New Book Release- Seeing Cinderella

 

I had the opportunity in the fall to read my first ARC- an Advanced Reader Copy- of Seeing Cinderella by debut author Jenny Lundquist.  It was a fun read and I loved getting to know the characters.  I’m including a synopsis below, but all you need to do is take a look at the cover and know that it’s a book about middle school and magic glasses.    Can you imagine what you could do with those?!  While there is a lighthearted tone to the book, Ms. Lundquist also deals with real issues like friendship and secrets.

It’s available now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  You can even get it on your Kindle or Nook!

So, if you have a young reader in your life, or if you enjoy a good read yourself, this is a good one to check out.

Congratulations to Jenny Lundquist!

 

From her website . . .

Seeing Cinderella: Calliope Meadow Anderson is terrified to start seventh grade. Not that the summer has been so great— her overachieving best friend, Ellen, is slipping away, her parents’ marriage is falling apart, and to top it all off, she has to get glasses the day before school starts. Life isn’t going too smoothly.

But things get unexpectedly weird when Callie meets her wacky optometrist and receives a pair of glasses so ugly they make braces and headgear look cute. But pretty soon, Callie makes a freaky discovery. Her glasses have magic powers: they can read people’s thoughts (and she’s pretty sure they repel boys, too).

Callie uses her new glasses to navigate middle school life and learns things she never knew about the people around her. That overachieving Ellen isn’t so super confident, after all. That neither of her parents are who she thought they were. That it’s a good idea to make sure your crush Knows Your Name before you spy on his thoughts. But when the glasses show Callie that Ana Garcia—a new student from Mexico and Callie’s Spanish tutor—has become a real-life Cinderella in her uncle’s house, she has to make a choice. Will she stay in the shadows and hide behind her magic glasses, or step out of the background and stand up for her friend?

Red Envelope

If you’re a regular here, it’s no secret that I love to shop online.  Running Mommy’s Idea has given me the chance to find lots of fun places to shop and I get plenty of e-mails about great products to check out.  Today’s spotlight is Red Envelope- an online store with unique products, many of which can be personalized.

If you’re already getting ready for Easter, which will be here before you know it, you have to head on over and check out their adorable personalized Easter baskets!  You’ll have plenty of choices if you’re looking for gifts, whether it’s a basket for the kids, treats for the grown-ups, or a gift for someone special. 

You’ll also find things for the home, jewelry, and entertaining, just to name a few.  There’s even a spring sale on until March 20th!

Ordering is easy and you can choose your own shipping date.  Of course, it’s extra if you want it faster than standard, but order early because standard can be a couple weeks out.  You can even use a promotional code, but only one per order, which can give you a nice discount off of your purchase. 

I haven’t received this order just yet, but my last purchase was easy and came exactly as described.  I’m looking forward to filling up the cute little Easter baskets I ordered.  Believe it or not, my kids aren’t big candy fans, so I better do some more shopping for the goodies that will go inside.  :)

*I received a product for review, but opinions are always my own.

Deals & Savings Sites

If you’re an online shopper, and love deals, here are a few of my favorite sites to check out.  Some require a free sign up and some give you a sign up bonus too!

 

Ebates.com

As long as you start from their site and click on the link to the store where you want to shop, you’ll get credit.  They offer different percentages for cash back, which change based on specials and promotions.  It’s also a good site to find coupon codes.  You only get checks at certain points in the year and you have to have a certain amount in your account, but it does add up.  Get a $5-$10 sign up bonus right now! (The fine print- you’ll have to make a qualifying purchase of at least $25 through one of their links in the next 3 months to use the bonus.)

 

Zulily.com

This site has daily bargains for moms and kids, including toys, clothes for kids and moms, and things for the home.  You have to be a member to shop. but it’s free to sign up.  Sign up for e-mails to see what they have each day. 

 

Woot.com

This is a deal-a-day site which has some really good finds.  Be sure to check out the Kids Woot page too!

 

Retailmenot.com

If you haven’t already gotten in the habit, always check for coupon codes or promotional codes before you shop online.  As I mentioned above, Ebates.com is a good place to start or you can do a search for the store you’re looking for and “coupon codes.” 

Sites like Retailmenot.com make it really easy.  It lists the current codes and specials for lots of different stores.  You can sometimes find printable coupons here too.

A Great Place to Shop for the Holidays!

I recently learned about an online store called Red Envelope and I had the chance to give them a try.  Their tagline says, “unique and personalized gifts” and they deliver on the promise.

