girlymama

Honor Schools with Clorox Power a Bright Future Program *Giveaway*

**the giveaway is now closed. congrats to our winner, amy! hope this makes your back to school a bit easier!**

We're in the first week of school over here. Last year, this was one of the hardest weeks I've experienced as a parent.

On the first week of school last year, my daughter Ellie was targeted by a bully. I've never felt so helpless. Sitting there, holding my sobbing six year old daughter, as she tells me of how it  hurt when this girl pulled her hair and threatened her, but it really hurt when she said mean things about her.  Wiping away her tears as I wiped away my own. I was so upset and so very angry that some kid was purposely harrassing and hurting my child. I had no idea what to do, so I called the principal and her teacher.

And I was stunned.

Within 24 hours of the bullying was reported, the bus drivers had been informed, as well as the school counselor. The bully was reprimanded and made to apologize to Ellie. All of this was done with tremendous discretion on the part of the teacher and the principal which I greatly appreciated (I worried about Ellie being called a tattle-tale). That next day, Ellie came off the bus with a big smile on her face again. I can't even tell you what it meant to have the principal call me and immediately say "I will handle this. If I have to ride the bus every day myself, I will take care of Ellie."

Then there's the most amazing thing: Because of how wonderfully this was handled,  my sweet, kind girl was brave enough to give a bully a second chance.  After all that girl put her through, she took a chance and risked getting bullied again to reach out - to an older girl - and try to be her friend. Now they even sit together on the bus sometimes.

It still brings tears to my eyes.

As a parent, one of the most difficult things we have to do is to put our children into other people's hands. But, as painful as this experience was, it showed me how much the school cares about my child, how they really are watching out for her and want to take the best care of her they can. I am tremendously grateful to my children's school for all that they do, and I'm sure you feel the same way.

And so does the Clorox Company and that is why they started the Power a Bright Future program. Since 1980, Clorox has donated $80 million to non-profit organizations and community programs with a focus on schools. This year, the company is awarding four grants, totaling $110,000, to help fund school programs that will brighten and enrich the lives of kids.

As part of the Power A Bright Future grant program, Clorox is seeking nominations for school programs for a chance to win a $50,000 grand-prize grant or one of three $20,000 grants to help provide critically needed resources to school programs that enrich kids’ lives and create brighter futures. In November, four schools will be chosen to receive grants and the opportunity to impact the lives of children in their communities.

I hope that you will consider honoring a school or teacher who is close to your heart.

To help promote this amazing program, Clorox is giving one Girlymama reader a Back-To-School gift basket, containing Clorox disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer, Dr. Harley Rotbart’s book Germ Proof Your Kids, plus a load of school supplies including scissors, markers and crayons! Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing what teacher/school you would nominate.
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or  Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Tuesday, September 7th. Entries such as "Enter me" or "I want to win" will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don't hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Clorox and TheMotherhood. I was compensated for my time in writing this post and running this giveaway.

 

what is beauty? *GIVEAWAY*

*giveaway is now closed. congratulations to comment #34 - stephanie!*

Having two girls that are rapidly growing up, I've been confronted lately with how I can raise them to look beyond outward appearances. Even at the young age of seven, my daughter is becoming aware of her looks: becoming opinionated about her clothes and worrying about her hair, asking me if the outfit she picked out looks cool. It worries me. She wants to cut her hair because "no one has very long hair like me" and worries "Does this match? Is this shirt okay, Mom?" I want to tell her everyday how beautiful she is... but I don't want to have her thinking that is what is most important.

But this is our society. Our daughters are bombarded by artificial beauty - airbrushed, surgically enhanced, dangerously thin people dominate television, movies and magazines. Rather than celebrating differences, we accept a standard of beautiful (that is unrealistic) and mercilessly compare ourselves to it. Does anyone feel they are beautiful enough? Or thin enough? 

