Sale and Giveaway at Mixbook.com!!!!

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Mixbook Photobook Entry Form! Good Luck!

Mixbook Photobook and...Giveaway!

  Mixbook, a new obsession for Modern Mommy's! Warning: Mixbook photobooks may become addictive for Modern Mommy's (I'm just kidding)! 
 It was a lot of fun creating my photobook. It took a while because I had to pick exactly which pictures, themes and embellishments I wanted. I picked the Aqua Swirls wedding theme. I decided to do a book with all three of my kids (my stepson, and my own kiddos). 

 

Hubs and I on our wedding day and our cake.

 
I accidently did too many pages at first and had to redo my book. It was still an easy process and fun! It took some practise to get things exactly where I wanted them.   

 

The back cover of the book ( I photoshopped our last name off). Back covers can be pretty, too!

 Mixbook offers a great variety of sizes of photobooks. They also offer other products, including: invitations, birth announcements and calanders. My book, a hardback, 11x8.5, lanscape, 20 page photobook starts at $29.99 (USD). I think that is a great price, I was expecting it to be a lot more! On Walmart.com, a 12x12 (which is the closest I could find to 11x8.5) is $44.96 (USD). 
 I love my Mixbook photobook. It is something I will cherish forever! 
 And I like it so much that Mixbook and I are offering you lucky readers a chance to win a Mixbook photobook! 
 To enter: You must be a follower, either through Google Friend Connect or Facebook. The contest starts Wednesday, June 29, 2011 and runs through July 4, 2011. A winner will be contacted via e-mail July 5, 2011.  You must also fill out the entry form! Good Luck!

Lil' Texas Cuties Boutique!

    Our Princess' Fourth birthday just passed. I wanted her to feel just like a princess. She has always loved dress-up, but to buy dress up clothes from most stores is just impractical. The clothes fall apart after one wear, they are expensive and impersonal! 
 The Hubs and I agreed to buy an outfit from Little Texas Cuties Boutique! Princess loves "Hello Kitty" and anything associated with the bow wearing feline. It was even the theme of her party.  We picked the "Hello Kitty" themed birthday Tutu/T-shirt/ Hair bow combo! You can request different color combinations, we went with what was pictured, a black and pink lil' number. Included was her name and how old she is! (I photoshopped her name and added "Princess". Not as cute as what is actually on her shirt, but I am quite serious about their safety).

 

The Tutu, before Princess saw it!

  
 It arrived before her birthday (Thank goodeness)! We were blown away with how fluffy the tutu is and how well it fits Princess. She loved getting it as a gift. You should have seen her face! (Oh, wait...I can show you)! 

 

Doesn't she look Bea-U-tiful!

 She wore it to her birthday party at Bounce U. Not the most practical place to wear a tutu. It did start to untie, and I had to tie the pieces of tulle back on. I don't think it was due to poor craftmanship, rather, a lapse of judgement on my part. Even so, only a few came off and once fixed, we haven't had a problem since. She has worn the t-shirt and bow often and both are holding up and look adorable on her!

 

Princess bouncin' away in her new Birthday Tutu Set!

 I just love Etsy.com, and all the wonderful artisans I find. Lil' Texas Cuties Boutique is my number one shop for dress-up, photo prop and other unique accessories! Here is the link for Lil' Texas Cuties Etsy.com Shop: LilTexasCutiesEtsyShop.Etsy.com

Wordless (not quite) Wednesday!

As if I could be wordless! Mwhahahaha! Anyway, Here is Tater holding his bottle (A newly acquired skill). 

And next? Tater and I played with Princess, as she played with her play kitchen. Here is Tater holding a cup of (pretend) coffee!

Giveaway Update!

New Giveaway coming soon! Come back and check out the Giveaways Page closer to July 4th! You'll like it!

Father's Day 2011 (Just Add Handprints)!

  Father's Day Present? My husband is not a suit and tie kind of guy, so finding the right Father's Day gift on a budget? Not the easiest task. I
looked at all kinds of department stores and nothing really caught my
eye...tools, ties, grills and games....
 One night, this Modern Mommy sat by the computer blankly, until the
proverbial light bulb lit up above my head! Etsy.com!
 I found Jennifer's shop, A Lil' Bitta Everything. She had the cutest little
boy onesies (she's concentrating on boys stuff right now, because she
feels there is a lack of cute things for boys. I agree)! Jennifer started her
shop to be able to be a Stay At Home Mommy. She also makes Thank you cards, iron on appliques and
canvases!
 I picked out a canvas for the Hubs. Jennifer aptly describes the canvas:
Daddy and Me Wall Hanging. Just add handprints. 
 She is very accomidating, allowing you to make changes and request
different images than what is shown!
 One day while Hubs was working, Princess,Tater and I added the finishing
touches. Princess added her hanprint, name and age. I tried to add Tater's
handprint, but he was being uncooperative, so we went with a footprint! (I
did retouch the pictures, just to remove the kids names and our address
on the Fed-Ex box. Privacy, Dear Readers).