I decided on the cubist chip and dip set when I went shopping at Red Envelope and I am very happy with the experience and the product.  The website is easy to navigate and it’s simple to find what you’re looking for.  Of course, if you’re just browsing, that’s fun too.  :)

This particular set came in handy during Thanksgiving dinner.  Or more specifically, during appetizer munching time!  While there are a bunch of configurations you can make with the glass bowls, we put ice in the bottom of the big dish and put the two smaller bowls on top so they could stay cold.  We put homemade hot pepper jelly in one, with pita chips on one side, and homemade salsa in the other, with tortilla chips on the other side.  (Thanks Mom!)  It worked out great and looked nice on the table.

I love that you can also shop by occasion on the website and that there are plenty of choices for personalized gifts, like scarves, jewelry, and Christmas stockings.

Black Friday deals are going on now through Monday!  Have fun shopping!

 

 

*I received a product to review. Opinions are always my own.

Time for Halloween Costumes!

It’s that time of year again- time to pick out those Halloween costumes!  Some parents have been ready to dress their little ones up for months now and kids everywhere are deciding what they want to be for Halloween.  So, whether you’re excited to find that little princess dress or you have your own party to get ready for, Dressy Costumes has what you’re looking for and they have it at a great price!

Their Mega Sale is going on now with costumes up to 70% off, with no sales tax, and free shipping on orders $89 and above.  They also offer free exchanges, with free shipping both ways.  Wow.

Have fun shopping. 

*I received a product to review.  Opinions are always my own.

Reverse the Summer Brain Drain

School Zone recently launched their new Start to Read! leveled reading program for early learners.  I had a chance to try out the level 1 set with my son, who loves books and loves learning to read.  The books are simple, with repetitive text, yet the stories are cute and funny.  The CD gives you the option of listening to the stories with our without the page turning cue.  I’m all for programs that help children learn to enjoy reading!  Read below for more info.

From the company- The updated sequence-based series, which consists of storybooks and complementary materials across three progressive reading levels, is designed to build a solid literary foundation for any child while teaching kids that reading is fun!

The multi-component Start to Read! Program uses a tried and true, 3-step approach to reading: listen, read, review. The 6-book set for each level contains five beginning reader books, a read-along and songs CD, a comprehension workbook and a parent guide. Each of the components provides children with a fun learning experience while working together to teach budding bookworms – as young as four – to read successfully. In addition to teaching basic reading concepts, the three-level series also accelerates learning and develops reading skills and vocabulary.

Level 1 books are designed for emergent readers, ages 4-6, and have limited vocabulary – each book introduces between 9 and 50 words. Utilizing short, one-line sentences, the titles in level 1 provide simple picture clues that significantly support the text.

The five titles in the Level 2 collection feature brief stories that introduce controlled vocabulary, simple sentence patterns and rhyming words and are designed for children ages 5-7. Picture clues provide considerable support for the test. Each book presents the reader with 50-70 new words.

Level 3 features stories with the most new words and vocabulary and are aimed at readers ages 6-7. Many of the words can be read by changing the initial sound (rumbled-tumbled) or by rhyming with a known word (before-roar). Children should learn approximately 45-150 new words with each book.

Fun Features & Big Benefits

· Memorable stories and characters

· 3-step approach to reading

· Comprehension workbook activities

· Story narration on audio CD

· Whimsical, age-appropriate songs

All products are available from www.schoolzone.com.

* I received a product to review.

Cubbie Cup

I’ve tried out a lot of unique things on Mommy’s Idea and I love when the idea for the product comes from a mom in need of a solution.  The Cubbie Cup is a snack cup and sippy cup that are together in one piece.  So when the kids need a snack and a drink, it’s easy to keep everything together, especially on the go.  My son loves it and will ask for it when it’s snack time.  Get your own at http://www.cubbiecup.com/!

From the Cubbie Cup website-

“Cubbie Cup is the ultimate combination of a sippy cup and a snack cup! Cubbie Cup was "born" on a crisp fall afternoon as I was driving home with my toddler. I watched her drink from a sippy cup, throw it on the floor, and start to eat her snacks. A moment later, she wanted her sippy cup again, but it was on the floor...and I was driving. Explaining to a toddler why mommy can't stop in the middle of traffic to retrieve a sippy cup doesn't go over so well! As soon as I got home, I drew the first sketch of what is now known as the Cubbie Cup!

No longer do we juggle multiple cups! I literally feel "off-duty" during snack time! When you are relaxing at home, taking trips to the mall or the park, Cubbie Cup is a snack time necessity! I hope your family enjoys it as much as we do!”

Sincerely,

Tiara Henderson, Parent & CEO

Parent Perfected, LLC

* I received a product to review.

First Little Gripper Cup

This is a great sippy cup.  It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and has easy to grip handles.  The best part is how easy it closes.  Just slide the top closed and the straw folds down!

Visit www.Playtexbaby.com to learn more about the First Lil’ Gripper™ Straw Trainer Cup.

 

Sippy Cup Dos…and Some Helpful Don’ts!

