Managing All Those Pictures & Videos: Problem Solved

What is the biggest challenge for a new mom? Getting used to life without regular sleep? Nope. Figuring out when baby is hungry, whether they are too hot or too cold and countless other new considerations? Not for me. After two babies in two years, the biggest challenge for me continues to be managing all of the pictures and videos. Suddenly after my daughter was born I couldn't put the camera down! Organizing them alone was a major chore. Do I separate them by week, month, season? After three years I've finally found a system that works which includes the following system:

• After the first year, pictures and videos are organized by season, "Fall" or "Spring" for instance with pictures ion one folder and videos in another.
• For special occasions, I use How Fast They Grow to scrapbook birthday, holidays and vacations. Each child has their own book.
• Once a year a I order a picture book rather than attempting to manage hundred of prints.
• Rather than having videos languish on the computer never to be seen, I create a Smilebox to showcase them along with some favorite pictures.

This way each child will have a scrapbook of major milestones, I have one book to showcase all of our pictures and videos can actually be seen as opposed to sitting on the computer. Smilebox is one of my favorite sites; just choose a theme and plug the videos (and pictures too) right in. Rather than spending time making layout decisions, Smilebox automatically sets it up for you...just pick an occasion and pop in the videos. From there you can play the Smilebox on your computer, share via email, or create a CD. My plan is to create CDs for each child that can be watched and later archived.


Follow Smilebox on Twitter and Facebook for updates and insider information. Also remember to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid for other cool tips and resources.

Lulu's Pajamas & Delicious Bug: Book Reviews

Lulu's Pajamas is a delightful fiction book written by Lucie Papineau. The beautiful illustration enhance this easy to read story for children ages two to six. It is told in a child's voice about a mouse who does not want to change out of her pajamas for school. Many parents can relate to this struggle! This story is sure to be a bed time favorite in your home! The Kirkus Review wrote, "Young Readers will be entranced with Lulu." My three year old was and she requests this story several times a week. My favorite part of the story is that the little mouse realizes (at the end) that her mother is always right! I just love happy endings.


Janet Perlman writes about two frogs who struggle for a bug. This beautifully illustrated tale provides humorous dialogue and is sure to hold your attention! It also sends an important message about resolving conflict. This book could be used to talk to young children about resolving conflict in a positive way. Perlman's colorful story will have children laughing, learning, and problem solving all at the same time! This book is ideal for children ages 2-6.


Review by Alicia, Cool Baby Kid contributor. Visit www.kidscanpress.com for more exciting books, tips, and ideas!

Introducing Tutu Sweet by Pink Bowtique {Giveaway}

When my daughter was born I had the grand idea to make my own bows and headbands. After finding a great instructional site on how to make hairbows, I purchased a glue gun, ribbon and all of the necessary materials. I could deal with the lack of creativity but when baby became toddler and 2nd baby joined our family, my bow-making days were over. After an extensive search I discovered Pink Bowtique and put my glue gun away for good. Reasonably priced and cuter than any of my own creations, you'll find everything from bows and headbands to hats and even tutus. Here are some highlights:

• Swarovski Hair Accessories for special occasions with clippies for the little ones
• Fall bows and headbands including one of my everyday favorites, the Pretty Miss Ruffle style
• Matching sister bows and bands for baby, toddler or older child

After nearly two years of reviewing baby and kid products, I'm yet to find a more adorable and extensive selection of hair accessories than Pink Bowtique. But give yourself a few minutes to search the site and good luck picking just a few.

Cool Giveaway:To celebrate Tutu Sweet by Pink Bowtique, new line of tutus and matching headbands/hats, they are giving one luck winner a Tutu Sweet Precious Pink Baby Crochet Hat and Fairytale Princess Royal Ball Baby Headband (pictured) valued over $45.00 with shipping.


Extra Entries: Earn additional entries and read the contest rules including how to subscribe for winner notification. Ends 11/9/09.

September Contest Winners & A LIVE Giveaway Tonight!

