Does Mommy Love It?

Reading picture books to our son is something that my husband and I both take great pleasure in doing.  While reading to him throughout the day is rather common in our household, it is a tradition to read him at least three books every night before bedtime. After his teeth have been brushed and he’s wearing his pajamas, my son giggles with glee when we ask him to grab some books for story time!  One of his new favorites is “There Was An Old Sailor” written by Claire Saxby and illustrated by Cassandra Allen.  The book is a new rendition of the old nursery rhyme, “There Was An Old Lady”.

I have to assume that one of the primary reasons my son is so drawn to this book is the same as me, which are the beautiful and unique illustrations.  The title character is depicted with a great deal of personality and humor as he attempts to gorge himself on increasingly more robust sea life.  Also key to the appeal is the repetitive nature of the rhymes, which my son is often prone to begin to chant along with me as I read.

This is a contemporary classic that you and your child are sure to enjoy again and again!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Walker Books provided the book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books | tags: Books, There was an old sailor. | #

Dr. Toys’ 2009 best green product I Cherish Planet Earth is a fantastic way to introduce the preservation of Mother Nature to your child.  This book by Focus Bloom truly is a celebration of Earth’s life and beauty.

I have most enjoyed reading the section “I can help” with my son.  Living in an eco friendly building, recycling is a must.  The “I can help” section encourages the little reader to protect Mother Earth by recycling, keeping the air clean, maintaining healthy water and soil.  I have put this into practice by walking with my son to the recycling bin to dispose of our used plastic and paper products everyday.  My son loves being useful and having little responsibilities.  We are almost at the point where he can walk on his own to do this little chore.

When purchasing I Cherish Planet Earth you also receive a recycled paper and cardboard pair-matching game.  They come in a cotton drawstring pouch, illustrated with vegetable oil based inks, and manufactured in the United States.  What more could you ask for from a company that celebrates planet Earth?  I believe it is important to instill in my children good stewardship of our land.  There’s no better time than now!

FocusBloom is a book to one of our readers! Simply visit FocusBloom and leave a comment here about your thoughts and favorites!

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends August 1st, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Focus Bloom provided the book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

19 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Books | tags: Focusbloom, I cherish Planet Earth, recycling. | #

My husband and I try to read to my son every night before bedtime, and always make sure he has plenty of books in his play area.  Reading to him at a very early age (like pre-birth early) has led to his love of exploring these books on his own time and excitement whenever he is read to.

Recently, I discovered a wonderful pre school magazine subscription perfect for ages 2-4.  The Tessy & Tab Reading Club helps build the different components that researchers believe your child needs to learn before being able to read such as being able to tell stories and understanding how books work.  A subscription for a year gives your preschooler 24 ad-free issues a year for only $48 a year!  I started with the Reading Club Starter kit which includes four books featuring Tessy and Tab, a parent’s guide to help aid in the reading developments, 
program to build six skills for early literacy, and six more issues in the mail.  What I love most about this program is its simplicity and interactive tools to use for my son!

I love the idea of having more sources around the house to help my son to grow in his vocabulary and literacy skills.  Programs like Tessy and Tab give me motivation and inspiration for working with my son.  These tired days of mine require a lot of motivation to get involved with my son’s playtime.  They also have a variety of different topics to discuss with your child in their reading program.  Some of these separate Tessy and Tab topics include money management, Kindergarten confidence, and Tessy and Tab plane pack.  Tessy and Tab Reading Club is something that both you and your child will look forward to receiving in the mail twice a month and is a wonderful tool on the path to your preschooler’s literacy!

Tessy and Tab is offering a 1 free year subscription to one of our readers! Simply visit their site and leave a comment here about your thoughts.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends May 30th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Tessy and Tab  provided the Reading Kit, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

22 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books, Educational, Magazines | tags: Books, early literacy programs, reading, Tessy and Tab REading Club. | #

Does Mommy Love It? are fans of Kumon Publishing educational workbooks for pre school and grade school!  They have an incredible selection of skills that you can teach your child.  They are hosting a giveaway and you can enter by becoming a fan and leaving a comment on their Facebook Fan Page!  Enter now!

