Tag Archives: Mommy Ramblings

dotmine Family Time Planner Review & Giveaway!!! “Back To School” Series 2012

Featured Post in Mommy Rambling’s “Back To School” Series 2012

As a wife, mom of 5 children, business owner, blog editor, staff writer and manager, I have a lot to schedule in my day to keep my life running as smooth as possible.  I am very tech oriented and have digital calendars with appointments, deadlines, events and more noted, so that I do not miss anything.  However, I know there are still many people out there that like a less plugged in version of a planner.  I was sent the Family Time planner from dotmine to review.  As school is back in session for various parts of the country and still weeks away in other areas, we thought this is a great product to feature in our “Back To School” series of posts.  This is a large planner and has plenty of room to schedule out all the activities, appointments, meetings, and fun family time that needs to be accounted for.

The answer to the question of how to organize the lives of a busy family (or the life of anyone with recurring activities!). This planner was developed with input from moms and will help you keep it all together. Your friends – and even some strangers – will eye this planner with envy.

Size: 8.5 x 11 inches
17-month planners, August-December
Fashionable cover designs printed on durable plastic
Monthly and weekly planning pages on crisp white paper
Inspirational and humorous quotes each week
Perforated margins for “tear-out” lists, & note pages make errands a breeze!
Plastic coil, spiral bound, back pocket holds papers in place
Unique master schedule / planning guides
Fun colorful reminder stickers

About dotmine:

Corporate careers, two families … a dot

It all started with a simple “dot” back in 2000 and a commitment to reclaim our lives, while helping you do the same.

A serendipitous meeting in a London pub had given us the idea, and phase 2 of our careers was under way. Our corporate days — one of us pitching underwear and the other pitching laundry detergent — were far behind. We had become entrepreneurs, backed by supportive husbands and eventually, seven fabulous children.

Lots of dots and loyal customers

Today, we have more dots and a lot of loyal customers, including those who’ve grown from students to professionals and parents with us.

At dotmine, our philosophy is simple: create fashionable, functional and affordable day planners to help individuals and families organize busy lives. We start with great art … fun, elegant and sometimes funky. Then, we arrange and design the contents of our planners to serve families, students and professionals.

Here for you

Like all great businesses, we continue to evolve, inspired by your comments that even in this high-tech world, you want space to record your life happenings, take notes, and put a pen on a piece of paper to cross things off your-to-do list. While there’s no such thing as a 100% perfect planner, we’re confident you’ll find a dotmine product that makes life good, every day.

Win a Family Time Planner!

dotmine is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Family Time dotmine planner.  Thank you dotmine for my family time planner and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Little Kids, No Spill Bubble Machine Review & Giveaway!!!

Bubbles, who doesn’t remember playing with bubbles as a kid?  Today they are still a favorite of kids of all ages. How about lots and lots of bubbles floating around and being blown faster than we could ever imagine?  What kid wouldn’t love that?  I was recently sent the Little Kids, No Spill Bubble Machine for review.  I am a long time customer of Little Kids and have been a loyal customer since  their no spill bubble tumblers and buckets were the new things to have when the older of my five kids were little.  Talk about standing the test of time, Little Kids is still here and I am still buying their products for my youngest 2 children.

When they saw the bubble machine, I could not unpack it fast enough.  I enlisted my husband to install the batteries and then all that was left to do was to unscrew the cap on the pre-filled bubble solution container bottom and extend the tubes from the top into that opening and screw on tight.  Then all you need is to turn it on and watch the smiles.  The unit operated flawlessly from the first time  we turned it on.  It continued to operate without a problem and the kids had a great time.  I think this will be great to take into my indoor studio to get some great portraits with bubbles making kids of all ages smile.  If you are looking for bubble toys or a super fun no spill bubble machine, look no further than Little Kids.

The No-Spill® Bubble Machine is the ultimate bubble machine for any child or parent! It is sure to please every user!

Press the button and watch as it blows buzzillions of bubbles! The No-Spill® feature allows children to play both indoors and outdoors mess-free! The No-Spill® Bubble Machine also features an “Easy to Carry” handle which is perfect for small hands!

