Snug as a Bug Giveaway Hop #snugbug

Welcome to the Snug as a Bug Giveaway Hop, hosted by the Blogging Mamas Network. With the cooler weather coming strong, I’ve joined with over 40 other bloggers to bring you great products to keep your baby snug as a bug!
Each blogger participating has a great Baby/Toddler Prize Package for you to win, worth at least $25, so after you enter mine, be sure to hop around to all the others in the linky!  Don’t forget to enter to win one of the GREAT GRAND PRIZES for the Event as well, including a Beco Baby Carrier, Kowalli, and The First Years Feeding Prize Pack!

Today is the day! Enter to win a great prize pack from The Knotty Babe and Jemma Belle's Workshop Home of A.C.E. Fluff!

The Knotty Babe will be giving away the cutest organic sushi beanie that would be great whether your baby is a girl or a boy! 0-6 month size. Value:$12

Jemma Belle's Workshop Homs of A.C.E. Fluff will be giving away an in stock diaper of the winner's choice.  You can click here to see your choices!  The diaper value is $18.a Rafflecopter giveaway

 According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, and the Snug as a Bug participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Seventh Generations Diapers Giveaway

In partnership with Universal Studios’ motion picture debut of Dr. Seuss’s
The Lorax* also known as the “Speaker for the Trees” who brings
environmental truth and ecological hope to all, Seventh Generation will feature
limited edition Lorax prints on all our diapers and training pants. These
prints are intended to remind parents and caregivers of the lessons of The
Lorax, and encourage family reading and environmental awareness while
creating a few smiles. Discover (or rediscover) Dr. Suess’ The Lorax
as you read about his legacy and messages of sustainability with your child, and
inspire a new generation of environmentalists starting with your family!

The Seventh Generation family of Free & Clear baby products continues to
deliver on your needs as it expands in March, with the addition of NEW Overnight
Diapers. Moreover, Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with new,
improved tabs for better fit while Free and Clear training pants now have an
absorbent core that is made with more renewable materials.

Be among the first to try these new products before they hit store shelves
and rest assured that with every Seventh Generation purchase you’re helping to
protect the planet for future generations!

NEW Overnight Diapers are absorbent enough to keep your baby and bedding dry
through the night or during prolonged travel

Free & Clear diapers have improved more flexible tabs that provide even
better fit

Free & Clear training pants have an absorbent core made with more
renewable, plant-based materials. They also feature stretchy, tear away side
panels for a better fit and added convenience, as well as inner leak barriers
for superior leakage protection

Seventh Generation Free & Clear baby care products do not contain
chlorine, fragrance, petroleum-based lotions or latex, and all Free & Clear
products are also hypo-allergenic

Starting March 2, you can register for a free The Lorax scrapbook
with the purchase of any three Free & Clear diaper products, until supplies
last

If you would like to win a package of Seventh Generation Diapers and a copy of The Lorax book please comment with the answer to this question:
Which of the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diaper products are you most interested in trying with your family in an effort to become more eco-conscious?

Winners will be chosen using random.org on April 20.

Disclosure: The Seventh Generation Diapers prize pack, product and information have been provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark

Rockin Green Soap Review and Giveaway

The winner is Kristina S. With comment # 22 I cloth diaper Lorelei. Or I did. When she was 26 months old she walked into my bedroom, laid on the floor and put her legs in the air and said, "No more diapers Mommy, only panties." Um, ok. I think I can accomodate that. So, she wears diapers at church and at night time.

Cloth diapers are not for everyone. However they were for us. It took a little while for me to figure the whole thing out because none of my friends seemed to be doing it. Now, I know several people. Yay! First kink I had to work out for myself was what kind of diaper I liked best. I know some people who use several different types of diapers with their babies. I didn't know that I was going to be one but I did turn into a diaper snob. Like I packed up everything that wasn't a smartipants diaper. And if I didn't know I was going to be a diaper snob, I surely did not know that I was going to be a diaper detergent snob. But I was.

