Earth Week Event!

With Earth Day approaching on April 22, I wanted to put something really special together. And it's shaping up to be quite an event!

All next week, I will be sharing some fun reviews and giving away some awesome green, earth-friendly products from brands like:

Activeion
SodaStream
Sigg
Rockin' Green Soap
CSN Stores
Boon
O'Bon
...and more!

I may also throw together an article or two on green living if I have time. We'll see. So, stay tuned - you won't want to miss this!

Oh, and lest I forget: if you post the event button (code on sidebar) on your blog/site, you'll get an extra entry into each giveaway next week! Leave a comment here and let me know if you snagged it!

Book Nook Week!

Things have been a bit bare this past weekend and I apologize! We decided to throw an impromptu Easter party and I spread myself a little too thin, as usual. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

I'll be back tonight with a bang as I kick off another Book Week here on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops! All week long, I'll be sharing my reviews of some great new titles and hosting some pretty nice giveaways so you won't want to miss it!

Fresh, Clean, Green Event!

Tomorrow begins the month of March. Can you believe it? Winter will soon give way to spring (not soon enough in my opinion). And with that comes spring cleaning. Freeing ourselves from the captivity of clutter and starting anew.

Part of my new year's resolution to "go green" in 2010 is to forgo the harmful chemicals in household cleaners in favor of eco-friendly alternatives. With an adventurous toddler on my hands and planning for baby #2, I only want products that are safe for my family. But it's hard to know where to start when you're bombarded with labels and brands in the grocery aisle. Do they really clean as well as the harsh stuff? How do you know what's worth the investment?

Well, you've come to the right place because this upcoming week, I'll be reviewing "green" cleaning products from laundry detergent to reusable cleaning cloths to all-purpose sprays. I'll give you the lowdown on ease of use, performance, fragrance...everything you'll want to know before you decide whether or not to take the plunge. Some I've bought on my own accord while others were offered to me in exchange for my honest review. Either way, you'll get the skinny on goods from the following brands:

Method
Planet
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day
Skoy Cloths
Better Life
Twist
Seventh Generation
Ecostore USA
Ecover
Dapple Baby
Dropps
Nellie's

It's possible this event could even be extended, as I discover more and more related products. Have any recommendations or curious about some brands not on this list? Send them my way and I'll see if they are willing to participate!

I also have some great giveaways in store so you won't want to miss out!

Redefining Beauty With Bare Escentuals

My absolute favorite foundation is bareMinerals by Bare Escentuals. I first came across the makeup brand on the day of my wedding, when my stylist revealed her powdery pot of perfection. I had never heard of mineral makeup before but I was amazed at how something so light and airy could provide such great coverage. I was hooked from that point on. I can always count on Bare Escentuals to make me feel gorgeous.

But they also know beauty is more than skin deep. Their new campaign, Rethink What Matters, uses playful, thought-provoking taglines to encourage honest dialogue about beauty with your closest girlfriends. For example, one is "Rethink Going Bare in Public", in reference to their SPF15 Foundation, which feels weightless, as if you're wearing nothing at all.

As part of this campaign, Bare Escentuals is inviting you to rethink beauty. Each week through March 26, 2010, at www.RethinkWhatMatters.com, a new discussion topic will be posted, along with five questions for you to answer and share with your friends via email, Facebook or Twitter. In exchange for your participation, you will be entered to win free products and other fantastic goodies. A grand prize winner will be chosen at the end of the contest period to win the trip of a lifetime to Paris, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, Italy or Asia! Now that is definitely worth your while, wouldn't you say?!

So, head on over and join in the conversation!

Pampers Introduces Cruisers with Dry Max

Did you know that a cruising baby can take as many steps in one day as a marathon runner in a race? Or that a nine-month old baby can crawl up to 400 meters in 20 minutes? These figures may be surprising but let's face it - we already know our babies are champions. As much as they keep us on our toes, they won our hearts long ago.

