The Mom Creative Reviews and Giveaways

Review: Rock Symphonies

2010-09-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

I recently received a copy of Rock Symphonies, the latest release from best-selling classical artist David Garrett, and it is unlike any classical music I have ever listened to. It is classical and rock blended together - amazing.

Check out this video to get an idea of the Rock Symphonies sound - and David's cool style.

Here's a bit from his bio:
A child prodigy born in Germany, Garrett has been amazing fans around the world since he was a young boy. By age 12, Garrett was playing on stage with the London Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Russian National Orchestra. His self-titled debut album, David Garrett, debuted in the states at #1 on the Classical Crossover Chart and held the position for 31 solid weeks in 2009.

If you like classical music and/or rock, this album is worth checking out. I probably wouldn't have gotten it on my own, but I really love it.

Disclosure: this CD was provided by Team Mom for review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Moon Dough

2010-09-03T04:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we received a new product to review called Moon Dough Barnyard.

Moon Dough is basically like a marshmallow like version of play doh. It is a little strange at first because you expect it to be like play doh, but it is much drier and not as sticky - yet it totally forms awesome shapes. It doesn't stick to or stain anything, which as a mom, rocks to me.

It is geared at ages 2-4 and let me tell you, Elias LOVES it.

What's really cool is that when you put the dough in the farm and pull the lever an animal pops out of the chute. Elias thinks it is the coolest thing. I would definitely recommend this product.

Disclosure: I was provided the Moon Dough Barnyard from Team Mom to facilitate my review, but thoughts are my own.

Review: mOmma Baby Feeding Products

2010-08-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

I have a tendency to buy all the latest stuff when it comes to baby feeding gear. I just love trying it all out.

Needless to say, when I received the box of stylist mOmma products, I was in love. It is the prettiest and trendiest feeding product line I have ever seen.

This Italian line incorporates a rounded, ergonomic design that allow cups, forks and spoons to rock back-and-forth, keeping kids entertained during meals and eliminating spills all at the same time.

Elias loved the shape of the cup and drinking out of the straw. It also was really easy for him to hold.

The line also includes bottles and an amazing meal set with a warming plate. Everything is really European and beautiful.

The design of all the products keeps the parts that touch babies’ lips away from tabletop germs - totally love that - especially when going out to dinner. The products are also PBA and phthalate-free, which is so important.

mOmma is currently hosting the mOmma’s messiest mOmments photo contest now – September 10, 2010. Parents can enter a photo of their tot’s messiest mealtime moment for a chance to win a prize pack of mOmma product for themselves and a friend (total value: $104.50).

I think this shot of Elias would be perfect:

Check out mOmma today!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a mOmma Non-Spill Cup, Cup with Straw, Warm Development Meal Set, and the cleaning accessory as part of Team Mom, but the thoughts are my own.

Pop On Pals are Perfect for Two-Year-Olds

2010-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

When I received the Pop On Pals Amusement Park Play Set, I was really excited to give it to Elias. We decided to save it and wrap it up for his birthday.

After opening it, he immediately loved it. The amusement park has lots of functions - kids can roll the car down the coaster, strike the strong man bell, ride the ferris wheel and dragon swing and win the milk toss game.

Elias's favorite is definitely the ferris wheel because it plays music when it is spun. He loves to just spin it around and around.

The little character literally POPS into the different spots, which is cute and fun. It is also the perfect size for Elias to hold. Children can attach different rings around the character to make him become different things - a muscle man, etc., but Elias doesn't seem to really get that yet. :)

The only thing I was disappointed by was that for the $34.99 price point, I think it should come with at least two characters, not just one. But, Elias seems to be just fine with moving the one little guy from one point to another.

These toys are available at Target, Kmart, Toys R Us, Sears and more - I would definitely buy more, especially if they are on sale.

Disclosure: I received these items to review as part of Team Mom, but all thoughts are my own.

Backyard Safari Outfitters

2010-07-14T04:04:00.000-07:00

As Elias is getting older, he is totally showing signs of being a true boy who loves to explore.

That's why I was excited to be introduced to the Safari Outfitters line, from Summit Toys.

I was recently sent a few items from their line and immediately fell in love.

