Hop Along Friday

Welcome to the 29th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well

once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful
blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a
"featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! Here's how you can join in on the fun;

• Link up to your blog using our inlinkz link list, below.
• Follow the host/hostesses located in the first 5 slots.
• Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)
• If you get a new follower, please feel free to reciprocate the love!

This is a new list every Friday, so please remember to come back and link up!

We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Hop Along Friday Participant, just do what you can and are willing to do. We will do the same! Take your time and go at your own pace. FYI, however, if you follow me and leave a comment, guaranteed, I will follow you back!

The link list is only open to add new blogs on Fridays but will be visible all week long.

This weeks featured blog is #144 from last week!

Friday Blog Hop

1.	Jennifer @ The Thrifty Military Wife	53.	bassgiraffe- FOLLOWS BACK
2.	Chubby Cheeks Thinks	54.	Diary of a Preppy Mom
3.	My New Life As Mom	55.	Canadian Mommy Giveaways
4.	Take a Mom's Word For It	56.	sweet and lovely crafts
5.	This Adventure Our Life	57.	Mom-a-Logues
6.	Belly Charms	58.	Tiff's Pixie Dust
7.	Whirlwind Of Surprises	59.	Samantha's Day
8.	Maternity Belly Button Bling	60.	My Simple Walk - follows back
9.	Punky Monkeys	61.	Bits & Bobbish
10.	Crazy Book S	62.	Network Marketing Mama
11.	PaveiPhotos- Southern Brazil	63.	Everywhere. Every Moment.
12.	Jen and Joey Go Green	64.	The Frugal Free Gal
13.	Transplanted Thoughts	65.	What Happens at Naptime . . .
14.	Moments Worth Remembering	66.	Untypically Jia
15.	My Life in Jenga	67.	Pixies and Bears
16.	His Little Mrs- Always follow back :)	68.	PrincessReviews
17.	mrs. lavespere	69.	Charlene Long
18.	Family and Life in LV	70.	A Mom Having Fun - **Follows Back!**
19.	My Boss is Teething	71.	Helping Moms Work From Home - **Follows Back!**
20.	Mommy Made Green	72.	All-American Baby
21.	The Freebie Junkie	73.	Pirate Ship
22.	Christmas Cheer from Apron Senorita	74.	The Squeaky Cart
23.	Confessions of a Vi3tBabe	75.	BloggerBroadcastFOLLOWBACK
24.	y.m. and o.	76.	kidswonderart
25.	Free Hot Samples - Freebies	77.	Mika
26.	If life was like a Cupcake	78.	Newborn Shops
27.	Lilac City Momma	79.	Tots and Me
28.	Mommying On The Fly	80.	Self Sagacity Follow Back
29.	So Tei-Tei	81.	TTWFI (I follow back)
30.	Mommy In Suburbia	82.	Giveaways for Mom
31.	Snickers *N* Cream	83.	Coupon Clippin Daddy - I Follow Back!
32.	Crazy About My Baybah	84.	A GAL NEEDS....
33.	My Secret Home (follows back)	85.	Eccentric Delirium
34.	Alessandra	86.	The Conservasita
35.	The Romantic type	87.	Coupon Hound
36.	Dannie	88.	Two One Ten
37.	Danielle	89.	Bipolar Girl World
38.	A Spicy Boy, A Cat, and My Fat Ass	90.	Graphic Design by Tara Follows u!
39.	Write!	91.	Weekend Blog Hop
40.	3 Princes And A Princess 2	92.	Just Kidding Around Atlanta - follows back!
41.	Holiday Traditions, Gifts and Recipes	93.	Bright Autumn Sun
42.	Gluten Free Motherhood	94.	Scarlett Black @MMScarlett
43.	Following My Footsteps	95.	LaBelladiva - FOLLOWS BACK!
44.	Lori	96.	Peace Love Happiness *Follows Back*
45.	Follow New Friends.	97.	Babyboomer Flashback * I follow back!
46.	DIY PROJECT TUTORIALS ONLY! COME SEE MY FAVORITES!	98.	Gina's Music Memories follows back
47.	** CREATE WITH JOY - FOLLOWS BACK **	99.	My Florida Paradise *FOLLOWS BACK*
48.	Judy follows back	100.	Subtropical Gardening *Follows Back*
49.	BBL - I follow back	101.	Sweet Treats By Jesseca
50.	Mommy Brained Madness	102.	Our Crazy Little Life
51.	Our Breezy Beach Life	103.	Books, Books, The Magical Fruit(follows back)
52.	Ramblings of an Empty Mind	104.	Creative Mind

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Boudreaux's Butt Paste

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

When you have a baby in your house, one of the things parents often worry about is battling diaper rash. It has many different causes and anything can affect it. It can be something as simple as not letting their bum dry before putting on the next diaper or something a little more technical like the food they ate, teething or a virus in their system. Regardless of the cause, you need something to not only protect their bottoms but heal it as well. Boudreaux's Butt Paste does that.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste has saved a little bum in our house from some horrific diaper rash. There were times where my poor little boys bum would be bleeding due to diaper rash and the only thing that would help relieve it without nasty odors or creams that you can't clean off was Boudreaux's.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste was created by a pharmacist, with the help of a well respected pediatrician, to effectively heal diaper rash and sooth irritated bottoms. It goes on smoothly and cleans off easily. No more scrubbing after the diaper rash is gone, unlike some other creams. Boudreaux's also comes in 5 convenient size options; 1oz, 2oz, 3oz, 4oz tubes and a 16oz jar, so you can take it where you want and don't have to worry about taking up a lot of space in a diaper bag or having to use tube after tiny tube of cream at home when you have a case of dreaded diaper rash. Just keep a small tube in the diaper bag for on the go protection and a big huge tub at home where you need it most. Boudreaux's is made of 16% Zinc Oxide and Peruvian Balsam so it's ready to get the job done and take care of those nasty rashes and help heal sensitive bottoms.