By Dr. Bill Sears

Are you thinking it may be time to say bye-bye to bottles?  (They do grow up so quickly!) Expert pediatrician Dr. Bill Sears and Playtex have some tips and cups you’re sure to love—specially created for this exciting stage of baby’s development. If you’re considering a cup, consider this:

1. Do enjoy this wonderful milestone with your baby who will proudly master a cup at her own pace.

1. Don’t be in a hurry. Wait until baby can sit up and hold an object with both hands — usually between 6 to 10 months.

1. Do choose a first cup with easy-to-grasp handles and a soft spout that’s gentle on baby’s sensitive gums — like the Playtex® The First Sipster® cup, designed with a feeding specialist and pediatrician.

1. Do make it fun for your baby by playing a little game. Sit face to face with him and place an empty cup within his reach. Drink from your cup and see if he grabs his sippy to mimic your actions.

1. Do consider a cup that your child can hold and control easily and can help them transition from bottle to cup. The First Lil’ Gripper™ Straw Trainer Cup was designed with a child development expert for just this purpose. This easy-to-use cup helps moms teach their babies how to suck and drink from a straw. It’s ergonomically designed with easy grip handles for little hands and also has a squeezing feature, such that a parent can squeeze, but a child could not easily do so.

1. Don’t overfill the cup when baby is first learning to use it. Start by adding water or diluted juice into the cup only to about one quarter-full until baby’s skills mature.

1. Don’t worry about spills or leaks as babies graduate from trainer cups. With the Playtex® Twist ‘N Click lid — you’ll see and hear it click closed — and you’ll know it’s Leak-Proof Guaranteed!

1. Do enjoy every moment of your baby’s newly blossoming independence as he makes his way up to the big-kid cups.

MeSoap- Help Save Lives!

A good friend recently got involved in a GREAT cause- getting soap and clean water to those in need- and started MeSoap.

Please check them out at www.soapsaves.com and like them on facebook. 

“Your support through purchasing MeSoap products allows us to not only provide soap, but to train communities in the proper hygiene that will ultimately save lives.”

“For every bar of MeSoap you purchase we will donate one to a child in need.”

“While testing out a few ideas we surprisingly discovered that the biggest need in our world is access to clean water and soap, and that these items could save and improve the lives of more people than medicines, doctors or peace treaties. Something so simple. It still amazes me.” –Mike, Co-Founder

“What it comes down to is, the world sanitation problem is gut-wrenching, but 100% reversible, and we have the skills and drive to fix it.” –Garth, Co-Founder

Are We There Yet? Win an ID tag!

My kids loved trying out their new “Are We There Yet?” characters from Aurora World Inc.  My son loves his comfy giraffe neck rest and it really came in handy when he fell asleep in the car the other day.  Plus, it’s super cute!  My daughter tried out the Panda backpack and I’m not kidding, she didn’t take it off all day!  It’s not actually a backpack you can put things in, it’s a plush animal that attaches to a strap to keep track of your little one.  I know there is sometimes a debate about these, and before I was a parent I wasn’t sure why you’d need to do that.  Now that I have a little one that is off in a flash, this is not only fun for her, but really could be helpful at a busy place.
“The “Are We There Yet” line features plush toys, backpacks, neck rests and “My Name Is” ID tags – the line is based on Aurora’s popular monkey character Cheeky Charlie and his jungle buddies. “
Check out all they have to offer at the Aurora website at www.auroragift.com, go shopping at http://shop.auroragift.com, and join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/auroraworld.  Look for the Cheeky Charlie Collection.

Here’s how to enter . . .
1.  Visit the Aurora website. 
2.  Come back and leave a comment telling us which one you think is the most adorable! (1 entry- mandatory)
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!  (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!  Just be sure to include your e-mail too if that’s how we’ll find you.
L- Post about this giveaway using this link- Mommy’s Idea. Please leave your blog url in your comment. 4 entries
B- Add our Mommy’s Idea button and/or Ellie Bags button to your site. 2 entries
E- Sign up for our Mommy's Idea feed or e-mail feed. (Over to the right.)
M- Become a follower of Mommy's Idea.
S- Share this post via Stumble, Digg, etc.
TF- Follow us on twitter @elliebags
T- Tweet about this giveaway- copy & paste the tweet below. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!)
Mommy's Idea: Win an adorable ID tag!  http://bit.ly/kUFGur #giveaway
Open to residents of the US and Canada.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, June 6, 2011.

*I received a sample product to review.

Win an Adorable Hat from Beanie Designs!

