveaway will have a prize valued at $25 or more!

Mama Bucks is giving away a patriotic bandana (ARV $10) created by SocialWalker Creations.  SocialWalker Creations has a passion for creativity and can work with you to create a custom one of a kind piece. You can read my review here.

We are also giving away some patriotic signage and magnets created by Vincelli Designs and Decor (ARV $9). Your online home for beautiful, unique, and personal gifts. Read more about Vincelli Designs and Decor here.

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 We are also giving a Patriotic Bottle Cap Necklace.  Crafted by Mossy Creek Market(ARV $6).  A Group of Savvy Enterpenurs that love to dabble in creativity while adding to their college savings. 

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Vincelli Designs {Summer Sizzle Sponsor}

We recently purchased some name signs from Vincelli Designs and Decor.  We had received a Vincelli Designs and Decor Name Sign for Baby Brooke as a baby gift so some of the other children wanted one, too!  Vincelli Designs and Decor is able to customize a name sign in pretty much an color you may be looking for.  Prices start at $4.99.  Amy, the talent behind Vincelli Designs and Decor, began making signs for herself, because she loved the creative outlet it provided her.  Soon others were wanting her handmade creations and her business began from there.  She has many varieties of signs and other personalized gifts and decor to choose from on her site.  Try her on anything not listed as she is able to come up with most anything you may be looking to purchase.

Vincelli Designs will be giving away a Patriotic sign and magnet prize pack as part of the Summer Sizzle blog hop beginning 6/24.  Stop back then to enter!

SocialWalker Creations Summer Sizzle Sponsor Spotlight

SocialWalker Creations is a creative Mama that crochets many amazing pieces.  The first item I ever purchased from SocialWalker Creations was this awesome Husky hat (the Husky is our High School mascot) for my baby girl. 

SocialWalker Creations is able to customize many hats, bandanas, purses and other accessories to your liking.  You can find her albums of work she has done here.

Most recently we were able to review this patriotic bandana.  It arrived just in time for Daddy's Flag Day birthday party!  My daughter is already planning on wearing her bandana for the 4th of July as well.  She loves it!

This is SocialWalker Creations stars and stripes bandana.  It features stripes in white and red with a blue star and a white button attached.  It ties at the nape of the neck. 

SocialWalker Creations can tailor your bandana in any color combination and embellishment.  The bandanas retail for $10 in any color with embellishment and $8 in solid colors with no embellishment.

SocialWalker Creations will be giving away a blue embellished patriotic headband in the Summer Sizzle Giveaway beginning on June 24th.  In the meantime, she is offering my readers 20% off any order of $20 or more or free shipping with the code MamaBucks.