Does Mommy Love It?

Cereal is the staple breakfast food at our house, so I am always on a search to find new, great tasting, healthy ones.  So, when I first discovered Puffins Cereal by Barbara’s Bakery at Whole Foods, I was excited to try with my husband, and kids at home.  It was an immediate success!  The cereal is very tasty, yet very airy in feel.  Crunchy yet soft when chewed.  Also, it doesn’t go soggy too fast.  It has great flavor and you can taste each bite.  Your family will love this!

“Barbara’s all-natural and organic cereals and snacks not only taste great, but are made from the finest ingredients in nature. For nearly four decades, Barbara’s never used hydrogenated oils, refined white sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives in our products. Just healthful, delicious, satisfying foods the whole family will love.”

Dietary Labeling

• Low Fat Certified Kosher

3 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Feeding, Food, Websites | tags: cereal, organic, puffins cereal by barbara's bakery. | #

Anytime I have a question about anything related to my child, I go to this site, www.keepkidshealthy.com.  It literally is a “pediatrician’s guide to your children’s health and safety.”  This is the “guru” site for anything related to your kid’s health and safety.  I love how on top of the page, there are tabs for different age groups.  This is a handy option for moms!  This site really emphasizes on the kid as a “whole” being and the better you take care of the health of your child, the safer he/she will be.  The navigation on this site is simple and makes finding answers to your questions really quickly.  Keepkidshealthy.com covers everything in full depth.  I had a question about “feeding solids” to my 5 month old at the time and went onto this site and found deep discussion on how to do it, how much to feed, how to begin, what you can feed, and etc.  It was so thoroughly explained that it built my confidence to start solids.  Also, this website has every topic covered relating to kids.  To name a few:  Immunizations, Feeding, Sickness, Safety, Nutrition, and Tips.  This is a “must have” site for all moms!

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Breast Feeding, Cleaning, Feeding, Food, Safety, Website Wednesday, Websites | tags: healthy, keepkidshealthy.com, Kids, nutrition, website. | #

THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED. 

Yael Even, the founder of Inspired Crib Bedding, came up with the idea for the company while shopping for nursery items. Yael could not find stylish coordinated choices.  Inspired Crib Bedding “is dedicated to providing modern designed, high quality baby bedding and accessories at affordable prices.”  All of their crib bedding sets and coordinating accessories are made in the USA.  

The bedding definitely wins a “loves it” for it’s great look.  Inspired Crib Bedding will give any nursery a clean and crisp look that will set it apart from most nurseries.  Even the website is super easy on the eyes.  The design of the bedding has obviously been well thought through.  If I were starting over in buying my daughter (Avery’s) bedding I think I would be definitely shopping here.

Inspired Crib Bedding is comfortable too!  With using both 100% cotton and minky fabric… the pieces are just as comfortable as they are pleasing to the eye.  I wanted to curl up myself with the pillow they sent me!  

Inspired Crib Bedding carries:

• Boy and Girl Bedding,
• Stroller Blankets,
• Support and Feeding Pillows,
• Hooded Towels,
• Changing Pads,
• Decorative Pillows,
• Wall prints,
• and Swaddlers. 

Insprired Crib Bedding is giving one lucky Does Mommy Love It? reader the chance to win a pillow of their own print and color choice!  To Enter simply visit Inspired Crib Bedding and choose the standard pillow you design and color you would want and comment on our site with that answer.  For additional entries:

58 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Nursery, Websites | tags: baby, bedding, inspired crib bedding, nursery, nursery decor. | #

Chasing Fireflies is by far my favorite children’s’ catalog.  From exquisite children’s’ fashion to unique children’s’ home decor chasing fireflies rises high above most of the competition.  The only down-point is that the price point is higher than I can always bring myself to spend.  However, if you want children’s items that are truly special and unique… Chasing Fireflies is for you. 

4 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Clothing, Furniture, Nursery, Websites | tags: chasing fireflies. | #

Photohand approached me about letting Does Mommy Love It? readers know about their photo retouching services. They were more than happy to let me actually review their process with my own photos. I wanted to really challenge them to see how good the service really was, and they passed with flying colors. These are the 2 pictures I started with.