Check out my friend Jamie's daughter wearing the cool Backyard Safari Cargo Vest and looking for bugs with a vengeance.

Right now Elias is a little young for the line, but I can totally see him LOVING these products when he is about five-nine. They are just so fun.

In addition to the vest, Safari Outfitters sent us their award-winning Bug Vacuum, which is totally a cool way for kids to catch bugs, as well as a Megaview Periscope that can be used underwater. It is big and fun!

I love toys that stimulate the imagination, and these do just that! Also, I love how well-made these products are - especially since they are all under $20!

You can follow Backyard Safari Outfitters on Twitter or Facebook.

Disclosure: I received these items to review as part of Team Mom, but all thoughts are my own. Compensated affiliate links used.

Review: Sound of Music Pop-Up Book

2010-05-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved the Sound of Music.

This winter, Simon and Schuster released The Sound of Music Pop-Up Book, in conjuction with the 50th anniversary recording of the musical.

I could not pass up the opportunity to review this book.

When I received it, it took my breath away. The pop-ups and artistry is amazing.

I think every little girl should own this book. I gave the copy to my friend Angie's girls, and they sat on the floor mesmerized as they looked through it.

Check it out:

It is simply stunning. Definitely one of those books that your kids would want to keep for their kids.

Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge. All thoughts are my own.

April Showers Bring Batman Powers

2010-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

It seems fitting that as I write this post, Nashville is supposed to get hit with BIG storms this weekend.

It rains in Nashville A LOT, so when I received a review request for this Batman rain gear for Elias, I jumped at the chance.

I was really impressed by the quality of the rain coat, which is made by Western Chief. It is definitely an above-average rain coat - especially for a child. It is fully-lined, is a nice weight and has a detachable cape. We received a 3T, so it is a little big for Elias right now, but when he gets older, I can totally see him running though the rain with the cape flying in the wind. It is so, so, so cute!

Elias is a huge fan of the umbrella. He carried it around the house for more than an hour when it arrived. When you open it, it has the Gotham spotlight in the center.

I also love, love, love the cute boots that came with the set. Perfect for stomping in puddles! They seem very durable and high quality too.

Overall, I can say enough good things about this line. It is a winner for the little comic boy lover in your life.

The Batman-themed collection includes boots, umbrella and raincoat (total approximate retail value of $102.95). This collection is available at Nordstrom’s nationwide as well as select specialty stores.

Disclosure: These items were provided for my review by Team Mom via Warner Brothers Consumer Products and Washington Shoe Company. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

Win a Private Movie Screening for You and 50 Friends!

2010-04-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

Check this out.

You can enter to win a private screening of The Back Up Plan featuring Jennifer Lopez for you and 50 friends! How cool would that be?

Enter to win here.

The contest is being sponsored by CBS Films and the Safe Sippy, which is featured in the movie. (I blogged about the Safe Sippy here).

I think this movie looks like a good chick flick. :) Here's the trailer.

The sweepstakes ends on April 18, 2010 @ 12:34 pm (PDT).

Review: Celtic Woman - Sounds from the Heart

2010-02-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

I was recently sent Celtic Woman's new album Songs from the Heart to review by EMI Music as a member of Music Moms. I was excited to listen to it because I have seen many commercials for the five-member Irish femal ensemble, but have never listened to one of their albums before. Well, I loved the album! Their voices are magnificent, and their harmonies are so beautiful.

I have really enjoyed listening to the album while I work. It is relaxing, but not boring. My favorite song on the album is Amazing Grace. I found myself often putting it on repeat. You can see them sing it here.

The album includes:
Fields of Gold
Amazing Grace
Níl Sé’n Lá
My Lagan Love
When You Believe
The New Ground -
Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears
The Coast of Galiçia
Non C’è Più
The Moon's A Harsh Mistress
You'll Be In My Heart
Goodnight My Angel
Galway Bay
The Lost Rose Fantasia
O, America!

If you are looking for some great music, I would definitely check out this album.

Review: Dyson DC31

2010-02-15T05:30:00.000-08:00

Dyson hired a survey company to do a survey prior to Valentines, and do you know what they found out from the participants? More than one-third of the women surveyed wanted a vacuum over a diamond this Valentine’s Day.

