Category Archives: Main Page Post

Send Kids Back To School In Style With an I See Me! Personalized Lunchbox & Enter To Win One!!!

back-to-school-1

I See Me’s  personalized lunch boxes make your child feel special every day! Each one of their lunch boxes features your child’s name on multiple sides. On the inside lid, there’s a chalkboard where you can write a personalized note to your child each morning!  These lunch boxes are great because you can comfort a child who is just starting school with a special note or picture from mom or dad inside the chalkboard lid.  Your child will look forward to lunch and the message or picture will remind him/her that you love them and will see them at the end of the school day.

I See Me Lunchbox

I SEE Me Open Lunchbox

These boxes are good for more than lunch, your child can use them to store special treasures and they make a great way to present a gift for a new baby or any child.  My kids love to keep special collections in theirs and carry them around.  Whatever way they are used, you and your child are sure to find them very handy.  They come in a variety of designs that appeal to boys and girls ages 2-12.  Lunch Boxes are safe for food and constructed of lead-free tin. Wash with soap and water, do not put in dishwasher.  Chalk is not included. 
I See Me Lunch Box Planets

 

I See Me Lunch Box Desk

 

I See Me Lunch Box Desk Open
Right now through 8/13 you can save 25% on the lunch boxes!!!  Save even more by using the code UNIQUE and take $10 off $40 purchase through 8/31!  Shop Now By Clicking HERE and save big!!!

Visit ISeeMe.com for the best personalized children's gifts.

 

I See Me! is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a personalized lunch box of their choice (subject to availability).  Thank you I See Me! for the review product and for sponsoring this great Back-To-School Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

I See Me! Personalized Lunch Box Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!



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Schwan’s Can Help You Prepare Healthy Dinners As The Kids Head Back-To-School!!!

schwans

Summer is such a great time and we just seem to have more freedom, the kids are out of school, we abandon much of the rigid scheduling that’s a huge part of our lives during the school year.  When kids start back to school it’s a big adjustment.  Not only is your child in a new grade, new class, with a new teacher but it’s a transition back into a fixed routine.  We have to be more conscious of time and kids need to eat well to stay focused, alert and healthy.  Schwan’s can help you prepare healthy meals for your family that don’t take all day to prepare.

schwans grill

For over 60 years, Schwan’s Home Service has provided superior frozen foods with convenient home delivery. Their foods are flash frozen at the peak of freshness and flavor. Customers can choose from USDA Choice meats, wild-caught seafood, flavorful skillet meals, Grade A fruits and vegetables, plus their heritage ice cream, distinctive desserts and much more.

schwans-chicken-breast

Schwan’s offers delicious foods to satisfy everyone, including family members with special dietary needs including:

– No gluten ingredients
– Vegetarian
– No sugar added
– Heart healthy
– Low calorie
– Low sodium choices

Schwan’s has weekly specials, coupons, online hot deals and new customer special offers. Join the Schwan’s Rewards program and earn 5% back on every online purchase, to be used on a future order.

schwans ice cream
100% Guarantee! Love It or Return It! If you’re unsatisfied one of their products – for any reason – they will gladly replace it or provide a refund.

Mommy Ramblings’ Readers Save $ On Your First Order at Schwans Home Service! – $5 off $25 Order – Coupon Code: JULIEN2
$10 off $50 Order – Coupon Code: JULIEN2
$15 off $75 Order – Coupon Code: JULIEN15
Click HERE To SAVE!!!

schwans bars


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Giveaway For A Handmade, Adorable Toddler Purse From MegExpressions!!!

Meg Expressions Logo

There are so many crafty people making and selling adorable, handmade products on Etsy.  I was recently contacted by Meg from MegExpressions and she sent me a sweet toddler purse and tissue holder to review.

Meg Expressions

The little purse is perfect for small hands to manage and can hold little girl treasures, crayons or even a special note or card from a loved one.

Toddler Purse 2

 

Toddler Purse 1

 

Meg sells women’s wallets, toddler purses, checkbook holders, coin pouches and more in her shop.  Everything is handmade from her original designs and with repurposed fabrics.  To see more of Meg’s great work, you can visit her Etsy Shop  and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Meg Expressions Bag 2

 

Meg Expression coin purse.