Rockin Green Soap is awesome! I found them through a cloth diaper chat on twitter and never looked back. You can check them out at www.rockingreensoap.com

What I like is that they have different formulas that you can choose from depending on your water quality. Hard rock, classic rock, and soft rock. They even have funk rock if you have ammonia buildup in your diapers. The scents are incredible, but your diapers will come out unscented, which is good, because you know you want to smell that sweet baby smell!

Recently Rockin Green Soap sent me their new Remix soap in their new Earth, Wind and Orchids to try. The remix formula is even better for sensitive skin! And I should also mention that the detergent does not have to just be used for cloth diapers. It can work for your child's other clothes as well as your own! I heart Rockin Green Soap!

The good news for you: I have the opportunity to give away a 45/90 load bag of detergent in your choice of scent/formula! There are several ways to enter!

1. Subscribe to my blog and leave me a comment that you are a follower!

2. Tweet on Twitter about the giveaway! Be sure to use @rockingreensoap and @dawnini Leave a comment that you did this.

3. Tell your friends on Facebook and leave the link in a new comment.

Giveaway will close on July 31 at 7 pm cst and winner will be chosen using random.org

Seventh Generation Optical Brightener Giveaway

Update: The winner of this contest is comment #7 JanetFaye.
As a mom, you already do so much to protect your family- buckling seatbelts, cooking healthy meals and requiring bike helmets. But did you know that the laundry detergent you may be using could contain little-known chemicals called optical brighteners?

According to scientific research, these can cause allergic reactions, are toxic to small fish and other aquatic life, and can pollute your waterways.

When ultraviolet light hits optical brighteners coating your clothing, the brighteners convert UV rays into visible light to create an optical illusion. This tricks the eye into thinking the clothing is whiter and brighter, and therefore cleaner than it really is.

So how can you avoid these optical brighteners? Seventh Generation makes it easy because their laundry detergents are not only free of optical brighteners, but they´re also non-toxic . In addition, because Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergents are both hypo-allergenic and biodegradable, you can rest easy knowing you made a considerate choice for your family and the environment.

When washed in a conventional laundry detergent that contains optical brighteners, clothes appear to glow under a black light. When you use Seventh Generation liquid laundry products, you won´t see the same glow on your clothing.

Take a look at our experiment in the photo below. Two identical organic cotton shirts were washed; one in a conventional laundry detergent that contains optical brighteners and the other in Seventh Generation laundry detergent which does not use optical brighteners; I think you´ll see similar results!




If you would like to win your own Seventh Generation laundry supplies you can enter one of several ways (or use them all and have several entries!):

1.Leave a comment that you follow this blog.
2. Tweet about this using #myblogspark and @SeventhGen Leave me a comment that you have done this.
3. Leave me a comment that tells me your favorite tips for keeping your family healthy at home.

Good luck! I will draw using random.org on January 27 at 2 pm CST.

This product was given to me as well as the information about the product by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark. I do love the product!

School of Rock Giveaway

School of Rock is the national leader in music education and has been teaching kids how to amaze audiences for more than ten years. They offer lessons in guitar, bass, vocal,s drums and keyboards for kids ages 7-18. No experience necessary just eagerness to learn--School of Rock knows the best way to learn is by doing!

The school's mission is to inspire kids to rock on stage and in life!

School of Rock's performance-based curriculum teaches kids to play rock music in a unique and interactive way, which is changing the way kids learn to play music across America. Professional musicians teach students of all levels, developing both their music skills and confidence. School of Rock operates 58 schools in 23 states.

School of Rock is offering a Free Week! This includes one private trial lesson (30-45 min) and one Rock 101 group class (90 min).

To redeem call 866-371-0557 use code SORBLOG

OR

Complete the online form and input SORBLOG/A Day in the Life of Dawn in the Questions/Comments field and the school will contact you directly.

Free week must be completed by Oct. 31, 2010.

