I goofed! Another WINNER for Lori's Place Goodies!

Hi everyone!  I totally goofed and forgot that there were TWO winners for the Lori's Place Bear Hug cookie giveaway!  I only announced one so, a little belated, here is the other (drumroll please...)...

Result:

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Congratulations to DEBIJOT!  Contacting you now...

Display Your Writing Utensils in Style with this Super Cute, Personalized Pencil Cup {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

Congratulations to the winner, Saving in Style!

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I am always on the lookout for ways to jazz up my plain, brown, boring desk at school. I especially love storage items that are cute and functional like this pencil cup from Crystal's Creations! Of course I love anything monogrammed, and I could definitely use something cuter than the ceramic school mug I was using to hold pencils on my desk. I love how Crystal took something so boring (a wire mesh pencil cup) and made it such a cute desk accessory! The quality is great as the base for it is a standard, sturdy pencil cup. The monogrammed sleeve, I guess you could call it, is of great quality with multiple layers of fabric, your choice of monogram (single or triple letter) on the front, and a cute corset-like ribbon-laced back. Crystal has a lot of fabric options to choose from and you can pick the thread color for the monogram. The ribbon for lacing will be picked to match the monogram. I chose this cute black and white dot print with a hot pink monogram. I love the way it turned out! The colors are just my style, and everything was so nicely made and packaged. A true boutique quality custom item!

I would definitely recommend these to anyone needing to add a little spice to their desk or home (would be a great little storage container in a bathroom!). It would also make an awesome gift-it is a custom item, is useful for anyone, and is pretty inexpensive. There you have it...an awesome little product! I know you'll enjoy thinking up your perfect fabric and color combination to best adorn your space, so go ahead and get shopping! See details below on where to buy these pencil cups, as well as other cute products such as cute crocheted pincusions, monogrammed coffee sleeves, and adorable handmade toys. You also have an opportunity to WIN a completely custom pencil cup of your own!

TO BUY: Go to Crystal's Creations and Gifts, pick out your favorite item, and tell them Mommy Works sent you!

TO WIN: Visit Crystal's Creations and Gifts and tell me how you would personalize your pencil cup if you win. Then post your answer in a comment below. See extra entry opportunities below.

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

1. REQUIRED: Visit Crystal's Etsy shop and tell me how you would personalize your pencil cup.

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me the link and your Twitter name).
3. Blog about this contest and leave me the link.
4. Follow Mommy Works
5. Subscribe to Mommy Works via reader/e-mail
6. Grab my button, place it on your site, and leave me the link where I can find it.
7. Grab the Potty Party button, and leave me the link where I can find it.

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Friday, June 5. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Saturday, June 6.**

Potty Party! Make Little Accidents a Little More Bearable with Potty Patty/Scotty Training Pants from MOM Innovations {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED*

Congratulations to the winner, Erin!

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MOM Innovations is a wholesale distributor of everything potty training, including the awesome products from Potty Patty and Potty Scotty (cute names for girl's and boy's potty training products and the dolls that go along with them!). It seemed that every potty training search I did came up with some kind of product from Potty Patty or Potty Scotty. The particular items I was very interested in were the different types of waterproof training pants. EG's pediatrician suggested that we skip the disposable training pants and go straight to cloth in order to avoid prolonging the process (as disposables are said to do) of potty training. I didn't feel comfortable going to straight to cloth and, honestly, I just don't have the time right now to wash the sheets and car seat every night, and I certainly didn't want to get frustrated with EG if she had an accident. After a lot of searching I found some awesome Potty Patty training pants at MOM Innovations, and they were generous to provide me several pairs to try out and review. I was able to try the 2 in 1 Waterproof PUL Training Pants and the Night Time Waterproof Training Pants. I was most impressed with both types! Both types of pants were cloth, but waterproof to contain little accidents. The best of both worlds! I have to say that I was a little skeptical that I would find a cloth training pant that was indeed waterproof, comfortable for EG to wear, BREATHABLE (my poor little girl is hot-natured like her Daddy), and affordable enough to buy several pairs. The PUL and Night Time Training Pants both fit the bill perfectly! The waterproof PUL is the secret ingredient to both pairs being waterproof. Here is a description of exactly what the PUL fabric is:

"Waterproof "PUL" (Polyurethane Laminate) is a soft, polyester knit fabric laminated with polyurethane on the inside, so the training pants have the feel of a soft polyester knit fabric where one would touch the training pants, but are 100% waterproof on the inside."