With giveaways every week on Cool Baby Kid, we have winners out the wazoo. Are you one of them? Check the September winner list below just in case. And remember there's plenty of chances to still win at the Baby Shower Extravaganza LIVE Finale tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST on Life Starring the Kids and Me. Stop by for your chance to win a Busy Ball Activity Center from Playskool and tons of other prizes.

Congratulations to the following winners. Please email coolbabykid (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize.

• Tee Juice Fabric Pens...tawnda whose favorite is MMA kick.


• Simply Chickie onesie...Anonymous who is a follower.


• Evenflo Travel Highchair...stampedwithgrace.


• SafetyTat safety tattoos...VickeC who tweeted, Facebooked, followed & more!


• Hot Peas n Butter CD...Heather who is a roxyroller.


• Asheba CD...cherdon who likes listening to music ahead of time.

If you didn't win, don't despair. We've arranged for an exclusive discount and plenty of coupon codes to make shopping a bit easier on the wallet. For additional coupon codes and special offers, visit our Discounts section

.

Exclusive Discount: Use code "Coolbabykid20" for 20% off Simply Chickie baby clothing.

Hero of the Rails & Frosty Friends DVDs {+ Holiday Giveaway}

It's finally here, Thomas the Train-the movie: Hero of the Rails. This DVD is great. Kids of all ages can enjoy the adventures of Thomas and his friends such as Spencer, Sir Topham Hatt, and new friends such as Hiro and Victor. The movie lets children see the value in friendship and how important helping friends can be. Thomas helps Hiro and they go on an adventure of a life time, regardless of the obstacles in their way. The movie has great animation and songs your child will enjoy from start to finish. The bonus features are also great. They have an interactive race, karaoke music video, a segment where you child can yell out the name of the engine as it appears on the screen (my personal favorite-my son gets so excited when he knows the name), and a segment for parents--I never knew there was so much Thomas the Train paraphernalia. This feature gave me some great ideas. This is a moview I strongly recommend for any child who likes Thomas the Train. Remember, this is a movie, not just an 12 minute episode of Thomas. My son doesn't always sit and watch the entire DVD at one sitting. This DVD may be better for a child a little older to watch as a full movie. He does still ask for it daily and we enjoy it as a family over and over . This is one of my top picks for sure!

HIT Entertainment: Frosty Friends DVD

Hello Winter!!! Here comes a video to get everyone in the holiday spirit. This DVD had all your children's favorite pals--Barney, Kipper, Bob the Builder, Pingu, and yep you guessed it--Thomas the Train. Your child will enjoy hours of fun and variety with his preschool friends. They will learn the true meaning of sharing, friendship, and caring for the holidays. They will start by singing Christmas Carols with Barney and friends. Next, they will build snowmen and have oodles of winter fun with Bob the Builder and his gang. Don't forget Thomas and Percy's new whistle. Last, but certainly not least, your children will enjoy Pingo and Kipper with all their tricks they play on their friends. Dont miss out on this soon to be holiday favorite. Get the hot cocoa out and enjoy!

Reviewed by Debby, Cool Baby Kid Contributor

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win Holiday Collections (3 DVD Sets) of your kids' favorite friends Barney, Thomas and Bob the Builder on Cool Baby Kid's holiday gift guide. We've teamed up with 15 blogs on the Double Duty Diva Holiday Gift Guide...head over there to enter.

Feel Youthful Again with Eau Flirt! {Giveaway}

Harvey Prince has created a fragrance that will make you feel younger...literally. After reading about this product I could not wait to try it. This very youthful scent reminded me of a perfume I wore in high school. I loved the springy, floral scent. To my knowledge it is the first perfume clinically proven to attract men by using notes associated with youthful feelings. Harvey Prince touts Eau Flirt! as "prescription free youth," and I believe that this scent can help you to feel younger. I am very careful when choosing perfumes because some can cause me to sneeze and others I cannot keep on for the entire day. However, I enjoyed Eau Flirt all day long and received many compliments on it. This perfume would be a wonderful holiday gift packaged in a pretty white box with a picture of a beautiful flirty girl. A "must-have" for all youthful women.

