Does Mommy Love It?

Teething can be one of the most painful experiences for both the child and the parent.  I was reminded of this truth after last nights screaming episode with my teething son. Thankfully, there are products to help ease the annoyance for our child- The RiNGLEY!

The RiNGLEY is the best natural teething tool for our little one.  It is made with untreated Maple wood and 100% organic terrycloth. Your child has the option of chewing on two different textures without ingesting any harsh chemicals. You can choose to serve the teether wet or dry depending on your child’s preference.  I tossed it in the freezer for a bit to get it cold and believe it brought a bit more relief to my son..

RiNGLEY is now our teething toy of choice in this home.  Organic, natural, and handmade in Toronto, a perfect combination for a great product!  Be sure to check out all four styles!  They even made a limited heart edition for Valentines Day!  Absolutely brilliant!

RiNGLEY is offering a straight teether to one of our readers!  To enter, simply visit RiNGLEY and then leave a comment here on our site.

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 COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends April 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. RiNGLEY provided the teether, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

10 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Toys | tags: organic, Ringley, teethers, teething. | #

Having a distraction for a newborn can be a lifesaver when food is not an option.  Bright colors, texture, and sound are key elements to a successful toy for this earliest of ages.  A wonderful activity toy that has all of these elements and more is the Kushies Zolo Fuzzi Nubbinz from the Canada based Kushies Company!  The toy creature has toggle ears that can be stretched from side to side, stretchy numbered ball feet, and an attachable strap at the top perfect for hanging from a stroller, car seat or diaper bag!  It’s always important to keep toys like this on hand with your newborn, and this is one that I highly recommend for its interactive qualities!

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

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Toys | tags: Fuzzi Nubbinz, infant toy, Kushies. | #

I normally shy away from stuffed animals because of how cheesy they often are.  For my son’s first birthday grandma gave my son a stuffed animal and he instantly fell in love.  I had never seen him hug and adore something so much.  Once I discovered his soft side towards stuffed animals I began the look out for organic and interesting ones. It was in my search that I found Aminals!

Aminal Dolls are the cutest and most unique huggable soft dolls I’ve come across.  There are about eleven different dolls to choose from with each having their own special story.  They were inspired by the imaginative world of kids and their artwork.  “Exaggerated proportions, squiggly lines, bright colors; they are creative expression at its most honest-and most hilarious!”

Aminal Dolls make it under my so very cool list because not only are they uniquely designed but organic.  They are certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard.  Every aspect of this line is made with integrity and for the safety and care of our children!  There is an Aminal to choose from that can suit any child!  We have the Momey Doll and my son adores it!  Kudos to Aminal!

Aminal has offered a doll of choice to one of our readers!  To enter, simply visit Aminal and then leave a comment here on our site.

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 March 20th, 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.  Aminal provided the product, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

28 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Toys | tags: aminal dolls, organic, suffed animal. | #

My son is beginning to become a big helper around the house.  One of the areas he wants to participate in is cooking.  However, with the dangers that come along with playing near the oven, I have had to make adjustments.  Instead of helping me with oven baking I encourage him to use his Melissa and Doug Cookie Set!

Growing Tree Toys carries very imaginative and educational toys for your young one.  I love their selection and most importantly their customer service.  When I received the Cookie and Dough Set I immediately ripped it open for my son to play with.  He began pretending with the cookies and oven mitt.  I am still amazed how long this set can keep him occupied!  We have a wooden microwave that he insists placing the cookies in.  Sounds like the way I enjoy reheating cookies!

The Slice and Bake Cookie Set is an all-in-one, thirty piece play food set to help encourage pretend play.  The topping on each cookie are removable using velcro which allows them to create their own personal cookie. The wooden pretend play food set includes 12 sliceable cookies, 18 toppings, a cookie sheet, kitchen mitt, a spatula and a knife.  Costing only $19.99, I encourage you to purchase this set for your little one!  This is not only a hit with my son, but his little friends as well!

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

1 Comment | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Toys | tags: creative toys, Educational Toys, Growing Tree Toys, Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Set, wooden toys. | #

Nico & Zoe online website carries uncommon and artisan made toys.  I absolutely love the assortment of wooden toys that they carry.  One of my favorites is from a line call Voila.

