Sunday, December 13, 2009

Winner ~ Guidecraft Shape Sorter

Congratulations to the following winner! Thanks to all who entered this giveaway!

Guidecraft Shape Sorter...
Comment #71...Becky


Thanks to www.allchildrensfurniture.com for providing the winning item!

I will be emailing you shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Winner ~ Hazelaid

Congratulations to the following winner! Thanks to all who entered this giveaway!

Hazelaid...
Comment #3...Heather


Thanks to Hazelaid for donating!

I will be emailing you shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Guidecraft Shape Sorter Giveaway! CLOSED

Colorful Geo Forms Sorting Puzzlewww.AllChildrensFurniture.com sells some awesome things for kids, like this wonderful Geo Shape Sorter made by Guidecraft. This toy was sent to us free for review and we have used it for Tot School and LOVE IT!!! I had actually been looking for this exact toy for awhile and was thrilled to get the opportunity to review one and give one away!

Here’s Krash enjoying his shape sorter in a few different ways… IMG_3685 copy

IMG_5471 copy

IMG_5467 copy

There are SO many open ended learning opportunities using this toy, I highly recommend it!

You can win this awesome toy!!!

Mandatory Entry…

Visit www.AllChildrensFurniture.com and tell me one other item that you like after you browse around their site a bit. Leave the name of the item in your 1st comment!

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...

  1. If you participate in Tot School AND you posted a link to the MckLinky sometime during November 2009, give yourself an extra entry!
  2. If you Follow/Subscribe to 1+1+1=1 give yourself an extra entry (go here and look on the right sidebar for subscriber info).
  3. If you Follow/Subscribe to Totally Tots give yourself an extra entry.

This Giveaway is open for USA only.

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS December 13, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Winner ~ Diaper Sprayer

Congratulations to the following winner! Thanks to all who entered this giveaway!

Diaper Sprayer...
Comment #48...Dianna


Thanks to Diaper Sprayer for donating!

I will be emailing you shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Winner ~ Rockin' Green

Congratulations to the following winner! Thanks to all who entered this giveaway!

Rockin' Green...
Comment #96...Mrs. W


Thanks to Rockin' Green for donating! If you didn't win, you can buy some Rockin' Green here!!


I will be emailing you shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Featuring Hazelaid ~ Giveaway! CLOSED

hazelaid

Hazelaid makes absolutely gorgeous necklaces, and bracelets for both children and adults. These awesome products are made from unique natural Hazelwood and/or Baltic Amber. Hazelaid was kind enough to send us some necklaces for review, you can see Ladybug below modeling her stylin’ necklace…IMG_4258 copy

Ladybug is wearing the dark cherry/honey amber necklace, in the 11” size and it is perfect. I chose the Hazelwood/Amber combination for her since Amber is known to help with teething symptoms. I can’t say I have noticed anything, but it certainly looks adorable and she wears it often. I love that it might even be helping even if I don’t notice…teething babies are not fun, so any help is welcomed!

IMG_4226 copy

I got a necklace for myself, and also one for my husband. Mine is brown/cream 16", my husband’s is black/hematite 18" both from the Hazelwood adults section.

Neither of us had any of the target symptoms so we can only tell you that we love the way the necklaces look and feel and we both wear ours 100% of the time now!

Here is some detailed information about these awesome products (info written by the nice owner)…

All-natural, organic, handmade hazelwood necklaces that provide relief from eczema, acid reflux, teething pain,etc.

Hazelaid was born when our family was introduced to the amazing healing properties of hazelwood products. Our daughter was suffering with severe eczema when we were told about these necklaces. We tried them out and within 2 weeks of her wearing it, her eczema was gone. That was the beginning of our journey with hazelwood necklaces. We have since seen them help many others with so many issues.

These necklaces made with pieces of wood from the hazelnut tree have the unique property of absorbing the excess acid produced in our bodies when it is in contact with our skin.

Hazelwood necklaces were originally used by native americans to help alleviate their babies' teething pains. They have since been shown to help with numerous other ailments all related to an imbalance of acidity in the body.

Our necklaces come in adorable child models, fashionable adult models, as well as bracelets and anklets.