I totally get that.

You see, this summer my parents bought Matthew and I a Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner. It has changed our cleaning lives - mostly because we now don't dread vacuuming. We actually enjoy it.

Matthew has even started doing the vacuuming more than me.

I know. It sounds too good to be true.

I'm living the dream, people. Living. The. Dream.

Maybe that is what other women are hoping when they wish for vacuums over diamonds?

Anyway.

The kind people at Dyson heard about our new love affair and sent us this fall a Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum to review.

After taking a few minutes to really use it and see how it would integrate into our life, I can honestly say we use this vacuum more than our upright. It is fabulous.

We use it almost daily in our tiled kitchen and around Elias's high chair. It is great for corners and vacuuming the car - no more dealing with that big vacuum that you pay $1.25 to use at the gas station. I also think that its brush does a nice job at pulling things up from our carpets. I didn't receive any special attachments and I don't think I would have used them if I had. The attachments that come with the vacuum work great.

And, while I hate dusting, I have found myself dusting more using this little vacuum because it is so quick and easy. It works especially well on vents, window sills, etc.

The battery life is 10 minutes, which seems short, but since the battery is only used when you are actually vacuuming something, it lasts a lot longer than you would expect. It has a hand-held on off button which allows for quick suction and really extends the battery life. I love that it is cordless, however, the downside is that if you need to use the vacuum longer, it will not let you plug it in and vacuum. It has to be unplugged to work.

We also have a small shark vaccuum and after three months of using the Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum I am ready to throw the shark away. The Dyson is 100 times better because of its suction power, ergonomics and ease of emptying.

I'm curious - what would your answer be - diamond or vacuum?

Disclosure: This product was given to me to review free of charge. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

Giveaway: Rodan Fields

2010-02-14T03:58:00.000-08:00

I am blessed to having overall good skin. Thankfully I didn't suffer from a ton of acne in high school like some of my friends. Now that I am getting older, I have been starting to pay attention to more skin care products and the benefits that some can provide.

My friend Jeannie recently started selling Rodan Fields and asked if I would be willing to do a review and giveaway, which I gladly said yes to! What girl doesn't love trying new beauty products?

She sent me their micro-dermabrasion kit. It has been great to use in the shower, especially during these cold winter months. I have caught Matthew using it several times too (actually a lot more than several). It has made our skin a lot smoother.

Rodan Fields was started by the people that developed Proactiv. I will say that it is pretty pricey, but if your skin is something that you have a lot of trouble with, I would recommend trying their products. They have a 60-day money back guarantee. Jeannie has been using all the products and I can honestly say her skin has a beautiful glow. She was already pretty, but the products do seem to have made a positive impact on her skin.

If you would like to enter to win the micro-dermabrasion kit that Jeannie gave to me, valued at more than $60, leave a comment with your best skin care tip.

For additional chances to win:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away amazing skin care products http://su.pr/1ec3sn (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of The Mom Creative (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to The Mom Creative using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.
* For every $20 spent on Jeannie's site, leave a comment - ie: $60=3 additional comments!

A winner will be announced on 2/26.

Winner:

Rachel said...: I would love to win it and try it...even in my 30's, I notice lots of changes in my skin and even a few new lines creeping in! I think that using a gentle exfoliator has been the best for my skin and makes my skin look healthy and glowing.Rachelrlcohee@hotmail.com

Disclosure: This product was given to me to review free of charge. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

Winner Magpie Kit

2010-02-13T03:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I stink! I was supposed to pick a winner of the Magpie Kit weeks ago, but I somehow didn't. Thanks to the reader who reminded me.

The winner is comment #27 - email me your address. Congrats - and thanks for your patience.

michelle p said...

Love the kit...and the Welcome Home pictures and layout!

JANUARY 4, 2010 9:14 AM

Magpie Club Giveaway

2010-01-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

If you would like to win the January Magpie Club kit - "Victoria"- valued at $35, just leave a comment. I will draw a winner on 1/15. Here are the layouts I made with this beautiful kit.

For additional chances to win:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: If you like to scrapbook, enter to win @JessicaNTurner's giveaway of the Jan. Magpie Club kit! http://su.pr/1hjIzE (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of The Mom Creative (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to The Mom Creative using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

Good luck!