I had them do the following things:

• Replace the head on Owen (far left) on the bottom picture to the head on the top.
• Take away any glare
• Even skin tones
• Brighten the pictures so it doesn’t look like dusk
• Make teeth whiter
• Zoom in more

Overall the service and outcome is really great for the cost. Most of us do not have the graphic design skills to do it ourselves and it is amazing what can be done with our photos that aren’t even taken by a professional!

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Website Wednesday, Websites | tags: photo retouching, photohand. | #

I was hesitant to feature this as first for Website Wednesday just because their isn’t a full website put together for this project yet.  There is no logo or marketing I can use, HOWEVER, the concept really touched my heart having had a mother myself that died of cancer.  Started by a cancer survivor herself, Meaghan, the mission of Spirit Jump is to connect people willing to give and/or make something (cards, art projects, presents, etc.) with cancer patients in need of encouragement.  

Meaghan herself was inspired to start this project by the encouragement from the cards and gifts she would receive during her treatment.  She states on her site, “These little gifts, no matter how small, helped me through such a difficult time. They gave me strength when I felt hopeless! This is something that all cancer fighters should have and if there is anyway I can give it, well that’s what I am going to do!”

Anyone can get involved by making or buying virtually anything.  All you have to do is take a bit of your time to write a letter, a card, draw something, or buy a gift.  All you do is let Meaghan know what you want to do and she will send you a list of people you could do that for.  You choose from the list and she will give you the address to send it too!  That easy.  

Please go take a moment and read her site to find out more about this fast growing project, Spirit Jump.  After all, it is the Holidays and though most of us don’t need another item on our things to do list… this is the true “spirit of Christmas”.  

No Comments | In: Websites | tags: Spirit Jump. | #

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

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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. | #

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. | #

If you are a mommy blogger and have not heard of MomDot.com, you must check it out. MomDot was started by Trisha and is also run by her and her friends Bridgette and Alicia. They also incorporate regular contributers on a bi-weekly basis. This week Tricia explained the heart of MomDot.

“First and foremost, MomDot is my personal blog. I wanted to have a place where blogs could come together and meet up. Simply put, I’m lazy and wanted y’all to come to my spot and enticed over 600 of you by listing your links and giving you love on a monthly basis with interviews and links and all that good stuff. I hate to be lonely, so I’m glad you made it. Second, I managed to talk two my best friends into helping me and spending 20 hours a week on something I barely can pay them $20 a week for. *hehe* I’m starting to think they are gluttons for punishment.”

I love and appreciate that the heart of MomDot is connecting mommy bloggers. You can check out the links to many, many blog listings and find other like-minded mommy blogs.  It’ll keep you busy for hours! Tricia and her team post quite frequently so they are never short of new content. I personally LOVE Tricia’s posts. Her humor often has me laughing out loud (something my husband does not think I do that much). She is just the type of friend you would absolutely love to have over for coffee on a gloomy day with gray clouds because you know she would be a hoot.

There are so many aspects of MomDot I could point out which are fabulous to search (Funkalicious Fridays, their Forum, their great reviews and giveaways…etc.).  I’m still discovering new things on there every day! So, go check it out yourself and join the community that MomDot has become. Bye for now, I’m off to join their forum.

To read more about MomDot in Tricia’s own words, check out this post.

1 Comment | In: Website Wednesday, Websites | tags: momdot, momdot.com, Website Wednesday. | #

For Website Wednesday, I have chosen another fabulous site. Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! Wish you had some help organizing your family life? Check out Cozi! It’s your family life simpified. Cozi is the new way busy families keep track of appointments and list, coordinate home and work schedules, and share favorite memories and photos, all in one place. Best of all, Cozi is FREE. Some of Cozi’s features include family calendars, customized lists, reminders and messages, and a family journal. Access Cozi from anywhere—home, work, or on the go—with any computer or mobile phone…it even has a sync function to Microsoft outlook. All you have to do to get started is to create a Cozi account. It’s quick and easy, with no downloads required! So start now!

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Family Time, Organization, Website Wednesday, Websites | tags: cozi, family calendars, Organization, Website Wednesday. | #

Here at Does Mommy Love It?, we will be featuring one website per week on Wednesdays. This way we can make sure we are reviewing places you should (or shouldn’t) visit everyday!

THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED CONGRATULATIONS ELIZABETH M.