I'm not judging - Heaven knows I struggle with this myself and I should be old enough to know better. What can I possibly do for my daughters? The only way I can think to combat this in my daughters is to fill them with Truth.

• I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
• Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Prov 31:30
• Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.  1 Peter 3:3-4

So this is why I loved the newest VeggieTales movie called Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart. Its a fabulous movie that teaches girls  the real value of true beauty and that God loves them just as He made them. The exact message I've been trying to embed into my little ones! I loved this video and so did my little girls. They thought it was so wonderful and they hardly noticed that they were learning such an important lessons.
Honestly, I was practically in tears during this one - it was just such a fabulous message that I want to instill in my little girls. Every little girl should watch this!

Check out the trailer here. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. I cannot recommend this one enough!

VeggieTales is giving one lucky Girlymama reader a copy of Sweetpea Beauty!
Here’s how to enter:
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing how you encourage the children in your life to see their inner beauty.
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or  Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Friday, August 13th. Entries such as "Enter me" or "I want to win" will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don't hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner. 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of Sweetpea Beauty for review purposes. I was not compensated financially for this post.  As always all opinions are mine.

Keeping Mornings Sane(r) with Eggo *GIVEAWAY*

**This giveaway is now closed! Congratulations to the 5 winners, Katrina, Beth, Donna, Christina and Allyson! Hope Eggo helps your mornings be a little more sane!**

I am not a morning person. But my kids are. OH BOY are they. They hit the ground running at full speed (and volume) at ridiculously early hours of the morning. (For several months, my son was waking up at five am. FIVE. AM!) So after becoming a mom, I quickly learned I needed to learn how to cope with this morning thing that has the nerve to come around every single day.

I do everything I can the night before. Make lunches, pack up backpacks, lay out outfits, set up the coffeemaker to greet me when I come downstairs, and prepare as much as breakfast as I can.

I make an effort to be up before the kids. Its so tempting to sneak in more sleep, but mornings go much smoother when I have a head start. I get up, have a cup of coffee and read for a bit before the kids decend. 

I plan. And have a back-up plan. Mondays we have pancakes, Tuesdays we have cereal, Wednesdays we have muffins and yogurt, etc. And my back-up plan is frozen waffles. Its one of the fwe things that everyone likes. When the morning is totally crazy and chaotic and we're running late, I can throw frozen waffles in the toaster and (if need be) they can be eaten in the car.

Now, to add another weapon to my crazy morning arsenal, the Eggo Real Fruit Pizza. I popped them in the microwave this morning and 2 minutes later, breakfast was served. All three of my kids loved them and declared them "VERY YUMMY." I have to confess, I was skeptical, but they were actually really good! Not too sweet, great flavor and more filling than a waffle.

Would you like to a sane(r) morning? Eggo and The Motherhood want you to share your tips for getting through the morning and you an win one of (5), ohyes that’s right FIVE – Eggo® Real Fruit Pizzas Sampler Sets. Here’s how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing how you make your mornings sane(r)!
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or  Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Friday, July 20th. Entries such as "Enter me" or "I want to win" will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don't hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner. 

Disclosure: I was provided with items for review purposes by Eggo and TheMotherhood and was compensated for my time in writing this post and running this giveaway. As always all opinions are mine.

Family Reading Night Challenge *GIVEAWAY*

 ***This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to comment #28, Deena! I know you and your family are going to just love the V.Reader as much as we do!***

We have been fans of Family Reading Night for awhile in our house.

In the wintertime, we love to have what the kids call “Family Fire Night.” We light a fire in the fireplace, pop some popcorn and all curl up in the living room, snuggling together to read books, maybe playing a board game, and just enjoying some unplugged time together.

When my husband is traveling for work, the kids and I will often go to the library in the afternoon or after dinner, then come home and read the night away with all of our new books. It’s such a great quiet evening when Mama is a little fried after being with loud, energetic kids all day!