 

Meg Expression bag 3

MegExpressions is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a toddler purse similar to the one I was sent.  Since they are all handmade no two are exactly alike.  Thank you to MegExpressions for the review products and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

MegExpressions, Toddler Purse Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Check Out The New Daycare Label Packs From Lovable Labels & Enter Our Giveaway To Win A Pack!!!

Lovable Labels Logo

Loveable Labels has introduced NEW Daycare Label Packs!!!  These great packs contain over 105 labels in the quality you expect from Lovable Labels. Now, you can label your child’s belongings so you don’t lose shoes, clothing, cups, bottles, toys and more.  The labels are super durable and will stand up to the dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer.  These labels are great for little ones headed to Pre-K and Kindergarten too!  They come in great designs too!!!

Daycare Packs contain over 105 labels:

15 Sticker Labels

16 Match It Shoe Labels (shapes cut in half so kids can match their shoes easily)

10 Fun Stickies (fun shaped stickers)

60 Mini Dots (for use on clothing)

8 Snack Labels(re-writable labels for snacks, baby bottles, etc.)

Lovable Labels Dig It Pack

Lovable Labels Monkey Daycare Pack

Lovable Labels Owl Happy Flappy Daycare pack.

Lovable Labels is sponsoring a giveaway of one Daycare Label Pack on Mommy Ramblings!!!  To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Schoola Helps Schools In Need & Now You Can Save Even More!!! #Clothes4Schools

schoola logo

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about a great way to help schools in need while shopping for name brand clothes for your kids at huge savings or donating clothing they have outgrown. Schoola is an online shop dedicated to recycling brand-name children’s clothes, with 40% of the proceeds going to schools in need. The innovative new program – which saves parents money and gives back at the same time – has been heralded by Fox News, the LA Times, Forbes and Parenting Magazine.

In our last post we shared the story of  a wonderful school in the Bronx called KIPP Academy that is trying to raise $25,000 to fund their music program.  If you want to refresh your memory, you can watch the video below.

 


About KIPP Academy:

A small school in the Bronx, KIPP Academy works hard to support kids who need all the help they can get. Ninety-five percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. More than one in seven receives special education services. Music helps KIPP Academy reach and engage every child who enters its doors. The slogan on the Music Room wall sets the stage—All of Us Will Learn Music.  No matter what backgrounds they come from or what challenges they face, they learn lessons together that will serve them the rest of their lives.

kipp-006
I think this whole idea is so great and helping schools in need, helps our future!  My older children were so lucky to go to a school that had great curriculum and extra curricula activities as well as extensive sports programs.  The benefit of being able to choose activities, courses and extras that appealed to them enriched their lives so much.  I am so grateful that my youngest are entering the same school and that it still has those options available to the students.
Save 20% now through August 2oth:

Right now, Schoola is extending a 20% discount to Mommy Ramblings’ readers when they shop Schoola donates $1 to help KIPP Academy.  The code to get 20% off your order is BacktoSchoola20 and it is good through August 20, 2014.  This code has a limit of one use per customer.

You can help KIPP Academy and your own school:

You can shop on Schoola for back-to-school clothing, even clothing new with tags and for every transaction that is processed by going through this link, Schoola will donate $1 to KIPP Academy.  That’s not all, everyone that requests a donation bag through the same link will help too because Schoola will donate $1 for every requested bag to Kipp Academy. Perhaps the best part is, if you send in a donation bag of clothing, you can fill out the name of a school you support and for every $5 in sales, Schoola will donate $2 to the school you selected!!! That’s a real win-win for Kipp Academy and the school of your choice!!!   You can follow Schoola on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on all the latest happenings.

 

This post is brought to you by Schoola, the best place to buy discounted kids clothes all while give back to schools in need.Click here to learn more about Schoola.Click here to see what people are saying.

 


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Find Out Why Moms Love To Play G5’s “The Secret Society-Hidden Mystery” Free-To-Play Mobile Game!!!

Secret Society Hidden Mystery

We all know moms are busy, but they still need some down time.  Did you know there are a lot of moms who enjoy playing mobile games on their smart phones and tablets?  Maybe you’re one of those moms.  Some might wonder how any mom would have time for that and I think you may be surprised at some of the answers.