Offer available at participating locations and is subject to scheduling and availability.

Remember you must mention code SORBLOG when contacting the school to receive the free week.

You can find School of Rock on Facebook!

You can find School of Rock on Twitter!

Disclosure: I am posting this on behalf of School of Rock and One2One Network. I did not receive any compensation but am entered into a contest for a gift card or electric guitar!

Hampton Hotels Chain of Friends Sweepstakes

If you haven't started planning a family Summer getaway, then now is the time to start. It can be hard for a mom to plan a family getaway, especially when all of your friends and family are begging you to come and visit. This summer, Hampton Hotels is making it easier than ever to connect with your friends and family with their Chain of Friends Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will win an entire hotel for a weekend. (100 rooms for two nights). 100 other lucky folks will win a free weekend stay for them and three friends. Visit www.hampton.com/friends for more details and your chance to enter.

If you're ready to make your travel plans now, then you should know that Hampton Hotels is launching the Great Getaway Advance Purchase promotion so you can maximize your stay and play. They're offering guests 20% off the best available rates at participating hotels when you book at least seven days in advance for stays until July 15, 2010. Visit http://www.hampton.com/ to take advantage of this great offer.

Tell me all about your summer vacation! I want to live vicariously!

I'm back! And with a giftcard giveaway!

Update: Kristi won this giveaway and has been notified by e-mail. Thanks!

I have thoughts about blogging everyday. I have missed it. Lest you think I fell off the face of the earth, I am posting today, and with a giveaway in hopes that you will forgive me for my absenteeism. I will also be spending some time writing posts and scheduling them so hopefully I will not be gone for so long again.

You've seen the Biggest Loser on television, watched contestants struggles and achievements and may have even thought, "Hey, I can do that!" Instead of waiting for the BBQs to be over and for your schedule to open up (because honestly-will that ever happen?!?) put all excuses aside and make a pledge to live healthier with the Pound for Pound Challenge.

The Kroger Co. Family of Stores, General Mills, NBC's hit TV Show, "The Biggest Loser" and other key sponsors are partnering to donate up to $1,080, 000 to Feeding America this year. Heres how you can help:

Visit www.pfpchallenge.com/Kroger to make your pledge to lose weight and to get more

information and to find tools to change your life for the better. It is free, easy and only takes

a minute to make a change that can help you and the hungry in your local community.

Through June 30, 2010, for every pound you pledge to lose the Pound for Pound Challenge

will donate 14 cents to Feeding America- enough to deliver one pound of groceries to a local

food bank.

As the official supplier of the Biggest Loser Ranch and partner of the Pound for Pound Challenge, the Kroger Family of Stores wants to help you acheive your goals. If you're a fan of The Biggest Loser, you may have seen several great General Mills products featured on the show. These products, including Yoplait Greek yogurt, Total, and Multigrain Cheerios, are available at your local Kroger Family of Stores and can help you stick to your weight management plan.

The Kroger Family of Stores includes Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralph's, King Soopers, City Market, Dillon's, Smith's, Fry's, QFC, Baker's, Owen's, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets, and Scott's Food and Pharmacy.

So, if you have one of these stores near you and would like to win a $30 gift card here are the ways in which you can enter:

1. Subscribe and leave me a comment that you did.

2. Tweet about this giveaway (only once a day and leave me a comment each time you do)

3. Leave me a comment about your favorite General Mills product.

4. Leave a comment about how much you pledged to lose (we can help each other stay accountable)

The winner will be chosen by random.org on June 30, 201o at 9 pm CST.

Disclosure: The Kroger Family of Stores giftcard, information, and giveaway were all provided by the Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills through My Blog Spark.

Pine-Sol "Making a Powerful Difference"

For 80 years, Pine-Sol Brand Cleaner has been making a powerful difference at home by cleaning America's toughest grease and girme. Now they are encouraging women everywhere to make a powerful difference outside the home as well.

