Tag Archives: Mommy Ramblings

Celebrate Spring with the Hippy-Hoppy Toad” Book #Giveaway

While we still have snow here in New York State, it is starting to melt. In fact, big chunks of snow and ice were  sliding down our roof today.  We are going to be seeing signs of spring very soon. A spring theme book about a little Hippy-Hoppy Toad is perfect for sharing with your child, grandchild or class.

A Hippy-Hoppy Toad by Peggy Archer and illustrated by Anne Wisdorf goes on sale March 27th. Written for children ages 3-7, who will love this irresistible new rhyming book. A HIPPY-HOPPY TOAD features a very tiny toad who gets displaced as animals and humans brush past him on the road. With fun sounds and clever rhythms, this story is sure become a new favorite read-aloud.

You can hear me read it below:


About the Author:

Peggy Archer is the author of Name that Dog: Puppy Poems from A to Z and From Dawn to Dreams: Poems for Busy Babies, among other books. A Hippy-Hoppy Toad won the 2015 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Work-in-Progress Award.

Giveaway

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog winner will receive their own hardcover copy of, A Hippy-Hoppy Toad! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

A Hippy-Hoppy Frog Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, Review

Why Even New Bloggers Should Never Work For Free

As a professional blogger, social media influencer and digital marketing strategist for almost 10 years, there is something that really gets under my skin.  I rarely see it myself, because I nipped it in the bud many years ago. However, blogging forums are peppered with posts from new bloggers sharing how they received an email from a PR rep asking them to promote a service or app without any mention of compensation. Even over the internet, I can see the quivering lip of the new blogger, as they meekly ask, if this is okay.  Some will try to justify it by saying  they really have no right to ask for compensation, because their blog is brand new.

It isn’t just bloggers, who are routinely asked to “donate” their services. Photographers, Magicians, Vocalists, Graphic Artists and DJ’s  are often asked by friends to provide their services for free. These well meaning friends will even go so far as to tell them it will be great experience, they will make new contacts and build their portfolio. The way they spin it, they should be so grateful to provide their services for nothing. When people get something for free, they don’t put much value in it. By accepting the gig, they are putting a nail in the coffin of their career. The bottom line is, if they want to be treated like a professional, they need to start acting like one!

Even the newest blogger needs to quit acting like their work has no value, and their time is not precious.  This is easier said than done because many newbies have a hard time standing their ground. They may even try to justify taking the job for free, telling themselves it is a portfolio builder.

I will-not work for free

I tell new bloggers they are going to need a strong backbone. Next , they need to respond to the email  with confidence.  Their response should let the PR rep know that they think the app or service sounds like it would be a great fit for their blog audience and social media followers.  Further more, they need to explain they are skilled at creating buzz worthy content that will drive targeted traffic to the brand’s website and social media accounts. Lastly, they need to ask what the compensation is for promoting this content on their blog and social media channels,  I guarantee Gloria from  XYZ Media is getting paid to find the bloggers and social media influencers to promote this, so why shouldn’t they?

I also prep them about how to respond if they receive a reply from Gloria stating the client has a very small budget and while they are not able to provide compensation for this campaign, they have many other clients and may contact them in the future for paid promotions.

Now, they say that for a reason, they want the new blogger to think, if they throw this away, they will never hear from this agency with any other opportunities.  It usually works like a charm, and the rep gets free promotion that they then charge their client for. To make it worse, the blogger goes on the agency’s  “Will Blog For Free” List.  Their name will never make it to big budget clients, because by accepting the free gig, it showed the rep  they are not a professional blogger.

The bottom line is, if  you  want to be taken seriously, you need to respond confidently, that you can definitely create buzz worthy content to promote the product or service, but you don’t work for free. Go even further, turn the tables and ask them if they work for free? Don’t be afraid, let them know, you are well aware they are not a volunteer at XYZ Media.

I’m not saying you should never volunteer for worthwhile things, but make sure you are not being taken advantage of. The perception some have of bloggers, is that what we do is so easy, or of such little value, we should be glad to have some content to post.  They want us to think, they are really doing us a favor.

It is the exact opposite, bloggers are powerful influencers brands can plug-in with to have their product or service promoted to the blog’s audience which likely is their target market. Bloggers have the  power to create and amplify stories, experiences, services, images and ideas through their posts as well as ingniting a social media fire storm of tweets, pins, posts, likes and shares on every major social media channel.

Start valuing your work! The next time you get an email from any rep or agency trying to make you feel special because they picked you to promote their client for free, just ask what the blogger compensation is.  Go on, you can do it.  Be proud of your work.  When you feel the butterflies, just ask yourself if the client they are pitching you about is paying them for their services.  You know the answer is yes, so why would you let them take advantage of you?

