Win a Starry Night Humidifier!

This is one of my favorite new products!  My son was so excited to try this out and he now runs up to bed to “watch the stars.”  It projects stars on the ceiling and they change color too!  You can also add a menthol stick inside which fills up the room to help with congestion.  I have already recommended it to friends.  A friend was going to use hers in her newborn’s room, but her daughter loved it so much that she’ll be using it instead.  :)  We’re giving away two to our Mommy’s Idea readers!
If you’re still looking for a great thermometer, try out the Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer.  It’s another fantastic product from Vicks/Braun.  It takes an accurate temp quickly and, at least in my experience, without much fuss from the kids!  I also like the Vicks Personal Steam inhaler.  You just add hot water, something to give you those healing vapors, and breathe them in to help with congestion (or headaches sinus headaches!)

Here’s how to enter . . .
1. You must be a subscriber or follower of Mommy’s Idea.  (1 entry- mandatory)
2. Leave a comment telling us who you would “watch the stars” with if you won. (1 entry)
3.. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.


Bonus entries this holiday season!  (Current subscribers can join in the fun too.)
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  You can simply list the letter to make it faster!  That’s right, your post can simply say “F” and then “F2” for the next comment for becoming a fan on Facebook.  Just be sure to include your e-mail too if that’s how we’ll find you.
E- Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.) 2 entries (Use it again, even if you used it as your mandatory entry!)
M- Become a follower of Mommy's Idea. 2 entries (Use it again, even if you used it as your mandatory entry!)
L- Link to this giveaway or Mommy’s Idea.  Please leave your blog url in your comment. 2 entries
S- Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc. 2 entries
B- Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site. 2 entries
F- Become a fan on Facebook 2 entries
T- Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!) 2 entries per tweet
Open to Continental US and Canada residents.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, December 14, 2010.

* I received a product to review.

Win a $50 Gift Card to CSN Stores!

I’ve posted about this site before and now is your chance to win a $50 gift card to see what it’s all about!  CSN stores has over 200 stores to shop from.  Whether you’re looking for a suitcase, furniture, kitchen items, or toys for the kids, it’s all there.  After taking a look at the many choices, I recently got a Magneatos magnet set for my son.   Easy to order and quick shipping too.  See below for how to enter.

Here’s how to enter . . .
1. You must be a subscriber or follower of Mommy’s Idea.  (1 entry- mandatory)
2. Leave a comment about your holiday shopping, whether you’ve gotten to it or not! (1 entry)
3.. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.


Bonus entries this holiday season!  (Current subscribers can join in the fun too.)
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  You can simply list the letter to make it faster!  That’s right, your post can simply say “F” and then “F2” for the next comment for becoming a fan on Facebook.  Just be sure to include your e-mail too if that’s how we’ll find you.
E- Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.) 2 entries (Use it again, even if you used it as your mandatory entry!)
M- Become a follower of Mommy's Idea. 2 entries (Use it again, even if you used it as your mandatory entry!)
L- Link to this giveaway or Mommy’s Idea.  Please leave your blog url in your comment. 2 entries
S- Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc. 2 entries
B- Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site. 2 entries
F- Become a fan on Facebook 2 entries
T- Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!) 2 entries per tweet
Open to Continental US and Canada residents.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, December 13, 2010.

The Fresh Air Fund

Here’s an interesting not-for-profit program working to give children more opportunities.  Read more about them below.

Summer may seem far away, but NYC children are currently participating in Fresh Air programs, from weekly tutoring sessions to job shadowings to weekend retreats at Fund camps in upstate New York! Our Career Awareness Program serves more than 300 youngsters in middle and high school. We also have new leadership programs for young women to develop their “can-do” attitudes!
No matter the season, Fresh Air children remain involved, excited and forward-thinking. We need loyal friends like you to continue serving thousands of New York City children throughout the year. Thank you!

To make a donation, please click here.

Every year, The Fresh Air Fund gives thousands of inner-city children the priceless gift of fun – and opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.

Whether it's a two-week trip to the country to visit a volunteer host family, or a fun-filled and educational stay at one of our fund camps, our programs make for unforgettable memories – and open a world of new friendships and fresh possibilities.

