Freckleberry Finds: 2011

Sunday, May 22, 2011

As you can probably see, we’re in a new place! We’re now located at http://www.freckleberryfinds.com. Wahoo!

However, with that awesome move comes a bit of work. I know the blog looks a little wonky, but I’m working hard to get it back to normal. Giveaways will still be held and all will operate normally—it just wont look normal for a bit! However, make sure any new comments are made on freckleberryfinds.com! Thanks so much for your patience, guys!

Ashley

Friday, May 20, 2011

Super-Duper Saturday Link Up

Welcome to the Super-Duper Saturday Link Up, where you can link your giveaways, Twitters, and Facebook pages all in one place! There are no rules, but it'd be really awesome if you snagged the button and tweeted about this linky so we all get more exposure for our links!

Post your GIVEAWAYS here:

Mister Linky's Magical Widgets -- Auto-Linky widget will appear right here!
This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site.
For best results, use HTML mode to edit this section of the post.

Post your FACEBOOK PAGE here:

Post your TWITTER here:

Don't forget about my fantastic giveaways that are currently running! If you're a GFC follower, you've already done the mandatory entry, so you might as well get in it to win it :).

Have a great weekend, Freckleberries!

Freshly Picked - Jewel of the Lion Edition

Congratulations to comment number 198 ... Joy N.! You've Been Picked by Freckleberry Finds as the winner of one pound of fudge from Jewel of the Lion! YUM!

I will be emailing you shortly to let you know that You've Been Picked :).

Don't forget about my other giveaways that are currently running! There are really some fantastic products to be won!

Thirsties Cloth Diapers Review + Giveaway

It's raining fluff at my house! Now that we have two kiddos in cloth, I'm finding cloth diapers all over the place! The variety of diapers is refreshing, and I'm finding tons of different styles of diapers that I love. Pretty much the moment I found out I was pregnant with Maisy, I started thinking about what kind of diapers I'd use for her. Pockets? Prefolds and covers? What would work best for a newborn's frequent changes and runny breastfeeding poop? After loads of research, I decided that a system utilizing wipeable covers would be the best option for me.

That's when I discovered Thirsties. Launched in 2004, they make quality diapers at affordable prices. Thirsties is somewhat of a rarity these days, in fact. They are based right here in the USA, with a group of women making the products in their own homes. Don't be phased, though---these diapers are top notch quality! They are sure to use the best materials in their products, and it really shows!

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted. I love that you can add extra inserts for customized absorption!

From pocket diapers to prefolds, Thirsties has you covered! I received the Duo Fab Fitted and Duo Wrap to try out on my newest little one. First, let me just say how cute the colors are! I love the girly look of the orchid cover. It gives a feminine look without being loud and PINK. I love that the Duo Wrap cover is available in snaps, too! With double gussets, this sucker is sure to keep in any explosive poops. They didn't leave any red marks on my baby, which is a major plus in my book! What's neat about Thirsties products is that they have two sizes, with each size having three individual rise settings. Make sense? That means you really get SIX sizes if you were to buy both size one and two for your kiddo! Talk about customized sizing!

The Duo Fab Fitted and Duo Wrap were a little big on my teeny tiny newborn who currently weighs in at 6 pounds 8 ounces. It would work, but it definitely is big! Once she bulks up a bit, this will be the perfect diaper for her!

Want to win a set of your own? Thirsties has generously offered one lucky Freckleberry Finds reader a Duo Fab Fitted AND a Duo Wrap!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Head on over to Thirsties and tell me what other great product you'd love to try! (+1)

Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like Thirsties on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Thirsties on Twitter and comment with your @username (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “#WIN a Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted & Duo Wrap from @freckleberrymom during #Giveaway May! #clothdiapers http://bit.ly/m3FhWt”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar or below. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

Grab my NEW button and leave me a link so I can find it! If you have my old one (the purple owl), you need to update it for this to count! (+3)

Grab the Giveaway May button and leave me a link so I can find it! (+3)

Blog about this post with a direct link pointing to this giveaway. Leave me a link so I can check it out! (+5)

Subscribe to Freckleberry Finds via email in the left hand sidebar (+1)

Enter another one of my giveaways. When you comment on this post, tell me the comment number of your other giveaway entry. (+1 per giveaway)

Remember, you gotta be in it to win it! Good luck, Freckleberries!