When Gerrit approached me to review a new short film website called SpiritClips.com, I gladly obliged. When I asked for more information, he pitched me this:

SpiritClips was founded by Academy-Award winning producer Rob Fried, whose films include the inspirational classic “Rudy,” the dark comedy, “So I Married an Axe Murderer” and the award-winning Tom Cruise/Jamie Fox blockbuster “Collateral,” among others. Rob’s goal with SpiritClips is to create inspiring films that are outside the influence of the Hollywood studio system, reflect his personal values, and set a new precedent for innovative content online.

10 Comments | In: Video & TV, Website Wednesday, Websites, movie | tags: short film, social networking, Spirit Clips, video, website, Website Wednesday. | #

THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED.  THE WINNER IS KATHY CONLEY.  CONGRATULATIONS KATHY!

As a part of celebrating the new user-friendly site launch for The Soft Landing, We are having a giveaway!  We declared our love of The Soft Landing a couple of months ago. This non-toxic eating necessity site has many new products to offer!  The Soft landing also has a blog where they provide research findings about toxic plastic, product reviews and quick reference shopping guides. To enter the contest, make sure to visit our old post about The Soft Landing and then visit their site and come back to comment telling us something you like about it!  What will you win???  A KLEEN KANTEEN prize pack!! 

18 oz Kleen Kanteen w/ Flat Cap- $17 value

1 KK Sippy Adapter- $4 value

1 KK Sippy Spout- $5 value

1 KK Sport Cap- $5 value

1 Built in NY Thirsty Tote- $9 value

Thats a total of $40 VALUE!  I have to admit, I’m jealous because I want to win  One entry per person for this contest.  Also make sure to visit The Soft Landing Blog and congratulate them on their new shop launch!

Deadline to enter: November 17, 2008 Midnight

192 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Bottle Feeding, Contest, Feeding, Websites | tags: built in NY, Contest, kleen kanteen, The Soft Landing. | #

Their Story: “Rileyroos’s design inspiration comes from a combination of European fashion trends and the American spirit and casualness. We designed the line to imitate barefoot walking and to protect little feet. The sole of a Rileyroos shoe is flexible and its rubber-padded sole curls above the toes to provide leverage as a child begins crawling. Unlike many heavy or bulky first walking shoes, Rileyroos’ lightweight construction and protective bottoms support a child’s foot as he or she starts walking and provides traction to prevent falls on slippery surfaces.”

What We Think: These shoes have been assembled beautifully! They have a little less of a sole than the Jack & Lily shoes we reviewed last week, but have more support than a Robeez slipper. These shoes have plenty of flexibility for little crawlers and cruisers and durability of the leather and construction is obvious. The toes of the shoe just barely turn up which is perfect for babies development. The adorable stitching detail on each shoe adds to its charm.

These shoes come in four sizes: 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months. They state on their site that the shoes run a little big and I found this to be quite true. The 3-6 month seemed closer to a 6 month shoe to me. Most of the shoes run $30 while the bootie shoes run $35.

My personal favorite are in the new fall collection— for girls, the Mary Jane in Tweed. And for boys, the Sportie in Tiger.

Rileyroos is offering one Does Mommy Love It? reader the opportunity to choose their favorite size and style and there are 5 ways to enter! Please comment separately for each entry.

1.) Go to Rileyroos and choose your shoe. Be sure to state both the size, style, and color you would want.

2.) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? via feed reader or email. If you are already a subscriber just let us know that.

3.) Follow us on Twitter! If you are already following our tweets just let us know.

4.) Write a blog post about this contest and comment back with a direct link to it.

5.) Join our facebook group and come back to let us know. Again, if you have already done this comment to let us know.

The deadline for this contest is October 15th, 2008 at Midnight.

156 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Contest, Websites | tags: Apparel, children's shoes, Rileyroos, shoes. | #

Do you love lists?  Do you make list of lists?  Or do you not love lists but know you need one?  Let me introduce you to ListPlanIt.Com! Lists to put your world in order.

For under $10 you can join for 3 months and have access to every kind of list that you can imagine.  From Babysitters, to blog post planning; meal planning to travel, ListPlanIt.Com has it all.

Started by Jennifer Tankersley, List Plan It came about after her life got so stretched she could no longer go without much needed lists.  In her own words,

“Since then, it has been her mission to accumulate a list of lists that would not only Put her World in Order, but also help others do the same.”

Jennifer has over 350 lists on her site and allows you to check out sample lists before you join.  Her site has me inspired to start my own list notebook full of all the lists I need to keep life in order.