Would you like to try some of Boudreaux's Butt Paste? Check out their site to find out how to receive a free sample to test for yourself.

Neatnik Saucer - Table Topper & High Chair - All In One!

Remember the days of not being able to go out to restaurants because your spend all your time picking up toys off the floor to occupy your little one and trying to keep unwanted things out of their mouth? Well those days are over! With the Neatnik Saucer you don't have to worry about dirty table germs getting on your baby's food, nor will you have to worry about picking up toy after toy while your food sits cold on the table. Neatnik is not only a high chair cover, but it covers the table, as well, and lets your little one be independent and keep their toys AND food on their try and lets you eat your food without interruption.

Neatnik fits all standard restaurant high chairs and collapses into it's own 12x12 inch carrying bag. Neatnik also comes in 4 different colors!

We love the Neatnik because we don't have to worry about dirty restaurant high chairs coming in contact with our son or his food nor do we have to worry about him trying to eat off of a dirty table. It keeps all his food and toys in tact and we love it. He loves that he can get all his toys when he wants them and doesn't have to worry about them falling on the floor where he can't reach them. I love the fact that I can actually spend my time eating my food instead of constantly fishing his toys from across the room where he thinks it's funny to chuck them. It makes dinning much more exciting!

Would you like a Neatnik saucer for yourself or someone you love? Here's how you can.

Visit Neatnik and purchase a Neatnik Saucer for $32.95! OR....

Visit Neatnik and tell me what Neatnik Saucer you'd like and you'll be entered to win one!

Terms & Conditions: This contest is open until December 31th, 2010 and is open to US Residents, only. The winner will be chosen by www.random.org and will be notified of their winnings. The winner will have 24 hours from the time of notification to claim their prize. If they fail to claim their prize within 24 hours an alternate winner will be chosen. By participating in this contest, you agree to the Terms & Conditions. I would like to send a special thank you to Neatnik for providing the free review item, as well as for providing us with the giveaway item.

Progresso - Lemon Pepper Panko

Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko is something that you must look into. These breadcrumbs add a flavorful crunch to any meal. Whether your Italian, Hispanic or any other nationality, these breadcrumbs will help bring your dishes to life.


Panko breadcrumbs are used by Emmy-Award winning TV Chef Michael Chiarello and have become his go-to bread crumb to give his dishes that amazing crunch. Chef Chiarello has partnered up to help cooks everywhere learn how to use Progresso's Panko in everyday dishes, including; Crispy Seafood Salad, Mama Chiarello's Stuffed Eggplant and Turkey Scallopini and Squash Ravioli with Cranberry Brown Butter.


You can also visit Progresso's website for even more great dish ideas and recipes using panko, tips for cooking with panko, videos and a coupon for $1 off any panko flavor.

“Panko has been a major part of some of my best crunchy dishes for years,” says Chef Chiarello. “It’s exciting to bring those dishes home, where some of the best dining memories are made. To me that’s what cooking is all about – sharing meals with your friends and family, and the memories you get to keep for a lifetime.”

Also, be sure to check out Progresso's Wine & Dine with Chef Michael Chiarello Sweepstakes. Now through December 31st, participants can enter for the chance to win a trip for two to Napa Valley to attend the Spring Bud Break Party, an annual dinner and wine tasting event taking place on May 7, 2011. In addition to two tickets to the party, the grand prize also includes round trip airfare and hotel accommodations. Visit Progresso for the sweepstakes rules and entry form.


In exchange for my post, I was given a Panko Giftpack which included a box of Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko and a cookbook (see above image) from Chef Michael Chiarello. Would you like to have a Panko Giftpack? Here's how you can!


Tell me what recipe you'd like to use Progresso's Lemon Pepper Panko with?


Terms & Conditions: This contest is open until December 31th, 2010 and is open to US Residents, only. The winner will be chosen by www.random.org and will be notified of their winnings. The winner will have 24 hours from the time of notification to claim their prize. If they fail to claim their prize within 24 hours an alternate winner will be chosen. By participating in this contest, you agree to the Terms & Conditions. I would like to send a special thank you to General Mills for providing us with a free Progresso Panko Gift Pack through MyBlogSpark, as well as for providing us with the giveaway item.

Silikids - Bringing Color To Black Friday

(click image to enlarge)

Click here to visit Silikids!

PowerCapes - Make everyone a superhero!

Sponsored by Tomoson.comPowerCapes are customized capes for kids of all ages. PowerCapes come in 3 different sizes and are completely customizable for the little superheros in your life.

Sidekick - 22 inches - for kids 2 to 7


Hero - 30 inches - for kids 6 to 10+


Superhero - 48 inches - for adults


With PowerCapes you can customize your cape size, cape color, the style of emblem, emblem color, the letter you want on it and the letter color, so the possibilities are endless! The capes are made of satin and are so very stylish, yet so soft.


PowerCapes Superhero Capes were generous enough to send us the following cape for our little superhero:

Blue Sidekick Satin Cape
Shield Emblem in Sparkly Aqua
J Cape Letter in Teal


We're thrilled with our cape! While our little man isn't quite old enough to know what it's used for.. we know that he'll love it when the time comes. It's completely durable and has held up to a rugged one year old, so far. I know it will last him years and it will be treasured. He already plays with it on the floor and uses it to play peek-a-boo. Then when he's ready to cuddle and read some book, he'll use it as a blanket to lay over his legs. It's so adorable. We're thrilled with it and know that you will be, too!


Would you like to have a PowerCapes Sidekick Superhero Cape for the little hero or heroin in your life? Here's how you can!