Read our great reviews on the Kumon Publishing’s First Steps series as well as their Pre School series workbooks.

10 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Books, Contest, Educational, Learning | tags: Educational, Kumon, Kumon Publishing, publishing, workbooks. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS SHEILA H, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

Sometimes I get a bit exhausted trying to teach my son how to communicate.  The importance of being able to do so while they are still young toddlers is becoming widely known among the scientific community and parents alike.  I have had the most success with this using the My Baby Can Talk DVD’s and books.

The DVDs have been especially helpful with my son.  Through simplistic imagery and repetition, they teach young toddlers to use sign language.  I didn’t fully grasp how well this method works until I saw my son signing something that I didn’t understand until I saw him doing it again while watching the DVD.  It was the sign for “juice”!  He now regularly signs the words “monkey”, “please”, “thank you”, “juice”, and “more”.

The My Baby Can Talk board books are just as helpful as the DVD’s.  Each page includes a word along with a real image and illustration of the formal sign language.  These are great for the on the go.  My son loves using the books as a game.  He prides himself in being able to identify the object through signing and speaking!

I highly recommend these to parents who want to give their child a head start on speaking, and want to avoid frustration of parent and child caused by not understanding the needs and wants of your little one.

My Baby Can Talk has offered one of our readers one DVD and book! To enter, please visit My Baby Can Talk and leave a comment on here with your thoughts!

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends January 18, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different
opinion or experience with the product listed above. My Baby Can Talk
provided the samples and  I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

17 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Books, Dvd & Music, Educational, Learning | tags: Books, My baby can talk, sign language. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS KATE, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

I am always on a hunt for quality children’s picture books. The 123 San Francisco by Duopress Books is the coolest counting book! My kids learn their numbers while being visually enlighten by the lovely, bright and modern illustrations of landmarks that signify San Francisco! It is indeed a counting book. My 2 year-old loves seeing the numbers set against the different bold backgrounds of each page of the board book and count to 10 over and over again! Although I have never been to San Francisco, the book provides brief explanations about each of the landmark in the back of the book, so I teach and explain about the city to my curious toddler. This counting book is available for different areas: California, USA, New York, Chicago and Texas. My family and I live in a New York City and living space is limited, so we have to be pretty choosy about the books we choose to keep. I love this book and I plan on visiting San Francisco soon!

Duopress Books is giving away one copies of  123 San Francisco to one lucky Does Mommy Love It? readers! To enter, simply visit their site, join their Facebook Fan Page, follow Duopress on Twitter and lastly, leave a comment on this post. For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

This contest ends January 15th, 2010 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

19 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books | tags: 123 San Francisco Duopress Books, counting, San Francisco. | #

I find myself at a lost at times trying to decide what quick meals to make my son.  In addition to the frustration, I have a child who wants to join along in every activity I am doing.  Eebee’s Mix and Mash DVD solve both of these problems.

Eebees adventures are great DVD’s that help you engage and teach your child in everyday activities.   I received their Mix and Mash DVD that consist of ways to interact with your child while making simple, nutritious meals. I never even thought to have him help me place certain ingredients in a bowl or have him mash recipes in a zip lock.  It was insightful.  Though the DVD isn’t something for my son to watch, it is a helpful resource for moms once your child hits 6 months old.  They also just created Mix and Mash recipe board book that goes along with the DVD.  It guides you through the child/parent cooking process without destroying the books with remnants of food.