Reviewed by Alicia, Cool Baby Kid contributor

Cool Giveaway: One winner will receive a full-sized bottle of new Eau Flirt, the first fragrance clinically proven to make men flirt with women. Another winner will receive a full sized bottle of Ageless Anti-Age Perfume clinically proven to make women smell younger. (Valued at $98.00 each.) To enter, visit their site comment back here with one fact not in this review.

Extra Entries: Earn additional entries by following them on Twitter and Facebook. Remember to leave an extra comment for each entry. Earn even more entries and read the contest rules including how to subscribe for winner notification. Ends 11/4/09.

Baby Shower Finale- LIVE GIVEAWAY This Thursday

Here we are at the end of the Baby Shower Extravaganza. I hope that you have enjoyed the contests and good luck! Stay tuned Thursday, October 21st at 9:00 p.m. EST for reviews of those products that actually require a newborn :-P I have a lot to get to. So, let's end with a BANG! shall we? We are going to have a live giveaway for the following prizes:

* A Personalized Baby's First Christmas Ornament from BabyBox.com ($20)
* A Green Kaboost Chair Booster from Kaboost ($38)
* A KickTrak Prenatal Kick Counter from Kicktrak ($30)
* A Space Symphony Magic Motion Gym from Lamaze ($70)
* A Princess Sophie Toy from Lamaze ($14)
* A Kerry the Fairy Toy from Lamaze ($14)
* A Busy Ball-Tivity Center from Playskool ($33)
* A Sleepy Wrap Carrier from Sleepywrap ($40)
* A Pendant Necklace from Squares of Flair (Various)

So, this giveaway is is going to be held on THURSDAY the 21st @ 9 PM EST on LIFE STARRING THE KIDS & ME. You will be asked to visit each sponsor (6 in total) and leave a comment telling what product you like the best or what you learned about a product...anything to prove you supported the sponsor participating.

PAY ATTENTION:
We want to get the word out there about this Finale so...we want your help and yes, you will get a reward. Every time you tweet the following message or put it on Facebook or blog about it you will receive 10 bonus entries in each of the other Baby Shower Extravaganza giveaways. You will need to leave a link to where you promoted this giveaway in the entry form for the other giveaways.

TWEET--- Live Giveaway Oct 21 @ 9 PM EST-Baby Shower Extravaganza FINALE Giveaway Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/caonh2

Read on for more info on the sponsors and the prizes:

BabyBox.Com
This charming Christmas holiday bow frame ornament is simply classic. The ornament comes in either white or red with tartan ribbon adorning the sides of the frame. The same style tartan ribbon is affixed to the front of the frame as well. The ornament frame looks beautiful with a family name or date painted on it and is a great way to share memories plus celebrate at the same time.
Kaboost
Little kids like to feel like big kids, and that usually means they like sitting in their own "big chair" at the table, so instead of using a couple of phone books to give your kiddo a boost at the table, check out the Kaboost. The Kaboost is a portable chair booster that makes it easier for kids to reach the table. The booster snaps onto the bottom of any 4 legged chair and has two height levels so it fits most any sized chair and table and you don't have to worry about it slipping or sliding around on the chair like a regular booster seat.

KickTrak
Every mom to be likes to keep on top of things making sure everything is going well with her pregnancy and one of the ways doctors tell expectant moms to keep track of their baby's health is to count kicks. Kick counting is actually easier enough, but trying to actually keep track of the number of kicks during a specific period of time isn't always that easy, so that's where KickTrak comes in. The KickTrak is a small electronic device that helps moms to be keep track of their kick counts and keeps a record to show to kick patterns.