Voila is owned and operated in Thailand and has won many awards for their quality of toys and for the way they operate.  Their collections of wooden toys are fabulously made and definitely spur on the imagination.  The Voila Yummy Pizza Play Set has been a hit with my son and his playmates! The set includes a pizza, base and rolling wooden pizza cutter.  Not only can your little one pretend with the pizza, but it can also be used as a math lesson.  Using the pizza cutter, your little one can slice the pizza into six equal pieces thus enabling your child to learn basic fractions!  Some of the yummy toppings included are mushrooms, pepperoni, shrimp, and more.  Each ingredient is fitted with pegs that can be removed for new pizza combinations.  It can be a bit tough to remove the ingredients so you may have to help your child until they develop the muscles to do so.  The plus side to this is you wont have to worry about pieces missing or dispersed around the room.

Nico and Zoe is a great place to look for quality educational toys for kids.  I am truly thankful to find this site and learn about new wooden toy companies that are out there!

Nico & Zoe has offered a Voila Pizza Set to one of our readers! To enter, please visit Nico & Zoe 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 Feb 20th, 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. Nico & Zoe
provided the samples and  I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

99 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Toys | tags: nico & zoe, Toys, voila pizza play set. | #

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

Saplings, a Canadian based website, carries stylish, eco-friendly products for your kids room.  I was fortunate enough to receive their 3 sprouts storage bin.  When you read storage, I mean storage!  This cylinder shape owl bin can fit your child plus their toys!  It is made with 100% organic cotton canvas and 100% eco-spun felt (made from recycled water bottles).  I truly love lines that integrate recycled materials into their product making.

This child size tote is a great solution to our messy toy room.  When my son and I are finished playing we both can toss the playthings into the bin.  I thought about buying a toy storage system, but this bin is large enough to hold all the toys we currently own. I only want to have a certain amount of toys present at each age.  Therefore, this bin can keep me in perspective.

Saplings got it right when they decided to carry 3 sprouts.  This bin is a great addition for your child’s room.  It easily folds up small when not in use and the cotton side handles make them easy to carry.  Definitely a great find!

Saplings has offered one of our readers a $50(CDN) gift card! To enter, simply visit Saplings and then leave a comment here with how you would use the gift card!   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 30th, 2009 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. Saplings
provided the 3 Sprouts toy bin and I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

86 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Furniture, Organization, Toys | tags: 3 sprouts, saplings, storage, toy bin. | #

Dado Squares are inter-connecting toys for toddlers and young children.  They help aid in the fine motor skills such as finger dexterity and coordination of small muscle movements.  I have seen this first hand with my son.  We received the set of 35-3” squares in a multitude of colors.  My husband and I love to bring them out to play and allow our imaginations to sore as we come up with building structures as high as 3 feet tall.  My son sits in amazement and has begun to attempt to participate in this with us.  I love these because they allow for constructing based on patterns, proportions, organization, colors, and structure.  My son doesn’t bore easily from these because of the sheer amount of different options for various constructions.  And when building the towers has come to an end, you can use the squares as flashcards for lear

ning colors.  I am showing my son how to sort them based on color during clean up time!

It’s difficult to go wrong with a toy that helps improve so many areas of your child’s development.  These 35 pieces break down easily into a tiny square container for storage.  I was thrilled to see that these are made in the USA! You can purchase these at Simply Good Stuff’s site.  They carry some of the best products from around the world for the whole family (including pets) at great prices!  They have been generous enough to offer Does Mommy Love It readers a discoun using codet: doesmommyloveit – It will give customers $2.00 off a single set or 2-pack. Regular price is: $21.49 or 2 for $39.95.

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Educational, Learning, Toys | tags: dado, dado squares, educational toy, simply good stuff. | #

The Gifted Imaginations website carries some of the most unique educational toys for the best price.  I was eager to experience both the Bilibo and Rubbabu Micro Vehicle, both found on this wonderful website.

The Bilibo’s unique form arouses curiosity, stimulates the senses, and encourages creativity.  My husband loves to place it on his head and uses the two holes it has as eyes, causing my son to laugh profusely.  When it is not in use as a mask, my son enjoy spinning and rocking in it! I love toys that force you to use your imagination to bring it to life!  The Bilibo definitely “shines as a wonderful accessory to enhance role-playing and make-believe for children’s social development and powers of imagination.”

The Rubbabu Micro Vehicle is a unique toy car that happens to be 100% biodegradable.  I was completely floored and excited about this earth friendly toy!  They are made from natural rubber foam making them soft and squishy.  Because of the material, the car is very durable.  My son puts all his weight on them and glides it through the apartment.  Not only are these green, but affordably priced as well!