I can appreciate this Eebee’s Mix and Mash recipe book for because it engages activity with you and your child.  I was also very impressed with their simple, quick, and healthy meals to cook.  It allows me to have more fun in the kitchen!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different
opinion or experience with the product listed above. Eebees
provided the samples and  I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

2 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Books, Educational, Feeding, Food, Kitchen, Learning | tags: Books, Dvd, Educational, eebees adventures, eebees mix and mash. | #

As a first time mother, I set high goals for my child and myself.  Having my son read by three is the one of the biggest aspirations I’ve made. As a stay-at-home mom I try to use much of my time implementing reading to my son. I am constantly reading out loud the things I am currently reading for myself as well.  It is overwhelming for me to decide where to start.  It just seems like a huge undertaking.  My sister-in-law, whom I highly respect, was in town and I noticed her son reading Bob Books.  I found myself so intrigued that I had to try them out as well.

Bob Books are a scholastic award-winning reading program for children.  They have a full collection books ranging from Alphabet, Word families, to Compound words.  Being that my son is only 14 months I have started him on the  “My First Bob Books” program. This program helps my son identify shapes, learning that letters have sounds, recognizing simple patterns, and more.  The Pre-reading collection has the simplest illustrations using shapes as stick figures for their characters.  This adds a whole new dimension on teaching shapes to my little one.  The Alphabet collection consists of 12 books that introduce the 26 letters.  The repetition of sounds and letters has really helped my son.  It is so cute when he tries to imitate them.

Bob Books have provided not only a useful tool helping my sons learning but makes it enjoyable as well.  I am finding myself longing to read to him in order to see the expressions he makes.  When I first started this journey I wanted to give up so many times because I didn’t feel like he was that interested.  A friend on mine encouraged me to keep reading to him even if it seemed like he wasn’t paying attention.  As I continue to do this I am finally seeing the fruit of the perseverance.  My son now brings books to us to read to him.  I look forward to investing in more of the Bob Book collections!  I will keep you posted on the journey!

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books, Educational | tags: Bob books, Educational, Learning, reading, scholastic. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS, NIECEY, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

I was a bit disappointed in myself when I realized I did not have the motivation to put together a detailed account of my son’s first year of life. It all seemed a bit overwhelming until I discovered Laikonik’s Once-A-Year book!

The hand crafted Once-A-Year Book features a Duck Cloth cover that has been screen printed by Kasia with images inspired by elements of Polish Folk art.  It is simply designed to record through words and pictures the first 18 years of your child’s life.  You simply paste one photo for each year with a brief record of the highlights of that year.  Once completed, the concertina pages unfold to this beautiful series of images of your little one’s life!  My favorite piece is the artistic hand stitched felt pouch that covers it.  If you desire to include more than highlights of your child’s life, Laikonik now provides a corresponding chatter book that can fit into the hand stitched felt bag.   This book has put my mind at ease.  I now have something that creatively records all the important events of my son’s life!

Kasia Jacquot has offered one Once-A-Year book ($75.00 value) to one of our readers!  To enter, simply visit Laikonik’a site and then leave a comment here on our site with your opinion!  For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends December 18th, 2009 Midnight EST.  Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

37 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books, Organization, Stationary | tags: Laikonik, Once-A-Year book, photo album. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS JANET, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

When it comes to tools that help aid in my son’s developments, I try to use all resources that I can. At the end of the day, I often ask myself; did he have study time, activity time, and social time today? A bit extreme perhaps, but something I am very passionate about. That was why as an infant, I started flashing Wee Gallery art cards at him.

Wee Gallery jungle collection is a boxed set of cards that include 6 animals printed on a sturdy board. The 5”x7” size makes for easy looking and flipping for your child. These cards have provided great interaction time between my son and I. He now will go through them alone when playing in his room. The high-contrast visual patterns help promote infant brain development.

As an infant I would allow my son to look and stare at the cards over mealtime. And now, as a toddler, I go through them and help him point and name the animal. I love the versatility of these cards. You can use these as a mobile, art on the walls, or flash cards. I love introducing visual art to my son at a young age. It’s great to walk in the room after his playtime, to see the cards scattered around the area. You can purchase a set for about $13.00.