Lamaze
Lamaze Space Symphony Magic Motion Gym by Learning Curve
Turn your activity gym into a life size mobile! This colorful round play mat features arms that suspend and “magically” move above baby, bringing the toys to life while promoting visual tracking. Featuring fun cosmic-themed toys and music. Baby’s favorite toys can be attached to the play mat for tummy time play.
Lamaze Princess Sophie by Learning Curve
Royalty never looked (or felt) so good! Princess Sophie holds her jewels (clacking beads) in her hands for baby to play with and her skirt crinkles to keep baby’s interest. Her bold colors and contrast prints help with visual stimulation and development.
Lamaze Kerry the Fairy by Learning Curve
Kerry the Fairy will flutter with you everywhere, her portable clip means take along fun on the fly. Kerry’s interactive features include a multi-colored rattle and crinkle discovery wings for endless discovery play.
PlaySkool
Treat baby to some poppin', droppin' funtime with this air-powered activity set. Cute jungle animals and a ladybug entice little fingers to grasp and explore. Press down on the ladybug to start the action and keep this jungle moving and on the ball. Parts "magically" move to baby's exotic adventure. The smiley-faced monkey pops out of the tree! As the air starts to flow, lively music plays and animal sounds seem to bring this activity set to "life". Colored balls swirl around the "pool". Little hands can reach in and pull them out, then drop them back in to watch them swirl around and around. Place a ball on top of the "volcano" to make it hover! Stackable palm tree, elephant and alligator pieces spin, twirl and "chomp" when placed on their separate ports, or stack them for a different perspective. It's a jungle out there -- and that's what your baby will love so much about this air-powered play center.

Sleepy Wrap
Babywearing is a great way for parents to bond with their baby. There are many different kinds of carriers out there, and the Sleepy Wrap is one of the most easy to use and simple yet comfortable styles. The wrap style is made to fit virtually any body type and can be used for carry a newborn and can be used to carry a one year old. The company that makes Sleepy Wrap also makes a carrier for older children (ages 1-4) called the Boba Carrier which is made to supports more weight and provides a bit mor structure and support for parents and kids.

Post by Victoria, Life Starring Ellie & Eve

ResponsiBuilders: Teach Kids Responsiblity {Giveaway}

ResponsiBuilders chore game may be the best $25 you'll spend on your kids. For the cost of a few movie tickets or one DVD you can easily teach your youngsters and even toddlers how to be responsible. As an 8th grade teacher our team motto is "Respect & Responsibility." We feel these are two important values for young adolescents to learn. Teaching responsibility is extremely difficult, however, unless it has been fostered much earlier than13 years of age. And the best method for teaching kids responsibility is by making it fun. Luckily an inventive mom created a unique way to meet the challenge of making a 3three year old understand his or her role in the household with a game called ResponsiBuilders. A cost-effective, brightly illustrated set of cards are at the cornerstone of the game. Some examples of chores in the 50 card deck are:

• "The rugs are full of dirt and crumbs. Please take them out and shake them some."
  
• "Oh I wish, wish, wish to help with the dishes, dishes, dishes!"
  
• "Oh my! Oh dear! The trash must go out and the garbage disappear!"
  

Depending on the age level, the game can be played as intended by having kids choose cards and place them in an optional fabric organizer making it a visual depiction that the chore is either on the "To Do" list or "Done" category. With a one and a half year old who enjoys plucking the cards from any column and tossing them on the floor, we modified the game by giving her a choice of two cards, placing it on the refrigerator as a reminder and then putting it away when the task is complete. The pictures are an easy, fun way to explain the duty to young children: "See the plant. We have a plant just like it over here. Your job today is to water the plant." The best part of ResponsiBuilders...it works! The game has become an integral part of our routine and before long we hope our younger son will be in one the action and helping with chores rather than creating new ones.


Cool Giveaway: Enter to win one of two sets of ResponsiBuilders by visiting their site and commenting back here with one thing you learned not mentioned in this post.


Extra Entries: Earn extra entries and read the contest rules including how to subscribe for winner notification. US Only. Ends 11/3/09.