Sign up for PowerCapes newsletter and like their facebook page and come back here and let me know which child you'd get a cape for and you'll be entered to win!


Ready to buy? Enter code "GIVEME10" for 10% off your order!


Terms & Conditions: This contest is open until December 31th, 2010 and is open to US Residents, only. The winner will be chosen by www.random.org and will be notified of their winnings. The winner will have 24 hours from the time of notification to claim their prize. If they fail to claim their prize within 24 hours an alternate winner will be chosen. By participating in this contest, you agree to the Terms & Conditions. I would like to send a special thank you to PowerCapes for providing us with a free Sidekick Power Cape that was personalized for our son, as well as for providing us with the giveaway item.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Apologies

First I wanted to apologize for not being around much, lately. Things get crazy the minute your son turns one, I tell ya! The little man's birthday was amazing and we were so blessed that so many of our friends were able to attend. It was a blast!

Second, I wanted to apologize for being horribly late on a couple giveaways/reviews, lately. I've been bombarded with review/giveaway requests as well as started a new part time job at a local shop here in town so you can say I've been over my head with things to do. So if you have a review/giveaway waiting to be posted, please be patient.. I only have 3 days per week where I only have an hour or two per day to get things posted on my blog and I do try to get everyone's posts out on time but I have been falling behind, horribly. I do apologize greatly for that. I am trying my best.

Thirdly, I do have to postpone the next couple days worth of posts. I just recently had my 4 wisdom teeth removed and I'm quite sore. I do promise, however, to get back on the bandwagon as soon as humanly possible to get more great giveaways up and posted.

Thank you all so much, you guys are great!

BookSwim - Online Book Rental

Have you ever heard of BookSwim? If not, you're missing out! BookSwim is the first online book rental service! It's just like Netflix, but with books! BookSwim lends paperbacks, hardcovers and college textbooks to your front door! There's no need to go out and purchase books at full retail prices just to enjoy them a time or two. Simply rent them with BookSwim and return them when you're done! Easy as that!

BookSwim stocks all the latest bestsellers, all the classics and of course all the new releases! Read them for as long as you want and return them when you're done without worrying about late fees! You can even choose to purchase the books you love straight through BookSwim and you'll never have to worry about returning it.

BookSwim gift cards are perfect holiday gifts for those avid readers in your family! You can check them out through the links in this post or feel free to check them out through the ad on my left hand side bar.

*Affiliate links were used in this post. Do you have to click on them, nope. It's not mandatory, it's just an amazing site that I'd like to share with you. If you feel inclined to purchase a gift card or a membership for yourself, then I would love for you to use my link. If not, that's fine, too. I'll still appreciate you reading. :)

Hop Along Friday

Welcome to the 28th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well
once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful
blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a
"featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! Here's how you can join in on the fun;

• Link up to your blog using our inlinkz link list, below.
• Follow the host/hostesses located in the first 5 slots.
• Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)
• If you get a new follower, please feel free to reciprocate the love!

This is a new list every Friday, so please remember to come back and link up!

We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Hop Along Friday Participant, just do what you can and are willing to do. We will do the same! Take your time and go at your own pace. FYI, however, if you follow me and leave a comment, guaranteed, I will follow you back!

The link list is only open to add new blogs on Fridays but will be visible all week long.

This weeks featured blog is #82 from last week!