If you suffer from:

  • Arthritis,
  • Osteoporosis,
  • Acid reflux,
  • Heart burn,
  • Ulcers,
  • Acne,
  • Cold sores,
  • Eczema,
  • Headaches,
  • Migraines,

...it is highly probable that you are suffering from an acidity imbalance. These hazelwood necklaces can help you alleviate these symptoms in a natural way.

Info about how Baltic amber works and what it helps with:

Commonly known as "teething jewelry" in Europe, Baltic amber has been a natural remedy for pain relief for hundreds of years. As it warms with the body’s natural temperature, amber releases its healing oils that contain succinic acid which are then readily absorbed into the skin and then into the bloodstream. Amber is known to relieve headaches, reduce inflammation of the throat, ear and stomach and to fight infections and respiratory diseases as it improves the body’s immunity.

Natural amber beaded necklaces are a completely non-invasive remedy for rashes, upset tummies, earaches, fevers and colds. Baltic amber is a natural analgesic that will help calm your child and is recognized by allopathic medicine specialists as antispasmodic and anti-fever. Many adults report improvement of arthritis discomfort and carpal tunnel pain in their hands when wearing amber jewelry.

Wanna shop? Here's an exclusive discount promo code for you to use at the checkout: 1+1+1-10. Paypal checkout doesn't calculate the discount automatically, but Hazelaid will refund your discount via PayPal after your order is received. The code needs to be entered in the "How you heard of Hazelaid" section which is located right below the styles picked at checkout. The area titled: "Enter gift certificate, reward or discount" will not work as it is for Ebay purchases only. Discount code expires 1 week after contest ends.

Wanna Win? Hazelaid is giving one of YOU any child or adult necklace, bracelet or anklet of the winner's choice from any product line!

Mandatory Entry…

Visit Hazelaid and leave a comment here telling what you would choose if you are the winner (you can change your mind later if you do indeed win).

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...

  1. If you have a child or adult in your family that has a condition mentioned in this post, give yourself an extra entry! Please tell in the comment who you are hoping to win for and why.
  2. If you join the Hazelaid Forum …become a member and post at least one entry somewhere (and write back your member name so we can validate)…this is worth 2 extra entries ~ leave 2 separate comments.
  3. If you Follow/Subscribe to Lil' Ladybug give yourself an extra entry (go here and look on the right sidebar for subscriber info).
  4. If you Follow/Subscribe to Totally Tots, give yourself an extra entry.

This Giveaway is open for anyone!

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS December 6, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Featuring Diaper Sprayer ~ Giveaway & Coupon Code CLOSED


When I found out I would be receiving a Diaper Sprayer for review, I was thrilled, and also a bit skeptical to be honest! I had heard great things about these nifty little gadgets, but I really doubted that it could work as well as the hose on my back deck! However, I knew that hose would no longer be my friend in the dead of winter, so I was on board to figure out a new solution!

My biggest fear was that the water pressure wouldn't be strong enough to actually spray the poop off of the diaper-boy was I wrong...the pressure is awesome!!!! It is better than the hose on my deck!

My husband hooked it up (see directions here), and said it was pretty simple to do. He had it done in a matter of minutes. He's nice and handy like that!

Needless to say we are thrilled with our Diaper Sprayer, and are excited to be able to give one away here on our blog! This simple, yet amazing little gadget is a wonderful addition to the life of a cloth diaper-er.

You can buy your own Diaper Sprayer here. For a limited time you can receive a special discount of 15% & FREE Shipping in the USA! Enter code: tt15off

One of you will win your very own Diaper Sprayer!!!

Mandatory Entry:

Tell why you need a diaper sprayer in your 1st comment!

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...

  1. If you have a baby who is already wearing cloth diapers (or a baby on the way who will be in cloth), give yourself an extra entry (this is an honor thing, please don't lie).
  2. If you follow me on Twitter, give yourself an extra entry.
  3. If you Follow/Subscribe to Lil' Ladybug give yourself an extra entry (go here and look on the right sidebar for subscriber info).
  4. If you visit my new website and browse around a bit, give yourself an extra entry by telling one thing you found on my website!
This Giveaway is open for USA only.
*$6 shipping fee for anyone outside the US-you can enter to win if you agree to pay the $6 fee.