Well, Pampers is celebrating the passion and perseverance of our active Junior Olympians by partnering with Team USA of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic games to launch their brand new Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers diapers with Dry Max. This new Dry Max technology, the largest innovation from the brand in 25 years, is Pampers' thinnest, driest diaper ever, locking in wetness for up to 12 hours. The less bulky design gives babies the flexibility and comfort they need to stay in play. This new, high-performance diaper is also more environmentally-friendly, containing 10% less material weight than before. If all current U.S. Cruisers and Swaddlers users switched to the new Dry Max diapers, they would throw away the weight of 1 billion less diapers every three years!

The new Dry Max campaign features Olympic gold medal speedskater Chad Hedrick and skeleton (forward-facing luge) World Champion and Olympic hopeful Noelle Pikus-Pace. These athletes and their families are among the first to try the new Pampers diapers and will be sharing their experiences from their babies' points of view throughout the Winter Olympics via photos and videos on the Pampers website.

Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers with Dry Max won't be available in retail outlets until March 2010. However, starting tomorrow, January 29th, parents can request a free sample 3-pack of the new Cruisers with Dry Max on Pampers.com. And if your sample includes a diaper with the Team USA logo, which will be randomly inserted into select sample packs, your baby will win a year's supply of the new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max!




So, what do you have to lose? Give the new Pampers a try risk-free and let your little one go for the gold!

Cupid's Concoctions

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January Jingles Week!

Next week, I'm going to host a special January Jingles event, where I will be sharing some of the great music I've discovered over the holidays. They'll be stuff for babies and mamas (daddies too!) so you'll want to tune in for sure! *pun intended*

Campaign Alert and Giveaway: Dove Self-Esteem Fund CLOSED

Having a background in marketing and advertising, I've seen my fair share of commercials and campaigns. Unfortunately, many companies resort to marketing ploys that exploit women, using scantily clad size 0-2 models to peddle everything from beer to cars to beauty products. It's no wonder that we ladies feel self-conscious if our teeth are a little crooked or if, heaven forbid, we wear a size 8 or larger. What happened to the days where voluptuous was considered sexy? Didn't Marilyn Monroe, the ultimate sex symbol, wear a size 10? Times have changed for the worse and, sadly, so has our self-image. Depression and low self-esteem have reached a national crisis level.

Low self-esteem is an issue that affects all women regardless of age or ethnicity. It can lead to introversion, a withdrawal from normal life and a waste of potential. But one company is setting out to make a difference and reverse this trend: Dove. You may have caught their Campaign for Real Beauty on TV, which uses "real" women rather than models in an effort to redefine beauty. Well, Dove's new "Thank You for Making a Difference" project is another step to encourage young women to defeat these damaging stereotypes, accept themselves as they are and live up to their full potential. See one of the shocking outreach videos below:

Dove recently released the Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-Esteem, conducted with girls between 8 and 17 and commissioned by Dove Self-Esteem Fund (DSEF), to provide additional information to help Dove better understand the issues, causes and outcomes of low-esteem -- as well as the most powerful change agents on a national and regional level. Findings from the report found that 70% of girls feel they do not measure up in some way including their looks, performance in school and relationships. Most disturbing is that girls with low self-esteem are engaging in harmful and destructive behavior that can leave a lasting imprint on their lives.

The Dove Self-Esteem Fund (DSEF) was established as an agent of change to inspire and educate girls and young women about a wider definition of beauty. DSEF is a global project, which consists of a network of local country initiatives linked in strategy and direction by a global steering group. In each country, the Dove Self-Esteem Fund supports a specific charitable organization to help foster self-esteem. In the U.S., it supports the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Girls Scouts of the USA to help build confidence in girls 8-17 with after-school programs, self-esteem building events and educational resources.The DSEF is committed to help girls build positive self-esteem and a healthy body image, with a goal of reaching 5 million girls globally with self-esteem programming by 2010. It has already reached over 3.5 million young women since 2005.