Friday Blog Hop

1.	Mack & Jack *follows back	77.	For The Love Of Blogs
2.	Chubby Cheeks Thinks	78.	FoodMuster
3.	My New Life As Mom	79.	MAMA TO 4 BLESSINGS + FRIDAY BLOG HOP!
4.	Take A Mom's Word For It	80.	Tiff's Pixie Dust
5.	Belly Charms	81.	How Soon We Forget~FOLLOWS
6.	This Adventure Our Life	82.	Adventures of a Thrifty Mommy
7.	All American Baby	83.	Simply Stacie
8.	Maternity Belly Button Bling	84.	Murphys Corner
9.	Thanks, Mail Carrier	85.	Finding Blessings in Everyday Life
10.	Meet the Dubiens	86.	Mommydom With MS
11.	Jennifer @ The Thrifty Military Wife	87.	Life at the Lake
12.	The Conservasita	88.	The Tightwad Gazette
13.	bassgiraffes Thoughts-FOLLOWS BACK	89.	ART BY ERIKA ASHLEY
14.	My Creative Way *Follows Back*	90.	Bits & Bobbish
15.	** CREATE WITH JOY - FOLLOWS BACK **	91.	Fresh Friday Hop @ la bella vita
16.	Yours, Mine and Ours	92.	Goober Monkey Loves to *~Follow!~*
17.	His Little Mrs - Follows backo	93.	7 on a Shoestring
18.	Beki@modernguide(follows back)	94.	SheltonMade
19.	Going Green with Noah	95.	DIY Printables, Digital Tutorials, Tips & more!
20.	Free Hot Samples - Freebies	96.	Tots and Me
21.	Pixies and Bears	97.	Transplanted Thoughts
22.	Tari at Love a Great Deal	98.	Samantha's Day
23.	The Nutritionist Reviews	99.	The Fictitious Cat
24.	Shopper Gal	100.	Get Creative @ Paisley Passions
25.	iMultitask	101.	Blogging Hints
26.	LeAnn	102.	Blogging Hints
27.	Untypically Jia	103.	Work at Home Helper
28.	Momondealz	104.	Ron
29.	Crazy About My Baybah	105.	Pacifiers, Pumps & The World
30.	One + One = Four	106.	A Mom Having Fun
31.	Mommy In Suburbia	107.	Helping Moms Work From Home
32.	Our Breezy Beach Life	108.	Experimental Blogger
33.	Mommy Made Green	109.	The Coupon Challenge
34.	Canadian Mommy Giveaways	110.	Mom-a-Logues
35.	Discover Direct Selling - I'm a New Blog	111.	Our Punken Patch
36.	Mommy Has to Worl	112.	Occasionally Crafty
37.	michelle b @ every little thing	113.	Just Married w/ Qs Follows =)
38.	Shining2Save	114.	Domestic Engineer & Mommy of 3
39.	AVON by Karen *I follow back*	115.	Lilys Laundry
40.	Poison in mae	116.	And Then There Were 4...
41.	Sammy Makes Six	117.	Everywhere. Every Moment.
42.	Confessions of a Vi3tBabe	118.	TrenchesOfMommyhood
43.	Beneath the Acacia Tree - Love	119.	Heather (The Menu Mama) (first time)
44.	HOME GROWN FAMILIES	120.	Blonde at Heart
45.	Be One Fine Day	121.	Affording Common Cents
46.	humboldt cherry	122.	Mommy Of Two Monkeys - I Follow back!
47.	Discovering the Me in Mommy - Follows back	123.	He Is My Beloved
48.	A Spicy Boy, A Cat, and My Fat Ass	124.	CrazySimpleLife
49.	Ramblings of a Marine Wife	125.	Fabulous Finds by NimblerGrove
50.	TUTORIALS, PROJECTS, CRAFTS, AND DIY!!	126.	You May Say I'm A Dreamer
51.	If life was like a Cupcake	127.	I Am Jewelz
52.	Life Can't Wait	128.	Linda's Lunacy
53.	Up Now and What's Next	129.	Mumsyhood
54.	Debbie Does Coupons	130.	The Inklings of Life
55.	crouching mother, hidden toddler	131.	Life with a BIG Family *follows back*
56.	Mommy Katie	132.	My Happily Ever After
57.	Frugality Is Free	133.	Pumpkin Marshmallow Pie
58.	Chrissy @ Fireflies and Hummingbirds	134.	Dirty Truth Reviews FOLLOWS BACK!
59.	Mom Me Time	135.	My Day Zero Challenge (I follow)
60.	*I ALWAYS FOLLOW!* Mommy Living the Life of Riley	136.	Park Avenue Chihuahua
61.	Print Your Coupons	137.	Al McLeary – Diary of a Crafty Insomniac
62.	Story Time Under the Stars	138.	Mei @ Fair Weather Diver
63.	Our Crazy Little Life	139.	TTWFI (I follow back)
64.	2Boys + 1Girl=OneCrazyMom *FolloWs BacK*	140.	Peace Love Happiness *Follows Back*
65.	My Secret Home *follows back*	141.	LaBelladiva - FOLLOWS BACK!
66.	Eccentric Delirium	142.	This Beautiful Mess
67.	Spit Up Chronicles	143.	Lanae
68.	Design It Chic - FOLLOWS BACK!	144.	Whirlwind of Surprises -FOLLOWS BACK!!**
69.	Keenly Kristin	145.	Turnip Farmer
70.	The Crafty Military Wife	146.	Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Fresh Herbs
71.	Things Sent My Way	147.	Baby Deals Dujour
72.	PaveiPhotos- Southern Brazil	148.	Copper LLama Studio
73.	Family and Life in LV - LINKY	149.	Amanda@OhMandie
74.	A Dose of Dannie	150.	Write!
75.	The Panda Bum	151.	Positive Kismet *Followsback
76.	Hazel Loves Design

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Wanchai Ferry & Macaroni Grill

Do you remember yours and your spouses first date? I do. Well, I remember mine and my husbands first date. It was a little over 5.5 years ago and my husband and myself went to a nice romantic dinner to a local Italian restaurant. We talked about our lives, past and future. We enjoyed delicious food and spent a few hours enjoying our meal. Now that we've become much busier, it's so hard to find the time to have 'date nights' with each other. To keep things fresh. To keep things new. Wanchai Ferry & Macaroni Grill are teaming up to make that happen. They're making it possible to have delicious date night meals, at home. No more trying to find time to wrangle all the kids, pile them all in the car, get them to the restaurant where you have to spend 99% of your time keeping them occupied as to not disturb others around you. It can be stressful and time consuming. Wanchai Ferry & Macaroni Grill are making it possible for you to save your sanity and create the date night that you and your husband deserve. No more stressing. No more frustrations.

As I said before, Wanchai Ferry & Macaroni Grill have teamed up to give us an amazing date night in our home. Not only have they provided the meal, they've provided us with an amazing night we'll never forget. Wanchai Ferry & Macaroni Grill have sent us a Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken - Complete Meal for Two, a Macaroni Grill Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken & Pasta, and a $30 visa gift card to make our night perfect.


Having a one year old isn't easy. Especially when it comes to finding someone to watch him in order to have a date night with each other. Not only that but when you try to conceive for over 4 years, it makes it hard to convince yourself that leaving him for a few hours is worth it to your marriage. We don't get out (without him) very much and when we do, I often find myself wishing I hadn't. So you can imagine my excitement when I found an amazingly easy way to recreate our date night at home. We can spend the time that we need on each other without worrying about sitters, being home at a certain time or whether or not our son is okay without us. Wanchai Ferry & Macaroni Grill make it easy! What more can you ask for?!


What do I think? My husband and I are not very big on boxed dinners but I will be honest with you, these two are very delicious. I do have to say that I'm a little more partial to Wanchai Ferry's Orange Chicken as it's all pretty much semi-homemade. There's something about fresh made rice & fresh made chicken rather than boxed pasta. However, both were delicious. I would make both of them again. They were easy to make and very quick, as well. Perfect for date nights at home. I do have to say, however, that the Orange Chicken includes red chili's and I found adding all 5 were WAY too spicy. Next time I think I'll add 1-2 or possibly keep them out all together. Definitely keep that in mind when making this for your family. Otherwise, it's delicious!