It is important to provide your child with the resources they need to help grow mentally and physically.  I am so thankful for Gifted Imaginations for providing and educating me with their wonderfully edited selection of educational toys!

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Green, Learning, Toys | tags: Bilibo, Gifted Imagination, Rubbabu. | #

I was visiting one of my most artistic friends, when my eye caught her daughter playing with a beautiful felt board.  I knew I just had to have one.  The Felt Tale storyboards are a wonderful tool designed to inspire the imaginations of young minds. These are most appropriate for ages 3-7. However, I already use them as a teaching tool for my young one. Each play set creates an opportunity for hours of open-ended play for children.  I am a huge fan of toys that promote self-play and active imaginations like these do!

Felt tale storyboards come in a variety of different settings such as Cinderella at the ball, busy day on the farm, busy day at the zoo, and more!  I have used the boards to teach my son his animals, and objects.  This is easy because each board comes with 20 felt pieces and a story starter that is specific to each title to promote interaction and inspire the imagination.  The one recommendation I would suggest is that the storage bags for the felt pieces attach to the board for easier storage and transportation.  All in all, I love these boards and looking forward to collecting more of them!

4 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Educational, Toys | tags: Babalu Inc, Educational, feltboards, FeltTale, play, storyboards, Toys. | #

Under the Nile boasts an impressive collection of clothing, blankets, toys, diapers, and accessories – all made with 100% Egyptian organic cotton.  I was sent the Summer Babybody for review and was very pleased with it.  Very cute monkey print and extremely soft cotton… If you’ve jumped on the organic bandwagon, Under the Nile is definitely worth checking out.  As far as apparel goes, they cover all the bases in infant clothing – onesies, gowns, pajamas, footies, and dresses – no flashy patterns here, just your basic  stuff made with quality cotton that’s:  grown in Egypt, hand-picked, organically cultivated, dyed with natural colors, and fair traded for the benefit of all people producing the product.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Clothing, Toys | tags: baby, blankets, clothes, eco friendly, egyptian cotton, onesies, organic, store, toddler, Toys, under the nile. | #

Hooray for ImagiPLAY, a toy company whose products are all made from renewable, sustainable materials.  Their green toys aim to introduce children to the wonders of the natural world around them and nurture their sense of discovery.

The Elephant Rattle I was sent to review is handcrafted from managed forest Beechwood, sanded down for baby play and finished with beeswax.  It’s a delightfully simple, natural toy for little hands to explore ?and a nice change from the plastic stuff that ornament the toy aisles at the baby superstores.

ImagiPLAY carries a host of products that encourage curiosity of the natural world including rolling toddler toys, puzzles, bead mazes, craft kids, and building blocks.  And did I mention –  no plastic!

ImagiPLAY is offering a discount to our readers!  Enter coupon code: kidstuff09 and receive 15% off before October 8th!

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Toys | tags: baby, eco friendly, Green, ImagiPLAY, natural, Toys, wood. | #

          I have been more than slightly impressed by the variety of  top quality toys on the market available for children.  One of my favorites comes from Switzerland, a wooden toy company called Naef.    All of the wood used to make these toys is grown and harvested locally and all the paints undergo strict environmental regulations.  The toys are produced using the “heart wood” of the tree. This is the strongest part of the tree, and helps these toys last more than a lifetime.  As soon as I opened the packaged product, it became very apparent that this was no ordinary  wooden toy.   Two of the toys I was sent to me were the Schnurpfel Pony and the Modulon.

           The Schnurpfel pony is cleverly designed to aid in young children’s fine motor skills in things like tying their shoes.  They offer three different colored ponies in red, green, and blue with three contrasting laces.  It has been interesting to watch my son and his peers play with it and the designs they come up with.  It truly does leave a great deal of room for creativity while helping in the manipulation of small objects.

            The Modulon block set is a masterpiece all on its own.  It is ingeniously designed to expose the child to the proportions and color theories that are used by many artist and designers.  They can use the pieces to design any number of creations such as small hut or like my child, a tower. This truly is the pinnacle of all wooden toys.  A Modulon block set can cost you about $259.00.  This set is designed for generations of creativity and learning.  I recommend, if possible, investing in a few pieces of Naef toys because they truly are beautiful, durable, and timeless!  

Mommy Loves It!

3 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Arts & Crafts, Educational, Toys, Uncategorized | tags: Educational, Modulan blocks, Naef, schnurpfel pony, Toys, wood toys. | #

I am always in search for contemporary toys for my child.  I discovered the Rody Pony by Gymnic and fell in love! This Pony is a ride-on toy that not only improves your child’s balance and coordination but also exhausts him into a LONG nap!  Now, this is the toy I want in my home!  