The 2 in 1 Waterproof PUL Potty Patty daytime training pants are, first of all, so cute with the pink Potty Patty logo (don't worry moms of boys...there are Potty Scotty versions too!) and "big kid" motivating phrases like "I am a big kid now" and "I am all grown up". Too cute! But, not only are they adorable, they were so soft and comfortable for EG to wear. The legs were not too tight (as was the case on another name brand pair that we did not like!) and did not leave red marks around EG's little baby thighs. Also, the fabric was very soft and more breathable than anything I could have ever imagined being waterproof. They were also just the right thickness so that they were not too bulky under EG's clothes. But, most importantly, the PUL waterproof fabric and extra padding in the crotch area did indeed keep accidents at bay! Hooray! EG still has quite a few accidents as she is still learning, and these training pants have made the process so much less stressful for us! At $8.95 a pair they are also a better deal than any other mass produced training pants I have been able to find. The pants we tried first (which sent us on a hunt for a better pair!) were $14 a pair. They held in accidents great, but were too tight on her legs and way too bulky. I'm so glad that I was able to try out these Potty Patty training pants from MOM Innovations. They have truly been a lifesaver and I would recommend them to anyone trying to potty train little ones!

As for the gender neutral Night Time Pants, I am still in love! These are the same for boys and girls (whereas most other products have a Potty Patty and Potty Scotty version). They are adjustable for a perfect fit, and have a little more padding than the daytime pants. The inside is an extra absorbent terry fabric that is also unbelievably soft. The crotch area also has extra padding as with the regular training pants. I felt like these were so comfortable for EG to sleep in, and they also held in accidents well. EG is still really learning the overnight training, as we have not focused too much on that. Usually we let her wear a Pull-Up to sleep in (bad mommy!), but we tried these pants and loved them. A couple nights we used them, she had more than just a little accident, and they leaked through the leg hole. But, it was no big deal and, like I said, it was more than just a little accident. I think we will definitely be using these night time pants more and more, and again, I would recommend them to anyone. In fact, after having tried these two products from MOM Innovations, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of the other Potty Patty or Potty Scotty products! They make all kinds of potty training accessories including padded training pants (which will be our next purchase when we're ready to get away from waterproof...see details below for how to WIN a set of these!), potty training dolls (Patty and Scotty of course), potties, and so much more! Check out MOM Innovations and search for Potty Patty or Potty Scotty to see their great selection. If you'd like to try some of the products for yourself (I guarantee you wont be disappointed!), see details below for how to BUY and WIN.

To BUY: Visit MOM Innovations and search for Potty Patty or Potty Scotty for their great selection of potty training pants and other potty training accessories. Be sure to tell them that Mommy Works sent you!

To WIN: MOM Innovations is offering one reader a chance to win 3-Pack of the Potty Patty/Scotty Training Pants (pictured right). These pants are comfy cotton training pants that have a thick, absorbent center panel to contain small accidents and still let your child feel the wetness. See details below for entering.

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

1. REQUIRED: Visit MOM Innovations and let me know what else you'd love to have. Also tell me who you'll be using your training pants with!

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me the link and your Twitter name).

3. Blog about this contest and leave me the link.

4. Follow Mommy Works

5. Subscribe to Mommy Works via reader/e-mail

6. Grab my button, place it on your site, and leave me the link where I can find it.

7. Grab the Potty Party button, and leave me the link where I can find it.

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Wednesday, June 3. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Thursday, June 4.**

Potty Party! Oh no!