Would you like to try Wanchai Ferry or Macaroni Grill for yourself? Here's how you can!


Click here to receive a coupon for a Wanchai Ferry or Macaroni Grill dinner kit.


OR


Tell me the story of your & your spouses first date and it will enter you to win a Wanchai Ferry & Macaroni Prize pack for yourself!


Terms & Conditions: This contest is open until December 15th, 2010 and is open to US Residents, only. The winner will be chosen by www.random.org and will be notified of their winnings. The winner will have 24 hours from the time of notification to claim their prize. If they fail to claim their prize within 24 hours an alternate winner will be chosen. By participating in this contest, you agree to the Terms & Conditions. I would like to send a special thank you to Wanchai Ferry & Macaroni Grill for providing us with a free Date Night Prize Pack which included a free box of Wanchai Ferry, a free box of Macaroni Grill and a $30 gift card!

Halo SleepSack

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

When my son was first born, I don't know about you but I panicked when I thought of having to sleep while he slept. I was fearful that he would suffocate in the middle of the night and I wouldn't know it until morning. I was terrified that I would wake up to find the blankets over his face and I would have to live with the pain of knowing that my child died because he couldn't breathe and I didn't know until it was too late. This is still something that I deal with today and even though he's over a year old.. it is something that I fully appreciate HALO for working to help prevent.


HALO was created by founder Bill Schmid when he lost his daughter to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) in 1991. Since then, he has been working on developing products that bring peace and mind to parents while bringing safe sleeping to children. I couldn't ask of a better idea.

The HALO SleepSack is a wearable blanket that is designed to replace loose blankets (in the crib) that can cover your baby and interfere or prevent breathing. It's the #1 trusted choice  in hospitals and by parents. Not only does it provide a safer alternative to blankets, it provides a convenient alternative to blankets. You don't have to worry about whether baby kicks it off and gets too cold. It stays on where you need it and keeps your baby warm and comfortable.


When you purchase products from HALP, a percentage of their profits are donated to charities that help fight against SIDS. HALO also works with hundreds of hospitals to help educate parents on safe sleeping practices and also provide HALO SleepSack wearable blankets to NICU and hospital nurseries to help model safe sleeping habits.


The best part about HALO is that you don't have to order them online. HALO products are available in a target store near you for easy purchase.

HALO recommends the following Safe Sleeping Practices:

• Always place baby to sleep on his/her back at naptime and at night time.
• Use a crib that meets current safety standards with a firm mattress that fits snuggly and is covered with only a tight fitting crib sheet.
• Remove all soft bedding and toys from your baby's sleep area, including;
• loose blankets (The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm.)
• bumpers
• positioners
• Offer a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. If breastfeeding, introduce a pacifier after one month or after breastfeeding has been established.
• Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put your baby back to sleep in his or her separate safe sleep area alongside your bed.
• Never put your baby to sleep on any soft surface, such as;
• adult beds
• sofas
• chairs
• water beds
• quilts
• sheep skins
• etc.
• Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperatures between 68*F and 72*F.
• Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby or take your baby into a room or car where someone has recently smoked.

My thoughts: I truly and honestly believe that these little wearable blankets are a godsend. I was raised with the idea in mind that you can do things because they're convenient and nothing will usually happen. Yes, bad things happen to good people. But I was raised that sometimes you can get away with things just because it's easier. I was raised in a time where car seats and seat belts weren't required and am so thankful that they are now. I love our HALO Sleepsack and will use one for our future children. I'm sad that my son is too big and too old for one but am excited to be able to use it with potential siblings. I recommend that everyone with small babies goes out and gets one.\

Would you like to have a HALO SleepSack for yourself or someone you love? Here's how you can!

{MANDATORY ENTRY}

Visit HALO and then come back here and tell me which HALO SleepSack wearable blanket you like best and the size you would like it in.

Terms & Conditions: This contest is open until December 15th, 2010 and is open to US Residents, only. The winner will be chosen by www.random.org and will be notified of their winnings. The winner will have 24 hours from the time of notification to claim their prize. If they fail to claim their prize within 24 hours an alternate winner will be chosen. By participating in this contest, you agree to the Terms & Conditions.

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

Hop Along Friday

Welcome to the 26th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms! 

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well
once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful

blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a
"featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! Here's how you can join in on the fun;

• Link up to your blog using our inlinkz link list, below.
• Follow the host/hostesses located in the first 5 slots.
• Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)
• If you get a new follower, please feel free to reciprocate the love!

This is a new list every Friday, so please remember to come back and link up!

We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Hop Along Friday Participant, just do what you can and are willing to do. We will do the same! Take your time and go at your own pace. FYI, however, if you follow me and leave a comment, guaranteed, I will follow you back!

The link list is only open to add new blogs on Fridays but will be visible all week long.

This weeks featured blog is #61 from last week!