I was happy to find that the Rody Pony had other benefits other than being a chic accessory in my home. It smoothly glides around the house and when your child grows tired of bouncing, the Pony transforms into a rocker! Thankfully, the rocker makes it an entirely new toy.  

As a minimalist, I always desire more open space.  So when my child is finished playing with the Pony I can simply deflate it and store away. Other great facts about the Rody Pony:

*Latex-free 

* The Rody Horse is free of banned Phthalates

* Recommended for children 2-4 years. 

*Maximum inflated height to “Saddle is 12″.

This mod toy can be purchased for $42.99 and the base for $36.99. I love it and recommend it to everyone!  

3 Comments | In: Ages- Toddler, Toys | tags: Bouncy toy, BPA free, Rocker, Rody Pony by Gymnic, toy. | #

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

As soon as Playful Chef cooking kit arrived, there were no words to describe the utter excitement on my son’s face.  He immediately took it out of the box and started pretend play.  He said, “Mom, call me chef!  I’ll make something for you to eat.”  He asked me for help to put on his apron and he began whisking away in the bowl.  However, last weekend, my son and I got a chance to cook. The Playful Chef cooking kit comes packaged in a kid’s sized backpack, with a tool-belt sized apron with age appropriate kitchen utensils: whisk, wooden spoon, spatula, sand timer, safety scissors, measuring cups and spoons and more.  One of the great things about Playful Chef is that it comes with five healthy 10-step, illustrated recipes that have color coded measurments that you and your child can experience “real” cooking together.  This cooking kit helped my son learn how to measure ingredients through the color coded cards, which relates to the color coded measuring tools.  These are fantastic for my boy who just fell in LOVE with cooking, especially with mommy.  Also, cooking with my son helped me introduce him to new foods that he’s not familiar with. The Playful Chef makes a great gift!  It is available in two age groups, 3-5 years and 6 and up!

Playful, Inc. is giving away ONE Playful Chef cooking kite to ONE lucky reader of Does Mommy Love It?.  To enter, simply visit Playful, Inc. and tell us about your first cooking experience!  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.

30 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Food, Toys | tags: Cooking, play, playful chef. | #

In 2003, Dr. Paul Marciano (PhD. in child clinical psychology from Yale University) was inspired by his goddaughter’s coloring skills on her Christmas card and started ColorMe Company.  ColorMe began as a simple idea that greeting cards would mean more to children if they were able to make it their own piece of art.  This “coloring card” combines a greeting card with a coloring book.  They say “Every card is a work of heart”.

After the greeting cards became so successful, they grew to also carry ColorMe t-shirts, pillowcases and other seasonal items.  All of the cotton items come packaged with the product and fabric markers.  Their most successful product lately is the Pillowcase Party Set.

I received a ColorMe pillowcase for review.  The Pillowcase had an outlined horse with a fence background on it.  The package also came with a matching greeting card, a pack of 4 crayons and 8 fabric markers.  My children thoroughly enjoyed creating their fashionable piece of art.  It was easy to use and easy to explain.  The product is recommended for ages 7 and up, but my 4 year-old did absolutely great with it.  This was definitely a fun, unique afternoon activity.

I remember doing a similar type project when I was young.  My brother and I made our own colored plates.  To this day 30 years later, I still have that plate and remember the day vividly.  This is the type of activity your child will remember the rest of their lives and even have a souvenir to remind them.

Another great thing about the ColorMe Company is that they believe in giving.  10% of their total gross proceeds are donated to children’s charities through their customer-driven Charity Choice program.  This program gives parents the opportunity to talk about charitable giving with their children.  In 2007, the Wall Street Journal recognized ColorMe for its unique and generous corporate giving plan.

ColorMe products are illustrated by kids for kids.  They are 100% dedicated to supporting American manufacturing and are all American made.

The following are their products and their price points:

• Pillowcase- $24.95
• T-shirts- $21.95
• Greeting Cards- $2.95-$9.95, depending on qty.
• Slumber Party Kit- $49.95

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Toys | tags: coloring, ColorMe, ColorMe company. | #

THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED.  CONGRATULATIONS ELLEN CUNNINGHAM, BARBARA, AND ANDREA!

I was more than thrilled to be able to check out the new Groovy Girls RSVP line when I was asked to do so.  The goal of the Groovy Girls RSVP line is to, “provide a safe way for young girls to experience fun, fashion-filled doll play while promoting age-appropriate values and attitudes.”