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends June 3, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on June 4. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US & CANADA.

Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.

*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. Thirsties Inc. will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Freshly Picked - Comfyrumps Edition

Congratulations to lucky comment number 336...Madeline! You've Been Picked by Freckleberry Finds as the winner of TWO Comfyrumps Cloth Diapers! Yahoo!

I will be emailing you shortly to let you know that you won :).

Don't forget about my other giveaways that are currently running, guys! There's a few with low entries. If you're reading this, odds are you follow me via Google Friend Connect. That means you've already got the mandatory entry done---so you might as well comment and get in the running to win!

Have a happy "hump day" everyone!

Skin MD Review + Giveaway

If you'll travel back in time with me, you'll recall that I reviewed a fantastic product in April! Skin MD Natural is an incredibly effective lotion that truly restores your skin! I've been using it for quite a while now, and I can honestly say that this is better than any other lotion that I've used in the past. Here's a little bit of what I had to say about Skin MD back in April:

"This stuff is phenomenal! It's light, but it feels like a protective layer is covering my hands throughout the day. It's fantastic! From the Skin MD Natural website: "Most moisturizers do not seal in the body's own moisture, they artificially lubricate the outer layers of skin. When they wear off, the lubrication is gone and the original dryness remains. Sometimes this process will draw out the body's natural moisture and contribute to the dehydration process.
Skin MD Natural has an added benefit of forming a natural barrier, sealant on the skin, keeping its own natural moisture inside. This eliminates the need for having to put an artificial moisturizer on several times during the day, as Skin MD Natural lasts a good portion of 8 hours with one application."
I feel 100% confident using this product on my entire family, including my kids. Skin MD Natural is free of parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, and other ingredients known to irritate skin. Not only that, but they're vegan, cruelty free, and eco-friendly. Did you know that they use 100% solar power to manufacture their product? That's amazing in and of itself!
Skin MD Natural healed my hands, truly. I even had slight cracking, and with a few days of regular (as in, once a day!) use, they were healed. I would absolutely recommend Skin MD Natural to anyone, dry skin or not!"

You know what's really awesome? Now you get a chance to win a full size bottle of Skin MD Natural!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Head on over to Skin MD Natural's website and tell me something else you learned about their products! (+1)

Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like Skin MD Natural on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Skin MD Natural on Twitter and comment with your @username (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “My skin will be happy if I #win a bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion from @freckleberrymom during #Giveaway May http://bit.ly/ma4MNB”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar or below. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends June 1, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on June 2. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US & CANADA.
Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.
*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. Mudpuppy will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Mudpuppy Review + Giveaway

My kids absolutely love puzzles. Love 'em! It's so fun to watch them figure out what piece comes next in order to see "the big picture". But they always tend to lose pieces, or the edges get frayed due to hours and hours of play. I know we have puzzles that have seen better days!

Mudpuppy has a fantastic puzzle that I knew my kids (and yours!) would love! It's a block puzzle--don't worry, I'd never seen one, either! But this is such a neat idea, you have to learn more about it! Instead of just one puzzle image, you get SIX! Each side of the nine cubes has a portion of a different puzzle picture on it. Just spin it around to find the right image! My kids loved this concept, and I loved that I only had to store one box instead of multiple boxes. Here's some more information about the block puzzles:

Parent and baby animals are the Forest Friends of Mudpuppy's sweet block puzzle. Lorena Siminovich of Petit Collage has illustrated owls, raccoons, deer, foxes, brown bears, and squirrels. Turn the blocks to put together six different views of nature at its gentlest moments!

9 2-inch cubes to use as building blocks or

Form 6 different puzzle pictures

Sturdy box with sliding drawer

For ages 3+

Printed with nontoxic, soy-based inks

Puzzle cube greyboard contains 90% recycled paper

CE and ASTM tested for safety

I love that the puzzle fits neatly inside the little sliding drawer. Pieces aren't lost, and it's a great place for the kids to assemble the puzzle. Learning made fun--that's what I'm talkin' about!

You can purchase a block puzzle from Mudpuppy for $15.00.

