Blog Giveaways and Reviews - Enter To Win

Wow, I've been gone a long time.  I know I've been neglecting this blog, as it is all the way down at the bottom of my priority list (sometimes even below sleep, so you can image that it never gets touched!). 

So I'm commiting to you, my blog, to help fix you up a little.  Before the million other things that I have to do, but whatever.  You need a new look, you need a regular and consistent posting, you need some buttons and tags and whatever else bloggers do.  Guess it's gonna be a while.

In the meantime, I've got some reviews and giveaways going on.  Just finished one at My Life with Rats and More (http://mylifewithratsandmore.blogspot.com/) - gave away a Rocketship Personalized Onesie, like this one:

I've also got one starting today with Giveaway Blogdom, and the post is already done!

http://giveawayblogdom.blogspot.com/

And one coming soon with Krista from Heavenly Savings at http://heavenlysavings.blogspot.com

Oh, and another one coming in September, but I'll tell you about that later... my kid just woke up, so it's time to get back to my real job!  Until next time, hopefully soon...

Free Stuff for us!

We all like free stuff.  I'm searching for free stuff, so this post will list some exciting and applicable free things for us moms!  

End up at Chick-Fil-A once a week after gymnastics or soccer practice?  Get a spicy chicken sandwich for free!  http://www.getspicychicken.com/

Like thongs?  Try one for free from American Apparel - just sign up for their newsletter!  http://www.americanapparel.net/storefront/free-thong/

Sinus problems?  I hear (from my mother in law) that a NetiPot is fantastic!  Try one for free, just become a Facebook Fan!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/NeilMed-Neti-Pot/109791295699813 (okay, this one was kind of a pain, but only a few minutes to get a free neti pot - my husband's sinuses will appreciate it!)

Free Glade Relaxing Moments Gift Basket - with room spray, scented oil warmer and refill, and candle:  http://www.rightathome.com/Offers/Pages/2010-05-glade.aspx

Here's a big one for those of us with a small business - get a $75 credit for Google AdWords - advertise on Google - for new customers:  https://services.google.com/fb/forms/adwordscoupon/

And here's the best part - get a free 10 minute e-mail address so your e-mail account doesn't get hit with spam and your address isn't shared with others!  Each e-mail address expires within 10 minutes... http://10minutemail.com/10MinuteMail/index.html

Hope these tips and freebies are helpful!  Check back for more - I'm here to do the shopping for you!

Seraphina Rose

Dear Sadie and Milo, Get Over Me! Love, Mom

My Dearest Children,
You have a father. He is the other one who sees you every day, kisses you, talks to you, brushes your teeth, makes you dinner. He is the one that we call Dad. He is a fully capable and willing parent, as am I. Use him.
Love,
Your overwhelmed, overtired, overworked, and overneeded Mother

Sound familiar? Here are some tips for changing the status quo:

1. Allow more alone time with the other parent. If one parent stays at home, it seems only natural for a child to develop a preference. Give that child special trips to the grocery store, picnics at the park, trips to Grandma's house - with just the other parent. Note: you will appreciate it too!
2. Set the rules and stick to the routine. I get to put the baby to bed and my husband puts our 3 year old to bed. Since we're consistent, the 3 year old knows what to expect, and although she may ask - she accepts it much more quickly. So pick your jobs - daddy does baths, mommy does bedtime... and stick with it!
3. Don't step in. Let the other parent handle it, as much as your child may protest. It will be hard at first, but being consistent will pay off again.
4. Feel free to tell your child that you are busy, that the other parent will do it, and they can go without if they prefer. So, if my daughter insists that I get her a toy that she cannot reach, I can explain to her that I am busy feeding the baby, that her father can get the toy or she can go without the toy.

And remember, the little ones are not old enough to understand that they are hurting feelings - so don't take it personally. Validate her feelings, but explain that Mommies and Daddies both love to do for their babies.

One Stop Shopping

Okay, so I found a "thing"... my thing is going to be no different than Wal-Mart's "thing"... one stop shopping. Like it? I'm going to help out my fellow busy moms. Let me do the work. I will bring you information about current trends in clothing, toys, vacations. I will hook you up with coupons and freebies and deals around the web. I can share some product reviews. We can talk about kid friendly restaurants to try, family vacations, day trips, museums and science centers. We will discuss party ideas - themes, foods, rentals, invites. For the beer and wine lovers, we can talk about food pairings, how to home brew, what new things to try. We may talk about great kids music, with links for where to buy. There may be some DIY posts with links to magazine articles...

I think we're going to have some fun. I hope you'll find plenty of useful and convenient information from this blog. And please let me know how I'm doing by posting your comments!

Okay, here goes!

I have no followers. I'm going to work on that. But this is my first post. Weird. Weird writing a post that no one will read. Because I have no followers. I'm working on puffing up my business so I'm trying everything that other people do. People blog. I don't get it yet, but I'll work on that too. So, if you wouldn't mind, be one of my followers?!? I need them...