Hot Picks from Haute Mamas {October Edition}

Which blogs do we think are the hottest at Cool Baby Kid? Those listed below are some of our favorites, ones we read ourselves. Each month we collect cool posts from each mama to share a snapshot of the best giving you a quick easy way to explore other neat sites. We hope you enjoy stopping by our favorite "haute" spots from around the web. Just be sure to come back here when you're done.

Help Me Get My “Audrey” Back and Channel ‘Funny Face
Sarah at The Ohana Mama

The Mom Buff: SAHMs Have More Time to Work Out
Erin at the Mom Buzz

Bumbleride Indie Stroller Review and Giveaway
Bridgette, The Experimental Mommy

Win A Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Vegas Vacation
Lee at MySentimentExactLee

What's For Dinner? Apple Recipes Edition
Ellen at Thrifty & Chic Mom

Baby Shower: Gerber Baby Prize Package (2 Winners)

Kids like to eat...well mine did anyways. So, in an effort to help you get on the right track to feeding your little one healthy food, Gerber is offering 2 winner 2 Boxes of 8 Grains and Yogurt Cereal, 3 flavors of DHA Purees, a Gerber Teddy Bear, and Gerber Recipe Tin.

Gerber Cereal

Introducing a variety of grains to your baby's diet can help establish healthy eating habits. GERBER 8 Grains & Yogurt Cereal is made with 8 natural grains and real yogurt. This cereal blend is appropriate for babies who have reached the sitter stage and who have already been exposed to simple, single grain cereals like Rice or Oatmeal. Given wheat flour is the top ingredient in our 8 Grains & Yogurt Cereal, we recommend that your baby be first introduced to the smaller amount of wheat in our Mixed Cereal prior to feeding our 8 Grains & Yogurt Cereal. Let your baby discover the creamy taste and goodness of yogurt with GERBER 8 Grains & Yogurt Cereal.

• Made with 8 natural grains:
  
  
  
  • Wheat
  
  
  • Barley
  
  
  • Rye
  
  
  • Corn
  
  
  • Sorghum
  
  
  • Rice
  
  
  • Oat
  
  
  • Millet
  
  
• Made with real yogurt and contains Live and Active Cultures.


• No artificial colors or flavors.


• Excellent source of iron, for infants which support baby's healthy mental development.

Gerber Purees
Once your baby eats easily from a spoon and has enjoyed single ingredient cereals, fruits and vegetable purees, it may be time to introduce him to new tastes. GERBER Purees with DHA have 18 mg of DHA per serving to help support brain and eye development.

Post by Victoria, Life Starring Ellie & Eve

How to Enter:
Visit Gerber and tell me what products you have tried or might be interested in.
Bonus Entries Remember for each bonus entry to leave a comment in the form. 1 comment = 1 entry

* Subscribe
* Follow on Google Friends Connect
* Tweet Tweet this giveaway including a prize description and a link (daily)
* Grab my button (3 extra)
* Comment on any other non-giveaway article on this site (3 extra)
* Enter the other giveaways on this site (5 extra)
* Enter this giveaway on each of the participating sites: (5 extra per site)
- Life Starring the Kids & Me
-Cool Baby Kid
-Blessings Abound Mommy
- The Divine Miss Mommy
* Comment on the other participating sites: (5 extra)
-Life Starring the Kids & Me
-Cool Baby Kid
-Blessings Abound Mommy
- The Divine Miss Mommy
* Blog about this giveaway with a direct link back (10 extra)

Baby Shower: Sitting, Eating and Sleeping Baby Giveaway

Babies sit, eat, sleep, and end up getting schlepped all over town. So in an effort to make sure your baby is sitting, sleeping and schlepping in style here's a giveaway package for you. So, what's in it? A Svan Bouncer Chair, a Kolcraft Coutours Highchair, a Taylor Joelle Baby Blanket, and a Eurototefrom Lillebaby.