What you may not know is that each time you purchase a Dove product, you are supporting the Self-Esteem Fund. Simply enter your Dove UPC here and select a charity. For every UPC code entered through December 15, Dove will donate $1 to inspiring self-esteem programs at a charity partner of your choice (Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Girls, Inc.). Buy a great product from a reliable brand and help daughters nationwide feel beautiful inside and out? It's truly win-win! Dove will also donate $1,000 to a national charity that supports self-esteem around the holidays on behalf of all bloggers who support this initiative. Awesome!

But wait, there's more...

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a Dove Self-Esteem Prize Pack including two "True You!" workbooks for mothers and daughters to complete together, a plush terry cloth spa robe and two Dove products! Here's what you've gotta do:

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me what you've done to educate or raise your or your child's self-esteem. I can't wait to read your inspiring stories! Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Tell me your favorite Dove product. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and/or my holiday button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each)

5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on December 27, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Contest open to U.S. and Canada. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was invited to post about this topic courtesy of Victoria at Rocket XL. I was not compensated in any way for this post.

Twelve Days of Twitter with Lands' End!

I always associated Land's End with my mom's turtlenecks and my dad's blazers. In other words, a company dedicated to baby boomers. But have you taken a peek at their website or catalog lately? Check out this Ruffled Swim Mini for the beach bunnies, or this adorable Pleat Front dress just made for holiday gatherings. Definitely wearable for young and younger :)

Well, Land's End is playing Santa this Christmas with their Twelve Days of Twitter event - complete with holiday shopping tips/advice and giveaways for everyone on your list! It actually began on November 30th and on the very first day, I won a cashmere blend throw blanket! But worry not my friends - there are still nine days of goodies left! Here are the deets:

Lands' End Twelve Days of Twitter

Date: Daily from Monday, November 30th to Friday, December 11th
Time: 12:00 p.m. CST to 1:00 p.m. CST
Location: #landsend
Lands' End Hosts: @landsendchat, @LEprAmanda, @LandsEndPRAdam and @LandsEndPR

Remaining Topics:

Thursday, December 3rd (TODAY!) - Gifts at Work (Employees, Bosses and Co-workers!)
Friday, December 4th - Gifts for Kids
Saturday, December 5th - Greatest Can't Go Wrong Gift: Gift Cards
Sunday, December 6th - It's a cashmirical! Great Cashmere Gifts
Monday, December 7th - Fun Gifts Under $30
Tuesday, December 8th - FeelGood this holiday - Lands' End's FeelGood campaign
Wednesday, December 9th - Perfect Practical Presents: PJs, Robes and Slippers
Thursday, December 10th - Gifts for Guys
Friday, December 11th - Hostess Gifts

Enjoy and good luck!

Pre-Cyber Monday Twitter Party with Stride Rite

Monday, November 30th, is known as Cyber Monday - the busiest online shopping day of the season. It's what Black Friday is to the brick-and-mortar stores. But without the hassle of long lines and fussy crowds.

My favorite children's shoe store, Stride Rite, is celebrating Cyber Monday with a Fan Celebration Day on Facebook. Stride Rite Facebook fans are invited to log on Monday from 9am to 9pm EST for hourly giveaways (yes, every HOUR!) with amazing prizes, including gift cards and gift bags from Stride Rite brands such as Saucony Kids, Sperry Top-Sider Kids and more. There will also be a fan-only coupon for Cyber Monday shopping on the Stride Rite website and a mystery prize worth over $600 that fans can enter to win!

To kick off their Cyber Monday celebration, the Global Influence network is hosting a Twitter party tomorrow, Sunday, November 29th from 9-10pm EST. Using the hashtag #srCyberMon, attendees will chat about Cyber Monday shopping tips and preparing for the holidays. A Twitter party wouldn't be complete without some goodies so there will be seven Stride Rite gift card winners! Participants will also be among the first to learn about Fan Celebration Day on Facebook. To learn more and RSVP, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/yfjucsj

Disclaimer: For my participation in spreading the word about this campaign, I am entered to win a $50 Stride Rite gift card.