I just love handmade hats, and since I don’t make them myself, I’m always on the lookout for cute ones.  My daughter has the adorable pink one in the center and she loves it.  When it’s time to leave the house, she taps her head for me to put on her hat.  Here’s your chance to win one of these beautiful baby hats below- but that doesn’t mean you can’t go get one yourself at Beanie Designs.
Here’s how to enter . . .
1. You must be a subscriber or follower of Mommy’s Idea.  (1 entry- mandatory)
2.  Visit Beanie Designs and then come back and leave a comment telling us which hat you’d choose. (1 entry- mandatory)
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!  (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 “M” and then “M2” for the next comment for becoming a follower.  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
TF- Follow us on twitter @elliebags 2 entries
T- Tweet about this giveaway- copy & paste the tweet below. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!) 2 entries per tweet
Mommy's Idea: Win an adorable hat from Beanie Designs!  http://bit.ly/dWUG5r #giveaway
Open to residents of the US and Canada.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, May 9, 2011.

Technorati Tags: infant hats,baby hats,baby girl hats,baby boy hats,cute baby hats

Get a Free Sample of Skin MD!

**Scroll down until you see “Get your sample.”
It has been a dry winter in our house.  My hands are thirsty for cream, morning, noon, and night.  I’ve tried the thick creams, the healing creams, the ointments . . . still dry.  Then I got a sample of Skin MD to try.  As soon as I put it on, my hands felt instantly better and were so soft and smooth.  I couldn’t believe it.  Now, let me say that this was not a one time fixes all solution, but nothing else had gotten me off to such a good start.  I’ve been using it ever since.
The good news is that they’re offering free samples!  Just click the “Get your free sample” picture above or click here.  **You’ll just need to scroll down until you see “Get your sample.”  Or to purchase your own, because you really are going to love it, go to Skin MD.  (There’s even one with SPF 15!)
“Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is formulated to be far more effective than traditional moisturizing lotions or protective creams. It utilizes more than 90% natural ingredients and 100% food – grade ingredients that are on the FDA’s “most safe” list.”

* I received a product to review.

Technorati Tags: Skin MD,dry skin,sheilding lotion

Save on Daily Deals at Zulily!

This is a deals site with daily sales on some great products!  They have brand name items like Infantino as well as goodies from smaller companies.  They have some of the best deals around.
You do have to sign up to become a member, but it’s free.  I love seeing what they have everyday. 
Check out Zulily and enjoy!

My FAVORITE Planner from Chaos Simplified

This planner is so great and it actually helps keep me organized.  That’s saying a lot.  I started the year with another planner that I had been given and I contacted Corri to tell her that I could no longer use anything but this one! 

My favorite feature is that you can see the month and week at a glance at the same time.  This is possible because of a unique half page format that is used for the weeks.  The little notes on the side for “Things to do” and “Phone calls to make” help me make a list to check off for the week.  Then every day I can take a couple of things from the lists and put them as “Today’s priority.”  There’s even room for a supper plan. 

This year they added a pocket at the beginning of each month which I’ve already started using and there are some great pages to start off each month with goals, plans, important dates, etc.
It’s available for $38.95 plus shipping.  It is worth every penny.   75 cents a week to stay organized and sane?  Yes, that’s a good deal.  :)

Head on over to http://www.chaossimplified.com/ and get your very own!

Win a package of Skoy Cloths!

I am so glad I found Skoy cloths.  They are strong, durable, and big enough to clean up around the kitchen.  They’re easy to wash, either in the dryer or in the dishwasher and they come back just as strong.  They do tend to shrink a little if you clean them in the wash, but they go back to normal when they’re wet.  They’re thicker than what I’ve been using and they hold up really well.  Best of all, they are eco friendly!  Read below for more info and then enter to win a pack of your own!
What is SKOY?
SKOY is an eco-friendly household cleaning cloth that out-lasts 15 rolls of paper towels. This new approach to cleaning boasts a cloth that is 100% biodegradable, natural, and re-usable. The SKOY cloth has an absorption factor of 15x its own weight, which makes it far superior than any other cloth on the market. SKOY is a durable cloth that is washer and dryer safe, which means it can be used over and over again. This European-made product is non-toxic and utilizes original artwork designs to add fun as well as function to the kitchen or bathroom.

Here’s how to enter . . .
1. You must be a subscriber or follower of Mommy’s Idea.  (1 entry- mandatory)
2.  Visit Skoy Cloths then come back and leave a comment telling us why you want to win.  (1 entry- mandatory)
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 for the New Year!  (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 “M” and then “M2” for the next comment for becoming a follower.  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
TF- Follow us on twitter @elliebags 2 entries
T- Tweet about this giveaway- copy & paste the tweet below. (You can add an extra entry every day that you tweet it!) 2 entries per tweet
Mommy's Idea: Win a package of Skoy Cloths! http://bit.ly/iaqsnL #giveaway
Open to residents of the US.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, March 9, 2011.

*I received a product to review.