Svan
A must-have for the first months of babyhood, the Svan Bouncer cradles an infant with a sure, gentle touch. With its simple yet elegant design, the Bouncer is a natural alternative to mechanical bouncers. Each feature is specifically developed for secure support and healthy growth.

Offering unlimited range of motion, the Bouncer reclines for napping or sits completely upright for feedings. The sturdy yet pliable bentwood backrest aligns and supports the spine to promote proper development. The flexible frame bounces gently with an infant's own movements. Or parents can soothe and rock little ones with just an easy tap of the foot.
* Fully adjustable seat
* Naturally bounces with baby's movement
* Ergonomic backrest supports proper development
* Available in a wide variety of fashionable colors
* Folds and lies flat for easy storage or traveling
* Padded fabric cover included
* Fabric detaches for machine washing
* For children 6-30 lbs.
* Constructed of sustainable birch wood
* JPMA certified to meet ASTM F2167

Kolcraft
Contours® Perfect Fit™High Chair is an easy-to-clean high chair designed to fit children of all shapes and sizes. It has a soft and smooth foam seat that is cushy and simple to clean and a special 'crumb catcher' under the seat that makes clean up quick and simple. The high chair perfectly fits your child with seat to tray adjust and height adjustable seat back, and footrest. It includes a removable dishwasher safe tray insert for fast, convenient cleaning. Your child stays safe in the 3 and 5-point safety restraint and has a 3-position astronaut seat recline and 7-position height adjustment. The Perfect Fit High Chair folds compactly for efficient storage and has locking casters for easy mobility.

Taylor Joelle
Taylor Joelle's baby blankets have are soft as a baby's bum! These extremely soft blankets have a combination of soft plush fabric, and silky fabric. It is the perfect blanket for your baby or toddler. If you are looking for other types of baby accessories Taylor Joelle has you covered with crib bedding as well as shoes and accessories.

Lillebaby
The Norwegians' appreciation of natural beauty, simplicity and quality is embodied in the líllébaby brand, especially the EuroTote baby carrier. líllébaby allows American parents to bring the essence of Norwegian design and innovation into their lives. While we obviously combine fashion and functionality, you'll discover our priorities are safety and comfort. Whether at home or while traveling, the líllébaby EuroTote protects parents most precious cargo. This cradle carrieris designed to fit the busy American lifestyle by marrying stylish Scandinavian design with American functionality and safety. The EuroTote eases the transition from home to car to stroller and anywhere in between.

Post by Victoria, Life Starring Ellie & Eve

How to Enter:
Visit each of the sponsors (Svan, Kolcraft, Taylor Joelle and Lillebaby) and look around, then come back and tell me one product from each sponsor that you would like. You must visit each sponsor and choose a product from each, this entry is mandatory. You may leave one entry per sponsor, so a total of 4 entries.

Bonus Entries Remember for each bonus entry to leave a comment in the form. 1 comment = 1 entry

* Subscribe
* Follow on Google Friends Connect
* Tweet Tweet this giveaway including a prize description and a link (daily)
* Grab my button (3 extra)
* Comment on any other non-giveaway article on this site (3 extra)
* Enter the other giveaways on this site (5 extra)
* Enter this giveaway on each of the participating sites: (5 extra per site)
- Life Starring the Kids & Me
-Cool Baby Kid
-Blessings Abound Mommy
- The Divine Miss Mommy
* Comment on the other participating sites: (5 extra)
-Life Starring the Kids & Me
-Cool Baby Kid
-Blessings Abound Mommy
- The Divine Miss Mommy
* Blog about this giveaway with a direct link back (10 extra)

We Are...