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS November 29, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Featuring Rockin' Green! CLOSED

I began using cloth diapers when Ladybug was around 7 weeks old. It was something I NEVER planned to do, but something I am so glad I tried! Awhile back I learned about a new detergent specifically for cloth diapers on the market...Rockin' Green. I was fortunate to recieve a free sample which allowed me to do about 5 loads of diapers to test it out.

Around the time I was sent the sample, I was battling with some major stinkies and I could just not get the ammonia smell out of her diapers. I used up my free sample, and didn't win the battle by that point...I wasn't yet using the right de-stinking method. I KNEW I liked the Rockin' Green detergent though so I went ahead and ordered a full size bag, with faith that I would figure out how to get my dipes smelling good again!

Finally I gave the soak method a try, which was recommended on the Rockin' Green site. I have a front loader, so I had to soak my diapers in a rubbermaid tub in the bathtub, but I did it. 3 tbsp of Rockin Green, stinky dipes and hot water...1 hour. Then I did a cold wash with no detergent, then a hot with 1 tbsp detergent, then a hot wash without, plus an extra rinse.

So far so good!!! The ammonia smell seems to finally be gone (for those of you not familiar with ammonia smell in cloth...the dipes don't actually smell until baby pees in them, then the buildup on the dipe mixes with the urine and produces a foul smell.)

I have made the official switch, using up the last of my old detergent (which I think is the cause of the ammonia stinkies). I am now the proud owner of a big ol bag of Classic Rock ~ Monkey Snacks!


Rockin' Green is giving one of YOU a 45/90 bag of detergent! You get to choose the formula and scent!

Visit Rockin' Green and leave a comment here telling what scent you would choose if you are the winner.

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...
  1. If you have a baby who is already wearing cloth diapers (or a baby on the way who will be in cloth), give yourself an extra entry (this is an honor thing, please don't lie).
  2. If you follow Rockin' Green on Twitter, give yourself an extra entry.
  3. If you follow me on Twitter, give yourself an extra entry.
  4. If you are battling stinky diapers yourself, tell what the issue is in a comment and the brand of detergent you are using now for an extra entry.
  5. If you Follow/Subscribe to Lil' Ladybug give yourself an extra entry (go here and look on the right sidebar for subscriber info).
This Giveaway is open for USA only.

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS November 22, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Winner ~ AppleCheeks

Congratulations to the following winner! Thanks to all who entered this giveaway!

AppleCheeks...
Comment #145...Granola


Thanks to AppleCheeks for donating a Mini Test! If you didn't win, you can see where to buy them here!


I will be emailing you shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Winner ~ PopATot

Congratulations to the following winner! Thanks to all who entered this giveaway!


PopATot...
Comment #125...Szogedi Home


Thanks to PopATot! If you didn't win, you can buy one here!
The new prints are in and they have FREE SHIPPING through New Years!!!!


I will be emailing you ladies shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Featuring Apple Cheeks! CLOSED

I thought I already owned my favorite cloth diaper. When I got the chance to review an Apple Cheeks diaper, I was fairly certain it would become just one of the stash, but never expected to LOVE it more than my other diapers!!!! This diaper is completely different than any of the other brands we own and it is definitely my new favorite. I don't really even need to buy more diapers but I am planning to buy a few more of these!


Here is a brief description of an Apple Cheeks cloth diaper...

Apple Cheeks is a 2 sized envelope diaper. Ladybug is wearing the size 2 which will last through the end of diaper days. It is an envelope (pocket) diaper BUT you do NOT have to remove the insert if you use it this way-the insert falls out in the wash!!!!! YAY!!!! Although it is an envelope diaper, you can also use it as a cover/insert system, laying your insert right on the top of the dipe and reusing it until the cover is soiled (we used it this way 4 times)!! I LOVE the options of how to use this diaper, although I was a bit confused at first! Here is a great video tutorial of how this diapering system works.

Click to enlarge this awesome photo with details about this amazing diaper...