Global Influence 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Your girlfriend's back from her fun, family-oriented holiday weekend! Did you eat enough turkey? Heaven knows I did! I probably gained 5 lbs. but it was so worth it. My husband made a smoked turkey for the first time this year that was out of this world, while I made my traditional green bean casserole and tried my hand at sweet potato casserole with marshmallow. We also braved the Black Friday crowds - but there was no way I was waking up at 5am! Despite not making it to the outlet mall until 11am, I scored some great 50% off deals at Carter's and Old Navy. It was a great time for all, and I hope that you also built some fond memories this Thanksgiving. But I admit it feels good to be back!

Now that it is officially the Christmas shopping season, I'll be bringing you some great reviews and giveaways. I've got some pretty awesome stuff up my sleeve but in the meantime, I want to introduce you to another great holiday guide and giveaway in the blogosphere, courtesy of the Global Influence network (formerly Momfluence).

Holiday shopping season is here again and the Global Influence network has some great gift ideas for you, tried and tested by real moms. Click on the links to check out what our team of reviewers had to say about each of these gift ideas, and then take a moment to enter our fun giveaway and take a chance at winning some of these fabulous products.

Featured Reviews



Pouchees

Busy moms need all the help they can get to stay organized and keep life as simple as possible. The Pouchee is the perfect solution to keeping all those little things together, putting everything you need, right at your fingertips.

Duck Hunter

Duck Hunter turns the excitement of the hunt into an activity the whole family can enjoy. Launch the duck in the air and try to hunt it down with the toy shooter as it flies freely in the air. A fun choice for those who love outdoor sporting.

CardStore cards

Personalized holiday cards are an important item on everyone's to-do list and often a hassle to create and print. Cardstore.com has everything from family photo cards to invitations for your big holiday party, simplifying your holiday season.

Great Holiday Gift Ideas

Things Remembered Custom Couture Jewelry
Just Elfin' Around
Card Cubby
Harumika By Bandai
Harumika Runway Showstopper
Harumika Style Starter
Baby Alive Whoopsie Doo
Strawberry Shortcake Playset
Kota Monty Rex
Wall to Wall Basketball
Nerf Pocket Vortex
Busy Ball Popper
Talking Chuck Truck
Leapfrog My Pal Scout
Leapfrog Tag Jr
Leapfrog Scribble and Write
Animal Planet Polar Land Playset
Animal Planet Dinosaur Playmat
Onionhead Adult/Teen Feelings Pack
OnionHead Children's Feelings Pack
Onionhead A-Z Feelings Magnet Set
FotoboxPlus
MeTime Tees

Fun Holiday Giveaway!

For this holiday guide, we want to share the love with the blogosphere! Some of our generous sponsors have donated prizes to be given away to lucky readers! To enter to win one of the following fabulous prizes, simply fill out the form here: http://tinyurl.com/y8t92rw

Prizes include: Things Remembered Custom Couture Jewelry Pouchee Elfing Around Harumika Onionhead Feelings Pack Nerf Wall to Wall Basketball Baby Alive Whoopsie Doo MeTime T-shirt

Entries will close on December 6, 2009 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be contacted by email after the close of the contest.

Global Influence Member Guides

Need more ideas for this holiday season? Check out the guides that some of our Global Influence members have put together on their own sites! Thrifty Jinxy, Happy Healthy Hip , And Twins Make Five , Because Two People Fell In Love, Mommy Musings , Lipstick to Crayons , Bargain Briana , Mommy PR , Shop With Me Mama, Santa Picks, Rave and Review, Connected 2 Christ , 3 Boys and a Dog, The Classy Closet , Contest Corner, Lisa Reviews , A Giveaway Every Day, HulaHoopinMom, Spalibrations, High Impact Mom, From Cribs to Car Keys

All reviews listed in the Global Influence gift guide were product provided. Featured positions were purchased by sponsors. Member gift guides are not affiliated with Global Influence.