Have you ever dealt with someone asking you to do your craft for free like they were doing you a favor?  How did you respond?  Please share your stories, I would love to hear them.

 

 

 

 


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Filed under Blogging, Education, Life, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Resources, Tech

Start Your Day with the ATG APP – #ATGToday #FlyBy

How do you start your day? Do you grumble getting out of bed, thinking of all the things you need to do? Are you stressed and worried  thinking about how you will ever tackle that never-ending to do list? Do you feel like there has to be a better way to begin your day? If you do, you are not alone.

It can be easy to feel that we are not good enough or that we keep falling short of our goals. In fact, many people, moms in particular, feel they are not accomplishing enough and are very hard on themselves. I know the feeling all too well, it is especially true as we seem to be burning the candle on both ends trying to get our house finished after experiencing a leak last fall that left us with extensive damage.

Recently, I learned about an app called Awakening To God that is a devotional journal to help you enjoy your walk with God. It is very simple to download and use. In just 8 minutes in the morning, you follow simple steps that will get you on a routine that helps you learn to hear God’s voice, memorize scripture, pray and journal. It has many great ideas to increase your faith, share scripture, encourage others and strengthen family devotions.

I have been using the ATG App and what I really like about it, is that you have an easily accessible journal reflecting on the same areas each day. I can look back on what I wanted God to help me with last week, last month or last year on a certain day. It lets me see the things I need to work on and what I am thankful for as well.

It is not a drudgery or something that takes a lot of time. In about 8 minutes each morning, you can strengthen your relationship with God. It helps me to understand that I can lay my burdens, worries and troubles in his arms. He will fight my battles and I can remove that weight from my shoulders. It is very comforting. This one minute video will let you see how this app works. 

This app has two purposes. One is to inspire and encourage thousands of people on their walk with Christ (hopefully, leading to another “Awakening” – see 2 Chron 7:14). The other purpose is to raise funds to dig a well in 100 villages in India, provide 40,000 meals to widows and orphans, 15,000 mosquito nets and a medical team for immunizations, cataract operations and other services.

Gerald and Jeannie Long are the founders of Awakening To God. They experienced success and wealth based on the values of the world and also the deepest grief and suffering from the death of two of their three children. On their journey, God has revealed His grace and glory to them in extraordinary ways.

In particular, they have experienced how God is able to redeem the most painful areas of our lives and turn them around for good. Gerald has found a deep awareness of eternity and Jeannie has experienced God’s presence and glory when she was close to ending her own life. Their marriage has triumphed when all seemed lost and they learned invaluable lessons on their unbelievable journey.

You can learn more about them by watching the video, How Do You Keep Living After the Death of Two Children at: www.awakeningtogod.org and see Mission, Vision and Strategy under About.

If you would like to download this app, you can do so HERE. If you do, I would love to hear about how you like it.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Filed under Faith, Review, Sponsored

Classic Toys Like Baby Dolls Are a Cherished Part of Childhood-#Giveaway #Corolle

If you follow Mommy Ramblings you know we love Corolle Dolls! Corolle has been a premium doll brand with dolls designed in France for over 30 years.

Every Corolle doll is designed with great care, love and affection because Corolle knows that a doll is more than a toy; it is a cherished part of childhood:  A doll encourages a child to explore different roles through caring for and sharing hopes, dreams and experiences with an always-understanding friend and playmate.

In the past we have introduced you to several dolls in their amazing line as well as had some very popular giveaways! I am so excited to share Lia Interactive Baby Doll and Goodnight My Mini Calin.

Lia Interactive Baby Doll

Let’s take a look at Lia first. Lia is an extra sweet, large interactive My Classique Corolle doll, who, with a simple touch, acts like a real baby. She can speak 13 phrases and sounds in 4 different languages (English, Italian, French and Spanish).

She has a face, arms and legs made of soft to the touch vinyl that has the trademark delicate vanilla scent Corolle is known for.

She has a cloth body and wears leggings with a long-sleeve T-shirt and sweet headband. She has sleep close eyes. She comes with a bottle, spoon, potty and 3 bracelets that change the language she speaks. Lia can wear any of the 17 inch doll clothing and accessories in the My Classique Corolle Collection. She is made for ages 3 and up.

You can see exactly how she works in my video review below:

Good Night My Mini Calin

Good Night My Mini Calin is such a precious set! I remember how I loved little dolls like this as a child that had accessories and clothing. They were so fun because you could bring them anywhere with you.

The Good Night My Mini Calin gift set includes an 8 inch mini doll, a pair of pajamas and a sleeper – perfect to make up stories and replay the bedtime ritual. This Little doll has a head and limbs made of the incredibly soft, delicately scented vanilla. These gift sets are designed for ages 18 months and older.