This kit was provided to me for free in order to be this month's guest designer. These are my honest opinions on the kit. I do not post reviews and do giveaways on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

Review: Jesus Storybook Bible

2010-01-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

My friend Angie has been talking for years about the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones. She has always said it was the best (and I totally trust her when it comes to books.) Since having Elias, I knew it was something I wanted to get. I was tickled when ZonderKids contacted me about doing a review about the new Jesus Storybook Bible deluxe edition.

This special edition includes the beautifully illustrated storybook bible and four CDs of the audio recording of the entire bible.

Check out this video to see some of the amazing illustrations and hear the buttery voice of David Suchet, who does the reading on the CDs. I have had the first CD in the car for weeks and Elias gets so quiet whenever it is on.

I totally understand why Angie has always raved about this bible. Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but the way in which Sally Lloyd Jones has written the stories of the bible is very comprehensible for young children. Despite being a children's bible, the rich writing also contains much depth. I look forward to reading this book for many years with Elias. I believe it is so important to read the bible with your children, and I am so grateful that resources like the Jesus Storybook Bible exist. I strongly recommend picking up a copy of this book. I think it is going to become one of my go-to baby gifts for my friends.

This book was provided by ZonderKids for review. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

Winner of Minky Dinky Blanket

2009-12-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

Random.org selected #18.

ashley said...: I am basically obsessed with owls right now! So my daughter needs one of these! So cute!! I'd like the pink one!Ashley

Congrats Ashley! Email me your address and I will have the company send one your way. Thanks to all who entered.

Giveaway: Mini Me Giveaway - Owl Lovey

2009-11-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

We are a lovey household. Elias LOVES his loveys. He can't go to sleep without them.

Mini Me sent me one of their Minky Dinky owl loveys. They are soooo cute and made of soft minkee fabric, which is Elias's favorite. I am a sucker for the owl shape.

Aren't they darling? I am pleased to give away one of these sweet loveys. Just leave a comment with what color you would pick if you won- pink or blue.

For additional chances to win:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away a sweet, soft minky dinky owl loveys - Perfect for Christmas! http://su.pr/1EN3Ie (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of The Mom Creative (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to The Mom Creative using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

A Minky Dinky blanket was provided by Mini Me for review. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

Review: Laughing Tree Lullabies

2009-11-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

Elias falls asleep listening to music every night, and as soon as he wakes up, he wants to turn his CD player on. He LOVES music. When Jessica from Laughing Tree, a creative arts collective, emailed me about Laughing Tree Lullabies, I was intrigued. I loved the name, Jessica's spirit and couldn't wait to receive the album.

I was not disappointed.

It is such a cool CD - nostaligic, whimsical, fun. It starts out too upbeat to be a lullaby CD for Elias- he likes to dance to the drum beat too much - but it is the perfect CD for play time and car rides. I love it as much as he does, which is awesome. There are many children's CDs that he loves that I do not. :) This is NOT one of those CDs. I find myself wanting to turn it on whenever we are in his room and humming along. The songs are a variety of styles and include sounds from many countries.

The global thread is perfect for this album because 10% of all profits from Laughing Tee Lullabies goes to support the work of Sweet Sleep, an organization dedicated to providing bed, sheets, blankets and mosquito nets (when needed) for children living in poverty in Third World countries.

AMAZING. I love when purchases support others in need.

You can sample the CD on MySpace, and download or buy the album here. I highly recommend this album for the babies and toddlers in your life.

Review: DaySpring Products

2009-11-29T03:26:00.000-08:00

As a member of the (in)courage team, I have been blessed to be introduced to some of their great products. In fact, a lot of family members will be receiving DaySpring products for Christmas. I thought I would share a few favorites here.

DaySpring-Danielson Design Studio- This studio allows you to custom make really cool signs and frames for anyone in your life. I love custom gifts because I think they are something you don't buy for yourself, you know? Through Monday, they are running a sale where you can buy one, get one half off.

Whatever is Lovely canvas - I LOVE this canvas. I have probably bought eight of them for my family and girlfriends. It is beautiful - and on clearance! (I bought several before they were on clearance- and then more at this great price. I love them THAT much.)