During the summer – especially on summer vacation – we love to read even more. Tonight we’re in Virginia Beach and, after spending an exhausting day on the beach and at the hotel pool, we’re having a Family Reading Night at the hotel: My husband reading on his Nook, my 7-year-old reading a chapter book, me reading picture books to my 2-year-old and my 5-year-old reading a book on her V.Reader. It is unbelievably peaceful.

Well, peaceful for having 5 people in a small room. My Gracie is so proud that she is reading on the V.Reader by herself. Ellie is getting annoyed at her because Gracie is reading aloud so we can all hear that she’s reading. (Just keepin’ it real.) She’s been reading it all vacation and I’m already seeing amazing progress with her. She can even complete the reading comprehension game – which is all reading! I’m so proud of her and I’m so excited to get her a new book.

Do you ever have a Family Reading Night?

VTech and TheMotherhood are giving one lucky Girlymama reader a V.Reader and game cartridge to help with your Family Reading Night! Here’s how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing how you encourage your family to read and if you've tried a Family Reading Night.
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or  Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Friday, June 16th. Entries such as "Enter me" or "I want to win" will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don't hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner. 

Disclosure: I was provided with a V.Reader for review purposes by VTech and TheMotherhood and was compensated for my time in writing this post and running this giveaway. As always all opinions are mine.

how can traveling with tots be easier? *giveaway*

**This giveaway is now closed! Congratulations to Bethany, comment #47**

My day in numbers:

400: Number of miles I drove today.
7: Number of hours I spent in the car today.
3: Number of kids that were with me.
0: Number of other adults to help me.
15: Number of chicken nuggets ordered for lunch at Wendy's.
2: Number of stops for diaper changes along the way.
397: Number of times I heard "Are we there yet?"
4: Number of movies watched by the kids while I drove.
1: Number of people who saw my underwear when my son opened the door of the bathroom stall at the rest stop.
25: Number of minutes my 2-year-old napped. ALL DAY.

We've traveled all over the place with toddlers. Including a trip halfway around the world that involved 36 consecutive hours of traveling. (No joke.) Traveling with a toddler requires endless patience, a sense of humor and - ideally - the same brand of luggage Mary Poppins uses so you can bring all the necessities that toddlers require!

So believe me when I say that I understand that traveling with a toddler is not for the faint of heart. And, finally, so does a hotel chain.

Marriott hotels is introducing Tots Travel Too™, a program designed to make travel easier for families with young children, that will be available at more than 2,500 Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels in the continental U.S. and Canada.

This complimentary Tots Travel Too program provides guests, upon request, with a travel crib and laundered COVERPLAY® removable crib slipcover to ensure their “traveler-in-training” can rest comfortably.  For a bit of bath time fun, a complimentary gift comes with the COVERPLAY, an animal squirtie toy.  In addition, parents who have forgotten to pack their tot’s essentials can contact the front desk for complimentary items, including outlet covers, nightlights, baby shampoo, and baby lotion, plus disposable bibs will be available in the breakfast areas.

Marriott and TheMotherhood.com are giving one lucky Girlymama reader a $250 Marriott Gift Card and a Marriott Tots Travel 2 Welcome Basket to give away (if there's no Marriott-affiliated hotel nearby, winners can use the gift card at Shop Marriott)! Here's how to enter:

Marriott and TheMotherhood.com are creating "The Ultimate Traveling with Toddlers Must-Have Tip Sheet" and we need help!

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing your best tip for traveling with toddlers.
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to my feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or  Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Tuesday, June 29th. Entries such as "Enter me" or "I want to win" will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don't hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner. 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am working in partnership with Marriott and TheMotherhood.com to cover the Marriott Tots Travel Too program and have received a stipend.

ZOOCCHINI kids *giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to comment  #11: Shannon of Chester County Moms!

I recently discovered an absolute gem of a company called ZOOCCHINI. They have whimsical plush stuffed animals, sweet hooded towels and adorable dinner sets. Everything is uniquely designed, well made, super cute and very affordable!