What I love...
  • The Mini Test I received came with a size 2 cover, and 3 hemp inserts. I LOVE the hemp inserts and am now using them in other diapers as well!
  • I used the cover and 1 hemp insert laid on top-3 times, and then put a microfiber in the pocket...then finally threw the cover in the laundry bag! It was awesome! 4 uses from one cover! AND for the final wear, I did NOT remove the insert and it DID fall out in the wash!
  • The diaper fits Ladybug so well and snug, but not tight. It is adorable and I can tell it will grow well with her.
  • The snaps are great, easy and snug. There are 2 rows, giving a great fit at both the belly and the leg.
  • Elastic at the front and back...great for containing the mess!
  • The color!!! I finally got a teal (St Lucia) diaper!!! The other colors are so beautiful too, I have no idea how I will decide when I do order some more!
  • The customer service I received while working with AppleCheeks was awesome-I am very picky about this and it can make or break a company in my mind.
Yes this diaper is priced a bit higher than the others I like, specifically because you buy the cover and the inserts separately (unless you get the Mini Test). At first I was put off by this, but now I understand. You do not need as many covers with this system, buying 1 cover and several inserts is cheaper than buying several diapers that come with inserts. In my opinion it is worth the extra cost, if you're looking for a great diaper. All in all it isn't really extra cost, it's just a different way of diapering.

Apple Cheeks is based in Canada but they have retailers all over the world, you can find one near you by looking here.

Apple Cheeks is giving one of YOU a Mini Test, which includes a cover and 3 inserts (bamboo or hemp)!!!

If you'd like to win this awesome diaper (you choose the color and insert option) you can enter by doing the following...

Visit Apple Cheeks and leave a comment here telling what color is your favorite.

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...

  1. If you have a baby who is already wearing cloth diapers (or a baby on the way who will be in cloth), give yourself an extra entry (this is an honor thing, please don't lie).
  2. Become a fan of Apple Cheeks on Facebook for an extra entry.
  3. If you will take a photo of your baby and write a post on your blog about your win and Apple Cheeks, give yourself an extra entry (also an honor thing).
  4. If you follow me on Twitter, give yourself an extra entry.
  5. If you Follow/Subscribe to Lil' Ladybug give yourself an extra entry (go here and look on the right sidebar for subscriber info).
This Giveaway is open for ANYONE!!!!
~
Anyone who has either won an AppleCheeks™ giveaway before or who has received a sample to review is not eligible to enter this contest.

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS November 8, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Winner!

Congratulations to the following winner! Thanks to all who entered this giveaway!


PlasmaCar...
Comment #161...GranolaMom4God


Thanks to PlaSmart for providing the PlasmaCar! If you didn't win, you can buy one here!


I will be emailing you ladies shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Grand Finale #4 ~ PopATot


When I found out we would be getting a PopATot for review I was excited! I knew before we even had it that we would like it, but I had no idea how much we would LOVE it! I am so excited to share this amazing product with you all!




PopATot was created by parents, Evan and Stacy, who have 5 children! I personally think this idea is wonderful. When I was trying to describe to my husband what was coming in the mail for Ladybug, I described it as a cross between a card table, an exersaucer, and a fabric folding chair. He sort of got it, but when he finally saw it he totally understood my references!!!

I will let our many photos of Ladybug speak mostly for themselves (she is 5 1/2-6 months in all of these photos). We use this thing every day now, and in many different places throughout each day-it is that easy to move around.

My absolute favorite use for the PopATot is in our schoolroom. We have a fairly small schoolroom and I only need to have Ladybug in there sometimes, so I don't want a big baby item in there. PopATot is perfect because I can set it up and take it down quickly!

My bedroom is another of those places! She hangs out in my room often like this now!!

We have a 2nd story deck off of our bedroom, and the PopATot is perfect for the deck!!! We can't fit anything else out the small door, let alone leave something big out there in the weather. This is wonderful!
I set Ladybug up in the middle and the boys ride all around her on their riding toys!
She's all smiles and cuteness!!!
Pac Man likes the PopATot too ;)
I am so excited that one of YOU is going to win this awesome baby item, just in time for the holiday season. Won't this be wonderful to have for Thanksgiving or Christmas, when you are away from home? I am looking forward to bringing ours with us to visit family for Christmas this year! It folds up so small and fits in it's own sling bag so it is very portable!

Visit PopATot and leave a comment here telling why you'd love to own a PopATot.