Okay, I'm just not sure what else can go wrong! LOL. My "blogging computer" has crashed, so I resort to writing from my BlackBerry. Poo! So, instead of a great training pant review and giveaway (look for it tomorrow!) I will tell you a little about my potty training experience with EG. First, let me say that she is pretty well potty trained at 20 months, though I really think that's mostly of her own doing! She was ready I guess!

It all started when one of my husband's cousins gave EG a super cute Princess potty for Christmas (when she was 15 months)...she has been interested in using it ever since. We had been telling her for months when we changed her diaper that she had gone "pee pee" or whatever, and she knew that the toilet was the "potty". When we brought home her potty I guess she just understood what a potty was for based on what we had been telling her already. She actually used it that very first night, though I had no intention of actually training or anything for several months. I didn't want to discourage her though!! So that was how it started, and since then she has just used it more and more regularly. It started out very sporadic, but at about 17 months I could tell she was much more aware and we started taking her at regular intervals to go potty. It seemed like I would take her ALL THE TIME, but it paid off because she eventually started telling me when she needed to go. She pretty much tells me every time she needs to go now, though I am sure to remind her if it has been a while. She does great at daycare, and I always put her in waterproof cloth training pants (rather than pull ups). They have been a true lifesaver and contain those accidents that happen (about once a day now) throughout the day. I haven't really put much effort into night training and...confession time...she does wear a pull up at night. I figure she's still young and it's saving me some sanity not to worry about right now at the end of the school year. We'll tackle night training this summer!

So...as you can probably guess...no "potty training in a day" or magic miracles here. It's been a process of several months, but one that has worked well for us and has been fairly stress free. Pretty much the only stressful times are getting EG to sit on the potty and "go" when she doesn't want to, or when she is in the middle of playing. Other than that I've found it to be easier and less stressful than I thought!

Okay, my thumbs feel like they are going to fall off, so I'm going to stop for tonight! I'll share an awesome MOM Innovations Potty Patty/Potty Scotty training pant review and giveaway with you tomorrow, as well as some tips and tricks I've learned through the past few months. Stay tuned, and check out the other great giveaways going on right now!

Potty Party! Teach Your Princess to Potty in Style with the Potty Princess Kit from CV Creationz {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

Congratulations to the winner, Lily Bean Designs!

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To kick off the Mommy Works Potty Party I couldn't think of a more perfect product than the Potty Princess Kit, hand created and designed by Christina of CV Creationz. This kit has everything you need to get your girly girl potty trained, even down to the toilet paper (perfectly pink of course)! I'll let the creator tell you a little about it, before I tell you about it myself. From CV Creationz:

"They say positive reinforcement is great for teaching children potty training. What better reinforcement for little girls to potty train than to become a "Potty Princess" after completing this cute little kit.With this kit you can use the special pearl charms as a reward for successful potty training. There are 14 pearl and swarovski crystal charms that get attached to this cute little Swarovski Crystal pink and clear bracelet. Each charm is attached with a spring ring clasp. At the end of the 14 days hopefully you will have successfully made it to the completion of potty training and you can then reward your daughter with her last pearl, a princess crown charm to attach to the end of her bracelet and a Completion Certificate from the 'Potty Princess' Academy."

The basic training method in the "Potty Princess Academy" is the addition of a charm to the precious beaded bracelet for every successful "potty day". I think this method would work especially well for older girls having difficulty potty training! What little girl wou

ldn't want to become a Potty Princess?? My daughter is only 19 months, so I altered the method a little by giving her a charm for every successful poo-poo in the potty, rather than once daily. This worked great!! Even at 19 months, EG knows that the bracelet is something special and different, and she loves to wear jewel

ry! So, I knew that adding charm to her "baseit" (bracelet) would be motivation for her. We gave her a prize for any kind of "potty", but the charms were specifically reserved for you know what. She recognized the difference and I truly think it encouraged her to try to "go" more in the potty. We haven't quite made it to 14 days or "Potty Princess" status, but we're working on it! The bracelet has definitely not gotten old for EG, and every time she wears it she says "look, piddy (pretty)". Honestly though, her favorite part about the kit is the pink toilet paper! I don't know what we'll do when it's gone! She loves her pink paper (or "pay pair" as she says it...sounds French!), and we'll have to find more when it's gone. Luckily she doesn't h

ave to use very much each time. We are so enjoying the kit!!
Over all I think the Potty Princess kit is awesome, and so different than any I've ever seen or heard of! The kit comes with all necessary materials for Potty Princess training including:

1 beautiful Swarovski crystal bracelet
14 crystal and pearl charms
1 Princess crown charm
1 Princess box with storage on top for charms, and underneath for bracelet
1 roll of Royal Princess Tissue (magenta toilet paper)
1 Potty Princess completion certificate1 Potty Princess fairy tale including directions and potty training tips on the back

All items are so cutely matching and are adorned with princesses and the Potty Princess logo. The tips included are very useful, and I think this kit is an excellent motivator for little girls! If my little girl was so excited, imagine how excited a two and a half or three year old with difficulty potty training would be!! There is truly no detail left out, and all of the materials come packaged in a cute little Potty Princess box complete with label and bow. I think the Potty Princess training kit is a breath of fresh air in the potty training world, and is too much fun! And think, when you little girl is finally an official Potty Princess, she'll always have the bracelet to wear and keep no matter what. You would pay $25 for the bracelet alone at many places. How's that for getting your money's worth?

I know you'll want to try the Potty Princess kit with your little girl, or you know someone you'll want to gift it to, so follow the directions below to buy or WIN!! Your little girl already potty trained? Then check out the all new Tooth Fairy kit from CV Creationz to help make losing those first teeth special and fun! Thanks Christina for creating some innovative and fun products for our little girls!

TO BUY: Visit CV Creations to find all of the great items Christina has to offer. Make sure and tell her that Mommy Works sent you!

TO WIN: Follow entry details below to win a Potty Princess Toilet Training Kit for your little princess!

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

1. REQUIRED: Visit CV Creationz and let me know what else you'd love to have, and tell me how you will use your Potty Princess Kit if you win.

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me the link and your Twitter name).
3. Blog about this contest and leave me the link.
4. Follow Mommy Works
5. Subscribe to Mommy Works via reader/e-mail

6. Grab my button, place it on your site, and leave me the link where I can find it.

7. Grab the Potty Party button, and leave me the link where I can find it

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Monday, June 1. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Tuesday, June 2.**

Sweet Dreams Little One: Gorgeous, Custom "Big Kid" Toddler Pillows From Emmi's Cottage {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

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Congratulations to the winner, Anne!

Who knew a toddler could get so excited about a pillow? EG has never really been interested in our bed pillows, so I didn't really expect her to be overly excited about her "first" one. Making the switch from crib to toddler bed prompted us to get such a pillow. Crazy as it might sound, I just wanted her to have a "special" first pillow. You know, one just for her, just her size, and of course...one that matches her room! While searching for the perfect little pillow, I stumbled across these beautiful creations from Emmi's Cottage.

The Emmi's Cottage front page told me all I needed to know and I was sold:
"Simple and pretty things, made to last and made with love. This shop uses only the finest fabrics, trims and quality materials around. VINTAGE INSPIRED PRINTS ARE MY SPECIALTY."

Who couldn't love that motto? I instantly fell in love with the vintage inspired fabrics, beautiful colors, and super soft chenille. They were the perfect pillows! I could tell just by looking at the pictures that the pillows were well crafted, and I know the fabric used to make them to be of high quality. I am so lucky to have been made a pillow to review for EG! This might be my favorite review product yet! And it's definitely EG's favorite product! It's funny, it only took a few minutes for her to get attached to it. I showed it to her before we went to bed the night we received it, and she instantly wanted to lay on it. It's like she knew that it was made just for her, and the size was absolutely perfect. Now whenever she gets in the bed for any reason she asks for her "balloo" (pillow). So cute! You can see in the pictures what a perfect size it is for a toddler. It's not so full that it will hurt their necks when they sleep, and it is the perfect fit for their little beds. The fabrics used are super soft, and did I mention, GORGEOUS! The ric rac around the edge adds the final touch to these pillows. Any little one would be thrilled to have one, and they would make awesome gifts!