National Adoption Month

When most people think about November, they think about pumpkin pie, turkey and Thanksgiving. But November is also National Adoption Month. While most people are familiar with traditional routes of domestic or international adoption, many are unaware of the option to become a foster parent. There are about 129,000 children waiting for adoptive families in the United States foster care system. Did you know it would take less than one percent of the U.S. population to provide a forever family for every child in foster care available for adoption?

What exactly is foster care? Foster children have been removed from their birth families due to neglect and/or physical, sexual or emotional abuse. When the children are removed from their care, parents are provided help so that they can safely parent their children. Slightly more than half of children who go into foster care return to their birth families. But with assistance, if the parents are still unable to parent safely and their children remain in foster care for 15 of the most recent 22 months, the state terminates the parents’ rights and the children then become available for adoption.

AdoptUsKids serves to recruit and connect foster and adoptive families with waiting children throughout the United States. Funded by the Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families, AdoptUsKids is a national photolisting website, containing photos and information about children in foster care. The AdoptUsKids website provides loads of helpful information from the generalities about foster parenting to individual state adoption guidelines to guiding prospective adoptive parents along the seven-step process in the Foster Care journey. You can even search for children in your area who are in need of an adoptive or forever family.

In partnership with the Children's Bureau and the Ad Council, AdoptUsKids has developed public service announcements to raise awareness about the number of children in foster care waiting to be adopted. The latest series of ads target the African-American community, as African-American children often wait the longest to be adopted in comparison with other races/ethnicities. Approximately 31% of children in foster care waiting to be adopted are African-American. You can now view this award-winning campaign on the AdoptUsKids website.

Fostering can be a rewarding experience but it may not be for everyone. That doesn't mean you can't still be an advocate for these children in need. You could consider providing respite care for families or reach out to your state representative to get more information. There are many ways to get involved or offer support in honor of National Adoption Month.

To keep up on the latest information about foster parenting and adoption, I encourage you to follow @perfectparent on Twitter and become a fan of AdoptUsKids on Facebook. Tweet or post to spread the word about this service and help find a child a home for the holidays.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent yourself or want to speak to someone about the adoption process, you can call AdoptUsKids at 1-888-200-4005.

Disclaimer: I was given this campaign information due to my membership in the Global Influence, the former Momfluence network. I was not compensated in any way for this post.

Kmart Holiday Sweepstakes!

Attention Kmart shoppers...

The legendary bluelight specials are back! Who doesn't remember the in-store excitement that ensued as the voice came over the loudspeaker? Those flashing sapphire lights attracted loyal shoppers and new shoppers alike.

The revamped bluelight specials promise to offer unparalleled savings in every department . There will be over 40 specials each weekend, both in-store and online, on everything from electronics, to jewelry, to home furnishings. Here's a sneak peek of what's in store this upcoming Saturday and Sunday (11/15-11/16):

• Essential Home Bedding Set $29.99 (reg. $49.99)
• All Trim-A-Home Lights 50% off (reg. $8.99-$29.99)
• 9-pc. Luggage Set $49.99 (reg $99.99)
• Junior Leggings 50% off

There's no better way to celebrate the return to blue than via social media so Kmart is hosting a Twitter contest! All you have to do is follow @KmartDealsnNews from your Twitter account and tweet everyday using the hashtag #KmartBLS. Each day, Kmart will be giving one lucky tweeter a $50 gift card! The more often you tweet, the better your chances of winning a daily prize. In addition to the chance to win daily, all followers of @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter will be automatically entered to win a $500 shopping spree - just in time for the holidays!

The sweepstakes runs from tomorrow, November 12^th, until December 23rd. For more info on sweepstakes details, check out: http://tr.im/kmartBLS, and for Official Rules: http://tr.im/kmartBLSrules.

Disclaimer: This information was adapted from a press release sent to me by Becky at American Pop Digital. I was not compensated in any way for this post.

Holiday Gift Guide Unveil with Softlips Giveaway! CLOSED

It's the first of November and you know what that means...holiday shopping season! Some of you early birds may have already started making your lists and checking them twice but if you're anything like me, you tend to wait until the last possible minute. Not only does procrastinating mean fighting holiday crowds but in your frenzied rush, you may not have the time to research the perfect gifts for the special someones in your life.