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...
  1. If you have a baby who you'd love to have this for, tell how old your baby is in a comment for an extra entry.
  2. If you will take a photo of your baby in his/her new PopATot and write a post on your blog about your win and PopATot, give yourself an extra entry (also an honor thing).
  3. Watch this video featuring the creator telling all about it...be sure to watch the entire segment to gain this extra entry!
  4. Go here and tell about one of the photos you think is a great idea for a use of the PopATot, for an extra entry!
  5. Become a Fan of PopATot on Facebook, for an extra entry!
  6. If you Follow/Subscribe to Lil' Ladybug give yourself an extra entry (go here and look on the right sidebar for subscriber info).
This Giveaway is open for US (48) only
*International can pay actual shipping

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest! You MUST leave an email in your comment or have it enabled via your profile, or you CANNOT win.

Contest ENDS November 1, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

See general 1000 Subscribers Celebration Guidelines Here! This is our final giveaway for the celebration!!

Grand Finale Winners!!!

Congratulations to the following winners! Thanks to all who entered these 2 giveaways!


Strider Running Bike
Comment #79...Michelle


Thanks to Strider for providing the winning bike!


Itty Bitty Bookworm...
Comment #85...Mozi Esme


Thanks to Tara from Itty Bitty Bookworm for providing the winning item!

I will be emailing you ladies shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Grand Finale #3 ~ PlasmaCar CLOSED


To say we love the PlasmaCar would be quite the understatement! Yes, I used the word "we" on purpose...we all love this awesome car! PlaSmart Toys kindly sent us this awesome red PlasmaCar for review and boy has it been reviewed! I think it goes without saying that my boys love it, but I have to tell you, it is even fun for Mom and Dad too!

If you are not familiar with PlasmaCar, here's a bit about the car itself...

The PlasmaCar is powered by the rider, it doesn't have a motor, battery, or power source ~other than a human being! Basically you wiggle the handle bars back and forth to get the car going. Once it is going, you can easily keep it going, turn it all around and have a blast! You can also turn the handle bars around to make it go backwards!

We have had so much fun with this car both inside of our house and out! Here's our car in action on the deck (a favorite riding place)...


They love to tow each other around...
We are so thankful to have this awesome car, and are so excited that they are donating one for our celebration! If you'd like to buy one yourself, you can buy your very own here on their website, or here on Amazon.

PlaSmart Toys is giving one of YOU your very own PlasmaCar!!!! You even get to pick the color, based on availability!

Mandatory Entry...

Tell in your comment which color PlasmaCar you would choose if you were the winner!

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by doing any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...
  1. Follow PlaSmart on Twitter, for an extra entry!
  2. Follow the PlaSmart blog, for an extra entry!
  3. Become a fan of PlaSamart on Facebook, for an extra entry!
  4. Follow 1+1+1=1 on Twitter, for an extra entry!
  5. If you will post a photo of your child on his/her new PlasmaCar on your blog, if you win, give yourself an extra entry!
This Giveaway is open for Canada & USA only.

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS October 25, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

See general 1000 Subscribers Celebration Guidelines Here! This giveaway is the second of our Grand Finale giveaways, so everyone is eligible to win, even past winners during our celebration!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Winners!

Congratulations to the following winners! Thanks to all who entered these 2 giveaways!


The Homeschool Lounge...
Comment #145...Aisling


Thanks to Homeschool Lounge for providing the gift certificate!


Bloem & Grow Blocks...
Comment #43...Nicki


Thanks to Kate from Bloem and Grow for providing the winning item! If you didn't win but still want to get your own blocks, you can buy some here!

I will be emailing you ladies shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Grand Finale #2 ~ Strider Running Bike! CLOSED

Words can't even express how THRILLED I was when we were given the opportunity to receive this bike for review!!! When our new orange Strider Running Bike arrived it was an exciting day for all!!

What is a Strider Running Bike?

*words in italics are taken from the Strider site.

The Strider™ running bike is free from any cables, chains, sprockets, pedals or protrusions that can harm your child.

And the Strider™ is steady, stable and safe. At the first feeling of instability, your child will instinctively place both feet securely on the ground. So there are no "tricycle tip-overs" or "training-wheel wobbles" that stir-up a fear, hesitancy, or dislike of bike riding.

The Strider’s lightweight design and low center of gravity make it easy to maneuver and control, giving your child a safe and secure feeling. And the bike’s adjustable seat height starts at 11 inches from the ground, accommodating the shortest of legs.

Control is further enhanced with a low and flat handlebar design. Kids can now reach forward rather than up, which gives them better leverage and maneuverability. And as the your child becomes more confident, the Strider’s integrated foot rests provide a place for both feet while coasting along.