Learn more about Good Night My Mini Calin in my video below:

Corolle is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win an Interactive Lia Baby Doll! Thank you  for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Corolle Interactive Lia Baby Doll Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Baby, Gift, Giveaway, kids, Review, Toys

The Lion Guard is Available Now on DVD #Giveaway

If you haven’t heard, The Lion Guard is out now on DVD. Continuing with Simba and Nala’s second-born cub, Kion and his Lion Guard team as they protect the Circle of Life.

Complete with a crew of unlikely heroes: Bunga the honey badger, Fuli the cheetah, Beshte the hippo and Ono the egret. Follow the adventures of this heroic band as they use their unique abilities to protect the Pride Lands and maintain the Circle of Life. This series also features Simba, the spirit of Mufasa and the hilarious antics of Timon and Pumbaa.

Join Kion and His Friends on their Adventures in the Pride Lands as they Learn Lessons of Leadership, Teamwork and Trust! You are sure to go wild for all the ferocius fun! Whether the Lion Guard team is tracking a rogue leopard, foiling tricky jackals or facing stubborn crocodiles, Life in the Pride Lands is always hevi kabisa“-totally intense! 

This new DVD, features five new episodes of Disney’s The Lion Guard and is packed with laughs, music, beloved characters and heart, The Lion Guard: Life in the Pride Lands is a must-own for the entire family! Includes Five FREE Exclusive Silicone Bracelets! Bring home this heroic adventure on Disney DVD TODAY!

Episodes:

The Rise of Makuu (featuring guest star Blair Underwood as the voice of Makuu)
The Kaputana Celebration
Bunga and the King
Never Roar Again
The Imaginary Okapi

Bonus: Music Videos:
• A Trail to Hope
• Teke Ruka Teleza

“It’s UnBungalievable!” Shorts
• Who’s Quicker?
• Who’s Hungrier?
• Who Has Better Hair?
• Who’s Cuter?
• Who’s Louder?
• Who’s Mightier?

Would you like a chance to win this DVD? If so, enter our giveaway below.

Giveaway:

is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a . Thank you  for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

The Lion Guard: Life in the Pride Lands DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Open to US residents

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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The Perfect Gift For Loose Leaf Tea Drinkers #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide #LibreTea

When a product is good, it stands the test of time. The Classic 9 oz Libre Tea Infuser is the first model that Libre Tea introduced back in 2009. Today, it is still a customer favorite. I can understand why, the clean glass interior, durable BPA-free poly exterior and removable stainless steel filter take hydration to a whole new level.

I got this tea glass for my daughter who loved one just like it that we reviewed in 2011. Unfortunately it was stolen, it was in her car that was also stolen and that story did not end well. Anyhow, I knew how much she loved it and so I am presenting her with this one! She is going to be thrilled!

You can see my video review below:

This tea glass has a beautiful gold tone floral holographic image on the lid. It is the perfect size to fit in most car cup holders, handbags, bike water bottle holders and of course, hands. With this tea glass you get the durability of plastic with the luxury of glass. This tea glass makes a perfect gift for any tea lover so we added it to our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide at Mommy Ramblings!

 

 

Libre Tea is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Classic 9 oz Libre Tea Infuser Glass. Thank you to the Libre Tea for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Libre Tea Classic 9 oz Tea Infuser Glass Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Cooking, Gift, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

Amazon Prime members can now share their Prime Photos benefit with up to 5 friends or family members! Plus an opportunity to win a $500 gift card provided by Amazon.com #PrimePhotos #FamilyVault

Amazon has launched an all-new Prime Photos experience with Family Vault. Now, Prime members can share their benefit of unlimited photo storage with up to five family members or friends at no additional cost. Prime Photos is free for Prime members and makes it easy for family members to safely store and share all their favorite photos.

 

 

 New Prime Photos features include:
  • Family and friend access to Prime Photos, at no additional cost: To ensure all the great moments and memories are preserved, regardless of who captured them, Prime members can now share their Prime Photos benefit of unlimited photo storage and 5 GB for videos and other files with up to five family members or friends.
  • Simple, private sharing through the Family Vault: Family Vault members can add their favorite photos and videos individually with a click or swipe, or set their account to automatically add all their photos and videos to the Family Vault.
  • Smart search technology: Prime Photos’ new search technology makes finding photos based on people, places, or things a snap. Gone are the days of customers wading through thousands of photos to find a specific image. Looking for pictures from a vacation or wedding? Search for “sunset” or “wedding” and relevant photos will show up. Customers can also browse photos of individual family members and friends in the People view as well as search and filter by location or date.
  • Photo printing with free delivery for Prime Members: Customers can now order photo books, cards, and prints directly on the web from their Prime Photos account. Offering a variety a ways to preserve memories, Amazon Print products start at just nine cents a print, and ships with free delivery for Prime members.