The No-Spill® Bubble Machine comes with 8 oz. of Blastos! Bubbles™ solution. Requires 3 “AAA” batteries, not included.

Little Kids, Inc. is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Little Kids No Spill Bubble Maker.  Thank you Little Kids, Inc. for the review toy and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
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Laundry Tarts, Strip It Review and Detergent Sampler Pack Giveaway!!!

I am so excited about this review today! In my 4 years of cloth diapering, I’ve had stinky problems with my diapers, they had an ammonia smell. I tried everything to get rid of it, from rinsing multiple times in the washer, to rinsing by hand with super hot water in the tub, to stripping with the Dawn dish soap, vinegar and baking soda. I seriously tried everything! But nothing worked, I even quit cloth diapering several times because I was sick of it and couldn’t get them to stop smelling!

So when Laundry Tarts sent me their product, Strip It, a cloth diaper stripping product, I was cautious, but hopeful. Strip it is formulated to strip out all of the odors and residues from excess detergent in your diapers. It can also be used to brighten your clothes and even clean carpet stains!

I followed the simple directions on the package, and soaked my diapers in the Strip It. After rinsing the diapers, they were ready for use. After the first time, there was a noticeable lessening of odors, but it wasn’t quite gone. I’m left wondering if after 2 years of buildup, maybe one treatment of Strip It wasn’t enough for the diapers. I used the product on my diapers again, and my diapers are actually usable, if still a little bit smelly. I think if I keep using it now and then, it will eventually flush out all of the buildup, and I can really start depending on using cloth exclusively!


Laundry Tarts, thank you for saving my diapers!! Laundry Tarts main attraction is their all natural laundry detergent that come in 10 yummy dessert inspired, phthalate free scents! It is safe for all types of water, washing machines, fabrics and skin types. They are also cloth diaper safe and hypoallergenic!

 

Laundry Tarts is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!! One lucky blog reader will win a sampler pack of their all natural Laundry Tarts Detergent! Thank you Laundry Tarts for the review Strip It and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway! Open to US and Canadian residents.

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Beach Rays, VroomVroom Grayson Trunks Review and Swimsuit Giveaway!!!

Living on a lake, in the summer my kids live in bathing suits.  We recently had a chance to review a suit from Beach Rays VroomVroom Collection.  I chose the Grayson Trunks and they are just great.  Very colorful and the 5/6 are very generously sized and fit my five year old well because they have a drawstring waist that you can adjust .  He thought they were super comfortable, and I can see the great quality in construction and attention to detail.  If you are looking for great suits for the whole family check out Beach Rays.

GRAYSON

Surf’s up dude! And it always will be in these oh so cool swim trunks with liner in a fun surfboard pattern that any cool toddler is sure to get a kick out of! Made of 100% poly micro fiber, they’re also comfortable and quick-drying too.

Beach Rays is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will be able to choose a child’s suit from the VroomVroom or RayRay collections (subject to availability).  Thank you Beach Rays for the review trunks and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Elizabeth Mitchell “Little Seed”: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie Review and Giveaway!!!

 

In “Little Seed,” Elizabeth Mitchell embraces the gentle genius of America’s musical bard, Woody Guthrie. The simple yet profound songs he wrote for his young children remind us of how the loving bonds between parent and child endure and are strengthened through music. Joined by family and friends, Elizabeth Mitchell offers us re-imagined renditions of classic Guthrie favorites. Her thoughtful versions pay tribute to Guthrie’s uncanny ability to inhabit both the perspective of a loving, protective parent and the voice of a freewheeling child. Features eight newly recorded tracks and five previously issued favorites. 13 tracks, 29 minutes, 20-page booklet with photos.

 

The only album of Guthrie’s children’s songs coinciding with the Woody Guthrie Centennial, “Little Seed” pays tribute to the legendary songwriter’s uncanny ability to inhabit both the perspective of a loving, protective parent and the voice of a freewheeling child. The album includes thoughtful versions of children’s songs “Riding in My Car,” “Grassy Grass Grass,” and “Bling Blang.” Mitchell also shares her version of “This Land Is Your Land,” Guthrie’s signature song that many people consider a second national anthem.