This is the absolute perfect bike for a young child. The age recommendation is: 1-5, and Krash is 3 1/2 so it was just perfect. Now owning it, I can see where it would have been wonderful to have long before now! I look forward to letting Ladybug start riding it much earlier than K did. Here you can read the advantages of a Strider Running Bike on their site, in case you are unfamiliar with these awesome bikes.

We live in the inner city, so we ride bikes in weird places. Here's Krash in action on our deck, which he loves, and rides around in circles for hours!


Krash had a bit of trouble for the first day, as he realized he actually had to learn to balance. He enjoyed the challenge and was so proud of himself the first time he was able to glide with his feet up. It was giggles and smiles galore as he proudly displayed his new talent!


My favorite things about this bike:
  • Lightweight~ I was shocked with how light it was
  • Smooth and safe ~no rough edges (like pedals, chains)
  • Reasonably Challenging ~ Krash had to learn how to balance, and I loved that it was a bit of a challenge for him, but one he could easily figure out quickly and feel a sense of accomplishment!
  • Looks Cool ~ I love the dirt-bike look. It looks like a real big kid bike!
  • Awesome Color ~ We love orange (and they have tons of other cools colors too)
Our older son, Pac Man is 7 and fits in the weight limit (5o pounds) for the Strider Bike, and believe it or not, he too LOVES this neat bike. He knows it belongs to Krash, but when K is feeling gracious, P sometimes gets a little spin on the Strider! It doesn't usually last long though as Krash wants his awesome bike back!

Anyone who has a young child should definitely put this on a Christmas list...or just buy one now if you can afford it! I promise you won't regret it. You can get your own, here on their site.

Do YOU want to win this awesome bike??? Yes, I thought so, who wouldn't?! Strider is donating an orange bike just like the one they gave to us!!! Here's what you need to do to enter...

Mandatory Entry...

Tell in your comment how old your child is~the one you'd like to win this bike for (or your grandchild, nephew, niece, etc.).

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by doing any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...

  1. Subscriber to Strider Bikes newsletter(see here on bottom right sidebar), for an extra entry!
  2. Go here, read how Strider Bikes started and come back to tell something you learned in your comment-it's a neat story!
  3. Go here and watch one of the videos they have of a Strider Bike in action, come back and tell in the comment which one you watched! (be honest please!)
  4. If you will post a photo of your child on his/her new bike and about Strider on on your blog, if you win, give yourself an extra entry!
This Giveaway is open for USA only.

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS October 18, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

See general 1000 Subscribers Celebration Guidelines Here! This giveaway is the second of our Grand Finale giveaways, so everyone is eligible to win, even past winners during our celebration!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Grand Finale #1 ~ Itty Bitty Bookworm CLOSED


For those of you who do not know, I am a former Kindergarten teacher and I have an early childhood education degree. Teaching young kiddos is my speciality and I love it! When Tara from Itty Bitty Bookworm offered to send me both the Bo and Bailey curriculum to review I was thrilled! I have heard a lot about it and was very curious!

The CD arrived, containing an entire year's worth for both age groups and I began browsing through it all. Without being long-winded, I will tell you that this is an extremely developmentally appropriate program, which exposes young kids to the joys of early literacy. I was beyond impressed with the many resources offered. It gives you everything you need, besides the books themselves (which you can easily find at the library!). It is thorough not only in the lessons themselves bu also in educating you, the teacher/parent, about young children. It was basically my college education all wrapped up in a nice little package!!!

The curriculum is written for a group setting so it does take some minor adapting for a homeschooling mom, but it worked fine for us! The books featured are wonderful, and I had a hard time choosing 1 to work with for our review!

Krash is 3, I knew I could choose from either program, so I decided on Is Your Mama a Llama (from Bo, year 1, February) and chose a few of the activities to do for our Tot School time, which ended up including Pac Man too since it was fun and artsy! This was an awesome activity and one I would have never thought of on my own! We made silhouette paintings using templates provided on the CD, for each animal in the book!

It was a fun activity and we have done a few others too and will certainly be doing more! The Cd's we have now are FULL of great ideas and book extensions. I am so excited to have this awesome resource for our homeschool.

Tara has generously offered to give one of my readers an entire year's worth of either the Bo (ages 3-5) or the Bailey(18-36 mos) curriculum!!!! This is a $300 value!!!!