OR you can WIN one! One lucky Freckleberry Finds reader will win a Forest Friends Block Puzzle from Mudpuppy!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Head on over to Mudpuppy and tell me what other great product you'd love to try! (+1)

Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like Mudpuppy on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Mudpuppy on Twitter and comment with your @username (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “#WIN a six-in-one block puzzle from @GalisonMudpuppy and @freckleberrymom during #Giveaway May! http://bit.ly/lqPgu5”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar or below. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends May 30, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on May 31. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US & CANADA.
Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.
*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. Mudpuppy will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Super-Duper Saturday Link Up

Post your GIVEAWAYS here:

Post your FACEBOOK pages here:

Post your TWITTER handle here:

Sweet Pea Diaper Review + Giveaway

As I continue on my journey to try out new cloth diapers, I discovered that there are so many great Mom-driven brands out there.I love trying out new diapers now, and I have great things to say about my latest test drive! Sweet Pea Diapers are, simply put, a great diaper that doesn't cost an arm and a leg! My first impression of the Sweet Pea One Size Pocket Diaper was how soft the inner material felt! I love knowing that my baby's bum will be nice and cozy in their diapers :).

Sweet Pea Diapers not only makes pocket diapers, but they also sell diaper covers, prefolds, hemp/organic insesrts, and a really awesome All-In-Three diaper! I received a one size pocket diaper in butter yellow. I love the color! It's not too loud, but it's just the perfect shade of yellow to be gender neutral. Each one-size diaper comes with two super soft microfiber inserts. The really smart thing about Sweet Pea diapers is that there are two openings--one in the back of the diaper and one in the front. This makes stuffing diapers a bit easier. Not only that, but this also means the inserts will agitate out of the diaper on their own during the wash cycle! No more pulling icky inserts out of your diapers! This is such an awesome feature! The only thing that would make Sweet Pea Diapers perfect would be a hip snap feature. Sweet Pea Diapers come in snap closure only. Here's some additional info about Sweet Pea Diapers:

The waterproof outer barrier keeps wetness contained.
The soft micro fleece inner layer gently touches your baby's skin, pulling away moisture and keeping your baby rash-free, dry, and comfortable. The micro fleece is made of 100% Polyester and is custom-milled.
The updated top-stitching circles the top of the diaper and the tabs, providing reinforcement and demonstrating our commitment to making high quality diapers that hold up wash after wash.
The stretchier elastic around the legs provides maximum comfort for baby.
The leg casings create "mini-gussets" to keep messes contained and leaks at bay.
The adjustable snap settings grow with your baby and enable you to adjust for your baby's waist and leg sizes.
The variety of size settings - including small, medium, large - ensure that the Sweet Pea Diaper One-Size Pocket Diaper will properly fit your baby.
Openings at both ends of the pocket allow the inserts to agitate out in the wash. No need to pull them before tossing the diaper in your pail!
A handy hang tag in the back of the pocket makes line drying a breeze!

Sweet Pea Diapers can be purchased at any of their online retailers. Want to try one out for yourself? One lucky Freckleberry Finds reader will win a Sweet Pea One Size Diaper with two Microfiber inserts!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Head on over to Sweet Pea Diapers and tell me what other great product you'd love to try! (+1)

Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like The Giggling Green Bean, Sweet Pea Diapers' sister company, on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow The Giggling Green Bean on Twitter and comment with your @username (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “#WIN a Sweet Pea OS Diaper from @freckleberrymom during #GiveawayMay! #clothdiapers #giveaway http://bit.ly/mxFHFy”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar or below. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends May 27, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on May 28. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US ONLY.
Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.
*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. Sweet Pea Diapers will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Dotmine Planner Review + Giveaway

I am admittedly a scatterbrained person at times. However, I absolutely LOVE organizers, lists, and all things orderly. I love the feeling of having things planned out and written down, so I can see what the next day, week, or even month will look like. Now with three kids, I'm even more in need of a great planner in order to keep doctor's appointments, recitals, rehearsals, and school events straight. I used to just keep things scheduled in my lame cell phone calendar, but it's so not user friendly, and I'm more of a pen and paper kind of girl.

I discovered DotMine planners through Facebook, and my world has been organized ever since! My life_time.mine planner is my go-to organizer to keep everything in order, from blog posts to flight arrival information. The trouble I'd had with other planners was that there was either a lack of space to really write everything down, or there was an entire page dedicated to one day, itemized by hour, and that's just too cluttered for me. My DotMine planner has just the right amount of space to jot down important information so that I can find it again easily when I need to reference it. With it's sleek moleskin-esque cover, ribbon page marker, and elastic closure, it's perfect for tossing into my bag when I know I'll need it on the go. I love the folder on the back inside cover, too! I keep coupons, business cards, and other necessary snippets of paper in there. It's perfect!