Wee Gallery has offered one box set to one of our readers! To enter, simply visit Wee Gallery and leave a comment on here on our site with your favorite box set! For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 30th, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com

7 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Books, Craft, Educational, Learning | tags: art cards, jungle collection, wee gallery. | #

Imagine getting a product that captures your child’s attention and memories. That’s the beauty of Custom Made for Kids. These personalized books contain 32 pages of full-color illustrations complemented by rhyming text filled with memories chosen by you! When we first read the hardcover book to our son, a joyful smile came over his face as the pages were full of personalized memories such as our time at the Bronx Zoo to the mention of his favorite uncles and aunts.  He just adored the familiar personalized characters in the book, which included his grandpa, dad, brother and etc.  It really made it more personable. The illustrations are top-notch, and the real memories that the words capture on the pages make the 32 pages go quickly.

Our first book was “The First Adventures of Incredible You,” which personalizes your child’s name throughout the various adventures. It captures your child’s favorite activities, whether it’s playing the piano or singing songs in the bathtub or taking strolls in the park with a loved one. We constantly find our son choosing the “Adventures” book to read before he sleeps for the night, which is the greatest indicator of the book’s excellence!

The price is quite reasonable for $32.95 … we kind of justified the price by saying, “It’s a dollar for every memory captured on a page.” I highly recommend the Custom Made for Kids personalized children book, which also makes a great gift for favorite nephews and nieces. I’m just waiting for a personalized mom book to release!

Custom Made for Kids has offered our readers a 15% discount!   Visit their site, it’s fabulous! Coupon CODE: dmli15

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books, Discount | tags: Custom Made for Kids, gifts, personalized books, story, the adventures of incredible you. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATULATIONS, MIRANDA ALLEN, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

Every mom wants to see her child get a solid start to learning the ABC’s. And
there are plenty of books and tools out there which, in their own right,
provide a solid foundation but after awhile they all start to look
frustratingly similar.

Thankfully, April Rofe offers a fun, alternative, multi-sensory approach
with The SENSEsational Alphabet – an interactive picture book designed to
expose young children to vibrant drawings, textures, aromas, and sounds –
regardless of learning style.
My son’s eyes lit up when he opened the book, was fascinated by the Braille,
and even recognized a few of the sign language illustrations for some of the
words. The final two pages include illustration of the American Manual
Alphabet, as well as the Braille alphabet. I have to admit, the book is
turning out to be an educational tool for mommy, too.

I’m confident that The SENSEsational Alphabet book will help give children an appreciation for different styles of communicating, including foreign languages, from a very early age.

An added benefit: a portion of all proceeds are donated to various
children’s charitable organizations and educational facilities across
America.

For all you who are interested in snatching one The SENSEsational Alphabet book, the Rofe Group is giving it away free to one lucky winner!  To win, visit SENSEsational Alphabet and leave a comment on this post. For additional entries:

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and then leave a comment stating you did so.

3) Follow us on Twitter and leave a comment stating you did so along with your twitter name.

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) If you haven’t yet, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

Contest ends June 25th, 2009 Midnight.

76 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books, Educational | tags: alphabet, book, Educational, Learning, Rofe group, SENSEsational alphabet. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATULATIONS, JESSY, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

There is something so special about receiving gifts that are personalized—it means it can only be yours and no one else’s.  A deep sense of ownership overtakes you.  This is how my son felt when he received a personalized book from Frecklebox.   Every time I read through the book, he would  shout emphatically, “That’s me, that’s my name and it’s in the book.” An outdoorsy kid, he recieved the Nature Book and loved every illustration of his name, creatively spelled out with seashells, pigeons, clouds.  Also, the story itself is very entertaining.  The joy and the sense of pride that accompanies his avid enjoyment of reading, makes his desire to read grow even more.  That is why I admire the mantra behind Frecklebox. On the their website, it states, “Frecklebox is on a mission to educate and entertain. So we conceived this here web-based business to offer truly unique, personalized gifts for children at affordable prices. The site makes it quick and easy to customize each item so it prominently features the name of the child who will receive the gift. Our entertaining selection of personalized books, posters, growth charts, journal books, coloring books, stickers, placemats, puzzles, and other personalized items, are designed to delight your children and friends.”

They offer many themed personalized books such as ” …Saves the Planet, When I Grow Up, Happy Birthday, and more.  Also, they carry a variety of personalized gifts: Stickers, Growth charts, Puzzles.  These all make incredible gifts and the price point is very affordable.  

Frecklebox has generously offered to giveaway one personalized gift of your choice.  To enter simply, visit their site and  leave a comment.  For additional entries:

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and then leave a comment stating you did so.

3) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet! (this is worth 3 enteries!!!)

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

This contest ends June 10TH, 2009 Midnight.

25 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books, Contest, Educational, Personalized, featured | tags: educate, entertain, Frecklebox, personalized books and gifts for kids. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS, ELISSA H, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

Marla Taviano once again does not disappoint. Her newest book, Expecting, is a prayer book and devotional for anyone expecting, or expecting to expect! Each chapter is to be read during a phase of your journey from ovulation, to implantation, to the crucial development phases of the little baby inside your womb. I was actually bought to tears reading some of the chapters because the development of life is so completely beautiful. To think of praying such great things over baby as they are developing is truly amazing.

Each week you are given:

• A prayer for your child’a body and soul
• A devotional messegs
• A carfully selected scripture
• An inspirational quote
• A “body and soul” reflection for mom
• A space for you to journal your own thoughts and prayers.

I’m really hoping this book leads to a follow up that is for babies 1st year, toddler years, and so on. This book would make a wonderful shower gift. It is one that along with your journal thoughts could become something you treasure forever.

Marla Taviano has been so generous to offer one Does Mommy Love It? winner with a free copy of EXPECTING!  This would be great to win for yourself or as a gift for someone expecting.  To enter simply leave a comment.  For additional entries:

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and then leave a comment stating you did so.

3) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet! (this is worth 3 enteries!!!)

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

This contest ends APRIL 30TH, 2009 Midnight.

6 Comments | In: Ages- Pregnancy, Books | tags: book, expecting, mom devotional, pregnancy devotional. | #

Team Mom just sent me 2 Leslie Patricelli books, Baby Happy Baby Sad, and Higher! Higher!.

Baby Happy Baby Sad is a board book with bright and precious illustration.  A sweet bald baby is shown on each page.  The left side of each page shows baby doing something happy like hugging a cat or getting ice cream, while the right side shows baby sad whether the cat runs away or the ice cream splats.  This would be a great book for a young toddler to explain emotions and the basic concept of happy and sad. The only thing about this book I didn’t like was when it detailed bedtime as something sad.  I guess I just don’t want to give my babies that idea when all have loved bedtime!  Other than that, I think this book is absolutely great. 

Baby Happy Baby Sad, retails for $6.99 and is for ages 1-3.

The next book, Higher! Higher!, is a hardback paperback.  It shows a little girl with the same bright imaginative illustration being pushed on a swing and begging to go higher.  The little girl goes higher and higher until eventually she is in space.  I think this book is excellent for your young one’s imagination.  I remember day dreaming when I was little and on a swing.  I would dream I could go high like that into space.  It really brought back that memory for me.  Is the more reason to love it?

Higher! Higher! retails for $15.99 and is for the ages 2-5 years.  

Other titles by Leslie Patricelli include: Binky, Blankie, BIG Little, Quiet LOUD, Yummy YUCKY, and The Birthday Box.

I would definitely recommend Leslie Patricelli’s baby books and love to see more!

This post was brought to you by:

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books | tags: Books, children's book, Leslie Patricelli. | #

THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED.  CONGRATULATION GAYLE!