• Just $10 will send one child on a bus ride to his or her Friendly Town host family.
• $24 provides a child with a week of swimming lessons.
• $42 provides a day of Career Awareness classes.
• A gift of $50 can fund a camp counselor for a day.
• If you can give as much as $91, you provide a child at camp with meals for a week.

We are a not-for-profit agency and depend on tax-deductible donations from people like you to keep our vital programs flourishing.

Holiday Gift Guide

Many of you are probably out shopping this Black Friday or shopping online and avoiding all those crowds.  Here are just a few of my favorite things that would all make great Christmas gifts!  You can also check our "Thank you to our sponsors" list on the left or old posts for some unique gift ideas.  I’ve included some links to Amazon.com- one of my favorite places to shop.  :)

Cloud b- I just LOVE their products.  We have used the Sleep Sheep on the Go with both kids and have given away many of them as gifts when new babies arrive.  We also love the Twilight Turtle that projects stars on the ceiling.  You can find them at retail stores as well as sites like Amazon.com.

Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light, Sea Turtle

Cloud b Sleep Sheep On The Go - Travel Sound Machine with Four Soothing Sounds

Dynamic Frames- These frames open easily from the side so you can change pictures or artwork as often as you like!  They’ve been having a special of the week, so be sure to check that out.  I absolutely love these frames and they make a great gift!

Use code df15 for 15% off one regular priced item.

Dynamic Artwork Frame - Medium (Available here at Amazon, but you can't use the code.  Click here for their website.)

Dapper Snappers- Keep your kids’ pants up when the waist is just a little too big.  These are so easy to use and they work great!

Choose any 3 single Dapper Snappers and pay only $26.95.  Save $5.90.  Use code: BFJiCpick3
Choose any 6 and pay only $49.95.  Save $15.75.  Use code: BFJicpick6
Black Friday special ends 11/30/10

Dapper Snapper Baby & Toddler Adjustable Belt 3 Pack ~ Black, Navy & Beige (Available at Amazon and you don't need the code.)



They even have some new items . . .

NEW Dapper Snappers Clips - No Belt loops? No Problems!
NEW Dapper Snappers for Moms From Miss to Maternity to Momhood
NEW Dapper Snappers for Mittens Don't lose your mittens!
NEW Patterned Original Dapper Snappers too!

 

Starry Night Humidifier- Check this one out for the little ones on your list!  It projects stars on the ceiling and they change color too!  You can also add a menthol stick inside which fills up the room to help with congestion.

Vicks Starry Night - White/Blue

Get Buttoned Up- This site has some great products to help that special someone get organized.  The gift card organizer would go great with a gift card inside or even on it’s own! 

Black Friday special- 20% off the entire site!  Use code 20off

Happy Shopping to you!

Free Movie Tickets!

Here’s an easy way to get free movie tickets from General Mills.

In an effort to bring families together for healthy and wholesome fun this holiday season, General Mills announces the start of its “Big G Cereal Free Movie Ticket” promotion. As a part of the on-box campaign, cereal eaters can receive one free adult-admission movie ticket with the purchase of any two specially-marked boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (17 oz.), Lucky Charms® (16 oz.), Trix® (14.8 oz) or Reese’s Puffs® cereal (18 oz.). Participating boxes of cereal will be on store shelves nationwide for a limited time.

To receive a free adult-admission movie ticket (valued at up to $12), consumers enter codes from inside any two specially marked boxes of General Mills cereal at www.generalmills.com/moviecash. Tickets can be printed and taken to participating theaters to receive free movie admission. Tickets are valid at participating theaters through Oct. 30, 2011 (60 days following code activation with deadline of Aug. 31, 2011).

For more information on the promotion, including a list of participating theaters, visit www.generalmills.com/moviecash.

Win a Dreamy Eyes™ Plush Animal!