They've got tons of new covers coming out, too! They're way cute!

I'd truly be lost without my planner. DotMine wants to get you organized, too! One lucky Freckleberry Finds reader will win a planner from DotMine!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Head on over to the Time Mine website and tell me what other great product you'd love to try! (+1)

Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like DotMine on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “Get organized! #WIN a fabulous planner from DotMine and @freckleberrymom during #GiveawayMay! #giveaway http://bit.ly/lOZlID”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar or below. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends May 26, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on May 27. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US ONLY.
Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.
*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. DotMine will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Party of Five

Wow. This past week has been a complete whirlwind. Exactly one week ago, I had my third child, Maisy. I labored at home from 2:00 AM until about 7:15, when we went to the hospital. I was 9 centimeters when I arrived, and Maisy was born 30 minutes later. I can now cross natural childbirth off of my bucket list! My first two were born with epidurals, and while there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, I wanted to really challenge myself and trust my body. It was such an empowering experience. The second she was born, I looked to my husband and said, "I did it! I can't believe I did it!". She is healthy, TINY, and adorable, weighing in at 6 pounds 4 ounces and measuring 19". We are all so in love, and are working on getting adjusted to being a party of five.

Unfortunately, Micah, my now-middle child, is having serious sleep regression in response to the arrival of his little sister, and is refusing to sleep in his bed. So I was up with him until 1 AM until I finally let him pass out on our bed, transferring him later. He's definitely a mama's boy, so not having mom to snuggle with all the time is tough for him. Thankfully, he loves Maisy, and isn't showing jealousy towards her!

So that's what I've been up to this week! Giveaway May is going strong, and there's been a great response! Keep those entries comin' folks. There's more great stuff to come!

I also blog for a fabulous site called 3 Boys and a Dog, and there's a new feature to the site! There's now a weekly giveaway linky available for bloggers to link up their current giveaways! So whether you're a blogger or a contestant, be sure to check it out and see what's out there :).

Monday, May 9, 2011

Best Bottom Diapers Review + Giveaway

I'm getting a bit more brave, I promise. I've mentioned before how I'd never strayed from my pocket cloth diapers. However, I've always lusted after the benefits of prefolds and covers for their ability to be wiped down and reused. Prefolds can be a bit intimidating to Dads and Grandmas, though. Even with snappis and such, they can be tricky to an untrained cloth diaperer!

Best Bottom Diapers saw the need for a user-friendly cover system, and got to work! The diaper that Nicki (of Nicki's Diapers fame) created really does cover all of the bases for simple, effective cloth diapering! With sized inserts that easily snap into the cover, the folding guesswork of flats or prefolds is eliminated. The one-size cover will last your kiddo from infancy to potty training. Take a peek at the inner workings of Best Bottom Diapers:

I love the gussets! They contain the explosive poops beautifully. My only wish is that the inserts could somehow be one sized as well, so that you only need to buy inserts once. The colors are absolutely adorable and are inspired by ice cream flavors. How cute is that?! They are also available in snap or hook and loop closure to fit your needs.

Micah, my 24 pound 2 year-old was able to fit into the medium rise setting along with a medium sized insert. He could probably use a large, but I wanted to show you how long a medium will really last you! Here he is in his green giraffe print Best Bottom Diaper in snaps.

Overall, Best Bottom really incorporates all of the benefits of other diapering systems while eliminating the cons. Perfect! I'd recommend this diaper to any cloth diapering mom--novice to veteran.

Want to try it out for yourself? You can find Best Bottom retailers on their website. Covers are $16.95, and inserts start at $3.95 each for the stay dry version, and are $5.95 for hemp/organic. Also, they offer overnight doublers that snap on to the first insert, and those are $6.95.