As always, Elizabeth is joined on the recording by family (husband Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey) and friends, including Amy Helm, daughter of the late Levon Helm, pillars of the American acoustic music scene Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, and Ruthy Ungar of Mike and Ruthy and formerly of the Mammals.

“Woody Guthrie’s songs for children are a gift to all of us. They are a part of me, part of my family,” says Mitchell. “Thank you, Woody, for giving us this beautiful experience and so many others like it. We can feel this profound musical joy anytime, anywhere, with you in our spirits and your songs in our hearts.”

Acclaimed by Time magazine as one of the “Stars of Kindie Rock,” Mitchell is also a founding member of veteran indie rock band Ida and is one of Smithsonian Folkways’ best-selling artists. ‘Little Seed’ is her third album with the label, following You Are My Little Bird (2006) and Sunny Day (2010), and features eight newly recorded tracks and five previously issued favorites.

We received this CD for review and it is just so great, the songs of Woody Guthrie, who doesn’t relate to them in some way.  “This Land is Your Land” always takes me right back to my first grade class where we would sing in nearly every day.  If you are looking for a selection of quality music for your kids, look no further than Little Seed.

Sugar Mountain PR is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Little Seed CD.  Thank you Sugar Mountain PR for the review CD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.

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Kivelli Baby, Funky Punky Blanket Review & Minky Layette Blanket Giveaway!!!

We recently had the opportunity to partner with Kivelli Baby on a review of one of their blankets.  I chose a Rock Star Boy blanket from the Funky Punky Blanket Collection and  it is absolutely gorgeous.  Minky soft and colorful guitars against a striking black background with bright green trim really makes this blanket go to the top of the charts.  My little ones love guitars and they love minky blankets so this blanket wins on both accounts.  If you are looking for a gorgeous selection of blankets and other baby and toddler gifts, you need to check out Kivelli Baby.

 

Funky Punky Blanket Collection

Whether you have a Punky Princess, a Wild Fashionista, a Rock Star wannabe or a “Sk8tr Boy” to impress they are sure to love these blankets! Edgy, fun, & punky styles on softer than ever minky, this collection is sure to be a favorite! Any trendsetter would love this non-traditional look, as it’s the best of both worlds.  Perfectly sized for strollers at 30″X36″.

100% Minky (including border/ruffle)

Machine Washable. Tumble Dry Low

 

 

Kivelli Baby is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of a pink or blue Layette Blanket (value $54.99).  Than you Kivelli Baby for the Rock Star Funky Punky Blanket and for sponsoring this Fabulously Fashionable Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

 

Layette Blanket Collection

Our Layette Blanket Collection is made of our trademark soft & cuddly minky & comes readily packaged as the perfect gift. Available in pink and blue, its simple and sweet, just like a precious newborn.

100% Minky

Border/Ruffles: 100% Satin

Machine Wash. Tumble Dry Low.

 

Kivelli Baby Layette Collection Minky Blanket Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Tovolo 13-Inch Tip Top Tongs Review and Giveaway!!!

Tongs are such a handy kitchen tool.  We have several pairs of tongs and use them for so many cooking applications.  My 3-year-old can often be found running around with a pair of tongs and “biting” things like an alligator.  Some of the uses for tong like frying bacon can leave the tongs greasy and putting them down can leave your counters greasy so the Tovolo 13-inch Tip Top Tongs have a handy little stand built-in so the tongs don’t touch your countertop leaving your tongs and your counter clean.