G5 Entertainment, is a leading developer and publisher of high-quality casual and free-to-play mobile games for women. The spirited, adventure-seeking women who devour their games include multitasking moms looking for inspiration, stimulation and excitement. The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery is a captivating mix of I-spy scenes, gem match puzzles, brain teasers and memory games. In the game, you become a member of the Order of Seekers and start exploring enchanting worlds by entering photographs. The goal is to collect clues that will expand even further the world you’re traveling in and help you unravel mysteries related to your missing uncle. This wildly popular hidden object adventure also features social elements: you can help your game mates, make friends and send and receive in-game gifts.

Secret Society ss

G5 has always been dedicated  to making the most enjoyable, casual games possible. They are very aware that the people who play these games are primarily women. What they didn’t know was what kind of women play their games and why.  So they asked.  What they found out was not only interesting but also extremely heartwarming.  The moms were asked when and how they find the time to play the free-to-play hidden object adventure, The Secret Society-Hidden Mystery. The stories are shared on G5’s Facebook page but you can read a sampling of some of the most striking responses below.

Secret Society ss1

Christy: “As a full-time nurse and full-time mom, this game is my escape. It is my reward to myself after a long day. I love the fact that it keeps my brain stimulated especially since Alzheimer’s runs in my family. Games like The Secret Society help fight it! Thanks again for an awesome game for moms!”

Devan: “After a long day of work and not seeing my babies, this is a game I get to enjoy. I play it while my newborn is sleeping on my lap and I can’t move anywhere for fear of waking her up. Also, my four-year-old stepson likes to ‘help’ find items (he taps the screen repeatedly and loses some of the allotted time). It’s a nice way to relax and share some fun.”

Dolores: “I have stage IV lung cancer, and I love playing this game. It helps take my mind off other issues in my life. I am a mom, but my son is grown and married. We have two grandsons who are the joys of our lives.”

Joanne: “I’m a 63-year-old grandmother who is disabled and bedridden. I play The Secret Society to enjoy and have some interaction with other people. They don’t know how old I am or my physical condition, which is a plus. I got my grandson to play, and we have that extra contact, which makes it special. I don’t know how other people feel but my friends [in the game] are considered my friends. I think this game is great and I go through the whole nine yards from happy to frustrated but enjoy playing.”

Wren: “My mom showed this game to me when I told her I was looking for a simple game to play on my phone while I spent hours rocking my son to sleep. I instantly became addicted! Honestly, this game really helped get me through long nights. Now that my son is older I play while he naps and again after he goes to bed for the night. I usually sneak in a few scenes when he is playing well on his own too. It is a fantastic game!”

Michelle: “I play at night when everyone else is asleep. I’m a busy mom of four, with three of those being boys! So I like it when it’s quiet with a low chance of interruption. I love the soft clicking sound of the gem match game. I put headphones on so I can hear the clicks as the gems fall into place. I find it very soothing.”

Dianne: “This game has become a lifeline to me as I suffer from CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). I spend a great deal of time with nerve pain, and this game serves as a distraction for me in coping with what I have.”

Nanette: “I love playing this game. I am a stay-at-home mom of two – three if you count my dog. I also take care of my Dad and his house. This game is perfect to play while waiting for laundry or while cooking. The power level I have at this time allows me to play during the lulls in my housework without forgetting to get back to work. As soon as the power runs out, I go back to cooking, cleaning or what have you.”

Christine: “I play whenever I can. In short bursts while cooking dinner or after the kids have gone to school or to bed. It is definitely a great way to unwind even if I just have a few minutes. My eight-year-old has even started to help me find items when I’m stuck. She likes to look over my shoulder when I play.”

Melinda: “I play mainly when the baby is napping and when everyone goes to sleep at night. I have gotten my mother, sister-in-law, husband, best friend, son, daughter, niece and nephew all addicted to this game. Now, none of them can say that I have a problem! LOL.”

Heather: “As the mum of two active kids I spend a lot of time waiting in the car for them to come out of clubs. This is a great time to play as I get peace and don’t feel guilty about not doing housework.”

Secret Society Play Sign

The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery is a captivating mix of I-spy scenes, gem match puzzles, brain teasers and memory games. In the game, you become a member of the Order of Seekers and start exploring enchanting worlds by entering photographs. The goal is to collect clues that will expand even further the world you’re traveling in and help you unravel mysteries related to your missing uncle. This wildly popular hidden object adventure also features social elements: you can help your game mates, make friends and send and receive in-game gifts.

If you would like to try the game yourself you can click on the link below that is compatible with your smart phone or tablet.