 
Aurora – Dreamy Eyes™
Dreamy Eyes™ feature loveable expressions, big eyes and appealing cuddle material that just melts in your hands. 13 brand new styles include tiger, pony, pig, cow, lion, elephant, monkey, giraffe, cat, pug, Chihuahua, frog and lamb (10”, bean filled; MSRP: $12.99). Perfect for ages two and up! Visit Aurora online at www.auroragift.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/auroraworld. Shop Aurora online at http://shop.auroragift.com.

These Dreamy Eyes™ animals are adorable!  I received Tommy Tiger and Fantabulous Frog and am amazed by how soft and cuddly they are.  They look at you with these sweet little faces and big eyes and you can’t help but snuggle with them a little bit.  They were also a hit with my son and daughter.    Win one below!

Here’s how to enter . . .
1. Visit the Dreamy Eyes™ collection. 
2. Come back here and leave a comment telling us which plush you’d choose.
3. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.


Bonus entries this holiday season!  (Current subscribers can join in the fun too.)
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  You can simply list the letter to make it faster!  That’s right, your post can simply say “F” and then “F2” for the next comment for becoming a fan on Facebook.  Just be sure to include your e-mail too if that’s how we’ll find you.
E- Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.) 2 entries
M- Become a follower of Mommy's Idea. 2 entries
L- Link to this giveaway- Mommy’s Idea Giveaway. Please leave your blog url in your comment. 3 entries
S- Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc. 2 entries
B- Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site. 2 entries
F- Become a fan on Facebook 2 entries
T- Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!) 2 entries per tweet
Open to Continental US and Canada residents.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, December 4, 2010.

* I received a product to review.

Win a Cradle Rock Lullaby CD!

Need something new to add to your lullaby collection?  Cradle Rock Music has three great new lullaby CDs and more are on the way.  They’ve taken hit songs and given you the lullaby version to listen to with your little one.  We’ve been listening to the Michael Jackson CD, which is a hit with both baby and adults in our house.  It’s a nice change to listen to something you can sing along to in your head while having some quiet time.  The music is relaxing and so interesting to hear in a different version.  I can’t wait for the Carrie Underwood CD to come out!  Win one of the CDs shown above by entering below.

Here’s how to enter . . .
1. Visit Cradle Rock Music.
2. Come back here and leave a comment telling us which album you’d love to win. (1 entry)
3. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.


 Bonus entries this holiday season!  (Current subscribers can join in the fun too.)
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  You can simply list the letter to make it faster!  That’s right, your post can simply say “F” and then “F2” for the next comment for becoming a fan on Facebook.  Just be sure to include your e-mail too if that’s how we’ll find you.
E- Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.) 2 entries
M- Become a follower of Mommy's Idea. 2 entries
L- Link to this giveaway- Mommy’s Idea Giveaway. Please leave your blog url in your comment. 3 entries
S- Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc. 2 entries
B- Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site. 2 entries
F- Become a fan on Facebook 2 entries
T- Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!) 2 entries per tweet
Open to Continental US and Canada residents.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, December 2, 2010.

* I received a product to review.

Win a Cupcake Carrier and Sandwich Box from Snapware!

1. Visit Snapware and join the Snapware family. (Required- 1 entry)
2. Come back here and leave a comment telling us your favorite item or why you’d love to win this. (1 entry)
3. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.


 Bonus entries this holiday season!  (Current subscribers can join in the fun too.)
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  You can simply list the letter to make it faster!  That’s right, your post can simply say “F” and then “F2” for the next comment for becoming a fan on Facebook.  Just be sure to paste your e-mail too if that’s how we’ll find you.
E- Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.) 2 entries
M- Become a follower of Mommy's Idea. 2 entries
L- Link to this giveaway- Mommy’s Idea Giveaway. Please leave your blog url in your comment. 3 entries
S- Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc. 2 entries
B- Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site. 2 entries
F- Become a fan on Facebook 2 entries
T- Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!) 2 entries per tweet
Open to US residents.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, November 29, 2010.

* I received a product to review.

Win a Melissa and Doug Puppet Theater from GummyLump.com!