The name pillows are absolutely beautiful, but it doesn't stop there. Wait until you see the other items that Emmi's Cottage has to offer! By far my favorite things in her shop are her appliqued pillows like the Bella the Blue Bird "Dream" pillow pictured above. The detail on these is incredible, and I know that Dianne at Emmi's Cottage puts a lot of time into handstitching on these pillows as well. I almost want one for myself! Other beautiful items you can find at Emmi's Cottage are burp cloth sets, hair clip holders, and beautiful blossoms hair clips. You are sure to find something you adore, and if you love the pillows as much as I do, simply keep reading for information on how you can BUY one and also how you can WIN some great stuff from Emmi's Cottage!

To BUY any of the beautiful items at Emmi's Cottage simply visit Dianne's Etsy shop and shop to your heart's content! Be sure to tell her Mommy Works sent you!

To WIN $25 towards any item in Emmi's Cottage, simply follow the entry guidelines below!

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

1. REQUIRED: Visit Emmi's Cottage and let me know how you would spend your $25.

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me the link and your Twitter name).
3. Blog about this contest and leave me the link.
4. Follow Mommy Works
5. Subscribe to Mommy Works via reader/e-mail

6. Grab my button, place it on your site, and leave me the link where I can find it.

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Wednesday, May 27. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Thursday, May 28.**

Funky, Personalized Clipboards for Every Personality by Slim-Digm Designs {Review and Giveaway}

Congratulations to the winner, Saving in Style!

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I am all about making ordinary items more fun and enjoyable, and that is exactly what Slim-Digm Designs has done with their personalized clipboards. My job requires me to be on the go throughout the day from classroom to classroom, and a clipboard is a great way to always have a sturdy writing surface (rather than one of the kid's desks...ick!) and be able to keep up with papers I need quick and easy access to. I also attend conferences quite often throughout the summer and throughout the school year that require me to take notes, collect handouts, etc. A clipboard is the perfect "accessory" for these conferences, but they are certainly not very stylish or popular as an accessory should be. At least that's what I thought until I found the awesome decorated clipboards and accessories from Slim-Digm! I was offered my choice of clipboards to review and I chose the ever trendy giraffe print. I loved it online, but it was even more beautiful in person! Made using a fiberboard clipboard, high quality papers, and an acrylic sealant these clipboards are just as durable as they are beautiful. Each design is original to Slim-Digm and is hand crafted just for you. I was so pleased by the quality! It is obvious that excellent materials are used, and extreme care and attention to detail is evident. Several different coordinating papers are used to create each clipboard, and designs are on the front AND the back (a feature not common with the personalized clipboards!). Also include is your custom monogram actually printed on one of the papers. Mine says "Mrs. 'mylastname'" and I just think it's too cute! My last initial is also printed on the back of the clipboard as well for an added touch. But, the icing on the cake, as they say, is the assortment of matching ribbons attached to the clip of the clipboard. This adds such a fun and funky touch! The kids at school keep asking me how they can get one...they love the ribbons! Why buy something plain when you can have the same function with the added bonus of great style and personalization? I'm so glad I stumbled across these decorated clipboards, and it brings a smile to my face each day that I see it sitting there on my desk. These clipboards would make awesome gifts for teachers, college-goers (personalized in their college's name and colors of course!), brides-to-be (to take to all of those appointments and interviews!), or anyone else who needs a clipboard for work or play...heck, it's even cute enough just to have to display! LOL Bottom line is that Slim-Digm has found a fabulous way to make an everyday item BEAUTIFUL without compromising it's primary function. You will love these beautiful clipboards, and they are certainly made to last.

