If I had....$50 - Good for the Kids Giveaway

During one of our latest giveaways (don't worry, winners to be announced from last week's giveaways on Monday), I asked what you would like to see more of on my site. One of the overwhelming responses was ALL THINGS NATURAL AND ORGANIC. So, I thought what better way to kick it off than with yet ANOTHER giveaway AND something GREEN AND ORGANIC?

We are giving away a $50 gift certificate from Good For The Kids, a brilliant online store featuring some of the best toys EVER. From Melissa and Doug wooden toys to soft cuddlies, you can rest assured that your little one will be playing with toys that will not only be safe for them, but will also nurture their creativity and imaginations.

In order to enter, please visit Good For The Kids website and visit their website. Come back here and leave a comment, telling us what you would buy from their store if you won the $50 gift certificate (along with your name and email, please). This contest ends August 9 at 11: 59 EST, and a winner will be chosen randomly. If you are the randomly chosen winner and your comment does not include the necessary criteria (name of favorite products from Good for the Kids store, your name, your email), you will automatically be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

**Please note: All entrants are limited to one entry per day, but are invited to enter their name each day during the week that the contest is open (please choose a different products for each entry).

Good luck!

Best Of...Babywearing 2008

CARRIER BRAND: Sleepy Wrap
CARRIER STYLE: Wrap
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 8
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 8.5
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 10
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 10
COST: $33.95
WHERE TO BUY: Sleepy Wrap
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We loved the adjustability and softness of this product. Two different people that are completely different sizes can share this wrap, and it will work wonderfully as it can be customized easily to fit anyone.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We can’t really think of anything!
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: This wrap also is GREAT for being outdoors and doing lots of walking, etc. Very snug, very wonderful.


CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings - Everyday Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 10
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $48.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We LOVED the large selection of prints. It’s like an awesome new accessory!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: The sizing. Depending on your size and body type, the sizing can be a little off. We’d love to see a new sizing chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We adored the look of this sling. Very chic, machine washable, and a beautiful print! And, as will all of the Hotslings, they offer leg padding for your infant’s comfort.


CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings - Designer collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 9
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $60.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Very cute and fresh print.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing Chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS:



CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings - Reversible Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 7 - would love to see more choices for the reversible slings. (Especially some of the prints they already carry, but made into reversible slings)
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $60.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We liked the fact that one sling could be turned inside out and reused. This was perfect for casual wear or more dressier settings. Plus, if one side gets a little spot on it (before you can get home to wash it), turn it inside out and it still looks fabulous!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: Wish there was as big of a selection in prints as their other collection, but still great.


CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings - Organic Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 7
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $50.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: It’s made of organic material and is still the same trusted Hotslings design!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing Chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We want to be earth-friendly and chic, too! We’d love to see more fun colors/prints in the organic line!



CARRIER BRAND: Modmum
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 8
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 7
COST: $64.00
WHERE TO BUY: Modmum.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: The funky designs - and reversible!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: This sling is not for the really really petite. The smallest size offered is still a little extra roomy for the super tiny ladies.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We’d love to see more design options! Does not have leg padding.


CARRIER BRAND: Maya
CARRIER STYLE: Lightly Padded Ring Sling
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 7
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 6COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 7
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 7
COST: $55.95
WHERE TO BUY: Mayawrap.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We liked that sling was adjustable in two different places.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: You had to put your baby in and then, it took some time to adjust it properly.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We also weren’t a fan of the fabric selection. They were pretty in a very earthy way, but for those of us that want to sport something more fashionable WHILE carrying our babies, there wasn’t much to choose from.


CARRIER BRAND: Infantino - 6-in-1-rider
CARRIER STYLE: Ergo Baby Carrier
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 3 - The directions left a lot to be desired, and there were an awful lot of snaps and buckles.
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 1
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 4
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 2
COST: Ranges from $15 - $25
WHERE TO BUY: Walmart and Amazon.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: It was fairly inexpensive.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: If the snaps are weak (as ours must have been) - even though it was brand new - and your baby is put into the carrier, you could hear some snaps popping. You better be ready to catch them.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We don’t recommend this product.

Bazura Bags - EcoFriendly Bags

Want something fun, fresh, and eco-friendly to hit off your back to school appearance? Check out Bazura Bags, and their line of Back To School bags.


The Zipper Shoulder bag would be great for all of your school essentials, and it's big enough for books, too! You'll never have to worry about getting your bags mixed up again!