 

Friday Blog Hop

1.	Chubby Cheeks Thinks	86.	Ours+His+Mine=Nine!
2.	My New Life As Mom	87.	Crazy About My Baybah
3.	Take A Mom's Word For It	88.	*I ALWAYS FOLLOW!* Mommy Living the Life of Riley
4.	This Adventure Our Life	89.	Design It Chic - FOLLOWS BACK!
5.	Belly Charms	90.	Tots and Me
6.	The Little Hedgehog	91.	Eccentric Delirium
7.	Maternity Belly Button Bling	92.	DELICIOUS AMBIGUITY
8.	Pixies and Bears	93.	4SuchaTimeasThis
9.	bassgiraffe- FOLLOWS BACK	94.	Just Hide the Dishes in the Dryer
10.	Dosedannie	95.	Masshole Mommy - follows back
11.	Danielle	96.	Sue@SAHM
12.	Untypically Jia	97.	Mess free painting -follows
13.	** CREATE WITH JOY - FOLLOWS BACK **	98.	Mommy2TwoGirls
14.	My Life in Jenga	99.	Murphys Corner
15.	Beki (I follow back!)	100.	The Nutritionist Reviews
16.	My Munoz Family	101.	The Frugal Free Gal
17.	Applesauce Inn B&B	102.	PS Mom Reviews *Always Follow Back!*
18.	Yours, Mine and Ours*	103.	A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING
19.	Thanks, Mail Carrier	104.	Chrissy @ Fireflies and Hummingbirds
20.	Mrs. Mama Drama	105.	Canadian Mommy Giveaways
21.	Mommy In Suburbia	106.	Our Family for His Glory
22.	Turning the Clock Back	107.	Me , The Man & The Baby
23.	Organizational Hysteria	108.	Linus and LuLu
24.	Debbie Does Coupons	109.	Maria's Musings
25.	Magically Ordianry	110.	Carrie Daw
26.	Our Breezy Beach Life	111.	Maria's Culinary Adventures
27.	Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings	112.	Adventures of a Thrifty Mommy
28.	This Little Family	113.	The Farris Wheel
29.	BBL - i follow back	114.	Life Music Laughter
30.	Lily's Laundry	115.	Blogging Hints
31.	An Adventure in Parenting	116.	Busy Moms Tips
32.	Heather@FamilyFriendlyFrugality	117.	Work at Home Helper
33.	Mother's Day Out	118.	Yoli @ Apron Senorita
34.	Affording Common Cents	119.	The Coupon Challenge
35.	MAMA TO 4 BLESSINGS + FRIDAY BLOG HOP!	120.	Shopper Gal
36.	Sammy Makes Six	121.	A Mother...Again
37.	Fabulous Daily Deals	122.	Bits & Bobbish
38.	Jennifer @ The Thrifty Military Wife	123.	Jana Hartley
39.	A Nut in a Nutshell	124.	A Doctor And A Nurse
40.	mrs. lavespere loves new friends!	125.	Mom-a-Logues
41.	Shining2Save	126.	7 on a Shoestring
42.	Finding Blessings in Everyday Life	127.	Patti
43.	Conservasita	128.	Lots of Advents and Printables!
44.	Momondealz	129.	What Happens at Naptime . . .
45.	Nana Poppins	130.	**A Mom Having Fun - Follows Back!**
46.	Lovely Little Ladies Boutique	131.	**Helping Moms Work From Home - Follows Back!!**
47.	Mommy Made Green	132.	A to Z for Moms Like Me
48.	Coupon Cents Sisters **FOLLOWS**	133.	A Day in the Life of an Air Force Wife and Mommy of Two
49.	Free 2 Be Frugal	134.	PsychoBabble
50.	Beneath the Acacia Tree	135.	Florida Free & Frugal
51.	Welcome Sunshine Home - follows back!	136.	Poison in mae
52.	The Second Set	137.	Learning from a baby monitor!
53.	Knit One Max Too	138.	Deal-licious Debby
54.	Knit One Max Too	139.	Courtney @ One Fine Wire
55.	Just Married w/ Qs	140.	Luxury Living Frugal Style
56.	Simply Stacie	141.	The Single Nester
57.	Bargain Mom-Follows Back	142.	Our Punke Patch
58.	Reviews and Giveaways	143.	Turnip Farmer
59.	Family and Life in Las Vegas	144.	Chocolate Covered Peanut Brittle
60.	2Boys=1Girl=OneCrazyMom *FOLLOWS Back*	145.	~*Goober Monkey~*
61.	Oh So Savvy Mom	146.	Raising Future Leaders ~*~Always Follows Back~*~
62.	Friday Follow New Friends.	147.	lunch box thank yous
63.	From Chalkboards to Strollers	148.	Steals, Deals & Life
64.	TTWFI (I follow back)	149.	Mommy Katie
65.	A SPicy Boy, A Cat, and My Fat Ass	150.	Kingdom First Homeschool
66.	Discovering the Me in M ommy - follows back	151.	Adventures in Vandyland
67.	Confessions of a Vi3tBabe	152.	The Inklings of Life
68.	ShowMeMama	153.	Moms Misc Adventures
69.	Living Life One Click at a Time	154.	Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living
70.	Dotcomkari The Blog	155.	Casondra
71.	DIY PROJECTS GALORE! FIND YOUR NEXT TUTORIAL AT GS	156.	Spit Up Chronicles
72.	BizziMommis Blog	157.	One + One = Four
73.	Princess Mom of 3	158.	paula schuck
74.	Apple Butter Pie	159.	The Deal Scoop
75.	Alysha (Supermom) *W/LINKY*	160.	Read for your future!
76.	Tips 4 Green	161.	ace and friends weekend blog hop *follows back*
77.	Alessandra	162.	Saving My Family Money
78.	crouching mother, hidden toddler	163.	Fresh Friday Hop @ la bella vita
79.	Our Crazy Little Life	164.	Peter Rabbit Organics!
80.	Taste Out Loud!	165.	Stacy@SweetSurrender
81.	DustinNikki Mommy of Three	166.	Sueberry Lane
82.	Happy Hoots and Photo Shoots	167.	Simplify with Sybil
83.	All-American Baby	168.	September
84.	Bravo After Dark	169.	Linda's Lunacy
85.	The Maniacal Matron - Scarlett Black	170.	Big Family Mama

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Hop Along Friday

Welcome to the 26th edition of Hop Along Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms! 

Please feel free to follow through and link up to facebook and twitter accounts as well once you get on someone's page, but please only link your blog up, here. As always, we continue to invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful

blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us!