May the Lord Bless You baby canvas - I am always going to baby showers and sending baby gifts lately. I love this series.

Lisa Leonard necklaces - I love Lisa's designs, and I always get compliments when I wear her jewelry.

Peace and Love handmade block by Studio JRU - This is one of my favorite home decor items in our living room. It is stunning.

You can also make Christmas photo cards on DaySpring's website. I made cards for my mom on the site so that she could get a jump start on Christmas cards as she recovers from her surgery.

These products were provided by DaySpring for review or as compensation for writing for (in)courage. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

Custom Made for Kids Book Winner

2009-11-25T17:01:00.001-08:00

Congrats!

Winner:
Daisy Path said...

i would make one for our daughter. she would LOVE that!
dannerm@hotmail.com
November 14, 2009 8:55 PM

Giveaway: Custom Made For Kids Book

2009-11-13T05:25:00.000-08:00

I love anything custom. I guess its the scrapbooker in me. When Custom Made For Kids contacted me about their custom children's book, The First Adventures of Incredible You, I was intrigued. I have seen other custom children's books online, but honestly, they are usually hokey.

This book is not hokey. It is beautifully illustrated and well-written. I hope it is something Elias keeps forever. I love it that much.

The website makes it very easy to create the book. It took me less than 15 minutes to fill in the blanks that would customize my copy.

The book arrived quickly, too, which I appreciated.

Elias loves the illustrations and I love reading the book, which includes our street name, our favorite park and the Nashville Zoo.

This book would make a great Christmas or baby gift. The website is currently offering a 15% off discount through November 30 with the code custom15.

I am thrilled to offer one book for a giveaway! If you would like to enter to win leave a comment with who you would customize a book for.

For additional chances to win:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away a custom book for your child http://su.pr/2G7978 (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of The Mom Creative (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to The Mom Creative using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

I will select a winner on November 18.

This product and giveaway was provided free of charge by Custom Made for Kids. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

GoGo Babyz Travelmate Review

2009-11-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

I received the GoGo Babyz Travelmate to use on a flight with Elias. To be honest, it seemed like a good product in theory, but I wasn't sure I would like it as much as a stroller. However, last weekend I flew alone and needed to take Elias's car seat with me. There was no way I could carry a car seat, a diaper bag, purse AND Elias, so I tried out the GoGo Babyz Travelmate.

I am now its biggest fan. Elias is too. :)

People kept stopping me in the airport asking about it.

And I was thrilled to share my newest, best baby travel secret! If you need to fly with a car seat, you have to buy this thing.

Period.

It is incredibly lightweight and easy to attach to your car seat. The wheels roll very smoothly and Elias really liked being in it.

Of course a stroller is nice because you can put your diaper bag in the bottom of it, but that is the only downside. The ease of getting your car seat to the plane far outweighs not being able to attach your diaper bag to it. :)

Now that Elias is a toddler, he does NOT like to be a "lap child." Flying with a car seat makes things so much easier - and safer for him too. The GoGo Babyz makes it easier to fly with that car seat!

This product was provided free of charge by GoGo Babyz. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.

Giveaway Saturday: Angels Watching Over Me Lullaby

2009-10-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

Do you remember when I told you about Tanner, the sweet little girl that is currently fighting leukemia? A friend of her family's, Celia Whitler, is a singer and has a lovely lullaby CD called Angels Watching Over Me, which is today's giveaway.

Celia's husband sent me the album a few months ago and since then it has become one of Elias's favorites when he goes to sleep at night. The album includes 12 songs (* an original song by Celia):

Rock-a-bye - Skyler's Song *
All Things Bright and Beautiful
All Praise to Thee - Tallis Cannon
Child From Above - Grayson's Song *
For the Beauty Of The Earth
All Night All Day
All Through the Night
Hush Little Baby
Most of All (re-recorded from Celia's Book "One Wish") *
Night Herding Song
Twinkle Twinkle
Brahms' Lullabye

I have two CDs to giveaway today! To win, leave a comment with your favorite lullaby.