So, I'm unveiling my very first Winter Holiday Gift Guide to assist you with your shopping this season! You'll find fun, unique products for mom, dad, baby and toddler - from one-of-a-kind handmade items to the must-haves that will be flying off your local store shelves. I've already added some of my favorites but rest assured, I will be adding things daily until Christmas Day. If you have any feedback on items or categories you'd like me to investigate, please leave a comment and I will be sure to include them. Also, if you own a business and would like to be featured in my holiday guide - at no charge! - just click on the "contact" link on my navbar and send me an email request with product information, retail price and photos. Family-friendly products only, please!

You can also grab my holiday guide button on the sidebar and post on your blog or site for an extra entry into all of my upcoming giveaways!

Speaking of giveaways, to celebrate the launch of my holiday guide, I have a special treat for you!

I admit I am a bit of a lip gloss junkie. I think the addiction began when I was in middle school and discovered Bonne Bell Pink Lemonade Lip Smackers. I had borrowed one from my best friend and I was instantly hooked. I went out and bought out almost the entire line at Wal-mart. I just love the smooth, slick feeling on my lips. To this day, nothing makes me feel more girly than gliding on a nice, yummy scent.

So, when I was offered an opportunity to review the new winter line of Softlips chapstick, I gladly accepted. A girl can never have too much lip gloss, right?!

Softlips is a leading brand of lip care products. They recently introduced a new limited edition collection of seasonal flavors including sugar cookie, winter mint, sugar plum berry and sugar & spice. These winter flavors contain the same conditioning balm of the other flavors but also includes SPF 20 sunscreen for added protection from the elements. Also, each new flavor is partnered with a tried-and-true original flavor like cherry or vanilla, so you can change your lips to suit your mood - or your appetite!



I was lucky enough to try out all 4 new flavors. They all left my lips feeling hydrated and kissably soft. They left behind just a hint of tint and shimmer so I could pair it with lipstick or leave as is for a more natural look. My favorite flavors were the sweet sugar cookie and tingly winter mint, but you can't really go wrong with any of them. I just wish they had more of a taste, but then again, if they tasted as good as they smelled, I may just eat the tube! I also like the slender design of the tube. It fits neatly in a wristlet or clutch for a night out.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend having any of the Softlips winter flavors on hand when you get caught under the mistletoe this Christmas. *wink wink* And at a price of just $3.99/2-pack, it's an affordable stocking stuffer!

BUY IT: You can find Softlips online at Drugstore.com or use their handy dandy store locator to find the retailer closest to you.

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win all 4 new limited edition winter flavors!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Softlips website and tell me what flavor you want to try most. Remember to leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Become a fan of Softlips on Facebook. (2 entries!)

4.) Add my button to your blog and comment with a link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

5.) Add my holiday guide button to your blog and comment with the link. (1 entry)

6.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on November 15, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was offered this review and giveaway opportunity due to my membership at the Product Review Place. I was sent a limited edition winter collection of Softlips lip balms, as well as a collection of PURE organic Softlips lip balms, from Laura at Robin Leedy Associates to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other manner for this post.

Jumpstart's Read For The Record

We should all know that reading is crucial to the education and development of young minds. Early childhood literacy is an important problem but many people don't realize just how important it really is. According to a new survey conducted by the Pearson Foundation, 73% of Americans wrongly believe that if a child enters kindergarten unprepared, they will catch up in elementary school. Reading to children between the ages of 3-5 has long-term consequences for a child's academic achievement and life-long success.

Jumpstart, a leading nonprofit organization aiming to build language, literacy, social and emotional skills in preschool children, is making sure children around the world are gaining the benefits of storytime with their Read for the Record program. Today, October 8, 2009, teachers, parents and caregivers are fulfilling their pledges to read the 2009 campaign book, Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, in an effort to break a world record for the largest shared reading experience. Their goal is to have over 1 million readers!