Hubs opening his gift!

 Hubs was suprised when he
opened his gift! He hung it right up!   
 The custom canvas is a steal! Only $18.00 (USD) plus $7.00 shipping. 

This is the most unique Father's Day present we have ever given Hubs!
 So for a unique Father's Day present: Love + Children + A Lil' Bitta Every
Thing + Handprints = Unforgettable Father's Day!
 Here is a link, as always! www.etsy.com/ALilBittaEverythingShop.com

Bambino Merino Swaddling Blanket!

 
 Swaddling is an act of love, I think. Swaddling imitates the security baby feels while inside the Belly! It calms Baby, helping him sleep longer. Swaddling also prevents startling and waking from involuntary arm and leg movements (the Moro reflex). Tater’s Moro reflex is strong! While we don’t know the cause of SIDS for sure, most experts agree that swaddling reduces risk factors associated with SIDS by helping baby to sleep on his back. I'd like to think that it is a bit like Mommy holding Tater all night long! 

                      Swaddled in the Bambino Merino Swaddle Blanket
 I was fortunate enough to be sent a Bambino Merino Swaddling Blanket in Sky (sky blue). It came all the way from the U.K.!   
  Bambino Merino was started by Rochelle after the premature birth of her son. She was looking for something that would keep him warm, but, not overheat him. She created baby sleep sacks and blankets from New Zealand merino wool (I’ll bet that’s where part of the name comes from; bambino is “baby” in Italian).     
  I was so surprised when I got this! When I read that it was wool, I was skeptical as to whether baby would stay cool. The swaddle blanket is so light! It is also silky smooth. It is very stretchy! This is great, because, when Tater was born, he was 10 lbs. and 5 oz.! He is already a bit bigger than the average 3 month old. But, he still needs that loving comfort of being swaddled. It stretched to a perfect fit. He was in his very own cocoon! 

                                        All comfy cozy!
  I love the Bambino Merino Swaddle blanket and I’m sure you will too! Priced at £34.95 or about $50.00 USD. (I may be slightly off, I used X-rates.com to calculate the conversion). The price is a bit too steep for me, although if you are expecting, be sure to add it to your registry! Also, this blanket can last a long time! It can be used in a variety of ways: as a regular blanket, a cover during nursing or even a sun cover over your car seat. 
 What a great, light weight, yet warm way to swaddle baby! 
  Here is the link: http://www.bambinomerino.com/

Wordless Wednesday!

Wordless? I think not. Here are the kids covered in paint after Daddy encouraged a paint war, and yes....I got hit too! But, not before getting the Hubs!

Daddy? Why?

Sissy, NOOOO!!!

                             

Princess Turns 4!

Princess turns four years old today (officially at 8:09 a.m)! How time flies. I remember the day she was born...She was born via Cesarean Section, she came out red and purple. I couldn't wait to hold all 10 lbs. and 12 oz. of baby girl!
   Someone once told me that "The days are long, but, the years are short". That most certainly rings true with children. 
   Her party is being held at a local bouncy place. I will be reviewing (both the party place and one of her gifts), but, not today or Saturday. Today is her birthday and Saturday is her party. I just want to enjoy it all with her! Happy Birthday Darling, Mommy loves you! 

29 Followers!

I am so excited to have 29 followers! Thank you for being my fans. More great reviews and giveaways coming soon! I have a really cute Father's Day item, you're going to love! Be sure to check it out on Father's Day!

Wordless Wednesday

Well, okay....it is Thursday, and the closest synonym I could come up with was "Taciturn Thursday".....Not sure if that made the same impression as "Wordless Wednesday". Anyway, Hubs picked some wild flowers for me today :) How sweet, right? Next week, I will make it on Wordless Wednesday ;)

            

Leap Frog Discount!

  Dear Readers, I have the unique honor of offering you a discount from a company you will probably recognize! LeapFrog, the  makers of those awesome educational toys we have all come to love, is offering a discount of 15% percent. Enter this code : 15OFFLF at check out. Your order has to be more than $60.00, but what an excuse to spend! 

Mudpuppy Ring Flash Cards!

    Since Princess was about a year old, I have taught her English (well, it is
our native tongue), Spanish and German. I'm not fluent and neither is she,
but I hope to have fostered a love of language and hopefully an interest in
other cultures. 
   I am always on the hunt for toys and teaching tools that are fun and
educational.  I found a wonderful company called Mudpuppy! Mudpuppy is
dedicated to creating beautiful, educational toys, puzzles, games and so
much more. 
             Mudpuppy found a way to combine, fun, learning and language
into one package! Ring flash cards! Sturdy, 2 sided and they even come on
a reclosable ring! ( I won't tell Princess that yet or they will end up on my
floor). The price is just right, $12.00 (USD) for 26, bright, sturdy and double sided flash cards. 
                                      Mudpuppy Flash Cards! 
                                 (Still in the box, that won't last long)

              Princess and I opened these right away! While my pronunciation
wasn't quite right ( I took French, Spanish and German in school. I liked
German best of all and that is where my pronunciation is strongest) she
caught on quickly and she really enjoyed doing them.