Not too long ago I reviewed a brilliant book by debut author Katherine Center called The Bright Side of Disaster.  When I was asked if I wanted a sneak peak at her newest release, Everyone is Beautiful, how could I refuse? The book was sure to please, and please it did.

There are many differences between the Bright Side of Disaster and Everyone is Beautiful; however, some of the themes are similar.  A worn-out mom that needs a break in life; someone ready to make a change; a woman finding something for herself in the life motherhood seems to suck out of her; loving the blessings of children while still needing something for herself.  These are all familiar echoes from Bright Side of Disaster, and it makes this book absolutely relatable to any frazzled mommy.

I found myself wanting to sit down and get coffee with the main character.  I had so much in common with her, from moving out of state for her husband to the everyday life of having 3 young children.  All the characters in the book are sure to be like someone you know, and therefore so believable.  The relationships between them reveal much about humanity.  No one is perfect, but everyone is beautiful.  

Random House Publishing has generously offered us 1 copy of Everyone is Beautiful to give away.  To enter comment on how you find time to read!  For addtional entries:

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and then leave a comment stating you did so.

3) Follow us on Twitter and leave a comment stating you did so along with your twitter name.

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

Contest ends March 12th, 2009 Midnight.

12 Comments | In: Books | tags: book, book review, everyone is beautiful, katherine center. | #

A close friend of mine had told me about a blog that Gwyneth Paltrow had started. It piqued my curiosity so I checked it out immediately. Called “GOOP” by Gwyneth Paltrow, the blog already captures her simplistic beauty and natural style.  As her mantra is “nourish the inner aspect,” the blog touches on various parts of her life.  Divided into six topical categories… 1) “MAKE” is about food, cooking, menu and health. 2) “GO” is about her travels, her favorites restaurants, and vacation spots/suggestions. 3) “GET” is about style and fashion. 4) “DO” is about discipline, consistency, habits and sticktoitiveness. 5) “BE” is about family and parenting. 6) “SEE”  is about life, culture and world we live in.  I really enjoy reading her blog because it’s very “whole” centered and really inspired me to see my own life as a whole and not compartmentalize it. She really has interesting thoughts and her blog is very refreshing and contemplative.  GOOP is set up as a newsletter as well.

1 Comment | In: Books, Family Time, Website Wednesday | tags: blog, goop, gwyneth paltrow. | #

With the increase of autism diagnosis (1 in 166 children), I start to wonder what might be the causes that trigger this developmental disorder.  Some experts or moms who have an autistic child, say it’s genetic, some say it’s the vaccinations, and others say it’s diet. However, these are all theories and can’t be fully proven. There are a myriad of theories that try to get to the root of the issue of autism, but are never clear and don’t have enough research materials to prove it. The the truth is that autism is on the rise and most are boys.  So, with two boys, I find myself fearful of the possible causes.  Although vaccine might be a possible cause, I firmly believe in vaccinating my children.  So, I did some research a while back and discovered The Vaccine Book by Dr. Bob Sears.  He is a co-author of several books in the Sears Parenting series, addresses one of today’s most controversial and worrisome. Sears’ goal is “to give you a balanced look at pros and cons of vaccination so that you can make an educated decision.” Let me tell you, after reading his book, it’s so even keel and balanced that helped me understand everything in detail about diseases and the DNA of vaccinations.  The first 12 chapters discuss each vaccination in the childhood series, providing explanation of the relative disease, how the vaccine is made and points to assess a child’s at-risk level when considering if the vaccine is necessary. After reading the book, it served as a guidance to me because I was very indecisive about vaccinating my child.  I believed in vaccinating, but didn’t want to risk my child for autism by giving him 4-5 shots at one time at a very, very early age.  The Vaccine Book is based on clinical experience and 13 years of research taken from product inserts, pediatric reference books, articles and databases and I really related to his thoughts on the topic. Additional chapters illuminate more controversial aspects of the debate, such as how vaccine safety is researched and what the findings are, side effects and how to minimize them, common myths and questions.  One incredible thing about this book is that Dr. Bob Sears provides an alternate vaccination schedule compared to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended schedule.  The main difference is that the Dr. Bob’s “alternate”  schedule delays each shot about a month apart and only has 2 vaccines shots per visit as well as separating out the MMR vaccines as 3, not one full shot.  The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears provided such a clear reasoning for and against administering each vaccine and gave me the confidence to make my own decisions in choosing what’s best for my kiddies.  I completely and utterly recommend this book.  It’s authoritative yet very balanced.

