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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

• "Live, Laugh, Love"
• "Merry Christmas" and more
• Here's a list of ideas she has for 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!