PENN STATE! With my sister in law school (first in her class!) at my alma mater, we finally had a sufficient excuse to leave the kiddos with Nonnie and Grampa and head down for a game. With more than a little tailgating involved, I took my Frito-Lay tailgating pack with me. Since I'm training for a Figure competition, I assumed all of the snack would be off limits, but was pleasantly surprised when checking out Frito-Lay snacks a bit more closely that hey are void of TransFats, have less salt than you would think, and many include nutritional value you'd not normally associate with snack food. In other words...bring on the Tostitos! The normal people among ate them with Buffalo Wing Dip (shredded chicken, salsa, blue cheese, wing sauce, and cheddar cheese) and those looking to lean out our waistlines ate a healthier version with no blue cheese and less cheddar with Baked! Tostitos. Still yummy though. So whether you're live at a game or watching your favorite team on the tub...like the 49er's maybe...make it a Frito-Lay tailgate by entering to win your own prize pack.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a Frito-Lay Tailgating kit including better-for-you Frito-Lay products, a gift card to buy your own recipe ingredients and cool football to serve traditional or healthier versions of your favorite dip recipes. Just check out Frito-Lay and list one way they are "better for you" than you thought.


Extra Entries: Earn extra entries and read the contest rules including how to subscribe for winner notification. US Only. Ends 10/26/09.

Baby Shower: Congrats to the New Mom Giveaway

I've mentioned the need for moms to be recognized...especially new moms who have to deal with everything from diaper blowups to sleepless nights to colic to having a baby who seems to revel in making you want to tear out your hair (the little darling). So...here's another package just for moms; what's in it? A Gift Set from Smart Mom Jewelry, Bod-a-bing Pants from Spanx, a Silver & Gold Initial Necklace from Penelope Poet, a Medium Photo CosmeticBag from Bagettes, a Heaven's Alchemy Exquisite Perfumes Sampler Set, and a Naturals Face Disc Makeup Set from Lauren Hutton.

Smart Mom

Let's face it, when teething kids chew on some nasty things even when parents are trying to keep their guard up. Heck, sometimes it's the parents who are desperate to hand basically anything over to their grouchy kid in an effort to get them back to being the little angel they sometimes are. So, in an effort to keep dirty keys, grimy hands, and contaminated toys out of teething range, Smart Mom Jewelry was created. Smart Mom creates safe teething friendly jewelry products that add a little jazz to a mom's outfit while providing an out just in case Junior decides that s/he needs to chew on something...immediately. Made out of safe, non-toxic materials, these bracelets and necklaces keeps the kiddos happy and moms relaxed.

Spanx

In my opinion every woman sometimes needs a little help in the control area...and new moms are no different. Now, there are the .005% of women who bounce back in about 30 minutes after having a baby and they look better than any other mortal after 6 months in the gym, but for the rest of us, there's Spanx. Spanx created a line of body control products for the everyday woman who needs a little bit of help with tummy control, panty lines, and upper body support. But, gone are the days of the uncomfortable girdles and in are the days of the comfortable, stylish products that make you happy to be wearing them instead of feeling trussed up like a Thanksgiving Day turkey. The Spanx Bod-a-Bing pants are the perfect pair of black pants: classic, chic and they come with build in control...what more can a new mom ask for?

Penelope Poet

Penelope Poet is the brainchild of Joanne Gouaux, who upon becoming a mom decided to take a break from the corporate world and start her own business. She wanted to combine her love of family, her professional background in marketing and ecommerce, and her passion for beautiful, artisan-made jewelry and gifts. And so Penelope Poet was born. Take a business minded, web-savvy mom. Combine her with a lifelong dream of owning a boutique. Add some whimsy and a dash of sophistication. And you’ve got a unique and eclectic collection of jewelry and gifts to express many a poetic style. Worn as an expression of love, for a special occasion, or ‘just because,’ we believe that a piece of jewelry or an accessory should make a statement and reflect your individual style. We are proud to offer a diverse collection of jewelry and gifts reflecting a variety of styles and personal expressions. Many of the items are handcrafted and can be customized and made into one-of-a-kind pieces.