For additional entries:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away a sweet lullaby CD http://su.pr/6xWNr4 (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of this blog (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to this blog using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

Please be sure to leave your email address in the comments (if it isn't in your blogger profile) so I can contact you if you win. This makes things soooo much easier.

All winners from this week's giveaways will be announced on November 1.

Giveaway Friday: Uppercase Living

2009-10-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

A sweet blog reader named Erin contacted me about the products she sells through Uppercase Living. She graciously offered to send me any product that I liked to try out. She thought it would be the perfect home crafting project for The Mom Creative.

She was right.

I had never heard of Uppercase Living, but was blown away by the quantity of expressions they offer to decorate your home. I have been looking for something like this for years to embellish the flea market windows I have hanging on the wall in my living room. I have never found an expression that was big enough or that I liked enough. But when I saw Lollipop Meadow I knew they would be perfect. (Yes, you can use the products on more than just walls!)

The application was much easier than I thought it would be. Because I was putting the expression on glass, I had to mist it with water before putting the expression down on the glass. I then used a credit card to rub it on the glass, and then let it sit over night to dry. I was so excited to wake up in the morning and peal back the paper. The result is stunning.

Check out my new living room decor! Be sure to click on the picture so you can view the cute flowers up close.

Erin is giving a $50 Uppercase Living gift certificate to a lucky Mom Creative reader!! To enter, tell me your favorite product that Uppercase Living offers.

For additional entries:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away a decor product that will change the walls in your home http://su.pr/1L40wb (pls RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of this blog (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to this blog using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

Please be sure to leave your email address in the comments (if it isn't in your blogger profile) so I can contact you if you win. This makes things soooo much easier.

All winners from this week's giveaways will be announced on November 1.

Giveaway Thursday: Lands End FeelGood Sweater

2009-10-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

It is finally getting cool in Nashville, which is exciting to me because I LOVE fall weather. Give me a sweater and jeans any day over tank tops and capris. That's why I am super excited about today's giveaway of a Lands' End FeelGood sweater. I have always been a fan of Lands' End. They are based in my home state of Wisconsin and their quality is FANTASTIC. Both of our main diaper bags are from Lands' End, and I love their classic clothes. I'm so honored to have been asked to support their FeelGood campaign through this giveaway.

Here's what Lands' End has to say about the FeelGood campaign:

Help us warm a family in need this winter, and FeelGood doing it. With every purchase of our FeelGood Sweaters, we’ll donate yarn to One Heart Foundation’s Warming Families. Their goal is to knit 25,000 hats to warm the homeless all over the country.... This program is already making a difference — join in!

Lands' End sent me the V-neck striped cardigan and I LOVE how cozy it is. I will tell you that these sweaters run big. I usually wear a medium sweater, but I ended up returning the medium for a small, and honestly, I could have probably gotten an extra-small (which makes me feel quite skinny, even though I am still carrying a few pounds from Elias). It is definitely that trendy "boyfriend" slightly oversized style.

Elias and me this morning

To win your own cardigan, leave a comment with what color combo you would select if you won the sweater.

For additional entries:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away a cozy Lands' End FeelGood sweater- perfect for fall! http://su.pr/2aOK5n (pls RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of this blog (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to this blog using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

Please be sure to leave your email address in the comments (if it isn't in your blogger profile) so I can contact you if you win. This makes things soooo much easier.

All winners from this week's giveaways will be announced on November 1.

Giveaway Wednesday: Michael Buble's Crazy Love

2009-10-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you know that I am a music lover. When I first discovered Michael Buble, I was enchanted by his music. His latest album, Crazy Love, just released and I think it is his best yet.

Check out the music video for the song, Haven't Met You Yet.

Its a fun, catchy song that I think many of you will like. This album would make a great Christmas gift for that music lover in your family. (If you want to buy Crazy Love on Amazon, it is 50% off right now!)

Today I am giving away a copy of Crazy Love - YAY! To win, just leave a comment.

For additional entries:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away @michaelbuble's Crazy Love album http://su.pr/AVFoYZ (pls RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of this blog (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to this blog using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.
*Become a fan of Michael Buble on Facebook.

Please be sure to leave your email address in the comments (if it isn't in your blogger profile) so I can contact you if you win. This makes things soooo much easier.

All winners from this week's giveaways will be announced on November 1.