Jennifer also has a Mom Blog where she is full of lists and general tips.  Definitely check it out.

Jennifer has also been so generous to offer a free quarter long membership to one lucky Does Mommy Love It? reader!  All you have to do to enter is comment on what kind of list you would find the most useful.  Enter by SEPTEMBER 21st at MIDNIGHT.

For additional ways to enter see the list below.

2nd entry- Subscribe to our RSS feed. Then leave a comment saying you did so.  If you are already subscribed simply comment telling us that.

3rd entry- Write a post about our give away and make sure to link back to this specific post.  Comment with a permalink to your post.

17 Comments | In: Organization, Websites | tags: ListPlanIt.Com, lists, Organization, website review. | #

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. | #

Are you sick of trying to weed through the information of what is BPA free and what is not when you are buying feeding supplies for your children? I know I am. Sometimes it gets pretty confusing, especially when some of our favorite brands make some products with safe plastic and others with toxic plastic!

Fortunately, we received a comment on a post from Alicia Voorhies, owner of the The Soft Landing. I clicked to check it out and found a great store! They carry everything from pacifiers to sippy cups, plates, to toothbrushes and more!

Alicia Voorhies, the founder, is a retired RN that specialized in developmental disabilities. She came across this passion in her own pursuit to find non-toxic care products. Her mission is,

“We’ve accepted helping concerned parents to raise healthy children in the most natural way possible as our responsibility. We just know you’ll benefit from our research and personal experience! Whether you’re looking for Bisphenol-a free bottles and sippy cups or lead free bibs, we’ve got you covered from start to finish. Dive in and discover how making a few key changes in the products you use can give your baby the best health advantage possible.”

Related to the store, there is a Soft Landing Blog. This is an excellent resource for people just learning about toxins in plastic and how to live without it! Some of the most popular posts are:

• Which Nuby Bottles, Sippys, Teethers and Utensils Are Really BPA Free?
• BPA and Phthalate Free Pacifier Guide
• BPA and PVC Free Plastic Baby Bottle Comparison Chart
• BPA and Phthalate Free Baby Teether Guide and
• Safer Kids Cup and Dish Guide

Definitely do your self a favor and check out the helpful posts and guide so that you can make more informed decisions about the plastics used to feed your children!

Don’t forget to 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.

6 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Bottle Feeding, Breast Feeding, Feeding, Green, Websites | tags: BPA free, The Soft Landing, website. | #

It can’t be possible not to have heard of Five Minutes for Mom (dot) com if you are an online mom. This site, begun by twin WAHMs, Janice and Susan, has taken the mommy blogsphere by storm. Between reviews, contests, posts about daily life, inspiration, & spiritual growth, this site has it all. It is not only a site that you could spend quite a bit of time on, but it is also a resource to find other blogs and places to shop through their readers blogs page, mom owned sites page, and mom owned stores. On top of maintaining this incredible website, they also run two different webstores, A Rocking Horse to Love, and Pedal Cars and Retro Collections. These girls are an inspiration to work-at-home mom wannabes everywhere. As if this weren’t enough, they also have sister sites you should check out as well, 5 Minutes for Special Needs, 5 Minutes for Books, 5 Minutes for Going Green, and 5 Minutes for Parenting. If you go check out any of these sites I guarantee you will be spending much more than five minutes.

No Comments | In: Websites | tags: 5 minutes for going green, 5 minutes for mom, 5 minutes for parenting, 5 minutes for special needs. | #

Check out this site! It’s the “best free way to manage your money.” Basically, Mint.com functions like Microsoft Money or Quicken, but it’s free and less hands on! A great way for families to handle personal finances: budgeting, evaluating your spending, learning how to save, and paying off debt. What Mint does is that it downloads, categorizes, organizes and graphs all of your finances automatically every day. Plus, it features a blog that updates you on financial news and gives you advice and tips. It’s gotten positive reviews from the Wall Street Journal, PC Magazine, and etc. Simple to use and very informative. Again, did I mention it’s free?

No Comments | In: Educational, Finance, Learning, Websites | tags: budget, family, Finance, saving, work. | #

If you want to make sure everything you are buying for baby is hip, stylish, safe, and green, shop Giggle.com!  Their variety of unique, hard to find items will make you drool like your teether.  I’m so excited to have them as an affiliate sponsor because I absolutely love most things on their site.

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Websites | tags: Giggle.com. | #