Mandatory Entry...

In a comment tell us why you want to win this curriculum and which you would choose (Bo or Bailey).

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by doing any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...
  1. If you sign up for Itty Bitty Bookworm's newsletter (scroll down), give yourself an extra entry!
  2. If you follow IBB on Facebook, extra entry!
  3. If you follow IBB/Tara on Twitter, extra entry!
  4. If you subscribe/follow Raising Itty Bitty Bookworm's blog, extra entry!
  5. If you follow 1+1+1=1 on Facebook, extra entry!
  6. If you will post about your win and Itty Bitty Bookworm on your blog, if you win, give yourself an extra entry!
This Giveaway is open for anyone...
USA will get the CD in the mail, international will get downloadable files emailed!


I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS October 18, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

See general 1000 Subscribers Celebration Guidelines Here! This giveaway is the first of our Grand Finale giveaways, so everyone is eligible to win, even past winners during our celebration!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Winners!!

Congratulations to the following winners! Thanks to all who entered this giveaway, there are more giveaways open now and then it's GRAND FINALE TIME!!!

Brainy Baby DVDs

Shapes & Colors...
#79-Michelle C

Talking Hands...
#27-ChawksGirl4ever

Animals...
#98-The Frugal Homeschooling Mom
#19-Joannof10
#90-KimberlySummer40
#105-The Irwins
#7 Mama Fox
#65 Kellie
#120 WinningReadings
#10 Lauren
#43-Lauren (a different one!)
#55-Lil Ms P

Thanks to Brainy Baby for providing the winning items! If you didn't win but still want to own these DVDs, you can buy them here!


I will be emailing you shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. If you are a winner here, you are not eligible to win any other 1000 Subscribers Celebration Giveaways, until the GRAND FINALE giveaways!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Featuring Bloem and Grow CLOSED


I am truly excited to feature this wonderful product made by a Mommy! I came across Bloem and Grow blocks because I WON a giveaway here. I was thrilled to win, and even more excited when my adorable blocks came in the mail. Kate, the mom behind Bloem and Grow, graciously let me purchase an additional set for half price, so I got one for my son and one for my baby girl. Here are some photos of my blocks...




When I first saw them online, I thought they were big blocks for some reason, but when I got them I obviously saw that I was wrong and they were cute little blocks about the size of the old fashioned wooden ABC blocks...except MUCH cuter!!! Here's one of the blocks in my hand to show you the size...


I am in love with these blocks and am so excited to help Kate promote her new business right in time for the holiday season! These blocks would make very unique gifts for just about anyone, young and old. Here are some examples from her business blog, where she sells her blocks.
All throughout her blog, you'll see the different patterns she offers, you can enlarge the designs by clicking on the images. There are some really cute ones. Her prices for these one-of-a-kind blocks are amazing, I imagine that as she gets busier she'll need to raise them, they are so nice and unique. I have both Ladybug's and Krash's displayed in their rooms and K plays with his a lot. I plan to put them in their keepsake boxes to save forever as a memory of childhood. Seriously I love these blocks!

Kate has generously offered to give a set of 6 customized blocks to one of you!

Mandatory Entry...

Visit Bloem and Grow and tell me a style of blocks that you like. Just scroll through her blog to look at the images, she has the names of the patterns under the different patterns she offers.

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...
  1. Become a fan of Bloem and Grow on Facebook.
  2. Subscribe/Follow Bloem and Grow so you'll get her latest updates!
  3. If you will take a photo of your new blocks and write a post on your blog about your win, give yourself an extra entry (an honor thing).
  4. If you Follow/Subscribe to Lil' Ladybug give yourself an extra entry.
This Giveaway is open for USA only!

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS October 11, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

See general 1000 Subscribers Celebration Guidelines Here!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Featuring The Homeschool Lounge CLOSED



The Homeschool Lounge is a wonderful place for Homeschooling Moms to gather together, close to 10, 000 moms right now! I am one of them, you can see my profile page here (if you are a member). I am not overly active, due to lack of time, but many moms are and when I do pop in, I always find something neat going on!

If you are new, you can read the Welcome page here, giving tons of information about this great site!

