Your Little One will find their Happy Place in this Luxurious Beanbag by Happy Plop {Review and Giveaway}

My journey to find the Happy Plop started with my daughter's love for our dog, Maddy's, bed. As soon as EG started crawling I would often turn around and find her curled up in all the dog hair and slobber (okay so it wasn't that bad but that's what I immediately thought of...lol). I guess it was just that comfy...but it grossed me out and I had to find a way to keep her out of it! Our first solution was to but EG a dog bed of her own. That worked awesome for a while and then Maddy realized that there were two "dog" beds and she wanted both. Well, I guess I should have figured a dog isn't really able to tell one dog bed from another. EG's bed quickly became dog hair, slobber bed number two. This was certainly not a solution so I had to find something else that EG could curl up, snuggle, and just be comfortable in. I searched all of the local stores and everywhere online, and there just wasn't anything that would do the trick. Traditional beanbags aren't nearly as plush and comfortable, and they lose their shape way too easily. I was afraid a big pillow wouldn't really deter Maddy from thinking that it was also hers. But I had to find something. Luckily I stumbled across the Happy Plop website while searching online again one day. I immediately loved the name; who wouldn't? It just sounds so kid friendly and, well, happy. After browsing around the site some more, I knew I had to try it. Some reasons I fell in love...it is mom-created and designed specifically with babies and toddlers in mind. The Happy Plop is the one and only cotton ball beanbag, and supposedly the most luxurious baby seat available. They come in a variety of fabrics that are machine washable AND super cute. What's not to love about it right? It seemed like the perfect solution, and it has turned out to be! Here is a little more information about the Happy Plop and it's creator, Tina:

"Having a newborn every two years, Tina Trumeter experimented with all available baby seats trying to find a product that was appropriately appointed for comfort and design. Each baby would present a new dilemma, until she placed her youngest son in a convenient beanbag. While the beanbag was an instant satisfier, its lackluster composition with synthetic flattening pellets and less than luxurious fabrics was unsuitable for a baby. Thus, Happy Plop was created to perfect the beanbag chair and offer a natural and posh baby lounger.

Happy Plop is patent pending as the one and only cotton ball beanbag. Each Happy Plop is custom made and Austin Authentic guaranteed to stay fluffy and snuggle your baby through the toddler years."

Everything advertised about the Happy Plop has turned out to be true. We were provided a Lovely Leopard Happy Plop to review, and it has thrilled EG since the moment it arrived on our doorstep. It truly is quite fluffy and incredibly soft. The cheetah print is adorable, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that the cover can be thrown into the washing machine! As for the size, it is perfect also. EG is almost two and it is plenty big enough for her to lounge around in. However, it's a little too small for our dog, and sits up quite a bit higher than her beds (watch out for small dogs though, they'd love it...haha). Thus, Maddy pretty much stays away from it. The cotton balls inside the Happy Plop help it to maintain its shape and we can fluff it and "mold" it however we like. Sometimes EG likes to use it like a chair and we kind of scoop out a little "seat" and fluff up the back. Other times she kind of flattens it out and snuggles up in it (and often falls asleep). And, lately her favorite thing has been to sit in my lap and fall backwards into it (probably not the best thing, but oh well)...she affectionately calls this "popping" (plopping). She always wants to sit in her "pop", and to be honest I sometimes wish it was big enough for me! It definitely lives up to its name as it has brought nothing but happiness to EG. I think that with a little baby, this would be an excellent seat also. They would snuggle right in and feel so secure. The cotton balls also add enough loft so that a baby would not sink in so far that they would be in danger (of course you watch your child at all times anyway). This would definitely not be the case with a traditional beanbag! We've had so much fun with our Happy Plop and it is definitely well loved in our home. I know EG will enjoy it for a long time! If you'd like to enjoy your own Happy Plop, you can purchase directly from their site. They have tons to choose from and most are $145 (down from $185). Organic Happy Plops are also one their way very soon!

We love the Happy Plop so much that I asked Tina if she would be willing to do a giveaway to one of the Mommy Works readers. She so generously agreed to host a contest for a free Happy Plop, and also offered a great way to help the St. Jude Children's Hospital, a charity we decided upon together. It is obvious that Tina has a caring and giving heart as she has offered a special code that will donate $25 to St. Jude for each Happy Plop that is purchased with the code "MWB09". Thank you so much Tina! See details below for more information on how to purchase your Happy Plop and enter to WIN one!

TO BUY: Go to the Happy Plop website and purchase using the code MWB09. For every Happy Plop purchased with that code $25 will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Definitely share the code with your friends; it's for a great cause!

TO WIN: Follow the contest guidelines below. Best of luck!

Contest Details:

To enter to win the Happy Plop you simply have to comment and answer the following questions:

1. If you win, who would be the recipient of the Happy Plop (i.e. a friend, sister, your little one, etc.) and why?

2. What makes you (or your intended recipient) interested in the Happy Plop?

3. Why should you be the winner!?

All entries will be judged on creativity and the most creative entry will win, as judged by Tina and myself! I know others of you out there have to have a "dog bed-like" story! Share it!

***The contest will end at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, July 22 and the winner will be posted soon after, after all entries have been reviewed and judged. Winner will receive a Happy Plop of Tina's choice and will be required to "tweet" about their Happy Plop on Twitter after receiving it. All Happy Plops come with Twitter instructions and all owners are encouraged to tweet!***

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

Result:

46Powered by RANDOM.ORG

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.**

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

Result: 77 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

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.**

EGGcellent Easter: "Sew" Cute Personalized Shirts by Sew Cute Creations {Review}

If you are looking for an adorable personalized shirt or accessories for any holiday, birthday, or other special occasion then Sew Cute Creations is your one stop shop!  They sent me an adorable personalized Easter shirt for EG to try and it really could not be any cuter.  I chose the double Easter eggs design, but this is just one of the MANY they have to choose from (just for Easter!).  You can even choose the fabrics and colors for the Easter eggs (over 30 to choose from)!  They offer custom items for all children from babies to youth and have more designs and options (469 in their Kodak gallery of options!!) than any other store I have found!  They will completely customize your shirt (or bib, burp cloth, etc.) to your specifications down to the thread color, design, font, fabrics for appliques, and wording.  Everything in their store is definitely "sew" cute as their name implies!  If you can't find something you like for an occasion coming up, then you haven't looked closely enough. 

The materials they use are of very high quality.  The shirt I reviewed, and their standard for shirts, is American Apparel which is a known quality brand.  You can choose long or short sleeve, as well as selected colors.  The shirts are professionally embroidered and had no "scratchy" backing behind 

the embroidery.  Everything was cut away for maximum comfort while wearing, 

and it also doesn't show through on the white t-shirt (a pet peeve of mine!).

  

It washed well and still looks beautiful.  I am very pleased and will be ordering my birthday, Easter, and (special event here) shirts

 and accessories from Sew Cute Creations from now on.  Their items would make excellent gifts for parties and showers.  I hope you will check out their store and buy some items for yourself too!  Thanks for looking :)