Giveaway Tuesday: Hip Mom Jewelry Necklace

2009-10-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

I love hand stamped jewelry. Give it to me any day over something store bought. It is so personal and sweet.

When a reader, Ann, from Hip Mom Jewelry introduced me to her products, I fell in love with her simple style. She offered to send me a necklace and give the same one away to a lucky reader (with your own personalization of course).

I selected the square multi-name stamped necklace for my sister (hope she doesn't see this post!). On it I had inscribed "sissies forever" which is something we always say to each other. I think she is going to LOVE it. Isn't it so sweet?

With Christmas not too far away, a hand stamped necklace would be a perfect gift. And what would make it even more perfect is if you won the gift, right? :)

If you would like to win your own necklace from Hip Mom Jewelry leave a comment with your favorite style of jewelry that Ann offers. The winner will receive a square necklace just like mine.

For additional entries:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away a Hip Mom custom necklace today http://www.themomcreative.com (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of this blog (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to this blog using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

Please be sure to leave your email address in the comments (if it isn't in your blogger profile) so I can contact you if you win. This makes things soooo much easier.

All winners from this week's giveaways will be announced on November 1.

Giveaway Monday: Growing-Up Organized

2009-10-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

When author Lea Schneider contacted me about her book Growing Up Organized, I was like, I need that. Her words in her email felt like they were describing me - and I have only been parenting for 15 months:

This whole organizing thing started when I lost the baby. I lost the baby, the car keys, the soccer cleats and my mind, all in one day. As a mom, we all spend a few days going crazy but that going crazy routine isn't too cool for a couple of decades of parenting.

Is she describing you too?

Thought so.

She went on to say this:
In a world where we have too-much-stuff, no home for the stuff and too little time to deal with all that stuff, we need to get organized for our peace of mind. Unless we want to follow our children about, all the way to college, picking up after them, organizing them and reminding them to do this or do that, then we must teach them how to be organized. Teaching our children how to organize their own space, belongings and day is a lifetime gift. My book focuses on how to teach your child to be organized.

And it is a great book. Lea's style is very conversational and easy to relate to. I found myself marking ideas throughout the whole book. It is set up in chapters by subject...such as bedrooms, closets, chores, homework, etc. If you don't have time to read the book cover to cover, it can serve as a resource so you can jump right to your troubled area.

You can download a few sample chapters from her website.

I have two copies of the book to give away today. To win, leave a comment with one area of your life that needs organizational help.

For additional entries:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving away an organizing resource for all moms http://su.pr/2UIhBk (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of this blog (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to this blog using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook
* Sign up for Lea's quarterly organizing e-newsletter by sending an email to info@organizerightnow.com with the subject "Send me your free quarterly newsletter"

Please be sure to leave your email address in the comments (if it isn't in your blogger profile) so I can contact you if you win. This makes things soooo much easier.

All winners from this week's giveaways will be announced on November 1.

(And if you are a blogger, check out my friend Danielle's blog design giveaway. It goes through Halloween and it is so easy to enter!)

Giveaway Sunday: Mutsy Booster Seat

2009-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to end October with a week of giveaways! We are kicking things off with a good one - well, they are all good, but you know what I mean. :)

Elias currently eats his meals in a high chair when we are at home. I just find it a lot easier. However, whenever we go to a friend's house for dinner, community group, etc. we always bring this Mutsy booster seat with us.

Now, let me tell you, this booster seat is a far cry from the booster seats I remember sitting in as a kid. For one thing it is soft! It also has a five point harness system, which makes me feel so much better when Elias is sitting in it. I never would have thought to put him in a booster seat this young had it not been for how safe this seat is. It also attaches securely to the chair using two straps (one for around the back of the chair and one for around the bottom), instead just being sat on top of the seat. (I remember booster chairs slipping on chairs when I was little. This could never happen with the mutsy seat).

Elias LOVES this seat. Check him out eating with Pete and Brandi's boys the other night.
He feels like such a big shot. I love that the seat will work until 4 years of age. It high quality craftsmanship will surely last us for all our kids too.

I am so excited to have one booster seat to give away today.

To win, leave a comment with what color seat you would select if you won.