Medium Cosmetics Bag from Bagettes

The Medium Cosmetic Bag is the perfect gift for the woman who carries more than lip gloss. This sleek 8"x5" pouch is small enough to fit in a purse, tote, or carry-on bag, but it leaves room for all the make-up a woman would like to have with her at all times. A special nylon lining and heavy-weight wedding satin exterior make this sturdy bag the nearly spill-proof way to protect a favorite purse from make-up eruptions. Great for women of all ages, our unique cosmetic bag is a fun and different way for proud mothers, grandmothers, and more to brag and beautify at the same time. Have names or a special message printed on your bag to further personalize this one-of-a-kind gift.

Heaven's Alchemy

Sensual, sophisticated and exquisitely pure concentrated perfume oils inspired by the great love stories of world’s most captivating cities. Wear...romance lives!

All Our Pure Perfume Creations are:
•Alcohol free
•Color additive free
•Phthlate free
•Paraben free
•Never tested on animals
•No animal by-products
•Exclusively created in the USA

Naturals Face Disc from Lauren Hutton

Lauren has transformed her most popular Face Disc into an all natural circular palette featuring 11 make up must haves in an all in one kit for creating a natural, youthful balanced complexion. The face disc formulas provide the following natural components:

*95% + Natural Origin Ingredients recommended by The Natural Products Association
* High concentrations of plant-based ingredients
* Hutton’s anti-aging cocktail of Grape Seed Oil, Green Tea, Vitamin A, E and C, Avocado Oil and Bamboo

Post by Victoria, Life Starring Ellie & Eve

How to Enter:
Go to Smart Mom Jewelry, Spanx, Penelope Poet, Bagettes and Heaven's Alchemy and look around, then come back and tell me which product you liked at each sponsor's website. Leave one comment per sponsor, so a total of 5 (FIVE) entries for this mandatory part!

Bonus Entries Remember for each bonus entry to leave a comment in the form. 1 comment = 1 entry

* Subscribe
* Follow on Google Friends Connect
* Tweet Tweet this giveaway including a prize description and a link (daily)
* Grab my button (3 extra)
* Comment on any other non-giveaway article on this site (3 extra)
* Enter the other giveaways on this site (5 extra)
* Enter this giveaway on each of the participating sites: (5 extra per site)
- Life Starring the Kids & Me
-Cool Baby Kid
-Blessings Abound Mommy
- The Divine Miss Mommy
* Comment on the other participating sites: (5 extra)
-Life Starring the Kids & Me
-Cool Baby Kid
-Blessings Abound Mommy
- The Divine Miss Mommy
* Blog about this giveaway with a direct link back (10 extra)

My Baby Nest: Wrapless Wrap Baby Carrier {Giveaway}

When my son was born three months ago I was wondering how I would have enough hands to get things done with a newborn and a 17 1/2 month old at the time. Anyone who has one child knows how difficult it can be to do the every day things that you became used to before your little one arrived. Now with the arrival of my new little one, I was expecting the impossible until I came across the Baby Nest Carrier.

The Baby Nest Carrier has allowed me to do every day things while holding and cuddling my son at the same time. I can walk around the mall using it or just in my kitchen while I'm trying to get dinner ready. I have tried other carriers before, but none have been as comfortable for me and my baby. The fabric is smooth and soft and spreads across your shoulders to minimize stress on your back. There are a variety of positions from nursing/cradle to facing forward and tummy-to-tummy positions.

I wore the Baby Nest Carrier while at the Camden Aquarium this summer and a woman with a different carrier was checking mine out. You could tell she had carrier envy. You know once you become a parent you check out everyone's baby gear. She asked if it was comfortable. I proudly answered, "yes". She responded with, "it looks comfortable." This is the best baby carrier that I have every used. I wish I had it with my daughter but I really feel like my son is benefiting from it. This definitely goes on my must have baby equipment list.

Reviewed by Karen, Cool Baby Kid Contributor

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a Baby Nest Carrier by visiting their site and commenting here with the answer to "Why is Baby Nest so unique?" (Hint: Check the FAQs.)


Extra Entries: Earn extra entries and read the contest rules including how to subscribe for winner notification. US Only. Ends 10/28/09.