Additional new features include: Image Search, People view and Places view. And Prime members can now order photo prints, cards, photo books, and calendars directly from their Prime Photos account. Download the new Prime Photos app HERE!

Enter below to win a $500 Gift Card!!! Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Giveaway, Life, Photography

Keep The Magic of Santa Alive For Your Child With A Package From Santa!

As a parent I love seeing the excitement in my little one’s eyes at Christmas. Recently I found PackageFromSanta.com and learned that I could have a package sent to my child from the North Pole! The package would be addressed to my child and be full of authentic, Santa Claus goodies that are sure to delight.

You even get a personalized phone call and personalized high quality video staring your child free with every package. There are 3 different packages to choose from! Check out my video of Luke opening his Package From Santa below:

You can learn more about how it works by viewing this video. Right now you can take 25% off your order when you use the promo code RED1816 at check out on PackageFromSanta.com. Hurry offer ends December 15th!

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After Luke opened his package, we made the Coca and he looked everything over again. For the rest of the day he showed the stuff to everyone and he is especially proud that he has a piece of Santa’s Magic Suit. He has asked everyone to feel how soft and warm it is. He is really treasuring everything and cannot wait to spread the Reindeer food out on the lawn Christmas Eve!

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Limited Time Free Bonus!
Keep your child behaving during the hectic (and sugar laden) days leading up to Christmas with a personalized, high-quality, printable 100% FREE Nice-List Guide from Santa Claus. Includes your child’s photo, name, and top 10 behaviors needed to stay on Santa’s Nice List! Personalize your child’s Nice-List Guide here www.freenicelistguide.com It only takes 60 seconds… nothing to buy, now or ever. 🙂 I am making these for my kids so they know how to stay on the Nice List!

You can follow PackageFromSanta.com on Facebook and Twitter. Let me know what you think of this, just leave me a comment.

 

This is a sponsored post and I received a product to facilitate my article.

 


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Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Handmade Stuffed Animals Made From Reclaimed Wool in Canada #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

Have you ever felt a stuffed animal so soft you could not stop yourself from touching it over and over? If you have not, you have not been up close and personal with a Cate and Levi’s Stuffed Animal. We recently welcomed a Cate and Levi Handmade Stuffed Bunny into our family. Our bunny is one of a kind because they are all handmade of premium reclaimed wool i Canada, no two are the same! The fun thing is that you never know what your bunny will look like until you open the package. I love the color/pattern combo we were sent.

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This bunny reminds me of a bunny my daughter has had since she was very little. I can see how a child would love a bunny like this for life and how it would find its way to a college dorm room just as my oldest daughter’s bunny did. My little kids love this and I do too. It also makes a lovely room accent. We love it so much we are adding it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2016 Holiday Gift Guide.

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This bunny is no small fry, it is approximately 22″ in height. The bunny can be hand or machine washed and you can machine dry on low.

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Check out my video review of this adorable bunny:

 

Cate and Levi is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Cate and Levi Handmade Stuffed Bunny!  Thank you to Cate and Levi for the review bunny and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Cate and Levi Handmade Stuffed Bunny Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Gift, Giveaway, kids, Review, Toys

The Perfect Gift For The New Baby! #HolidayGiftGuide

If you have a baby on your Holiday Gift List, I have an adorable gift suggestion for you! I recently connected with a company called Estella in NYC that has the sweetest organic gifts for baby. Sets that include a hat, lovey security blanket and soft rattle are available in a number of different designs.

I really like the MTA Set since my daughter works with the MTA and this is adorable for any MTA baby!

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I also like the Whale Set. See my video unboxing of this great set below:

 

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This set is organic and perfect for summer or water-loving babies. The whale rattle is a winner of the Mom’s Choice Award and The National Parenting Seal of Approval. Everything is handmade n Peru with GOTS certified organic cotton. The rattle is stuffed with polyester filling.

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Blanket measures 14″ X 14″. Rattle measure 4”l X 2”w. Hat fits 0-6 months. All machine washable on gentle, dry flat. Gift giving is easy because these sets ship in a gift box.

We are happy to offer our readers a special discount code that will allow you to get 35% off your orders when you shop at Estella now through December 30th. Use Promo Code MR35Off when you checkout! We are also adding these Estella Baby Gift Sets to our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide at Mommy Ramblings!

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Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of these adorable sets!

 


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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Holiday Gift Guide, Review