Pine-Sol Powerful DIfference program awards dozens of grants to women leading the charge for change and helps provide tools, resources and inspiration to help and encourage others to start championing and creating change in their own communities.

Since Facebook is such a powerful social networking community (sorry Wren), Pine-Sol has launched the Powerful Difference Facebook page, allowing fans to connect with and get inspired by other difference makers. There you'll find an easy-to-use Facebook application which allows you to disply on your Wall the five women who have made a power difference in your life, helping inspire others to do the same. Honor someone you know today at http://apps.facebook.com/powerfuldifference/ . You can also learn more about the program and get ideas on how to take actions by visiting http://www.powerfuldifference.com/ .

Disclosure:I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

$35 Jiffy Lube Giftcard Giveaway!

Update: I used Random.org and got commenter number 3! BrandAshley send me your address and I will get that card on it's way to you! Enjoy!

April is both National Car Care and National Informed Women Month and a perfect opportunity to get empowered to care for your car! Did you know that in the United States the average age of cars and light trucks on the roads today has reached a record high of 9.4 years? That means it's more important than ever to take proper care of your vehicle.

With the informative Web site http://www.motoroilmatters.org/ (created by the maker of industry-leading brands Pennzoil and Quaker State) you can easily locate key information about how quality motor oils can help prolong your engine's life and improve overall efficiency, as well as help answer other questions you may have about motor oil. In additon, the site offers a fun, educational game for your to play called "M.O.M. Knows Best" where you can put your motor mind to the test with an interactive quiz.

Did you know?

According to a recent survey from the Automotive Service Association, more than 54 percent of customers who take their vehicles for service and repair are women?

Using a high-quality motor oil in the right grade can help maximize fuel economy

Low-quality oils that do not meet industry standards or the vehicle manufacturer's requirements could cost consumers in the long run by potentially damaging the vehicle's engine or possibly voiding the manufacturer's warranty

Another reason to look to a high-quality mother oil- like Penzoil and Quaker State -is that it is designed to meet the demands of today's engines.

Disclosure:All the information and Jiffy Lube gift card were given to me from Shell Lubricants and MotorOilMatters.org through MyBlogSpark.

I am being sent a $35 Jiffy Lube gift card which will cover most of the cost, if not all, of a conventional oil change at Jiffy Lube. I will write about my experience when I use it. I am also being provided a $35 Jiffy Lube gift card to give away to one of my readers!

If you would like to win this gift card please comment with your answer to one of these questions:

What did you find most interesting on the Motor Oil Matters site?

What motor oil misconception did you have that was put to rest through the site's info?

What did you score on the M.O.M. Knows Best Game?

This giveaway will end: April 30, 2010 at 7pm CST, winner will be chosen using http://www.random.org/

Fisher Price Moments to Share

If there is one thing that all Moms can agree on, it's that time flies by way too fast! We want to capture and preserve as many memories as possible, from those small unexpected moments to treasured milestones. And with our camera phones and Flip cams in hand, we're catching it all! The only thing left to do is share with the countless friends and relatives who want nothing more than a front seat to your little one's journey.

Luckily, a brand who know a few things about growth and development has create an awesome way for us to keep up with the clock by creating a digital timeline, complete with photos, videos, captions and stories! Even better, your timeline will live in a place where you already connect with your friends and relatives-Facebook (except for you Wren).

Fisher-Price Moments to Share Facebook Application is extremely easy to use and allows you to create a personalized timeline by adding a date, location, caption and even anecdotes to your images. You can upload new photos and videos of even use existing Facebook albums. The result is a scrollable, digital timeline that you can add to as your child grows. Since there are so many people who touch your child's life, you can even allow select friends and family to add to your masterpiece. And because privacy is always a concern among parents, you're able to control exactly who you're sharing your moments with.

I went and set up my own timeline...I am especially excited about the video option! You can upload videos up to five minutes! This is more than you can normally do with Facebook. I am always looking for ways to protect my videos from future computer crashes. It was very easy to use! I think I might set a time each weekend to update with new pics and videos (and backtrack to get caught up) at this point I have my timeline where anyone who is my friend on Facebook can see it. The application was VERY easy to use!

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

She Colors My Day

The She Colors My Day project began when a mother named Annette, dying of breast cancer, created a keepsake for the four daughters she was preparing to leave behind. Annette sent a CD of she and her daughters singing to her many friends and family. Unbeknown to Annette, her act of love would the inspiration for her friend, Chrsitina Carlino, founder of Project Miracle, to ignite the She Colors My Day movement- a celebration of the never ending bonds of mothers and daughters. The now worldwide She Colors My Day movement embarks upon a global journey to create for a cure. Inspired by a mother's love, this every widening circle of caring will benefit the Susan G. Komen for a Cure Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's/Women's Cancer Research Group biomarker project. Hear the story in Cristina's own words here.

So how can you get involved?

Color-We can start by taking the first step to coloring someone else's day through a platform we all know well-Facebook. The She Colors My Day pink crayon is a Facebook application created to be shared with those we love. The pink crayon can be virtually passed around on Facebook so we can all help to create for a cure.

Sing Along-The "She Colors My Day" song co-written by Christina Carlino and Stuart Mathis for Christina's daughter has been recorded by multi-Grammy award winner, Amy Grant. Download the "She Colors My Day Song" and video and help to support this organization. A portion of net proceeds from the song supoorts the She Colors My Day project, benefiting Susan G. Komen for a Cure and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's/Women's Cancer Research Group.

Spread the Word-the ultimate goal of the She Colors My Day project is to support mothers and daughters and create a cure. If you're inspired by this project, please help us share the love by publishing a post on your blog this week that celebrates the special mother/daughter relationships in your life.

My inspiration:

Real Foods Project

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay and actress/mom Lori Loughlin have teamed up with Hellman's and Best Food's Mayonnaise to unviel the Real Foods Project on Hellmanns.com, a comprehensive online resource offering tips and ideas on how to create real meals made with Real Food.

Because videos are great for multi-tasking moms, The Real Foods Project features a series of entertaining how-to tutorials, hosted by Bobby Flay, to give us tools and techniques, to prepare great-tasting, at home meals for our families. Just by visiting http://www.hellmanns.com/ you can access a wide range of recipes including sandwiches, entrees and side dishes, all designed to please picky paletes. There are even chances to win great prizes like a kitchen essentials bundle, Bobby Flay Grill It, and Hellmann's and Best Foods products by playing the "Wheel of Real" instant win game and entering the Real Food Sweepstakes.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's prize pack in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

See What's Behind the Best Contest

As a mom, I know I like to start my day with coffee! Sometimes one cup, more oftentimes two. While I don't suffer from sleepless nights (and I do know it is a blessing!) I do have a demanding schedule! You might even have your coffeemaker set on automatic brew! If you are one of those moms (like me!) you might want to know about an organization that consistently delivers quality java- 100% Columbian Coffee.

100% Colombian Coffee is found in numerous brands of coffee because demanding consumers the world over are aware of the importance of its origin. So next time you are shopping for coffee, look for the 100% Colombian Coffee logo - your guarantee to the "richest coffee in the world." Coffee drinker or not, you definitely don't want to miss out on the 100% Colombian Coffee "See What's Behind the Best" sweepstakes. By visiting http://www.whatsbehindthebest.com/, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the philosophy behind 100% Colombian Coffee and enter to win great prizes. The grand prize is $10,000!

Rockabye Baby!

Update: Comment #11 won!

http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/ecom2/index.php/rockabye-baby-lullaby-renditions-of-journey.html

I am so excited to do this review and giveaway from Rockabye Baby!  I was provided a copy of the CD to review and will be able to give one away to one of you!  If you love Journey or just great lullabies for your baby, you will love this CD!  My hubby calls me a music hater.  It is not true.  He says this because I do not like music on when I am trying to talk to someone.  It is not because I hate music, but because I get so into it that I can't focus on the conversation!  What do you think?  Music lover or hater? 