The Secret Society is available for iOS:  https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=37820&offer_id=263000&sub_campaign=mommyramblings,

Google Play – https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=36252&offer_id=267996&sub_campaign=mommyramblings and

Kindle Fire – https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=42764&offer_id=267712&sub_campaign=mommyramblings

If you do try the game or already play, leave us a comment letting us know what you think or when you play.  Follow G5 on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and news!


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Moist, Delicious,Blueberry Pound Cake Recipe!!!

Blueberry-Pound-Cake-bpk

The blueberries in New York State are abundant and ready for picking. We went out to pick our first batch a couple of weekends ago.  There are so many ripe berries and so many that are ripening now, that I plan on making lots of blueberry recipes.

Blueberry-Pound-Cake 10

Blueberry-Picking-1

Blueberry-Picking

Blueberry Picking

Our first batch went to make a delicious, moist blueberry pound cake. This pound cake is so easy to prepare and you just layer the batter and the berry, cinnamon, sugar mixture, cover with the batter and repeat the whole process.

blueberry cake

2 cups of freshly picked blueberries tossed with the cinnamon and sugar

This is the mixed cake batter ready to start layering in the bundt pan.

This is the mixed cake batter all ready to start layering in the bundt pan.

First Layer-Pound Cake Batter

First Layer-Pound Cake Batter

Second Layer-Half of the Blueberry Mixture

Second Layer-Half of the Blueberry Mixture

Third Layer Is The Second 1/3 of the Cake Batter.

Third Layer Is The Second 1/3 of the Cake Batter.

Fourth Layer is The Rest of The Blueberry Mixture

Fourth Layer is The Rest of The Blueberry Mixture

Fifth and Final Layer is the Rest of the Pound Cake Batter.

Fifth and Final Layer is the Rest of the Pound Cake Batter.

Bake Cake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Bake Cake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Mix up the sugar glaze before the cake is completely cool.

Mix up the sugar glaze before the cake is completely cool.

Blueberry-Pound-Cake-12

Blueberry-Pound-Cake-8

I adapted a recipe I found online, if you want to try it, the recipe is below.  If you do try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out.

Blueberry Pound Cake Recipe


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Make Bedtime Bliss with this Sleep Mask

Do you have a hard time sleeping if you can see light?  How about on planes, trains or long car rides?  Do you wish there was a comfortable sleep mask that would block the light and let you sleep whenever you are tired?  Do you have a spouse that keeps a light on to read or watches TV in bed when you want to close the lights and sleep?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have good news.

Bedtime Bliss Mask and Earplugs

I was recently sent the Bedtime Bliss® eye mask and it’s like no other sleep mask I have seen!  Not some piece of flat material with an uncomfortable elastic band that is too tight.  The Bedtime Bliss mask has a unique contoured design that is so comfortable while blocking the light to let you get some rest.  The mask fits so that you can still open your eyes and allows for REM sleep.  This sleep mask is the answer for getting the much-needed sleep you need to start the day refreshed and energized.

If you do not agree it is the best, the company gives you a 100% money back guarantee! The same mask works for men, women and children and will not smudge makeup, so if you take a power nap you will get up ready to go.  The adjustable straps are designed to fit all head sizes and will not put pressure on your eyes.  

Bedtime Bliss Mask Features

Ideal for those who work the night shift and have to sleep during the day.  Mask is lightweight and washable so it is easy to travel with.  The mask also includes earplugs and a carrying case so you can block out noise too!  I like this mask to wear in the whirlpool tub because sometimes I just want the lights off, but it can be dangerous to do that when you are getting out etc.  With the mask you can soak away in darkness and truly rest your eyes while your body is massaged with jets of water.  When you are ready to get out you can get our safely because you did not have to turn out the lights. You can purchase the Bedtime Bliss® Eye Mask on Amazon.  Sweet Dreams!

Your vision through our eyes!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Tips For Creating A Safe Nursery & Giveaway To Win A Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ by SootheTime

Part of the fun and excitement of planning for a new baby is decorating the nursery. Picking out the furniture, wall color, decor and of course the bedding for the crib make it all seem real.  With the controversy over the safety of crib bumpers, some new parents feel it is safer not to use them.  Even though they feel it’s safer without the bumpers, not many could deny, the cribs look empty without them.  Some bumper alternatives look strange and are not available with any coordinating bedding.

If you can relate to this, I want to share good news about the Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ by SootheTIME, part of the Just Born family. This crib bumper alternative is adjustable and fits most cribs with a mesh liner that locks in place and provides fresh airflow for baby.

Soothe Time

Fresh-Air-Crib-Liner

The Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ gives parents less to worry about while creating a safe and comfy environment for baby to sleep.  The Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ is now available at Target and they can receive a $5.00 rebate using this link.

Fresh Air Crib Liner Chevron

Fresh Air Crib Liner

Some other great tips for creating a safe and healthy nursery are to skip composite wood furniture because it contains formaldehyde, solid wood is the safer choice.  Organic crib mattresses are a safe sleeping option, but if you have a conventional mattress, you can cover it with a cover not made of PVC.

If you are painting baby’s walls opt for a zero VOC paint and paint as far in advance of baby coming home as possible so there is ample time to thoroughly air out the room. It’s best to go with a bare flooring like bamboo or cork  over carpet and make sure that you do not use products that are treated with Microban because it contains the chemical toxin triclosan.

If you’re using area rugs, washable rugs are best and if you do have carpet, vacuum often using a vacuum equipped with a hepa filter.  For accent decor and toys make sure that you are decorating with safe items.  Those vintage finds may look nice but what’s lurking in them?  Avoid using or buying anything containing BPA, Phthalates, PVC, Latex, Lead, and Flame Retardants.

With some careful planning you can create a nursery that’s safe and inviting for your new addition.

Would you like to enter a giveaway to win a Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ by SootheTIME? Well, you are in luck!  Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

Fresh Air Crib Liner dot

 

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Why is There Controversy Over The Anatomically Correct Boy Doll?

My Facebook feed has been full of posts about the controversy over an anatomically correct baby boy doll that is being sold at Toys R Us.  I want to know why this is making news when anatomically correct boy dolls have been around for so long.

When I was a kid, I had an anatomically correct baby boy doll made by Mattel.  He was in the Baby Tenderlove line of dolls and was sold as their little brother.  Being the daughter of a mother that loved dolls, I had dolls of all kinds and that included several of the Ideal, Tenderlove dolls.

boy-tenderlove-doll-Mattel

Now in the mid to late 70’s when this doll was introduced there was also another anatomically correct boy doll by Ideal that was on the market, called Archie Bunker’s Grandson Joey, from the sitcom All In The Family.

Archie-Bunker-Grandson-Joey-Stivic

 

This little doll was very similar to Ideal’s Tenerderlove little boy.  Funny thing is, when we were buying the Joey doll, we got home to find that Baby Tenderlove had been put in the box instead.  The only reason I knew it was not Joey was the eye color was different.  So I had a Joey box and Tenerderlove doll.  Either way they were very similar and both with their little boy parts.  I still have him around here somewhere.

So back to the original question of why is this an issue now in the year 2014?  Does this cause anyone real issues?  Recently I heard 2 colleagues  who are in their early 30’s say they were not allowed to have a Ken doll growing up.  That’s a foreign concept to me and all the little girls I played with growing up had Ken to go with their Barbie and be a husband and a dad.  I would think those parents would want their girls to have the traditional family dynamic.

I truly cannot comprehend what must have been their train of thought.  Do they think somehow a Ken doll will corrupt their daughter and how exactly would that happen? Like I said, I liked having the family dynamic of a mom and dad Barbie family and it did not cause issues of any kind.  Ken-Barbie-Mattel

I think not being allowed to have the doll raises more issues and does more harm.  It also instills that men are bad or will have the child then focused on what’s the reason her parents will not allow Ken in the house.  So in the long run, trying to protect their child from whatever it is they are trying to protect them from is instead focusing the child’s attention on it.

As I am writing this, I just remembered the 70’s Sunshine Dolls also from Mattel.  I had these dolls too and they were sold as a family unit with a mother, father and baby or baby and toddler.  I think this is a healthy concept for kids and you could even buy additional kids, babies and grandparents as well as a craft store business and family home.

Sunshine Family

 

In closing I think a much more controversial doll is the Breast Milk Baby doll by Berjun. In my opinion, it’s a very weird concept that little girls should put on a top that gives them breasts so they can breastfeed their doll.  I understand it’s natural, but natural for a woman not a little girl.  The whole idea of it is unsettling to me.  However, an anatomically correct boy doll; that’s so last century!

Breast Milk Baby Doll


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