Melissa and Doug Puppet Theater
This wooden puppet theater has a sturdy, non-tip base and plenty of room inside for a puppeteer or two to put on a show! The playful, detailed graphics and plush, velvety curtains will help inspire creativity and expression in any child. Includes a chalkboard panel and clock with movable hands.
We received this great puppet theater from Gummy Lump to try out.  My 3 year old was excited from the moment the box came and he couldn’t wait to play with it.  He got his tools and helped Daddy put it together, which was a pretty simple process.  We love using the puppet theater and my 10 month old loves to watch the shows her brother puts on!  She also likes to climb behind it and peek through the curtains.  The clock on the front is a great learning tool that my son uses to set the next show time.  It is a sturdy toy that will give you and your family a fun place to use your imagination.  Visit GummyLump.com for more educational, entertaining, and unique toys and games, including special needs toys.  See below for how you can win a Melissa and Doug puppet theater of your own!

Here's how to enter . . .
1. Visit GummyLump.com. 
2. Come back here and leave a comment telling us your favorite item.
3. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.

Who wants extra entries?!  Lots this time!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 

• Follow Gummy Lump on Twitter
• Like Gummy Lump on Facebook
• Add a "Play Food" sidebar text link or one of their buttons to your blog that links to their home page (http://www.gummylump.com) or play food page (http://www.gummylump.com/c/FoodPlay/209).
  Pick a Button (125 x 125) Here: animated holiday button, holiday button, non-holiday button
• Sign up for their newsletter
• Become a GummyLump.com affiliate through Google Affiliate Network (GAN):
• Follow their blog
• Place an order on their site and post the order number in the comments here

Here’s more . . .

• Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.)
• Become a follower of Mommy's Idea.
• Blog about and link to this giveaway. Please leave your blog url in your comment.
• Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc.
• Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site.
• Become a fan on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!)

Open to US residents.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, November 29, 2010.

* I received a product to review.

Win a 3 Month Premium Membership to Zoodles.com!

3 Mommy’s Idea readers will win 3 months of premium membership!
It is no wonder why school children are so good on computers- they start so early and become so comfortable with them.  So I’m not surprised that even my 3 year old can find his way around, often better than Grandma and Grandpa!  There are so many choices online, some good and some not so good.  One option is to search for sites you feel are safe, fun, and educational and bookmark them or create shortcuts on the desktop.  Find things your children are interested in and give them the chance to explore them. 

Another fantastic and easy option is a www.Zoodles.com.  The basic app is available for free and is plenty for you and your child to enjoy.  Then, if you’d like to try out some of their premium features, like choosing the content and subjects, setting time limits, and blocking games, you can simply upgrade.  One of my favorite features is the e-mail I get to tell me about my son’s week on Zoodles- what he played, how long, and what skills he practiced.

In addition to the websites and games that have been screened by Zoodles, your children can also do fun things like using the art tab shown above.
My son now asks, “Can I go on Zoodles?”  He knows how to go on, feed his virtual dog with the treats he’s earned, and play on sites I know are safe, fun, and educational for him.  He loves that he has so many choices and that many of his favorite characters, like Mickey, Handy Manny, Thomas, and Curious George are all there for him to pick from. 
Try it out for yourself at www.zoodles.com!
Here's how to enter . . .
1. Visit www.zoodles.com.
2. Come back here and leave a comment telling us why you’d love to win this.
3. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.

Who wants extra entries?!
(Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Current subscribers, you can use these extra entries too, since we’re so happy to have you here!)
-Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.)
-Become a follower of Mommy's Idea.
-Blog about and link to this giveaway. Please leave your blog url in your comment.
-Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc.
-Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site.
-Become a fan on Facebook
-Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!)
Open worldwide.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, November 27, 2010.

An Educational Site for Kids- Time4learning.com

This is a great site for homeschooling, after school activities, summertime, or just some extra educational activities.
“Time4Learning is a new approach that takes advantage of today's technology. It's a convenient, online home education program that combines learning with fun educational teaching games.
The online language arts and math comprise a comprehensive program for preschool, elementary school, and middle school. Science and social studies programs are provided as a free bonus for most grades.”