Want to WIN a Best Bottom Diapers starter pack? One lucky Freckleberry Finds reader will win one Best Bottom shell and three stay dry inserts!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like Best Bottom Diapers on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Best Bottom Diapers on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “#WIN a @Best_Bottom Diaper Cover and 3 Stay Dry Inserts from @freckleberrymom! #ClothDiapers made easy! http://bit.ly/l2l0Zp”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar and below. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends May 24, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on May 25. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US and CANADA.
Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.
*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. Best Bottom Diapers will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Super-Duper Saturday Link Up

Don't forget about Giveaway May, going on right now! Grab the button on the right hand sidebar for 3 extra entries into each Giveaway May entry!
Link your GIVEAWAYS here:

Link your FACEBOOK page here:

Link your TWITTER page here:

Playtex First Lil' Gripper Review + Giveaway

My kids have been using sippy cups for a long, long, time. However, my middle child, Micah, hasn't quite mastered how to use a cup and straw. Instinctively, he tips the cup back in order to bring the liquid to his mouth. This doesn't work out well when we're out to eat and the lid isn't spill proof!

Playtex Baby has created a product to help babies learn how straws work, and how to successfully take a sip! The First Lil' Gripper is a straw trainer cup that an adult can gently squeeze in order to draw liquid up into the straw, giving baby a taste. However, it's not so easy to squeeze that a child will be able to squeeze juice or milk all over the place ;).

Here's some additional facts about the Lil' Gripper Straw Trainer Cup:
Easy to Use:

Simple for a child to drink from, while allowing Mom to easily train

and track her child’s development

Ergonomically designed with easy grip handles for little hands

Equipped with our Twist ‘n Click™ Leak-Proof Guaranteed seal

technology,

Features a slider to keep the straw clean when not in use

Other Benefits:

Spill-Proof, Leak-Proof, Break-Proof Guarantee

Dishwasher safe

BPA Free and Phthalate Free

Interchangeable lid

Fun, vibrant colors for boys and girls (purple, blue, green and pink)

Micah really got the hang of it quickly! Instead of inverting the cup, he soon learned to keep the cup upright. I love the handles on the cup! I'm not a big fan of handle-less cups, and it helped him keep it steady and in the right position. Additionally, I'm a huge fan of their Twist 'n Click lids--I know when they're really screwed on fully!

Want this awesome cup for your little munchkin? They're available at Wal-Mart, Babies 'R Us, Target, and more! Or, you can WIN ONE!

Playtex Baby has generously offered one lucky Freckleberry Finds reader a First Lil' Gripper Straw Trainer Cup!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Head on over to Playtex Baby and tell me what other great product you'd love to try! (+1)

Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like Playtex Baby on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Playtex Baby on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “#Win a First Lil' Gripper Straw Trainer Cup from @PlaytexBaby & @freckleberrymom during #GiveawayMay! http://bit.ly/muC8PM”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar or below. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends May 21, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on May 22. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US ONLY.

Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.

*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. Playtex will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Jewel of the Lion Review + Giveaway

Neopolitan

I love sweets and treats. I know they're not great for every day, but when you're ready to satisfy your sweet tooth, you really want to go with high-quality stuff! Sure, cotton candy, rocky road ice cream, and banana cream pie are all fabulous, but what if they're just not gonna cut it? That's when you head over to Jewel of the Lion and start drooling over her cravaliciously good fudge that comes in flavors that will leave your tastebuds tingling.

Lemon Meringue Pie

With flavors like White Chocolate Butterscotch Swirl, Cotton Candy, Banana Split, S'mores Pie, and more, you are sure to find something that you just can't live without at Jewel of the Lion! And believe me, they taste as heavenly as they look! My personal favorite was Key Lime Pie! It was a perfect blend of white chocolate and Key Lime flavors that just let you melt away and enjoy the fudge. Absolutely delicious! I've saved my last three pieces of Lemon Meringue Pie for a special occasion...oh you, know, like a Wednesday at 2:43 PM just because I feel like it. That's what great about this fudge--it's perfect for a treat any time, not just for special occasions! But Mother's Day is right around the corner, don't forget! With sampler packs and monthly gift packages available, you can enjoy all of the divine fudge you can handle!

Cotton Candy

Jewel of the Lion has generously offered one lucky Freckleberry Finds reader four different flavors of fudge, totalling 1 whole pound! YUMMY!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Head on over to Jewel of the Lion and tell me what sweet treat you'd love to try! (+1)

Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like Jewel of the Lion on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Jewel of the Lion on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “Satisfy your sweet tooth! #Win FOUR flavors of gourmet fudge from @JeweloftheLion during #GiveawayMay @freckleberrymom http://bit.ly/imzkwh”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Follow Julie's blog via Google Friend Connect (+1)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar or below. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends May 19, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on May 20. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US ONLY.

Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.

*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. Comfyrumps will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Comfyrumps Review + Giveaway

I've been cloth diapering my kids for about 2 years now, and I've truly only used one brand. I never branched out, never tried anything new. I don't necessarily know why, but what we used worked, so I stuck with it! Now that I'm going to be cloth diapering my third, I wanted to see what other diapers were out there, and how they compared to our "usual".

I discovered the wonderful land of "minky" diapers! Why had I never tried these?! Soft, adorable printed diapers that work?! You've got me sold! Comfyrumps makes great one-size diapers in both minky and PUL fabrics that are just too cute. I received the zebra print animal fuzzy wuzzy diaper to review. First impression? HOLY SOFT! This diaper was luxuriously soft, inside and out. It comes with snap closure, with crossover snaps for little waists or for wrapping up soiled diapers easily, as well as hip snaps! I never knew how important those were until using a snap diaper. It comes with 1 microfiber terry insert, which is just as soft as the diaper itself! The microfleece inner lining is nice and comfy up against baby's bottom. What I think is best about Comfyrumps, to be honest, is the price. Comfyrumps start out at just $7.25 CAD. Thats about $7.66 USD! Yes! $7.66 for a fab diaper. That's insert included! Whoa! The Animal Print Fuzzy Wuzzy collection is $8.00 CAD/$8.45 USD.

Here is Micah, my 24 pound 2 year-old in his Zebra Fuzzy Wuzzy Comfyrumps diaper:

Please ignore my heinously 1989 foyer wallpaper :).

They fit him well, contain the nasty poops, don't leave red marks on baby, and are darn cute. A+ in my book! You can buy Comfyrumps starting at $7.25 CAD (which is about $7.66 USD). I told you they were affordable! Comfyrumps even has a current promotion running: Buy 15 diapers - Get 3 diapers, 3 soakers, 1 Wet Bag FOR FREE!!

Here's the fun part: Comfyrumps is generously giving one Freckleberry Finds reader TWO (yep, two!) Comfyrumps diapers!

Mandatory Entry:
You must be a public follower of Freckleberry Finds via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries (‘cause this is just too good to miss out on!):
Head on over to Comfyrumps and tell me what product you'd love to win! (+1)

Like Freckleberry Finds on Facebook and comment with your Facebook name. (+1)

Like Comfyrumps on Facebook and comment here with your Facebook name. Be sure to thank them for the giveaway at Freckleberry Finds! (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Comfyrumps on Twitter and comment with your @username. (+1)

Follow Freckleberry Finds via Networked Blogs. (+1)

Tweet up to THREE times daily using this text: “#Win TWO @Comfyrumps pocket #clothdiapers during #GiveawayMay from @freckleberrymom! #giveaway http://bit.ly/kSmuXj”. Comment with the permalink to your tweet. Make sure there's at least an hour in between tweets, pretty please! (+1 per tweet)

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs. The button is in the left hand sidebar. You can vote once a day! (+1 per vote)

Grab my NEW button and leave me a link so I can find it! If you have my old one (the purple owl), you need to update it for this to count! (+3)

Grab the Giveaway May button and leave me a link so I can find it! (+3)

Blog about this post with a direct link pointing to this giveaway. Leave me a link so I can check it out! (+5)

Subscribe to Freckleberry Finds via email in the left hand sidebar (+1)

Enter another one of my giveaways. When you comment on this post, tell me the comment number of your other giveaway entry. (+1 per giveaway)

Remember, you gotta be in it to win it! Good luck, Freckleberries!

The Fine Print

This giveaway ends May 17, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. Any entries submitted after the contest ends will be deleted. Random.org will choose the winner, and I will announce the winner on my blog on May 18. I will email the winner as well. If chosen, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to US and CANADA.
Make sure that you leave an additional comment for each additional entry! For example, if you tweeted twice today, make sure you comment back here two separate times with the two separate links.
*Disclosure: The review above is my own words and honest opinion. I received a product in order to complete my review. Comfyrumps will coordinate with the winner for their prize. By entering this contest, you release Freckleberry Finds of any liability.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

It's Here! Giveaway May!

It's finally time for my first ever review and giveaway event...

Wahoo!
Today is the official launch, and tomorrow is the very first giveaway. Want to know what kind of awesome stuff you can win? Check out our sponsors! In no particular order: