Huggies® MomInspired™ Grant Program: Don't Miss Out

Calling all moms!

If you have had a great idea but can't move forward because you are just busy trying to get food on the table or you already have an idea and made that step forward with starting your own busy, there is good news!  Maria Bailey from MomSelect has been teasing with this great new project that was forthcoming and of course when she released the information, I jumped on it and had spread the word to some other mom's I knew.  Now, in an effort to get this out to more as a good idea could be the next life saver, time saver or any saver, I wanted to participate to let others know about the Huggies® MomInspired™ Grant Program.

Grant Program Overview

Huggies® is inspired by your ingenuity and wants to give you that extra nudge to turn those great ideas into reality. If you'd like to submit a grant proposal for your inspired idea it's important that you have a fundamental understanding of the Huggies® MomInspired™ Grant Program. Here you will find everything you need to know regarding our policies and processes. We advise that you take a little time to review and understand all aspects of the program so that you're fully prepared to take the next step.

Grant Awards

This is your opportunity to make your invention — or startup business — a reality. All you have to do is submit your unique product idea that addresses an unmet parenting need for the chance to receive a grant of up to $15,000 as seed money, as well as expert business resources. Take a look at our grant awards section to familiarize yourself with the awards that Huggies® is offering to the most inspired moms.

Dates & Deadlines

The Huggies® MomInspired™ Grant Program accepts grant proposals two times per year. After you successfully submit your application our judging panel will carefully evaluate those under consideration and give notice within roughly 6 weeks. Please review the program dates and deadlines so you're aware of the submission timeline.

There are 21 days left to submit so what are you waiting for?  Join the ranks of other moms out there that realized their dreams by taking advantage of this great opportunity!  I did and so should you!

There are so many resources available on the Huggies site to help you here.

By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a $250 American Express gift card from MomSelect. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Link Up Your Giveaways!

Want more exposure for your giveaway?  Link up here!

Fashion Playtes for the Summer & Dress Your Doll w/ Fashion Playtes Special

One of the fun things my middle daughter and I do is create fun clothes from Fashion Playtes.  We have found it's truly a fantastic mother/daughter bonding experience! Check out FashionPlaytes.com and help your daughter design her own clothes!  We've created many shirts and a jacket and she loves the fact that she created them and they have her label on the back.

There are so many options now available at Fashion Playtes to choose from and each garment is high quality and wears nicely.  The sizes are true to form and every package we have opened, she loves.  The great part of Fashion Playtes is they get to design every aspect of the shirt to really show off their creativity and personality.

There's even a 40% off bleached sand garments!

Introducing... The Cassie dress! A dress for your favorite doll! The new Cassie dress is a specially made dress that you can customize for your favorite doll! The dress is for 18-21" dolls and is only available for a limited time! These dresses are a perfect match to the Cassidy dress, which means you and your favorite doll can have matching outfits! The dress comes in seven different colors* with most of the same available embellishments, ribbons and underlayers.   Don't Forget! This is a limited time product! Make sure to get yourself and your favorite doll adorable matching dresses for the spring and summer! FREE SHIPPING!      For the month of May only! Get FREE SHIPPING on any merchandise order over $25! Enter code 'ship25' at checkout.

Coursing Around: Kids Fitness is Just a Hop, Skip & a Jump Away Review & Giveaway 6/2 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO....


Jenprincess88


An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond.  Winner was selected by random.org.


Thanks to all those who entered!

Summer is coming and I know my kids can't wait as they love to go outside!  Sometimes there just isn't anything they really want to do and simple things like playing with chalk is a great idea to let out their creativity.  What about a way to not only get out their creativity but also get them moving and actually burning some calories?  I love the concept behind Coursing Around.  Coursing Around is a spiral bound, sturdy book with fun and innovative ideas to get kids outside, to encourage team work and most of all, get them moving!

It has 15 fun filled activities that involves chalk or other simple toys like a jump rope or a hula hoop.  Children will have a chance to work on their motor skills, endurance, creativity and overall fitness level.  Just look at my almost three year old leaping in the air as she plays one of the activities.

Here is another great thing about Coursing Around, it's only $14.95 plus tax and FREE shipping!  I really liked the book in that it was durable and could be wiped off if it became dirty.  The spiral bound allows for easier to use since you can flip back the book without worrying about it tearing from wear.  The package comes with the book of 15 courses, 2 pieces of large chalk, a ruler on back for reference and fun fitness facts.

About the Creator:

Debbie Beam-Tougas created Coursing Around.  She has over 18 years of experience which included being a certified fitness specialist, an aerobics instructor, a personal trainer and a post exercise therapist.  Her dream is that children of all sizes, shapes, gender and ethnicities will use Coursing Around to learn that exercising can be fun and accomplished in many ways.

I would recommend Coursing Around for anyone with kids as it's really a great way to get them involved and stay healthy.  My children love it!

The Giveaway:

One lucky reader will win their own copy of Coursing Around!  Your kids will love it!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and leave a comment that you want to win!

Bonus Entries:

• Follow Coursing Around on Twitter for two entries
• Fan Coursing Around on Facebook for two entries
• Follow me on Twitter for two entries
• Blog about this giveaway five entries
• Subscribe to my blog for two entries
• Fan me on Facebook for two entries
• Tweet about this giveaway for two entries - can be done daily
• Enter any on-going giveaway for two entries
• Always look on my main post on top of blog for opportunities for extra entries as they change.

Giveaway ends at midnight on 6/2.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.  US only please.

To learn more, check out Coursing Around.

Hello World Clothing Company for Baby SmartZip Sleeper Giveaway 6/2 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO....

KATHY PEASE!

An e-mail is being sent and Kathy has 48 hours to respond.  Winner was chosen by random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Here you have it new parents!  A very convenient way to dress that wiggly little baby quickly and without inconveniencing your little sweetie.  A great patent pending product is on the market to make those late nights easier or just changing the diaper at anytime better.  If you have children, you know the pain of unzipping those pajamas and sometimes, almost prying out the little legs to get them through the holes.  I remember the hassle of diapering and how it can really wake up a baby when you have to move them around just to change that middle of the night diaper.  The SmartZip Sleeper will change all that as it zips at both ends!

Unzips at both ends? You don’t say…

Say Hello to the SmartZip® Sleeper, the first ever baby sleeper that unzips at both ends. It is no secret that you change your baby’s diaper from the bottom, so it makes sense to have a sleeper that allows you better, quicker access to the bottom half of your baby.

At Hello World® Clothing Company, their baby clothes are designed to make your kid the hippest baby in their nursery, and more importantly designed for you — the parent — to make your life easier.  

There are two styles to choose from:

Blue Me Away Collection

Blue and not even close to bashful, your handsome man will begin sharing his charm, long before he can talk. Every man’s dream of being adored by sight alone starts now. Handsome and smart? That’s your boy.

Made Me Blush Collection

Pink and brilliant, your little princess will begin making hearts melt with the sheer innocence we all know she possesses. Making you blush with every bat of an eye, before she even knows it gets her anywhere. Beautiful and smart? She is your daughter, after all.

Don't they look cozy, warm and snuggly enough to where you want to pick them up and love on them?  Everytime I see a baby, it makes me want to have another one.  Thank goodness my oldest is having one so I can spoil and love on him/her and give him back to her!

Here is how it works:

Hello World Clothing Company is also committed to help instill change which having a social responsibility makes a difference to me when choosing who to support.

The Amani Children’s Foundation

For every SmartZip Sleeper they sell on their website, Hello World® Clothing Company will donate one dollar to the Amani Children’s Foundation and New Life Home Trust.

“The Amani Children’s Foundation works to care for children in Kenya, particularly the most vulnerable of those children — the abandoned infants orphaned by AIDS in Africa. Parents are dying of AIDS and traditional extended family tribal structures can no longer care for them. The largest number of orphans the world has ever known now live in Africa. This challenge is of unprecedented proportion, 15 million orphans who are vulnerable to neglect, abuse, radical politics and to eventually getting AIDS themselves. Through their partner organization in Kenya, New Life Home Trust, Amani helps to care for homeless and HIV-positive babies in six homes across the country. The babies arrive at the home tiny, frail and often very sick, and by the time of their 2nd birthday, most of them have left with new adoptive Kenyan families. This group has been working since 1994 and has rescued more than 800 infants, and most of them have been adopted.” — excerpt from Amani website.

I'm also a fan because they are out of Indiana!  Go Hoosiers!

The Giveaway:

One lucky reader will get their choice of the SmartZip Sleeper in pink or blue.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me which one you would like to have.

Bonus Entries - Optional to Complete:

• Follow Hello World Clothing Company on Twitter for two entries.
• Fan Hello Hello World Clothing Company on Facebook for two entries.
• Join Hello World Clothing Company's e-mail List for two entries.
• Follow me on Twitter for two entries
• Blog about this giveaway five entries
• Subscribe to my blog for two entries
• Fan me on Facebook for two entries
• Tweet about this giveaway for two entries - can be done daily
• Enter any on-going giveaway for two entries
• Always look on my main post on top of blog for opportunities for extra entries as they change.

Giveaway ends at midnight on 6/2.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.  US only please.

* I received no compensation for this post.

Huggies Jean Diapers Available Now

Huggies new jean diapers are now available and you can not get them from Amazon:

Product Features

• Limited Edition! Fun & Fashion with Huggies Supreme Diapers
• Jeans” designs that will make your little ones the coolest around
• Customized Contour Fit and Comfort for Active Babies!
• Less Bulk in Front and wider in back for a comfy fit!
• Stays in place for active play!

Special Offers and Product Promotions

• Eligible for Free Returns on Baby items fulfilled by Amazon.com in the Amazon Baby Store. Here's how (restrictions apply)
• Free 2-Day Shipping: Buy baby food and personal care products sold by Amazon.com, and select 2-day shipping when you check out. Your 2-day shipping cost for select baby products will then be deducted from your order total on the final checkout page. Here's how (restrictions apply)

Product Description

Product Description

Little Movers Jean Diapers - Big PackLittle Movers~Customized Fit and Comfort for Active Babies! All New Contoured Shape stays in place through active play! HUGGIES@ Little Movers Diapers are shaped to fit busy babies and toddlers as they move and play. Less bulk in front and wider in back for a comfy fit.

Huggies Wipes Coupon Reset

Don't forget the new coupons for Little Swimmers and the coupon for Huggies wipes reset!




Get $100 worth of Coupons.com Free Coupons

Help Get a New Giveaway

If you would like to see a new giveaway on my site, visit my latest post and leave a comment on what suit you like after visiting the site.

Who wouldn't want a chance to win a great looking bathing suit?

If you leave a comment after visiting the Swimsuits for All shop here, you can have three bonus entries for any and all ongoing giveaways.

Thanks!

Playtex Bra Makeover Contest: Last Day to Apply May 21!

Do slipping straps, riding up backs, or not enough support have you ready to write a Dear John letter to your old bras?  Apply for a Bra Makeover from Playtex!  Seven out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra, which can result in an ill fit for the rest of their outfit, back and shoulder pain, as well as bruising and digging.  I'm a guilty one as I the last time I was fitted, I didn't like seeing what my actual size was and continued to play denial with going down a size or two.
 
As a busy working mom, I don't have time to go back in for a fitting in spite of desperately needing to.  Good news for us!  Playtex recently launched www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover or nominate a friend. If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Deyette is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger, as well as in print publications including Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and O Magazine. 

Apply for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today. The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st, 2010.
 
The 10 winners selected for a Bra Makeover will also star in their very own webisode wherein a makeover candidate will receive a fitting with Deyette and walk away with the perfect Playtex products. A new webisode will premier on www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com every two weeks.
 
Real women have real bra problems, Playtex wants you to kiss those bra problems goodbye. Check out www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com for more information.
  


By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Five Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love

I love family vacations but we don't get enough until now!  We are heading out to hopefully Disney soon and we cannot wait.  When TwitterMoms challenged us mommy bloggers to write about five fun family vacation activities your kids will love, I wanted to be a part of it and you can to by clicking here to join in.

1. Disney is an obvious one and if you catch the right time of year, you can get some pretty great deals on hotel/ticket deals.  If you participated in a volunteer activity that qualifies, you also get a free day along with your special birthday date.  Who doesn't love Disney?
2. Historical sites are always a winner with me as I love history.  To prepare for the trip, do some research and maybe see if the kids want to write a quick report on what to expect at the site or maybe a little something about the historical person.  By handing out fun assignments, it will make seeing the site even more fun.
3. Camping is always one that pleases the kids and can be inexpensive if you camp out in a tent.  Think of all the fun you will have roasting marshmellows and weiners while playing games.  I remember going fishing when I was a kid and it was so much fun having that time with my family.
4. Weekend trips to different close locations allows you more events over the summer while not breaking the bank account.  Maybe take a trip to a theme park, a zoo or a museum.  If you cut it down to two or three trips, it makes the anticipation of a summer filled with activities greater.  Some hotels have water parks like the one in Indianapolis.  You can rent a room and play all day at the indoor water park...that's fun!
5. Make sure you research the area you are going to and look up the fun family events like arcades, putt putt golf, tubing, canoeing and other great activities that you can do as a family.  No matter where you go, there are always things to do as a family and if you get the entire family involved in the planning, it will make it more fun.  Remember to check out the local events as maybe there is a carnival or special summer type play that will appeal to the whole family.  

Vacations can be a little cheaper if you plan ahead and they can be more fun if you get the entire family involved in the planning!  I'm doing that with mine as we map out what all we will do and it's sure to be a great time as long as the weather cooperates but then we will be making a contingency plan too!


I wrote this blog post while participating in the Williamsburg Tourism and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.


Fun Family Vacation ActivitiesVisit Williamsburg

Design Dazzle: Great Ideas if You are Redecorating

I'm on a mission to get our house looking as beautiful as possible or at least inviting as we have to sell.  My husband, who is in Kuwait, will get our next assignment at any point so we have to get moving!  He returns late April so we have a timeline we must stick to.  Upon seeing the Blogger updates, I looked at a new design Design Dazzle had and LOVE it!

Hollywood Glamour Bedroom

 

Threw this one in because my daughter loves Olivia!

So many choices, so many ideas ...I need to find the most inexpensive and easy ways to get this house into shape!

Etsy Seller Showcare: Handmade Creations by Shelly

Want something handcrafted?  Check out Handmade Creations by Shelly for that special gift or something special for yourself.

     

Whether you want an assortment of holders, personalized sayings, flip flops and clogs, girls ponchos and sets, adult ponchos, scarves, hats and gloves, accessories, purses and felt bags, shawls and caplets and items from the designer collection.

  

 

About Shelly:


I have been a hand knitter and crocheting for more than 30 years. Over the past several years, the yarn industry has been creating new and exciting yarns with many synthetic fiber combinations. I love trying the new blends of yarns and colors and creating the latest fashion trends. I love creating my “Designer” one of a kind Felted Tote Bags, Ponchos & Shawls. I will be happy to discuss any “Special Order” request with you.


Follow Handmade Creations by Shelly on Twitter or fan her on Facebook.


If you have a special request, just let Shelly know as she's happy to make special orders.  Check back often as she's always adding new items to her store.

Reserve Alice in Wonderland & Get $10 Next Purchase at Disney

The Disney Store is offering $10 off your next purchase when you reserve your copy of Alice in Wonderland in either DVD or combination DVD/Blu-Ray pack with special features.  Ship your entire order for only $5 when you spend $89 or more at DisneyStore.com. Use code SHIPTODAY.

Check out also the hot new products at Disney Style Couture & more now open at DisneyStore.com! Shop Now!

Sistahood Follow Along Week 6

Okay, it's follow along week six and I've been bad ... I mean bad but not as bad as stuffing a bag a chips around my head to munch all day.  I've been bad in that I didn't exercise as much as I should.  It was an off week as I spent the first part doing nothing and the second half worrying about my little almost three year old who developed a cold or allergy attack.  She's prone to crashing once she gets sick so I spend my time worrying about it will require a hospitalization or not.  So far so good but I really dislike pumping so much medicine into her.  Since she exhibited symptoms, she is receiving Flovent and Singulair as she does every day but now per the doctor, I had to add in Children's Claritin and Nasalcrom which she hates more than I hate seeing chocolate thrown away.  All in all, I'm just watching and waiting and praying as every time her dad is deployed, something like this happens.

Back to the not-so-good week.  I'm taking the girls to Orlanda to offset the sadness with dad in Kuwait so I'm hoping for a week full of healthy eating in spite of traveling.  We have a house with a pool so when we are not sightseeing, the plans are to have fruit, veggie and cheese trays to allow the girls to swim and eat in between.  I want healthier selections and with the hopeful heat, they will enjoy the cold taste of fresh fruit.  I also plan to stock up on the water versus sodas to eliminate those nasty empty calories, frankenfood chemicals and other bad stuff.

Effective June 1st, yeah, I know a new deadline and my husband already rolled his eyes when I gave him my new me update, I'm MAKING my pregnant daughter step up to the plate and start walking with me.  I plan to add more in the mix but that is that for now.  I finally figured it out that I need to throw in the movie 300 as I bike to get some Gerard motivation going on.  I also plan to kick up my level of involvement with the Sistas.

All in all, I gained nothing and lost nothing but I know that I need to:

1. Understand that I want to lose weight not only for myself but for my kids.  I want to be around for many years to enjoy them, to be there for them and to be that one person they can always rely on.
2. Effective June 1st, I will maintain my Excel spreadsheet of monitoring my weekly weigh in, calorie intake and exercise time.
3. The idea of cooking with the kids is paying off and I already see a change in having them help cook with them actually eating so this will continue and be increased relative to more natural, organic and healthy foods.
4. I will carry a current photo of myself and when temptation hits, I will look at it.  I will also carry a photo of me prior to the birth of my last child to show what I can be again.  If I visualize, it will happen.
5. I will eat a healthy breakfast every day, I will eat at least four servings of fruits and vegetables a day, I will continuing eating whole grains and olive oil in place of non-healthy fats and I will exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

Interested in joining the Sistahood, click here for more information.  Join in tonight from 7 pm PST to watch Mamavation and win some great prizes.

This week's Mamavation Monday sponsor is Open Sky so take a moment and check them out!

MamaRoo Infant Seat Review

 How about a baby product that provides multiple uses all while making your life easier?  We found that with the MamaRoo fits that bill as we received as a special giveaway from 4MomsOnline.  This is a fantastic idea and coming from an experienced mother, I have learned what is a good product or not based on my needs.  My oldest daughter loved it with BOTH of her children and it's a keep sake.  She's removed many items from her first baby but she hung on to her MamaRoo because she loves it!

When we first received our silver MamaRoo, I was in awe over the product features of five unique motions and sounds.  My seven year old had severe colic and when I heard the sounds and motions from the MamaRoo, the first thing I thought of was how much Jamie could have benefited from this.  

If you want something different from the five built-in nature sounds, you can hook up your MP3 for a listen! Talk about versatility!  The five speeds of motion can be sped up or slowed down based on your baby's preference.  The easy to read LCD light up indicator makes using the MamaRoo a breeze and with six colors to choose from, they will coordinate with your style.