To BUY one for yourself or a friend (or both): Head on over to Slim-Digm's Etsy shop and pick your favorite style (or convo for a custom design). At $16 they are a steal!

To WIN one: Follow the entry instructions below to have your opportunity to win a custom giraffe print clipboard (like mine pictured).

**Please note the new, streamlined giveaway entry rules below...all extra entries are now 1 entry each. Any extra comments will be deleted :) **

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

1. REQUIRED: Visit Slim-Digm Designs and let me know what your favorite clipboard is!

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me the link and your Twitter name).

3. Blog about this contest and leave me the link.

4. Follow Mommy Works

5. Subscribe to Mommy Works via reader/e-mail
6. Grab my button, place it on your site, and leave me the link where I can find it.

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Sunday, May 24. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Monday, May 25.**

Mommy Works Potty Party 2009: Grab the button and join the party!

Looking for everything you might need to potty train your little one? Products to make potty training more fun AND successful? Then look no further! Throughout the next few weeks I am going to provide you with all of the latest products and information you will need to have success with potty training...and I do mean EVERYTHING! Look for great articles, reviews, and giveaways of potty training kits, wet bags, potty training pants, laundry detergent (for those accidents and cloth training pants!) and yes, you guessed it...a FABULOUS Potty Bench from Boon, Inc.! I am so excited about the Mommy Works Potty Party, and I hope that you will join in my excitement! We'll be kicking it off this Saturday, and I thought I would go ahead and make my first blog party button for this one since I have so many great items to share with you. I'd love it if you would grab my "Potty Party" button and put it on your blog. It will also gain you an extra entry into any of the giveaways (potty related or not!). Invite all your friends and join me right here starting Saturday. HAPPY TRAINING!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of my wonderful readers!  I hope that your was relaxing and enjoyable!  Mine was great (besides the fact that EG had a 25 minute nap all day and pretty much screamed her head off during dinner and the whole way home...lol).  It's nice to have a day to choose everything I want to do and be pampered a little.  Here's the story of our Mother's Day...

This morning my hubby, a fabulous cook (and the one who does the cooking at home), made brunch for our mothers and grandmothers and we had a great time.  The brunch menu was as follows: whole wheat oatmeal pancakes (yummier than they sound!), homemade beignets (super yum!), the ever popular breakfast casserole (always a favorite!), and Mimosas!  Brunch was wonderful, and even more wonderful was that my hubby cooked AND cleaned.  I contributed a little to the Mother's Day celebration by decorating an impromptu cake that we made last night.  I was able to use my new Pampered Chef cake decorating tubes, and EG helped a little.  After brunch was over and our guests left hubby, EG, and me all took a nap for a little while.  EG's was much shorter than I had hoped for (25 minutes!!), so after we all got up we took a drive to try to get her to go back to sleep.  We ended up driving, and driving, and driving until we ended up in a little town about 45 minutes from our home.  This reminded me of when hubby and I were dating...we used to drive everywhere and just talk.  It was so nice!  EG woke up and we decided to stop for dinner at a little Mexican restaurant downtown.  She had to potty like 55 times while we waited for our food, and never once actually went!  I had to take her outside to walk around 3 times too.  But, the food was quite good and I have leftovers to take to work with me tomorrow.  Anyhow, we had a fun day despite the craziness, and I am so thankful for such a wonderful family!  And I'm so glad to be a mommy!

Satisfy Anyone's Sweet Tooth with Adorable and YUMMY Treats from Lori's Place Bakery {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

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Congratulations to the winner, Raevyn! I have sent you an e-mail and you have 48 hours to claim your prize! Thanks to all who entered!

Lori's Place Gourmet Delights is the perfect combination of customer service, super tasty treats, and perfect presentation. The treats at this bakery will not only satisfy your most discriminating sweet tooth, but they are sure to make you smile because they are just so darn cute! Not to mention, Lori was so sweet and pleasant to work with! You'll love Lori's Place Gourmet Delights!!