I LOVE the dinner sets!  Colin absolutely loves his and insists on using it for almost every meal. Its is so adorable (with original artwork), includes a plate, bowl, fork, spoon and sippy cup with lid AND its BPA and Phthalate FREE! It is very well made - not the flimsy plastic you often get with kids plates and such - and the utensils are sized perfectly for little hands.

We also tried out a ZOOCCHINI hooded towel - it is fabulous for the pool in the summer. Its generously sized, super soft, and sooo adorable. I'm so tired of buying character-themed beach towels that get rough and fade just as soon as you wash them - such a waste of money. But the ZOOCCHINI hooded towel has survived several trips to the pool - and just as many washings - and is just as soft as it started out!

Both of these items would make fabulous gifts for birthdays, baby gifts, or holiday gifts. As a parent, I love when people think out of the box and give gifts that aren't just name brand toys from the big box store. Something unique and useful is much more appreciated!

ZOOCCHINI is giving one lucky Girlymama reader a ZOOCCHINI Summer prize pack of a dinner set and hooded towel! Here's how to enter:

1. Contest ends Friday, June 11th.
2. Entry #1: Leave a comment telling me your favorite ZOOCCHINI item
3. Entry #2: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to the ZOOCCHINI newsletter
4. Entry #3:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, Tweeting about it, emailing friends, and/or subscribe to my feed by email or in a reader).
5. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. "

Not only that, but ZOOCCHINI is offering Girlymama readers 20% off your entire order for the next 30 days! Use coupon code  ZOOC20 at checkout!

disclaimer: i received a dinner set and hooded towel from ZOOCCHINI to facilitate this review. i was not compensated financially for this review or giveaway.

babies **GIVEAWAY**

This giveway is not closed! Congratulations, Hillary!

Have you heard about Babies? Ever since I saw the trailer a few weeks ago, I've been dying to see it!

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Thomas Balmès, from an original idea by producer Alain Chabat, BABIES simultaneously follows four babies around the world – from birth to first steps. The children are, respectively, in order of on-screen introduction: Ponijao, who lives with her family near Opuwo, Namibia; Bayarjargal, who resides with his family in Mongolia, near Bayanchandmani; Mari, who lives with her family in Tokyo, Japan; and Hattie, who resides with her family in the United States, in San Francisco.

Re-defining the nonfiction art form, BABIES joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all.

Watch the trailer -and tell me just how cute this looks! I would love to see how babies grow up all over the world!

To celebrate Babies premiere in theaters on May 7th, the wonderful folks at Focus Features are giving Girlymama readers a chance to win a Babies Prize Pack, which includes advance screening passes to see Babies, a t-shirt, a BABIES onesie, mini-posters and some other promotional items. Here's how to enter: 

1. Contest ends Saturday, April 24th.
2. Entry #1: Leave a comment just saying which Baby's story you're most interested in seeing.
3. Entry #2: Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, Tweeting about it, emailing friends, and/or subscribe to my feed by email or in a reader).
4. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

Good luck!!

Disclosure: This giveaway was provided for my readers as part of the Babies Ambassador program - which you can join!  I was not compensated financially for this post.

le creuset from cookware.com **GIVEAWAY**

**This giveaway is now closed! Congratulations to Laura D -- ENJOY your new Le Creuset!!**

You know how I'm absolutely in love with my new Le Creuset French Oven. I debated and debated over which one to get and you all passionately debated as well. ;-) Well, after I bought my new Le Creuset, I discovered the AMAZING prices at Cookware.com on Le Creuset! You can get a complete Le Creuset gift set for only $199. That's $200 off, people!! The 7-piece set is over $300 off.

And they don't just have Le Creuset. Cookware.com has everything from Calphalon is up to 70% off and Henckels knives for 60% off! This Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffeemaker is a personal favorite of mine and this is a great price! Kitchen Aid Stand Mixers are another classic that every cook would swoon for! You can even get Electrolux washers and dryers for 20% off! 