You can still be rewarded for participating! Each week we will use random.org to pick a
"featured blog" of the week from the previous weeks link ups! Want your blog featured? Then you have to link up! Here's how you can join in on the fun;

• Link up to your blog using our inlinkz link list, below.
• Follow the host/hostesses located in the first 5 slots.
• Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)
• If you get a new follower, please feel free to reciprocate the love!

This is a new list every Friday, so please remember to come back and link up!

We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Hop Along Friday Participant, just do what you can and are willing to do. We will do the same! Take your time and go at your own pace. FYI, however, if you follow me and leave a comment, guaranteed, I will follow you back!

The link list is only open to add new blogs on Fridays but will be visible all week long.

This weeks featured blog is #123 from last week!

Friday Blog Hop

1.	Chubby Cheeks Thinks	91.	Blueberry Craft and Hobby Time
2.	My New Life As Mom!	92.	My Life in Jenga
3.	Take A Mom's Word For It	93.	Christy Home-Mom.com
4.	This Adventure Our Life	94.	Tiff's Pixie Dust
5.	Mommy In Suburbia	95.	Saved By Love Creations
6.	Goober Monkey WHOA WHOA!	96.	Masshole Mommy - follows back!
7.	Belly Charms	97.	My Life with Rats and More
8.	Daily Reflection	98.	Easy organized gift wrapping wall! Follows back!
9.	Maternity Belly Button Bling	99.	Our Breezy Beach Life
10.	A Spicy Boy, A Cat, and My Fat Ass	100.	Coupon Cents Sisters **FOLLOWS**
11.	Conservasita	101.	crouching mother, hidden toddler
12.	Thanks, Mail Carrier	102.	Blogging Hints
13.	bassgiraffe- FOLLOWS BACK	103.	Life Music Laughter
14.	Ten Talents -- follow back!	104.	Busy Moms Tips
15.	A Blog With No Purpose	105.	Work at Home Helper
16.	His Little Mrs- I follow back	106.	Our Family for His Glory
17.	Sweet Veg- E	107.	The Frugal Free Gal
18.	** CREATE WITH JOY - FOLLOWS BACK **	108.	Sewing is Sew Fun
19.	Two Maids a Milking	109.	The Happy Clipper
20.	Just Cherish Today	110.	MamaNYC
21.	Sippy Cup Mom	111.	Chalkboards to Strollers- Will follow back
22.	Crazy About My Baybah	112.	Chep & Choosy_ Pocket Diiaper Event!!!
23.	Everything Me	113.	Chrissy @ FFandHB
24.	Pixies and Bears	114.	plantress
25.	Big Foot Tribe- New Blogger	115.	Parental Revelations
26.	Momondealz	116.	Mom-a-Logues
27.	A Mother...Again	117.	A Day in the Life of an Air Force Wife and Mommy of Two
28.	Just Married with Coupons	118.	Alison's Book Marks
29.	The Thrifty Military Wife	119.	Does This Baby Make Me Look Fat?
30.	Shopper Gal	120.	Easy To Be Gluten Free
31.	Sammy Makes Six	121.	$350 fireplace Giveaway - WE FOLLOW BACK
32.	Mommying On The Fly	122.	Big Family Mama
33.	The Elect Lady	123.	Pocket Full of Pink
34.	Shining2Save	124.	Meno Deb Follows Back!
35.	Tots and Me	125.	Finding Blessings in Everyday Life
36.	Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings	126.	ShowMeMama
37.	BBL - I follow back	127.	Beneath the Acacia Tree
38.	Adventures of a Thrifty Mommy	128.	paula schuck
39.	mrs. lavespere	129.	Crayon Couture
40.	kendra diaries	130.	Cottage Sisters
41.	Confessions of a Vi3tBabe	131.	Courtney @ One Fine Wire
42.	My Life--SmookieStyle	132.	Life IS A SandCastle
43.	Judy	133.	Mommy of One
44.	Just Hide the Dishes in the Dryer	134.	Happy Homemaker & Momma
45.	TUTORIALS, PROJECTS, AND CRAFTS ONLY! GS DIY BLOG	135.	Purdy Everyday
46.	Nan	136.	Have Sippy Will Travel-follows back
47.	Share Photos	137.	FREE Baby Memory Book
48.	Keeping Up Klapper- follows back!	138.	Yoli at APRON SENORITA
49.	Y,M and O*	139.	Preemie Mama
50.	Ten Talents - follows back!	140.	PS Mom Reviews
51.	Retro Modern Projects	141.	My Happily Ever After
52.	2Boys+1Girl=OneCrazyMom *FolloWs BacK*	142.	The Coupon Challenge
53.	Crunchy Beach Mama ~ Upcycle Giveaways!	143.	JAX and Marbles(i follow back)
54.	Mommy Has to Work	144.	Simply Stacie
55.	The Tightwad Gazette	145.	Life of the NoLifes
56.	Reviews & Giveaways by TheChickenista	146.	PsychoBabble
57.	If life was like a Cupcake	147.	A Mom Having Fun - Follows Back!
58.	Toddler Tales by Mommy	148.	Helping Moms Work From Home - Follows Back!
59.	Oh So Savvy Mom	149.	The Mommy Mambo--stalks back!
60.	Discovering the Me in Mommy (follows back)	150.	Poison in mae
61.	Dotcomkari The Blog	151.	7 on a Shoestring
62.	Bits & Bobbish	152.	Blonde at Heart
63.	Sawdust Pie	153.	ChicnSavvy Reviews
64.	The Little Hedgehog	154.	Linda's Lunacy
65.	Moments Worth Remembering	155.	A Masters and a Mom
66.	Vote	156.	Nanny Anna
67.	Ramblings of a Marine Wife	157.	The Paper Mama
68.	Mommy Made Green	158.	Adventures of the Domesticated Mama-Follows back!
69.	Sweet Tomorrow's	159.	WithOurBest
70.	TTWFI (I follow back)	160.	Mommy2TwoGirls
71.	Mommy Katie	161.	Haute Mom *follows back*
72.	Lissa's Loot	162.	Keepsake scarf - I follow
73.	Affording Common Cents-Follows Back	163.	Felicia & Jen
74.	Fabulous n Free *Follows Back*	164.	*Plz read* Grandson's mom
75.	*I ALWAYS FOLLOW!* Mommy Living the Life of Riley	165.	Carolyn @ Confessions of a Somewhat Confused Scot
76.	Free Hot Samples - Freebies	166.	Kristi
77.	Girlfriends...	167.	Dannie
78.	Little Bambino Childrens Wear	168.	pandabum
79.	Apple Cranberry Pie	169.	Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living
80.	New!! Eccentric Delirium.	170.	Mom's Misc Adventures
81.	Luxury Living Frugal Style	171.	Canadian Mommy Giveaways
82.	Alysha (Supermom) *W/LINKY*	172.	Linus and LuLu
83.	Emmy @ boos and rawrs (holiday gift guide!)	173.	Frugal Luxe
84.	Boost My Blog Friday - FOLLOWS BACK!	174.	Finding My Life in Faith
85.	Hazel Loves Design	175.	MamaCampbell
86.	This-n-That Boutique Blog	176.	Our Crazy Little Life
87.	Emmas Lunch - FOLLOWS BACK	177.	GivingNSharing
88.	BizziMommi's Blog	178.	Holiday Traditions, Gifts and Recipes
89.	Books, Books The Magical Fruit	179.	Family Literacy and You
90.	MAMA TO 4 BLESSINGS + FRIDAY BLOG HOP!	180.	Living Life One Click at a Time