From Lori herself:
"Welcome to Lori's Place, where "Grandma's Goodness" comes through. Family recipes with a twist!
"One Bite" and you'll be "HOOKED"!
I use the "BEST" ingredients, "NO PRESERVATIVES"
& Caribbean Extracts for more intense, and delightful flavors."

Lori specializes in cookies, but also has other sweet treats to choose from. She makes cookies in all different shapes (literally 100s!), for any occasion. I was sent some of Lori's signature items to review: a large Bear Hug (which two of you have the opportunity to WIN) and a small chocolate Bear Hug. I must say that they were both DELICIOUS! The texture of the shortbread cookie inside the Bear Hug was wonderful, and it almost melted in my mouth. It wasn't so soft that it crumbled to pieces, but wasn't crunchy and hard. It was perfect! Also, the sweet icing was an excellent complement to the not-too-sweet cookie. I love that both the cookie and icing were not super sweet, so that I could taste the great flavor. With many treats I've tried, the only flavor you can taste is sugar! I assure you that this is not the case with Lori's cookies. The smaller chocolate bear hug was just as cute and tasty. And, before I go any further, let me tell you that I am not a huge fan of chocolate cake, cookies, or ice cream. Even so, I still loved the little chocolate hug. The cookie texture was the same as the Large Bear Hug, and the chocolate flavor was just right. I can't really describe the way it tasted, except that it wasn't like any other chocolate cookie I've ever had. It seems like most of them taste the same, and are overwhelmingly "strong" with the chocolate. The taste was very mild, yet still "chocolatey" enough for those of you who love chocolate. I hope that makes sense...this is all coming from someone who is terrible at describing food tastes. My husband could probably do much better, but I didnt' let him try any of the chocolate cookie :)

Any of Lori's cookies or treats would be perfect for showers, gifts, parties, special occasions, etc. The Bear Hugs, in particular, can be personalized for your recipient or occasion and would be perfect for any age. They are HUGE, so they would make a substantial statement all on their own. I just love the Bride and Groom bears! Some of my other favorite cookie designs are the precious baby feet, tiara (perfect for a Princess party or wedding!), teacher cookies (had to include those...), and chocolate ladybugs. I guarantee that you'll be pleased with any treats you decide to purchase from Lori's Place Gourmet Delights. And if you're giving them as a gift, they'll surely make your recipient smile! If you'd like to purchase some cookies for your next event (or for yourself), head on over to Lori's Place. While you're there, go ahead and see what you like the best so that you know what to tell me when you enter the giveaway. Yes...Lori is giving TWO readers the opportunity to win a Large Bear Hug each! See details below :)

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

**TWO Winners will be randomly chosen and will each win a Large Bear Hug from Lori...yummy!!**

1. For your initial, required entry, visit Lori's Place and check out the awesome custom treats she has to offer. Then come back here and leave me a comment letting me know what you like best (other than those mentioned above).

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:

2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a tweet about this contest. Leave me a link to your tweet as well as your Twitter name.

3. Blog about this contest to earn TWO extra entries and leave me a comment with the link to your post. **Be sure to leave TWO separate comments if you do this**

4. Follow my blog through Blogger.

5. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail.

6. Grab my button and place it on your site (w/ link to site in comment) for THREE extra entries. **Be sure to leave me THREE separate comments indicating that you have my button so that they will all be counted**

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Wednesday, May 13. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Thursday, May 14.**

Bear with me!

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you know that things will be a little slow the next week or so (as they have been this past week). I'm trying to get end of the year meetings and paperwork wrapped up at school, and my husband just started a new job working nights. We are very thankful that he was able to find any job in this market, but it has been difficult adjusting to the time change. Anyhow, we've had a lot going on, and I appreciate you guys sticking with me through this time of transition for our family. Like I said, things should be more normal after next week, and I still have some awesome giveaways going on right now!!

Also...I have some fabulous things lined up for May and June including some more great clothes, and everything you'll need for potty training! The Mommy Works Potty Party will be starting up middle of May! Stay tuned!! Thank you guys for all of your support!