                         Princess reading the cards.
             If language isn't your thing, they have a lot of other ring flash
cards to choose from: Opposites, First Words, Colors & Shapes and Time,
just to name a few. Their products include more than just flash cards,however.
They have construction sets, art supplies, puzzles and so much more!  
Mudpuppy is also offering you, my Dear Readers, a discount of 15% OFF ! Just enter this code at checkout: ZZZ2
           Be sure to check them out! http://www.galison.com/MUDPUPPY-C43.aspx

Tater Update

Tater held his bottle by himself for the first time last night (ok. 3:27 a.m is morning)! I was so excited, I thought I'd share with you, Dear Readers. What  are your kiddos doing this week?

Mabels Labels!

    

      

              Dear Readers, necessity really is the mother of invention! 
  Have you ever gotten so confused trying to find the right cord to unplug?
Well, if your house is anything like mine, we have a ton of electric stuff
and can never, ever find the right cord! We have the computer, printer,
router, modem, Wii, PlayStation 2 and 3, the phone, the fish tank...well, the
list just goes on!
                      "411 Wristbands, Cute magnets and Cord Control"

    Well, I have a solution for you! Mabel's Labels! Made by a few moms
who got sick of stuff leaving their house and never returning! Mabel's
Labels are dishwasher, microwave, laundry safe. They are customizable
and come in your choice of color and design. 
    I received a pack of their "411 Wristbands" and "Cord Control" labels.
The "Cord Control" labels are for my previously mentioned problem with
all of our electronics! There were some for laptops, the toaster, the TV,
every household appliance you could imagine! So, Princess and I got busy
applying them! Organization is the key to success, after all!                                   

                                    Our cords, after "Cord Control"!

           
  I also received two packs of their "411 Wristbands".They can be printed
with such information as: your phone number and allergy information.
These would be great for a school trip, caregivers or even an alternative to
MedAlert type bracelets. (Who wants to wear a metal bracelet, when you
can wear a cool, lightweight, waterproof one)? Mine were printed with a
phone number and info not to give Tater honey as he is less than a year
old. 
                             Tater's 411 Wristband (around his ankle).

               
  Mabel's Labels are a spectacular way to get organized! Their products
include: Clothing labels (both sticky and iron on), household labels, like
those Cord Control ones, Bag Tags and even stationary! As always, here is
a link: http://www.mabel.ca/

Sew Precious Baby Car Seat Cover!

   Dear Readers, I once saw these cute covers for infant car seats. I thought to myself "Gee, that would be great for Princess when she gets car sick! Just take one off and put a new one on!" 
  Then, Surprise! Baby #2 turns out to be Tater Tot, a boy! All my girl stuff I had saved...out the door!

 

The car seats. Left: Graco SnugRide. Right: Evenflo Embrace.

                           
   Or so I thought!
   Until, this Modern Mommy fired up the computer and searched on one of my favorite sites, Etsy.com, and I found Sew Precious Baby: Custom Infant & Toddler Car Seat Covers, Clothing and Accessories! She has an amazing selection of beautiful infant/toddler car seat covers, blankets, dresses and onesies. She even makes Shopping Cart Covers! I had a tough time selecting what pattern I wanted for Tater's seat. Hubs wanted camo, I thought that was cute...but, in the end, "Brown with Dots" won out!

 

The Evenflo, with it's new, amazing cover!

               
   This particular cover costs $50.00 plus the $7.50 shipping. I know a lot of you are going to fairly faint over that price tag, however I always like to comparison shop when I can, so....Infant Car Seat cover from Sew Precious Baby? $57.50. Comparable cover by Bella Baby Company? $67.50 and I couldn't even find the shipping fee! 
   I needed something that would cover the girly fabric on my daughter's old seat and that wouldn't call my son's gender in question. (Before the car seat cover, people would stop and ask how old "she" was, even if Tater was in all blue)! I also wanted to use this car seat, instead of my "Winnie the Pooh"
one, because  it fits on my stroller ( I got the travel system when Princess was born). Also, Hubs and I have a very small, two door car. The girly Evenflo Seat fits better in the car than the "Winnie the Pooh" Graco SnugRide.
  The cover is so very soft, made from "Minky" fabric. It is super cute! And reasonably priced for such a product. The cover came with a hood cover and both were really easy to put on. Did I mention that the cover is washable? It also came with these snap on shoulder straps, that are reversible. All the stitching is tight, this cover is made to last! Tater loved sitting in his new seat cover and he looked good doing it!

 

Tater in his new, soft, masculine seat!

              
  This would make a great baby shower present or just a cute alternative to what is available in the
stores!  
  Click link to see the latest from Sew Precious Baby!
                                   http://sewpreciousbaby.com/