The Groovy Girls RSVP Dolls come with their very own code, sort of like a Webkins Pet.  Once you purchase you visit the Groovy Girls Site and register your doll your child will have access to all sorts of games and activities that will promote the Groovy Girls values.  Some of these activities include decorating the girl’s mod pod, creating an outfit for the groovy girl, and attending online parties with other groovy girls.  All these activities help to earn points for the groovy girl that work toward donating a Groovy Girl doll to a girl in need.  

I found the site to be rather user-friendly.  I found many activities that a young girl would be sure to be pleased with.  The songs on the site are fun, the colors are bright and patterns the usual whimsical mix and match Groovy Girls are known for.  

Groovy Girls is also concerned about supporting mothers in raising a “whole girl”.  They have teamed up with the founder of Savvy Mommy to offer a website where mothers can come and get tips and advise on how to raise “healthy respectful and expressive girls in the face of mixed messages from television, peers, the Internet, magazines and movies.”  In addition to this website Groovy Girls and the Savvy Mommy herself, Victoria Pericon will be hosting Groovy Girls mother-daughter events all around the country. The goals of these events is for your little girl to have fun while learning about “creative self-expression, interpersonal communication and positive self-image.”

The Groovy Girls line includes 8 girls and now new pet dolls.  The are recommended for ages 3+.  To find a retailer visit this site.  The dolls range in price from $12-$15 which I find to be an excellent price range for gift giving.  

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For the opportunity to win a Groovy Girl RSVP doll along with a Groovy Girl RSVP pet comment about who you would like to give it to.  It doesn’t have to be grand…. it could be something like, “I want to give it to my daughter for Christmas.”  There are 3 prize sets available! For additional entries:

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check outDoesMommyLoveIt?. 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.

THIS CONTEST IS SHORTER DUE TO THE FACT SOME MAY WANT TO GIVE THESE DOLLS AS A PRESENT.  THE DEADLINE TO ENTER IS DECEMBER 16th, 2008

See this special offer from Groovy girls especially for Does Mommy Love It? readers

———————————————–

Free Chetta Chic fashion item with any purchase of a RSVP doll.

Free shipping for orders over $75.

Enter promo code RSVPGroovy at cart to receive promotion.

Offer expires 12/31/08

Free shipping applies to UPS Ground Shipment only.

Go to this site to participate!

215 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Contest, Toys, Websites | tags: Contest, groovy girls, groovy girls rsvp, webkins. | #

THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED.  CONGRATULATIONS JEN!

I have an “almost” 3-year-old and I have not really been stressing about potty-training. My oldest trained after his 3rd birthday and it went great! With a newborn in the house I didn’t really want to worry about potty training Lukas. Then I discovered the PoT-Tee Prize Potty Training System, and thought I would give it a whirl.

This system is pure cuteness meets genius wrapped into one no-brainer package. The package comes with a Potty Training Guide that lists signs of readiness, when not to begin potty training,7 stages of potty training, 5 easy steps to potty training, 7 stages of potty training, potty training techniques that don’t work, and an explanation of positive reinforcement during potty training.

The 5 easy steps that the PoT-Tee Prize Potty Training System includes are the following:

1.) Open plastic bag of toy prizes and place in the provided bag.

2.) Put sticker chart on wall where the child can see it.

3.) Tell child they can pick a sticker or toy (your choice) if they use the toilet. (We did a system where for ever 4 stickers Lukas was able to pull a prize blind-folded.)

4.) Reward, Reward, Reward for good results!

5.) When complete give the child the award certificate from the package.

The potty prize system comes with the potty training guide, a grab bag, toys, whimsical sticker chart, matching stickers, pot-tee prizes, and a diploma.

Another great thing about buying the PoT-Tee Prize Potty Training System? They give back. A percentage of every sale goes to a children’s charity called Ambassadors for Children. Ambassadors for Children helps disadvantaged children around the globe through short-term humanitarian service trips and sustainable programs. At Does Mommy Love It? we love supporting mom-owned businesses, or any business at that rate that realizes the importance of giving back!

PoT-Tee Prize also cares about the environment by using 100% recycled paperboard for their packaging.

So all that being said, how did it work? EXCELLENT!!! When I took it out and began putting the sticker chart up my children were already curious. Once I explained to little Lukas what this chart was about the first thing he wanted to do was go to the potty! I couldn’t believe it! He went right away and was so excited to pick out his first sticker for the chart. Ever since he has mostly used the potty! Even when we have been out around town he has asked to use the toilet. He loves coming home and putting his sticker on the chart. It has become quite the event for the family! He is almost to the end of the chart and to getting his reward certificate. I will definitely be using this when Avery is old enough to potty train.