The Homeschool Lounge has graciously offered to donate an AWESOME gift to one of you, in honor of us homeschooling moms! The winner of this giveaway will have her choice of:


$25.00 Amazon Gift Certificate



~OR~

$25.00 CBD Gift Certificate



How cool is that? Who doesn't need $25 to one of those awesome sites? I use BOTH all of the time!

Mandatory Entry...

To enter to win this giveaway, please leave a comment telling me how long you have been homeschooling (yup, you must be a homeschooling Mom to win this one), AND which gift certificate you would choose.

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by doing any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...

  1. If you are a member of the Homeschool Lounge, give yourself an extra entry!
  2. If you have a Homeschool Lounge button (any of them) on your blog sidebar, give yourself an extra entry!
  3. If you Subscribe/Follow 1+1+1=1, give yourself an extra entry!
  4. If you follow me on Twitter, give yourself an extra entry!
  5. If you become a FAN of 1+1+1=1 on Facebook (something new I have begun), give yourself an extra entry!

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS October 11, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

See general 1000 Subscribers Celebration Guidelines Here!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Winners!!!

Congratulations to the following winners! Thanks to all who entered these 3 giveaways, there are more giveaways open now and more on the way!


Itzbeen...
Comment #123...Dawn


Thanks to Itzbeen for providing the winning item! If you didn't win but still want to get your own Itzbeen, you can buy it here, or on Amazon!


Bee in a Tree...
Comment #90...Susan


Thanks to Mommy and Baby Essentials for providing the winning item! If you didn't win but still want to get your own book, you can buy it here!


See Kai Run...
Comment #12...Dianna


Thanks to See Kai Run for providing the winning item! If you didn't win but still want to own these great shoes, you can buy them here!


I will be emailing you ladies shortly, and will need to hear back from you within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. If you are a winner here, you are not eligible to win any other 1000 Subscribers Celebration Giveaways, until the GRAND FINALE giveaways!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Featuring Brainy Baby ~ #4 CLOSED

This is our final Brainy Baby giveaway, and this one will have way more than one winner!!! They are giving away 1 copy of Shapes and Colors, 1 copy of Talking Hands, and 10 copies of Animals!!!! That's right, 12 winners all together!!!

Brainy Baby sent us 2 of these DVDs to preview and my kiddos were really excited! We already owned the Animals one and have had it for awhile. It is a staple DVD in our car DVD player. We don't use it much locally but for the rare occasion, it is nice to have an educational DVD that both boys enjoy.

You can see Krash and Ladybug watching intently here...
They were watching the Shapes and Colors DVD, which we all really enjoyed. Of the 3 they sent us, this was the favorite, of both Mommy and kiddos. We do use educational DVDs for our schooling, and yes my kids do watch TV. I do like to take what they are watching and try to extend it somehow. That's where a lot of my Tot Books come from, developing a learning tool featuring characters they already love!

This day I had Krash review his shapes, using our home made learning wheel, after the DVD was over...


Pac Man and Krash like the Talking Hands DVD too, and I must say that Pac Man likes it the most! He is 7 and loves watching it to brush up on his signing skills before we start signing with Ladybug. Pac Man was a baby-signer, so was Krash. Pac is excited to start signing with Ladybug soon! There's also an alphabet section that he really loves, going through each letter slowly.

Brainy Baby is giving 12 of you a DVD!!! To enter to win, please list the DVDs 1, 2, 3 in the order your would prefer if you are chosen as the winner. Nobody is guaranteed their selections, but I would love to know which you prefer!

After you do that, you can gain some extra entries by doing any of the following, remember to leave an extra comment for each item so they will count as entries...
  1. If you Subscribe/Follow 1+1+1=1, give yourself an extra entry!
  2. If you follow me on Twitter, give yourself an extra entry!
  3. If you have my 1+1+1=1 button on your sidebar, give yourself an extra entry! Please leave a link to your blog in your comment so I can visit you!
  4. If you will post about your new DVD and Brainy Baby on your blog if you are the winner, give yourself an extra entry!!! (an honor thing)
This Giveaway is open for the USA Only!

I will select a winner using Random.org, so be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, I will also be moderating comments to check that your entries are valid-please be honest!

Contest ENDS October 4, 2009. Winner will be announced here, and emailed (your email MUST be in each comment/or enabled in blogger). Winner must reply to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

See general 1000 Subscribers Celebration Guidelines Here!