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

The Barrel: Not just any ol magazine!

I was contacted a while back asking if I wanted to host a blog post about a new magazine that was coming out and in return I would receive an ad on the back page. Of course I said yes. Not only for the advertising but I'm always interested in new magazines coming out and one about blogging?!? Are you kidding me? I'm all over that!

When I received word that The Barrel was published, I immediately ran over to check it out. It's great! Not only does it have great blog info, but it also has cooking tips, daily advice, craft ideas and how-to's and tons of laughs.

My favorite article was 'Tips From A Real Housewife'. Some were great and others were just pure genius! Here are a couple of my fav's.. the rest? You'll have to go read them yourself.

Fingernail polish also removes those annoying sticky tape marks off glass. - It's true!

Next time you're shining up your husband's chrome wheels try out baking soda. It works great! (so does making your husband shine his own chrome wheels)

Next time you have to change a lightbulb forget the ladder, go get a swivel chair. Then it will be a fun experience.

There's also a super hilarious story by Heidi Hadley in there. I'm not even going to try summing it up. The entire thing had me in tears and that's saying something. It was HILARIOUS! With a capital H-I-L-A-R... well, you get the point. It was damn funny. Especially the part about someone stalking her while driving home. Did I mention that I do that crap all the time?! FUH-NEY!

So go over and check out this amazing new mag, it's brilliant!

The Barrel

Amazing Etsy Shops - LaffyDaffy

Now I know that many of you are avid Etsy Shoppers. If you're not, you need to check it out. Etsy brings together those who make homemade items and those who are looking to purchase homemade items. They also have vintage shops on there, as well.

This Etsy Feature is for a super great shop called LaffyDaffy. LaffyDaffy creates amazing works of art out of wood. Anything from step stools, cork boards, growth charts, etc. Not only does she make amazing works of art, but all of her pieces are usable! Show your little ones that their special by getting them their own, one of a kind stool that has something they enjoy on it. Their name, their favorite quote or their favorite design. Let LaffyDaffy create your masterpiece.

LaffyDaffy was kind enough to send us one of their 12 inch step stools that was personalized for our little guy. *our stool has not been shown due to keeping our son's name private*

Here are some of our favorites!

Now our little man won't be able to use his stool for a whie, yet, but when he is ready, I can't wait for him to use this one. It's the perfect size for little people and is completely sturdy! I can stand on it and it doesn't budge and I'm 140lbs. The wood is beautiful and the paint is thick and beautiful. I have no doubt that it will hold up to wear and tear beautifully.They're tip resistant and I have no doubt that it will work great with our little man.

I am thrilled with our stool. Completely!

Would you like to have a LaffyDaffy Tip Resistant Step Stool? Well you're in luck! We're giving one away to one lucky reader!

Mandatory Entry: This must be done in order to qualify for the giveaway!

Visit LaffyDaffy's Etsy shop and tell me which one of her beautiful creations is your favorite.

The winner of this giveaway will receive a $30 gift certificate to LaffyDaffy's shop! Want to boost your certificate?! YOU CAN! If you make a purchase at LaffyDaffy's shop within the giveaway period, (let us know if you do) and she'll double the certificate amount! That means the winner will receive a $60 gift certificate to her shop! It's also retroactive so if you win, she'll refund you the $60 or if you've not purchased $60 worth, she'll refund your purchase amount and give you a credit for the remaining amount. Make since?

This contest is open to US readers, only and is valid through Wednesday, November 24th, 2010. The winner will be chosen via random.org and will be notified via email. If you do not place your email in your entry then your winning entry becomes void and I will choose an alternate winner. The winner will have 48 hours from the time of notification to claim their prize, if they fail to do so, an alternate winner will be chosen. By entering our contest you agree to all terms of service.

I want to send a special thank you to LaffyDaffy for providing us with the review and giveaway items. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions within this post are my own and have no been swayed, in any way, by the shop or it's representatives.