Bazura Bags also makes tiny bags, perfect for carrying around your pencils and pens!
A really great organizer, that folds up compactly - great whether you want to hang it in your locker, your bathroom (for all of your essentials), or even carry it around with your money, checkbook, and coupons! Best of all, slim chance you'll forget it and leave it lying around!
Bazura Bags' Two Pocket School Bag is a great messenger-style bag for the young and young at heart. Each bag features 2 exterior pockets, as well as an inside divider pocket.


These bags are great, not only for back to school, but also for everyday use, including as diaper bags! The colorful juice packets that these bags are made of truly make them one of a kind, funky, and colorful! These unique bags are not only easily washable pretty much waterproof, but they are also eco-friendly and made out recycled materials - a true "trash to treasure" find!

You can check out the entire line of bags available HERE.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is coming up. June 15th, actually. Are you ready? Dad's skip this post (you can come back to it June 16th. )

Some ideas:
(click on photos for more info. Photos from Martha Stewart's website)

Show dad you love him (or, um...the kids do) by letting them decorate his office supplies - well, everything except the computer monitor.

Make him a "Dad's Travel Car Kit" complete with simple tools, a maintenance log, a pen-light and more!

Use bow-ties to wrap dad's gifts. Unless of course he hates bow-ties, then scrap this idea all-together.

Give dad a coupon book for some outrageously coolness - like 100% off the next lawn-mowing, breakfast, and more...


Check out Stark Raving Dads for some other ideas...

Solana Swaddling Blankets

If you didn't read the title, you may be curious as to what the above pictures are. Well, I'm sure you guessed fabric-somethings...but, what I have to tell you is so much cooler. They're swaddling blankets by Solana Babywear.

Solana makes dozens of swaddling blankets, in any color you need. My personal favorites - the Organic Baby Tree wrap and the Signature Ashley wrap (respectively) - are shown above. The Baby Tree Wrap (top) is made from 100% organic (meaning no pesticides or un-natural chemicals) cotton and is SO SO soft, as well as lightweight. It reminds me of a really really soft t-shirt, actually - and, I'm seriously wondering if I could have some bedsheets (for me) made of this stuff. That's how awesome it is.

And, then, there is the Signature Ashley wrap (second picture). 100% (gauzy) cotton with beatiful eyelets and detail. Oh, how I wish I had this when we were baptizing Lorelei. It's PERFECT for a baby girl or a baby boy, with an understated elegance that really is oh-too-sweet.

And, unlike a lot of the wraps you are seeing around, Solana baby wraps keep your child comfortable and secure (feeling) with soft, luxurious, breathable 100% cotton - meaning you'll both get more rest.

Gifts?

I love the tradition of Mother's (and Father's) Day. --I love that on this day, we celebrate the Mothers in our lives, regardless of whether they are OUR mothers or someone else's.

I've made a list of gifts I think are pretty cool, let me know which of these YOU would like...or what's on your wishlist! (Click on pictures for more info)

A Sleepy Wrap! These are soooo comfy and great for holding babies and toddlers against you while you do WHATEVER. PLUS they are SO adjustable...so they grow with baby...and you...and can be shared between husband and wife...or grandparents...or babysitters ...or anyone!

I thought this spice set was REALLY cool. It comes in a nifty box - and is a complete set of "thai seasonings." HOWEVER, I wouldn't JUST buy this for mom. Try adding some bling, flowers, or something (like thai cooking lessons for 2, you and her...)

This necklace is adorable and just says "motherhood" to me. I love how simple it is...

I love this set! They are all pincushions! One is a ring that is light enough to wear, but you can have easy access to your pins while sewing!

This body scrub is mmm-delicious. In fact, their whole line of products sounds scrum-delicious.


And, then: What I received!:

For some reason, I love cupcakes. Not just eating them, but I think they are adorable! I asked for a cupcake pin cushion, and here is what hubs bought me (and he knows how I adore hand-crafted). LOVE it! (Mine had red/pink pins)

I didn't ask for this book, so it was a (welcomed) complete surprise! I'm so excited to start reading it! (It's actually a compilation of a series of 3 books)

I love learning about natural methods and medicines. I wanted something, though, more focused on children - and this is one of the best books out there!

Another natural medicine book. Did I mention I love reading? This one is a VERY comprehensive guide to different alternative medicines for ailments from A to Z, as well as some more conventional medicines.

What are you hoping for for Mother's Day? And, if you are buying a gift for someone (your wife, your mom, etc.), what are you buying??

It's bath-time: Tubby Bundle!

Have you ever dreaded baby's bath-time? I mean, as if the sore knees and back pains aren't enough, half the time you end up soaking wet - and so does the floor.