So, if you already own this classic book, be sure to read it to your children today and submit your information to count it toward the record. If you don't own it and would like to, you can purchase a special edition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar from Wal-mart for just $8*! And remember - you can always check it out or read it at your local library!

It's not too late to participate, so please join us as we read for the record!

*Available through October 31, 2009

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post.

PSA: Blog For a Cure

I'd like to interrupt this regularly scheduled program to bring you this important announcement. Lani from Who Knew? Reviews is hosting an online fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). She has turned it into a virtual blog party - the chance to connect with new bloggers and win some great prizes while contributing to a charitable cause. Here is her story:

A beloved family member of mine was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She is a young, healthy mom with a beautiful daughter, and her life, as well as her entire family's life, has been completely turned upside down by this aggressive and devastating disease. I can't imagine what it must feel like to fight for your life, can you?

There is nothing I can do to directly help her situation, but what I can do is use my time and energy to help raise money to fund the lifesaving research that has caused the survival rates to continually rise in the last few decades. I am a stay at home mom of 22 month old triplets, and I don't exactly have a lot of resources, so I have chosen to participate in Team In Training, a program in which I will raise money, while training for my FIRST marathon. I am calling on all of you, to help me raise the money that I need (a minimum of $2,400.00).

Times are tight in my house and I'm sure they are in yours as well. But the minimum donation is only $1! If you can spare one dollar, you will get more exposure for your blog and one entry into each and every giveaway they have (you must still leave a comment for the ones you wish to enter). And every dollar above $1 will earn you one more entry into a giveaway of your choice. So, it will not only benefit those in need but the benevolent giver as well!

To find out more information on this event, please visit Who Knew? Reviews or to make a donation please visit Lani's Team In Training Page. See you there!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this post.

Music Week

It's Music Week here on WGGG-FM (Goodie Goodie Gumdrops)! Everyday this week, I'll be reviewing some awesome new CDs for moms and kiddos. They'll even be some great giveaways so be sure to "tune in"!

Frigidaire "Make Time for CHANGE" Campaign

If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to freeze time. I'd give anything to have more time in a day - to snuggle more with Nate, to accomplish more around the house, to show more affection to my husband, to write on my blogs. There's never enough time for everything we wish to do.

One brand understands this common dilemma. Frigidaire, known for their quality appliances, has launched a new product line designed with time-saving features for busy moms. They've partnered with actress, celebrity and philanthropist, Jennifer Garner for their new campaign, "Make Time for CHANGE".

The aim of "Make Time for CHANGE" is to support Save the Children's U.S. Programs. Starting today, for everyone who goes to the Frigidaire website and pledges to make time for a child, the company will donate $1 to support the CHANGE program and Save the Children to help U.S. children in need. In addition to the fuzzy feeling you'll get for contributing to such a good cause, everyone who pledges their time will be entered in a contest to win a new Frigidaire Professional Double Wall Oven (pictured below)!





Those of you who are in the market for new appliances should also know that for every new Frigidaire Professional Double Wall Oven sold, they will donate $100 to Save the Children's U.S. Programs as part of their commitment to this worthy cause.

On November 1st, we all will set our clocks back and gain one hour. Let's use that time wisely and make a CHANGE for the children.

Disclaimer: This post was adapted from a press release sent to me because of my membership at MomSelect. My participation enters me into a contest to win a Frigidaire double wall oven.

National Babywearing Week

This week is International Babywearing Week. In case you are new to or unfamiliar with the concept of babywearing, here is a basic definition:

“Babywearing” simply means holding or carrying a baby or young child using a baby carrier. Holding babies is natural and universal; baby carriers make it easier and more comfortable, allowing parents and caregivers to hold or carry their children while attending to the daily tasks of living. Babywearing helps a new dad put a fussy newborn to sleep. It allows a new mom use both hands to make a sandwich. It lets an experienced parent or caregiver carry a baby on her back and wash the dishes, do the laundry, take a hike, weed the garden … all while keeping the baby safe and content.