PoT-Tee Prize is generally donating one boy or girl potty training system to a lucky Does Mommy Love It? reader! To participate comment whether you would want pink or blue. For additional entries.

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check outDoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure toCOPY 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 3rd, 2008 MIDNIGHT.

61 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Bathroom & Potty, Toys | tags: bathroom and potty, Pot-Tee Prize Potty Training System, Potty Training. | #

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED AND THE WINNERS ARE TAMARA AND HUGETTE!  CONGRATULATIONS!

Oh, girls just wanna have fun! Oh, girls just wanna have fun! And they totally can with Jakks Pacific Toys newest toy for ‘girls,’ the Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker. I had the wonderful chance to check it out and found it to be so much fun. This educational toy introduces girls to baking and inspires and encourages creativity as they can bake and decorate their very own yummy cupcakes. The cakes bake in 30 seconds and the set comes with everything they need to whip up four batches of cupcakes. Includes: cupcake maker, froster, microwave container with cupcake holder, four mixes, four frostings, four cupcake cups, sprinkles, bowl, measuring spoon, spatula, recipe cards and instruction sheet. Whether you’re buying this for your own girls or giving it away as a gift, this simple yet fun toy is sure to be hit! Have a baking party, it’ll be loads of fun! Recommended for girls ages 8 and over.

Jakks Pacific Toys is giving away TWO Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker to TWO lucky Does Mommy Love It? readers. To enter, 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. For additional entries:

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

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and 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.

That’s 5 ways to enter! Deadline for entries is Midnight of November 6th, 2008.

87 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Educational, Food, Learning, Toys | tags: baking, cupcake maker, Educational, girl gourmet, jakks pacific toys, toy. | #

You’ve probably heard of the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. In New York’s Upper West side, there is a refuge for mommies looking for an escape from the ubiquitous baby stores carrying the same brand name items. The escape is ROAM, which opened in 2005 and offers a fantastic selection of unique items for babies and moms. You can purchase jewelry made from local designers, a wide range of baby clothes by Splendid and Tea Collection and dishware from Asia. Also, did I mention they have an awesome assortment of gifts? The owner, Sarah Ro and her partner, Jenie Jang, have eclectic and distinctive tastes; therefore, they meticulously choose exceptional products to their liking as opposed to following the typical trend of many other NYC stores. Don’t fret if you’re not a New Yorker, they have recently rolled out a new website featuring some of their top-selling items. So, when in ROAM, do as the Upper West Side moms do…shop there.

Roam, 488 Amsterdam Avenue, between 83rd and 84th Streets (212-721-0155).

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Don’t forget these give-aways!

Win a copy of Marla Taviano’s, Changing Your World One Diaper at a Time, Comment on its post by SEPTEMBER 21st AT MIDNIGHT! Marla has been SO generous to offer us 2 copies to give away!!!

Leave a comment on the Zaida Baby Post for a chance to win the Zaida Baby Keepsake Book! Contest ends SEPTEMBER 13TH AT MIDNIGHT EST.

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2 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Books, Clothing, Furniture, Nursery, Toys, Websites | tags: Accessories, baby, gifts, mom, Roam, shopping, store. | #

In New York City, having to push a stroller around is not easy. Imagine carrying a stroller up and down the steps of the subway entrance. Argh! This was creating a problem and I needed to find a solution. ERGO Baby Carrier was the answer. At first, I was drawn away from the bulky looking straps and the not so stylish fabric patterns. However, from a practicality standpoint, it was perfect. From infancy to toddler, the ERGO baby carrier met all my needs in baby wearing: the front, back or hip positions. It can hold babies up to 40 lbs.! ERGO is short for ergonomic; hence it’s better designed for our bodies. The carrier helps reduce the stress from carrying the baby by dispersing the baby’s weight evenly. The innovative design of this carrier is a well-thought out one. Very versatile and allow moms and dads (did I mention “dads”; the same carrier fits men’s bodies too) to be hands free to remain productive in our everyday lives. Also, you can breastfeed your baby in this carrier. It provides a cover to do so. This is the ultimate attachment parenting “must have” baby carrier.

3 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Green, Toys, Travel, Websites | tags: attachment parenting, baby wearing, ergo baby carrier, ergonomic. | #