  • 13-inch tongs open wide for exceptional reach and comfortable stainless steel handle
  • Extra large end ring for locking and unlocking
  • Unique silicone tipped head has superior grasping ability and won’t scratch cook wear
  • Built-in feet” keeps tips up and counter clean
  • Dishwasher safe for easy clean-up

Tovolo is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a pair of red and stainless steel 13 inch Tip Top Tongs.  Thank you Tovolo for the review tongs and thank you for sponsoring thing tip top of a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: “Say Goodbye to Back Pain!” Book Review & Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

Probably second to the excruciating pain of a toothache is back pain.  Unlike a toothache though that is usually cured after a trip to the dentist, back pain can last for months and even be chronic.  It can be debilitating and some conditions like herniated discs can leave one nearly immobile and in pain for months.  I suffered from herniated discs after the birth of my fifth child and it was one of the hardest things to bear.  I could not sit, I had to either lie on my side or stand, could not get on the floor and play with my kids and the pain and muscle spasms were insanely painful.  It lasted months and my normally happy upbeat attitude took a huge hit.  Thankfully, my back finally started to get better with physical therapy until it returned to normal.  I do know so many people who suffer with back pain and so when I received, Say Goodbye to Back Pain! from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, I thought what a great idea.  A message of hope and inspiration is so important for those suffering from great pain.

Inspiring Chicken Soup for the Soul stories and accessible leading-edge medical information from Dr. Julie Silver of Harvard Medical School. Many people suffer from back pain. The lucky ones have occasional flare-ups and the unlucky ones have chronic issues. This book is filled with great advice on how to care for your back, recover from injuries, improve your mobility, handle pain, manage chronic problems, and maintain a positive attitude.

Inside the book you will find preventative exercises to ward off problems, with easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams.  Learn how to protect your body every day to maintain good back health, getting the right diagnosis, using your mind to reduce pain and injuries, picking the correct course of treatment and clear explanations and diagram to help you understand your anatomy.  You will also learn what to expect during physical therapy, surgery and other procedures.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Three lucky blog readers will win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Back Pain!  Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Tin Tree Gifts, Personalized Dinner Plate Review and Giveaway!!!

Tin Tree Personalized Gifts has a great selection of personalized gifts that will really delight the recipient.  I was thrilled to be able to participate in a review with them and picked a personalized dish for my two youngest kiddos.  Since they are both rock stars I choose the Music is Life plate in red for Luke and green for Ethan.  They arrived nicely packaged and after unboxing the little boys were so excited to see not only musical instruments, their favorite color but also their name on their very own dish.  The quality was great and they really stand out.  If you are looking for a very special gift for someone you need to check out Tin Tree Personalized Gifts.

                                                           

  • Plates are 10″ and made of Melamine, are dishwasher safe but not microwave safe.
  • Plates are Made and Designed in USA
  • Plates are BPA Free
  • Completely customizable: write changes you would like in special instructions tab when ordering.
Tin Tree Gifts is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a personalized plate of their choice (subject to availability).  Thank you to Tin Tree Gifts for the review plates and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
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DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX, Kids Workshop at The Home Depot on 8/4/12!!!

Wagon-Ho! Hitch up your wagons and head to THE HOME DEPOT this weekend with DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX!
In celebration of the upcoming launch of DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX on Blu-ray and DVD,  THE HOME DEPOT  has teamed up with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® and DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX for this Saturday’s Kids Workshop on August 4, 2012 from 9am-12pm.
At The Home Depot locations nationwide, the Kids Workshop will provide children with Lorax activity sheets, Lorax create-you-own mustache kits, and Lorax sticker sheets. Each store will also have one life-sized Lorax poster to affix to a wall so kids can have their picture taken with The Lorax that you can tweet to @TheLorax and @HomeDepot.
This month’s activity is “Build a Cork Bulletin Board.”
• Kids will learn to build their very own cork bulletin board while learning tool safety
• Have fun, make friends and gain a sense of achievement and work ethic
• You can paint and add embellishments to your project while at the workshop

ABOUT THE HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOP
• FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered the 1st Saturday of
every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride
and accomplishment.
• All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative
pin and certificate of achievement.
For more information click HERE!!!
Here is also a brand new sneak peek of the all-new mini movie “Wagon-Ho” where two Bar-ba-loots take The Once-ler’s wagon on a ride they won’t soon forget:


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