This Rockabye Baby! lullaby renditions of journey CD is awesome (my opinion-although I was provided the CD the opinions are my own) it sounds as if I wound up a music box and recognizable Journey songs were what played!  The songs on the album include: Open Arms, Any Way you Want It, Only the Young, Don't Stop Believing, and eight more songs!  Rockyabye Baby! describes itself, "Rockabye Baby! transforms timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies. Guitars and drums are traded for soothing mellotrons, vibraphones and bells, and the volume is turned down from an eleven to a two. Rockabye Baby! is the perfect way to share the music you love with the littlest rocker in your life."  I must say that I agree! 

 
 Rockabye Baby has lullabye renditions of a lot of different artists including: Beatles, Queen, U2, Metallica Guns N' Roses, And Green Day!  There are a lot more, I just listed a few of my favorites!

If you would like to win this Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Journey you can enter in several ways! 
1) Leave me a comment and tell me why you think you and your little one would enjoy this CD.
2) Subscribe to my blog.  Leave me a comment and tell me you did or that you already subscribe.
3) Tweet about this giveaway.  Please leave me a comment that you did.
4) Follow @rockabyebaby on twitter.  Leave me another comment that you did. 
5) Blog about this giveaway.  Link to my post and leave me a comment that you did. 

Have fun!  Winners will be chosen February 15, 2010 using random.org

Rainbow Brite

Remember her?  I remember my Rainbow Brite doll!  I am excited to announce that Rainbow Brite is being relaunched!  MomSelect and Hallmark provided me with a Rainbow Brite cd pak.  I received 10 CD-Roms.  One to keep and nine to give away!  I have to admit I spent probably an hour working through the CD!  It is filled with games, puzzles, the theme song and much more!  Your child (or you!) can print out coloring pages.  If you check out the website you can view four mini epidsodes! 

If you love Rainbow Brite you will be excited to know the newest doll is available at Target and Toys R' Us this month! 

So, the first nine comments will get a Rainbow Brite CD-Rom for their child (or themselves!) to enjoy!  Hurry, because I am getting ready to tweet this! 

Simplify My Life

Do I need my life simplified? Well, let me think for a minute. Ok, I don't even need a minute. Just a millisecond, yes! I am a wife and a mommy and I love both of those things! I teach sixth grade science and love it, and I am a doctoral student and most days I (sickly) love that too! Is my plate full? Um, yes. I know this is only for a season of my life and I definitely have days when I feel totally overwhelmed, yes, but I do love my life. God has blessed me so much!

The Mom Bloggers Club (you might have noticed the button on the left column of my blog) is having a contest and giving away an HP Mini 110 with Windows 7. I just need to write how winning one will simplify my life…well, I carry my cumbersome work laptop everywhere with me to try and catch a few minutes to work on things when I have unexpected lull times (like right now when I am sitting in a minor med office waiting to get stitches in my elbow from attempting to kick the cat this morning—but that is another story). It would be extremely helpful to have a more compact laptop to do this with! It also would be helpful to not be THIS laptop as it has had to be rebuilt twice this past year as I wrote about in a previous post. Let's just say it is not HP. J

And if I should win this awesome prize…I promise to share with my hubby. He has a laptop that has had a bad battery forever and he has to carry the battery around everywhere. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of a laptop?!? Such a good man, he never complains. (His laptop is also not HP…enough said)

And the Windows 7 portion of the prize? I have heard nothing but good things about Windows 7 and can't wait to get my hands on it! I love the commercial of the man that says it was his idea to have the two pages, side by side. Seriously, I know we have all thought that would be SOOO helpful! And how many tabs do we all have open RIGHT NOW!

Do you think you might like to win one of these HP Mini 110 with Windows 7 as well? Well, just comment on my post. Three of these great netbooks will be given away to readers who leave a comment on entrants' sweepstakes posts.