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Books, Educational, Learning | tags: autism, dr. bob sears, the vaccine book, vaccinations. | #

The contest is now closed!  Congrats to April!  She is the winner of this contest!

As my second baby boy arrived this year, I was anticipating how to decorate his nursery. I wanted simplicity yet classy. Modern with a touch of style. Without a doubt, I can always count on bedding and accessories by Serena and Lily to deliver exactly what I am looking for. They offer everything that has to do with nursery….furnishings to bedding and fabrics to paint colors. Everything about Serena and Lily is amazing. Read about their philosophy.

“It was our shared aesthetic and shared vision of the baby’s room reinvented. Children’s spaces that are fresh and style-driven, with dynamic color and pattern combination, timeless and comfortable through sophistication and simplicity…this is what we both dreamed of. As our products evolve, our design values stay the same: to maintain a sense of integrity and a visual standard that is authentic and original in a sea of copycats. At the end of a long and hectic day, we ask ourselves what continues to drive us. The answer is simple – far beyond our love of great design, we care about making a difference in the world. We are doing that through ‘Serena & Lily.’ Through a portion of product sales, we give back to the world that our children will inherit. These are the fundamental values that guide us, and the conviction that fuels the growth of our business.”

One of my favorite gifts items is the sweet, signature “stuffies” are friends for life. Each lovable critter is made with soft corduroy, fabric appliques and crafty hand-embroidery. I have all of them for my son’s nursery. Available in three animals: Bunny, Bear, and lamb.

Serena and Lily is giving away a “friend” to ONE lucky Does Mommy Love It? reader! To participate, leave a comment on this post. For additional entries.

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and then leave a comment stating you did so.

3) Follow us on Twitter and leave a comment stating you did so along with your twitter name.

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

Contest ends Midnight of DECEMBER 8th, 2008 MIDNIGHT

69 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Apparel, Bathroom & Potty, Books, Bottle Feeding, Contest, Nursery, Stationary, Websites | tags: friends, Kids, nursery, serena and lily. | #

THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED. CONGRATULATIONS DAWN!

Toddler 411 by Denise Fields and Ari Fields, M.D. is a sequel to Baby 411. It is a very resourceful guide to toddlerhood, ages 1-4 years-old. The authors write, “You’ve made it! your baby has turned one! Now the real fun begins. From temper tantrums to toilet training, raising a toddler brings its own set of challenges and questions—and Toddler 411 has the answers. Following on the heels of the best-seller Baby 411, Toddler 411 bottles the wisdom of parents who’ve “been there, done that”… and combines it with solid medical advice from an award-winning pediatrician. Inside, you’ll learn:

* the truth about THE TERRIBLE TWOS- and how to raise a well-behaved child with out going insane.

* Picky eaters— learn how to cope.

* Toilet train your toddler

* what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to your toddler’s growth and developement.

* Simple steps and smart advice to avoid environmental hazards.

* The most updated, evidence-based health info”

Wonderful book with thorough research!

We have ONE copy of this book to giveaway to one lucky randomly drawn Does Mommy Love It? reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post. For additional entries:

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and then leave a comment stating you did so.

3) Follow us on Twitter and leave a comment stating you did so along with your twitter name.

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

Contest ends Midnight of November 26th, 2008.

37 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books | tags: ari brown M.D., denise fields, toddler 411. | #