SpecialKreations has a wonderful new product called the Tubby Bundle. Let me explain: It's a HUGE, plush towel that goes on much like an apron (for you). Once baby (or toddler) is out of the bath, you just pick them straight up and bring the bottom portion of the towel up and around them. Not only is it easy to use and keeps you dry, but it also helps you hold on to slippery babies!

We absolutely love our Tubby Bundle. It's a wonderful shower gift for moms and dads alike. And, the Tubby Bundles will grow with your child...just use it as a regular towel!

Two thumbs up for the perfect shower gift for moms, dads, and grandparents...

Local Goodness - J. Elaine's & Candy Bouquet

I wanted to introduce you all to a sweet little place called J. Elaine's. They have some of the most WONDERFUL fudge (all different sorts of flavors), as well as candy, cards, unique gifts and specialty gift baskets.

If you live locally, you can check them out at:

405 Broadway St
Paducah, KY 42001
270-442-2828

Hours: Tues. - Fri. 10:00 - 5:00 Sat. 10:00 - 2:00 After Dinner Program May - Oct. Sat. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m

HOWEVER, if you don't live locally, you can still get a taste of this place, simply call them and they will deliver NATIONWIDE!

This would be the PERFECT treat for any parent, grandparent, or....um ...mom (Mother's Day). So, call 'em and let them know I sent ya!

Hipster Tots

Most people LOVE the idea of scrapbooking...but don't have the time to do it. They want a scrapbook, filled with their baby/child's pictures...but aren't really looking for a new hobby.

Enter, Hipster Tots.

With Hipster Tots, you simply go to their website, pick your book and at least 20 pages for your book - which have already been designed and are just waiting for your pictures. There are LOTS of pages to choose from - in many categories. Simply choose your pages, and then order at your convenience.

Your book will arrive at your door, already put together. Simply grab the adhesive and affix your pictures to the pages and VOILA! It's that easy! Really!

Want to buy as a gift or you just don't know which pages to purchase? Try the boutique book - all of the pages have been carefully selected to make up a great package for any baby and his/her parents.

Thursday Thirteen No. 7

So, this time - I'm going to combine my regular Thursday 13, with a challenge that I received from Mary.

Here was the original challenge:

1. Make something, anything. It doesn't have to be complicated or artsy. Make a list, take an interesting picture, make someone's day, make dinner, make a doodle, make fun of yourself, make a poem, make your bed (ok, that last one is lame).
2. Write a blog about it. With pictures for extra brownie points.
3. Link to this blog and challege six other bloggers to do the same.

So, I'm making a list of things I've made. How's that? lol

1. Stenciled shirt for FIL (father-in-law).









2. Dog bed for our little dog, Glory.

3. "a" pendant for SIL










4. banner for website








5 & 6. travel pillow and hand-bound journal


















7. No, silly. Not the kid. Well...I did have a lot to do with that too...but the Christmas photo..

















8. Another pendant. For a necklace or keychain.
















9. A huge 2-layer blanket for 2 people.


















10. Took this pic last summer...

















11. a card I made for a baby boy















12. More pendants! Or...Something...















13. The knitted hat and scarf on this pretty lady :)

Cupcakes or candles?

Need a cute gift for someone? For yourself? Check out this whimsical set of 4 "cakes" - They are some of the cutest candles I've ever seen!

$28 at Hallmark

Eat Your Peas - Giveaway!!

Gently Spoken has a line of great products for moms (and everyone else you know), making it easy to send a promise to be there (and your phone number), gentle affirmations, and a bit of advice lovingly mixed in.

These great products would be perfect for any new mother to remind her that she's not alone, and that she's wonderful. Because, no matter how much you tell her, she'll need a reminder here and there - and how great would it be to have these reminders within arms reach, at any time?

The Eat Your Peas books have over 20 titles to choose from, including those for new moms, moms, and everyone else you know (friends, teachers, sister in law, etc.).

Gently Spoken also has Sproutables, 12 cards with sayings handpicked from the Eat Your Peas books, to help brighten your day. You can leave a card somewhere to be found for someone that needs a little cheering, frame one, put them in a scrapbook, use it as a postcard, or anything else you can come up with!

Great for everyone you know and care about...

...and for yourself. In fact, Gently Spoken would like to give away an item or two to a couple of lucky First Impressions' readers!

To enter, please reply to this post with your:
1. Name
2. Email address
3. And why you'd love to win

We'll announce a winner next Monday (Jan 14)! Good luck!