The size is perfect as it doesn't take up a lot of space and with the versatility of motions, it also takes away the need for other products.  I like that it sourced by power and not batteries as that can be expensive.


Overall, I think it's a must have for any new parent.  It's versatility will eliminate the need to purchase other products, the speed, movements and sound should fit just about any baby's needs to provide comfort and safety.  The fact that the fabric is washable is always a plus and the little colorful toy on top is an added feature for stimulation.  Since the product does have the built-in nature sounds which is a great feature for babies with colic along with the ability to add a MP3 to it, it should provide the added bonus feature of other music such as Bach or anything you want.


Priced around $269, it's a good bargain considering what you get, the quality and the comfort it might provide your baby and you!   We love it!

NEW Reinvented Dove® With Fiber Actives

Have you seen or heard of new Reinvented Dove with fiber actives?  For all those dastardly things we put our hair through such as coloring, blow drying, straightening, all of which I'm guilty of, Dove has a new line of products.  There is even a cute video on "My Favorite Things" here.

My participation as a BzzAgent allowed me the opportunity to learn more about the new reinvented Dove with fiber actives and I can't wait to try out my complimentary product as soon as it arrives.

My favorite part of Dove, which I do routinely use Dove products, is the Campaign for Real Beauty.  To learn more about it, click the link above and see how your purchases of Dove helps promote a campaign to increase confidence in our young girls and women alike.



Get your free sample here.

Etsy Spotlight: Catnap Cottage

In appreciation for her support of my participation in Blogmania 2010, I wanted to provide my readers an opportunity to learn more about Catnap Cottage.


Bio:


I am a vintage textile collector. I love restoring linens, spreads and fabrics. If they cannot be used for their original purpose, I give them a new life, mostly as pillows. My pillows are about the fabric used to construct them. In my travels, I come across other unique vintage items that I cannot pass up and lots of them end up in my shop. I pretty much rescue restore repurpose and repeat!! 

I have acquired quite a collection of beautiful vintage fabrics over years (mostly barkcloth). I love the wonderful textures of barkcloth, especially the extra nubbies. It is like eye candy to me. Barkcloth is so rare, it will all be gone one day. I cannot bear to see it thrown away, so I repurpose it. I am lucky enough to find it vintage never used sometimes, but mostly I purchase it in draperies. I remove the pleats, soak, wash and dry it to make sure it is sturdy before designing and crafting the item.

     

With over 900 positive feedbacks (100%), you can be sure her products are a hit with her customers!


Stay up to date with following the Catnap Cottage blog for cool ideas and other finds here, become a fan on Facebook or follow on Twitter.


Thanks to the Catnap Cottage for supporting Blogmania 2010 and me!

Children's Claritin: A Victory for Our Asthmatic/Allergy Prone Two Year Old

I am ecstatic and it's because my youngest, two year's old, will not take any oral medications.  I think it stems from a history of prior hospitalizations and the horrible taste of liquid steroids and fever reducing medications.  To this day, when she gets a fever, I resort to homeopathic methods as she vomits anything I give her.  Luckily, her Singulair is in crystal form and her Flovent is an inhaler so I don't have to battle her with those.  Her allergist also prescribed Nasalcrom which she hates as it's pumped in through the nose.  He also prescribed Children's Claritin and luckily since I'm a BzzAgent, I received a complimentary package of it.  My seven year old will take it with no problem but I thought getting the two year old to take it would take an act of God.

I was wrong!  She has taken it three days in a row now without any fighting.  Victory!  I'm beyond happy because when this child starts to get a runny nose and eyes, it's all downhill and she can crash hard.  The last two times only required trips to the ER but before that, she's been hospitalized a few times and almost died in November of 2008.  Having a child intubated and being told they don't know if she will pull out of it is so scary and nothing I've ever experienced.

So, this is day three and I've noticed each time she takes her Children's Claritin, her symptoms improve quickly.  I again, am so happy that she will take this!  Thanks, Claritin!