Babywearing is a subject I am very passionate about. In this day and age, there are so many products on the market that allow you to plop your baby down while you go about your day. Papasan swings. Bouncers. Exersaucers. Jumpers. Don't get me wrong - I'm not opposed to the use of these products at all. They are lifesavers in their own right. But I do think they make it easier to dismiss the power of touch and intimacy. Some of the many benefits to babywearing are:

• Happy babies - babywearing for 3 hours or more a day can reduce infant crying by up to 54 percent!
• Healthy babies - premature babies who are attached to their mother and touched gain weight faster than those who are not
• Confidence - babywearing can deepen the bond between parent and baby and allow us to become attuned to their movements, gestures and expressions
• Loving caregivers - babywearing allows fathers and other caregivers to forge a strong attachment
• Comfort and convenience - Keep your hands free to cook, clean, take care of other children or perform other tasks

There are multiple ways to wear your baby. There are wrap slings, pouch slings, ring slings, mei tais, soft carriers and framed carriers - just to name a few. There are endless fabric and color choices so your carrier can fit your personal style. I would highly recommend visiting a local store or boutique with your baby to test out several types of carriers before making a commitment. Ask friends to borrow any carriers they own so you have an idea of what works for you. For example, Nate preferred a soft structured carrier to a sling. If I hadn't compared the two, I may have made an investment I regretted.

If I could offer one piece of advice to someone new with babywearing, I think it would be that babywearing is a skill, rather than just a a ready-to-wear product. Some of the techniques and carrying positions can be a little difficult to master. But with patience and persistence, you will soon experience one of the most rewarding things parenthood can offer. There is nothing like having your baby held up against your chest, his or head buried next to your heart. It's soothing for baby and satisfying for mom (or dad!).

Nate had colic for the first 3 months of his life and if it weren't for my Ergo carrier, I don't know what I would have done. He would cry incessantly for hours and hours each night. I would hold him helplessly in my arms, unable to do anything else but sit on the couch, rocking him. Babywearing allowed me to comfort him and hold him close while getting some much-needed things done around the house. My natural rocking and swaying motions, in addition to the warmth of my body heat and rhythm of my heartbeat, would lull him right to a peaceful sleep. It was then that I became a true believer in the power of babywearing.

Here are some pictures of Nate in his Ergo at 3 months old. We were at Longwood Gardens for their Fall Festival. He was so comfortable that he slept through 90% of our trip.





At just under 14 months old, our babywearing days are limited as Mr. Independent prefers to walk and run. I am hopeful this is just a phase and we can return to it soon enough. But I will always cherish the fond memories of wearing my baby boy.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this post.

World Gratitude Day: The Gratitude Challenge

Did you know that today is World Gratitude Day?

With our hectic lives, it's so easy to get bogged down with minute details. Cooking. Cleaning. Housework. Diapers. Playdates. Naptime. Errands. Blogging. It's no wonder we often feel like there isn't enough time in a day to get it all done. We're always striving to do more - to be better - that we hardly ever stop to smell the roses anymore. We don't stop to appreciate life as it is. Right now.

But TinyPrints is trying to change that with a simple social experiment: The Gratitude Challenge. They recently asked 30 high-profile bloggers to volunteer their time and to take part in a 21-day challenge that encouraged them to take note of the brighter side of life. For each day of the challenge, participants were asked to perform one small task to give thanks and take note of what they are grateful for. The exercise proved to be so enlightening to all involved that they are now seeking broader support for the campaign.

At Tiny Prints, we believe that sharing gratitude for everyday experiences can revitalize our commitment to living life in a sensational way. As a result, we invite you to spend a few minutes each day to count all of life's little blessings.

Check out this inspiring video compilation of the impact of the gratitude movement:



For the next 21 days, I'll be taking the challenge. On Twitter and on my blog, I'll be participating in the activities and sharing with you all of the things that I am thankful for. Hopefully, we can learn more about each other and see life from a new, sunnier perspective.

Take note, give thanks and join the movement by taking the pledge today. Oh, and check back tomorrow to read my first assignment!