For additional entries:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving the safest, most comfy booster seat ever http://www.themomcreative.com (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of this blog (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to this blog using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

Please be sure to leave your email address in the comments (if it isn't in your blogger profile) so I can contact you if you win. This makes things soooo much easier.

All winners from this week's giveaways will be announced on November 1.

Giveaway Thursday: Parenting is Your Highest Calling

2009-10-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

Today will be my last "regular" Giveaway Thursday. Next week I am going to host a giveaway week - a different giveaway every day starting on Sunday and going through Saturday, and starting in November all reviews will be hosted on a separate page. When I did the redesign of this blog several of you commented that reviews are not really your thing, but others love them, so I think this will be perfect. I can keep sharing great products that companies send me, but if you are not interested in them, you don't have to visit my reviews page. I will always link the giveaways so you don't miss any of the great stuff I am blessed to offer to you. Perfect!

On with today's giveaway!

When author Leslie Leyland Fields contacted me about her book Parenting Is Your Highest Calling: And Eight Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guilt, I knew I needed to read it.

I was right.

While I haven’t gotten through the entire book, I can tell you this: Leslie’s down-to-earth conversational style will resonate with any mother who seeks God’s will, balance and peace in her life (and what mother doesn’t want these things?!). The myths Leslie shares include:

Myth 1: Having children makes you happy and fulfilled: discovering God’s real purpose in giving us children
Myth 2: Nurturing your children is natural and instinctive: why biblical love is so difficult to live out
Myth 3: Parenting is your highest calling: how pursuing God first frees us to love our children more
Myth 4: Good parenting leads to happy children: exchanging shallow hopes for God’s deeper purposes
Myth 5: If you find parenting difficult, you must not be following the right plan: learning to rely on God rather than formulas
Myth 6: You represent Jesus to your children: How we trap ourselves in a role we weren’t meant to play
Myth 7: You will always feel unconditional love for your children: How our false ideas of love burden us with guilt
Myth 8: Successful parents produce Godly children: The danger of making too much of ourselves and too little of God
Myth 9: God approves of only one family design: why God is not limited by imperfect families

To win a copy of Parenting Is Your Highest Calling: And Eight Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guiltleave a comment with what myth resonates with you the most.

For additional entries:
* Follow me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway using this tweet: @JessicaNTurner is giving a great book for moms discussing myths they believe http://www.themomcreative.com (please RT) (include your Twitter handle in your comment)
* Become a public follower of this blog (if you are a follower already, that counts too!)
* Subscribe to this blog using a reader like netvibes, google reader, etc.
* Become a fan of The Mom Creative on Facebook.

Leave a comment for EACH additional chance. Be sure to include your email address if it is not in your blogger profile.

I will select the winner using random.org on Sunday. Good luck!

Southwest and Me

2009-10-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to be Southwest Airlines' official mommy blogger.

You can follow my adventures of flying with our peanut Elias on Southwest's blog, Nuts About Southwest.

Here are my specific posts:

Videos
Here are my tips for traveling with an infant
[download]

Elias and I invite you to Milwaukee

Tips for Traveling with a Toddler

Does Your Family Fly Southwest?

If you enjoy flying Southwest with your kids and want to post a My Peanut and I Fly Southwest button to your blog, click here.

Favorite Travel Products
I regularly are asked about my favorite travel products, so I have listed them here. Check back regularly because I am sure this list will be updated as I am introduced to new products and Elias grows!

Go-Go Kidz Travelmate - If your child is in a convertible or toddler car seat, the Go-Go Kidz Travelmate attaches to the seat to make traveling through an airport a breeze!
The Bumble Collection's Natalie travel diaper bag - This roomy diaper bag has lots of pockets and has rings to easily attach to your stroller. It is my favorite diaper bag to use when traveling.
Ah Goo Baby's The Plush Pad travel changing station - I love this changing pad! It is incredibly soft and made with memory foam, rolls up compactly and is great for travel. It works great to leave open in hotel rooms or at grandma's as a changing station. It is far superior to the changing pads that come with most diaper bags.

All Southwest air travel was provided free of charge by Southwest Airlines. All listed products were provided by the companies listed. However, these are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my disclosure statement for more info.