I love that it starts with a nice big screen full of choices.  Since we’re using it to supplement his preschool program and have some fun computer choices, I let my son choose the one he likes.  Each graphic clearly shows the topic, so he can do it all on his own.  He can choose from topics such as alphabet, colors, weather, food, the human body, or garden.  Then, within each topic, he can choose activities like storybook, memory match, or show time.  He likes that the story book reads to him and that he can “turn” the pages himself.
There are some really helpful features for parents, including reports on what your child has completed, a parent forum, lesson plans, and a hints section.  These help you get the most out of the program.

What is included in a membership? 
Time4Learning includes the following:

• Online curriculum for grades Pre-K through 8th
• More than 1,000 interactive animated lessons
• Self paced lessons that kids will enjoy working on
• Math & algebra tutorials & printable worksheets
• Language arts, phonics & grammar lessons
• Interactive, project-based reading activities
• Science (grades 1st - 6th) & social studies (grades 2nd - 7th)
• Detailed reporting for easy record keeping
• Extensive lesson plans & teaching tools for parents
• and much more...

And the cost?

$19.95 / Month for the First Child, $14.95 / Month for Each Additional Child

If you’re looking for something educational that your child will enjoy, this may be just be it.  Check it out at www.time4learning.com!

*I received a trial period for review.

Win a Shed 5 Fast Fitness DVD from Lindsay Brin!

I was so happy to have found Lindsay’s DVDs when I was pregnant with my son.  I had the energy to workout and the other prenatal DVDs I found were very sloooooow moving.  Lindsay Brin’s First, Second, and Third Trimester DVDs give you the chance to work at your own level and have a great workout.  Alright, I never really cracked open the third trimester DVD since my energy had dwindled by then and my son was 3 1/2 weeks early.  Then I used Post Natal Boot Camp, which helped me lose that baby weight.
For baby number 2, I tried a couple more of her DVDs- Post Natal Boot Camp 2 and Shed 5 Fast.  With significantly less time to exercise this time around, the quick workouts were exactly what I needed.  Some of the DVDs allow you to choose the parts of the workout you want, which gives you even more flexibility when it comes to time.
I am proud to say that I have officially lost my most recent pregnancy weight  , in part thanks to these fantastic DVDs. If you’re looking for something to keep you motivated, active, and working towards your goal, you have to check these out.  Lindsay has generously offered to give away a Shed 5 Fast DVD to one Mommy’s Idea reader.  Enter to win one or go ahead and use the discount code below!

Get 20% off with coupon code DVD20!
Here's how to enter . . .
1. Visit http://www.lindsaybrin.com/ or http://www.momsintofitness.com/.
2. Come back here and leave a comment telling us which product you would choose and why you would love to win!
3. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.

Who wants extra entries?!
(Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Current subscribers, you can use these extra entries too, since we’re so happy to have you here!)
-Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.)
-Become a follower of Mommy's Idea.
-Blog about and link to this giveaway. Please leave your blog url in your comment.
-Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc.
-Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site.
-Become a fan on Facebook
-Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!)
Open to residents of the Continental US.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, November 18, 2010.

Win a Watch from Orient Watch USA!

You’ll find every kind of watch here, whether it’s an every day watch or a diver watch.  There are some beautiful ladies watches, as well as categories for “sporty” and “classic,” just to name a few.  Or try out an “urban” watch like the CERAE001B.  Want to win one? (Choose from Women's: BNQ1X003H - Red face, BNQ1X003F - Green face, BNQ1X003J - Blue face, BNQ1P001M - Pink Face, Men's: CEM5J006U - Khaki Face)

Here's how to enter . . .
1. Visit one of the links above.
2. Come back here and leave a comment telling us which product you would choose and why you would love to win!
3. Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID.  Bloggers- you must have a public profile and listed e-mail for us to find you.

Who wants extra entries?!
(Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Current subscribers, you can use these extra entries too, since we’re so happy to have you here!)
-Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.)
-Become a follower of Mommy's Idea.
-Blog about and link to this giveaway. Please leave your blog url in your comment.
-Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc.
-Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site.
-Become a fan on Facebook
-Tweet about this giveaway. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!)
Open to residents of the Continental US.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, November 15, 2010.