With graduations, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and wedding season coming up, you can get some fabulous gifts shipped for free right to your front door!

Cookware.com is generously offering a lucky Girlymama reader a gorgeous Le Creuset 12" x 9.5" Rectangular Baking Dish in Cherry.  Here's how to enter: 

1. Contest ends Friday, April 16th.
2. Entry #1: Leave a comment just saying you want to win.
3. Entry #2: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me your favorite color of Le Creuset.
4. Entry #3:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, Tweeting about it, emailing friends, and/or subscribe to my feed by email or in a reader).
5. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

Good luck!!

Disclosure: CSN Stores provided me with this giveaway for my readers. I was not compensated financially for this post.

baby cribs plus - brace yourself for the cuteness **GIVEAWAY**

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Amy! Enjoy your new bag!!

I recently discovered the little gem that is Baby Cribs Plus. They carry all the hottest brands of baby cribs, bedding and accessories - even diaper bags - at terrific prices.  They carry tons of the same brands that my local uber-pricey baby boutique has for a lot less. Plus, there's no sales tax and free shipping on all orders over $69.

I love that they have all the classic brands you find everywhere - like Britax and Graco - and also those swanky, unique brands you usually only find in boutiques. Its a great place to get baby gifts for friends or to decorate your nursery in a truly unique way! The artwork by CiCi Art Factory is just darling and I'm in love with the modern and fun crib bedding by Gus & Max. And what new mom (and dad) wouldn't love a hip diaper bag?

The great folks at Baby Cribs Plus are offering a lucky Girlymama reader this adorable Saddlebag Diaper Bag from Skip Hop!! Here's how to enter: 

1. Contest ends Friday, April 16th.
2. Entry #1: Leave a comment just saying you want to win.
3. Entry #2: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me your favorite brand sold at Baby Cribs Plus.
4. Entry #3:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, Tweeting about it, emailing friends, and/or subscribe to my feed by email or in a reader).
5. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

Good luck!!

Disclosure: CSN Stores provided me with this giveaway for my readers. I was not compensated financially for this post.

brighten your smile with rembrandt **GIVEAWAY**

This giveaway is now closed! Congrats to Megan! Enjoy your new smile!!

I confess that I've tried at-home teeth whitening products before, with slight success, but nothing really spectacular. I've used those strips that start with a "C" and end in "est" along with store brands. They made a difference, but nothing major.  I had a lot of tooth and gum sensitivity with the store brand. And you all know how I love my coffee, red wine and Coke Zero. So when I needed a touch- up, I was so excited to give Rembrandt 2 Hour Whitening Kit a try!

It was super easy to use. I loved how the trays formed to fit your teeth to give you great results - and that they covered more than just your six front teeth. They hit your whole smile! The trays were not uncomfortable at all. My teeth look great - my husband even noticed as soon as he got home! As a busy mom of three, I appreciate that Rembrandt has developed a system that works in two hours - not two days, not two weeks. And I didn't have much tooth sensitivity after - which I've had with other teeth whitening systems. I feel it gave me better results than any other at-home teeth whitening product I've tried thus far. I'm planning on picking up some Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste so I can keep drinking my beloved coffee without messing up my new whiter teeth!

Rembrandt is offering a lucky Girlymama reader their very own Rembrandt 2-Hour Whitening Kit!! Here's how to enter: 

1. Contest ends Friday, April 16th.
2. Entry #1: Leave a comment just saying you want to win.
3. Entry #2: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me what tooth whitening products you've tried and how they worked.
4. Entry #3:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, Tweeting about it, emailing friends, and/or subscribe to my feed by email or in a reader).
5. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

Good luck!!

Disclosure: Rembrandt provided me with a 2-Hour Whitening Kit to review as well as one for my readers. I was not compensated financially for this post.