Positive Discipline Made Easy with the Timeout Circle from Uh-Oh Mama! {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

Congratulations to the winner, TheAngelForever!

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In the last few months we've started implementing "time out" in our house with EG. We use it more as a cool-down for her rather than a punishment. There are so many different studies out there and ideas about what an appropriate "time out" is, and after having looked at many of them I decided I definitely agreed that it would be more effective and better for us if we used it from a positive perspective rather than a negative one. We definitely needed to do something because when EG has a meltdown there's really nothing we can do except let her calm down on her own. My goal was to have a place in our home where EG knows she can (and has to : ) settle down. To implement this "time out", I first of all needed a place for EG to go that she could easily recognize as her designated place to cool down, and a plus would be something that we could take with us anywhere (i.e. Nana's, vacation, etc.) for consistency. After looking on the internet for such a "spot" I found several "Time Out" chairs and circles, but nothing extremely portable or without the words "time out" (which just rub me the wrong way for some reason). I decided to continue my search on my all time favorite website, Etsy, with the thought that no one would make such a thing as I envisioned. But, lo and behold, Marci at Uh-Oh Mama! had just what I was looking for! What she calls her timeout circle is just what I had been looking for. It's a completely customizable (any wording you like!) designated spot that you can use for your time out, quiet time, or whatever you like to call it! We named ours the "thinking spot"!

The "thinking spot" is a kid-sized, dual layer (cotton top and fleece bottom for extra padding) fabric circle specifically designed for time out. It comes monogrammed with the words "time out", but this can be changed to accommodate whatever wording you would prefer (i.e. thinking spot). You can also add your child's name by adding the monogramming option in her shop. The spot is also completely customizable with your choice of fabric, from tons and tons of choices.

As you can see, I chose a pink/green/brown polka dot fabric with the words "EG's Thinking Spot" (her full name is 'pinked' out in the picture but is on the spot) around the edge. It turned out so cute and is the perfect size. Not only is the spot itself wonderful, but it gets even better...an included egg timer! The timer comes with it's own matching timer cover an can attach to the spot with a velcro attachment. The attachment is extremely convenient when transporting the "thinking spot" so that everything stays together. But, when EG is actually "thinking" on her spot, I have to take the timer away so she doesn't play with it. She does definitely listen for the "ding" though! For kids who wouldn't play with the timer, maybe older kids, it would be a good way for them to see how much time they have left. Great features so far right? Well, I also said that I wanted something portable, and this totally is. It folds up nicely and comes with its own matching drawstring bag that bears the name of what is inside. So cute, and definitely handy! You can see how small it is from EG holding it in the pictures. I honestly don't know what more you could ask for in a timeout spot. It has everything you need for positive discipline all rolled in to one!
I think we will definitely be using this for years to come and it is so wonderful that we can take it anywhere! EG knows what it is and it helps to make our discipline more consistent. This is one of my favorite products I have been able to review because it has worked so well for us, and I can see the application of this product for so many families out there! You will truly love it! Definitely check out Marci's shop to see the Timeout Circles she is currently offering. While you're there you can also check out some cute dresses, onesies, bibs/burp cloths, tutus, and more! But that's not all...one reader will get to choose a custom "timeout circle" of their own (new fabric choices will be coming in a couple weeks too!)! Simply follow the directions below...

TO BUY: To buy any of the items in Uh-Oh Mama's store simply visit her Etsy shop and shop away! The timeout circles are $36 and include the timer and bag.

TO WIN: Visit Uh-Oh Mama! and pick your favorite item. Then tell me about your favorite item and how you will use the timeout circle if you win.

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

1. REQUIRED: Visit Uh-Oh Mama!, pick out your favorite product, then leave a comment telling me your favorite product AND how you will use the timeout circle if you win.

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

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me your Twitter name and a link).
3. Blog about this contest and leave the link.
4. Follow.
5. Subscribe.
6. Grab my button and let me know where I can find it on your site.

**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 in the event that you are the winner. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Friday July 24. The winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and notified on or around Saturday, July 25.**

EGGcellent Easter: Kid and Kaboodle Customized Crayon Roll {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

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Congratulations to the winner, lil miss' mama!  You will have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.  Thanks to all who entered!

Now here is an Easter basket goody that any mom can appreciate! It is super cute, personalized with your child's name, contains NO sugar (lol), is useful well beyond Easter, and will look fabulous sitting in an Easter basket! Let's admit it, there aren't many things you've found for your child's Easter basket that can fulfill all of those characteristics. At least I know I haven't ever found any. If you want the perfect little gift for Easter, I think the customized crayon roll from Kid and Kaboodle is it! We received ours from Donna at Kid and Kaboodle the other day and, although I am going to put it in EG's Easter basket, we had to try it out for the review.

Before I talk about how handy this little crayon roll is to have, I want to mention how pretty it is. The fabrics used to create the roll are of nice quality and the colors and patterns are so beautiful and vibrant for spring! Also, between the fabric layers is an extra layer of padding that makes the roll not only a little softer, but adds some stability and sturdiness. It has nine crayon slots that will fit nine jumbo crayons or 18 regular size crayons (2 in each slot). It will also fit markers and colored pencils too! As you can see, we used the jumbo crayons. They fit very nicely and stayed in well! When you're finished with the crayons, simply roll it up and fasten it closed with the attached strap (you can choose a ribbon or velcro closure). When it is rolled up, it is great size to toss in your purse or diaper bag and take on the go. Perfect for the doctor's office, grandma's house, restaurant, or anywhere else you might go!

I loved the idea of this crayon roll because, as a working mom, I have EG with me all the time when I am not at work. I even keep her in the church service with me (most of the time) until she just can't sit there any more. I figured church would be a great place to test out the usefulness of this little crayon roll. Usually I can find something to entertain her for a while, but then she gets too antsy to stay (as any toddler would!). I thought that being able to color, and having a neat place to keep the crayons, might entertain her for a little longer. To my delight, it did! First of all, she loved carrying it around, all wrapped up. I guess she thought she had something special :). Then when we opened it up and she saw the crayons, she was thrilled. She immediately took some out and began coloring in the coloring book we brought. She entertained herself until nearly the end of service! Between taking the crayons in and out of their little pockets (this entertained her as much as coloring did!), rolling and unrolling it, playing with the velcro, and coloring, she loved it! Beyond the crayons being in there, she found some very imaginative ways to put the crayon roll to use. I will most certainly be taking it with us to her 18 month appointment this week! And then I'll put it in her Easter basket...

At $12.50, including personalization, they are a great price to include in your Easter baskets! She offers a few different designs for both boys and girls!

I hope you'll check out the crayon rolls and other great items, Easter and everyday, that Kid and Kaboodle has to offer. Their tagline is "everything custom for baby", and they surely live up to it! Some of my other favorites from the store are the Here Comes Peter Cottontail Dress/Bib/Shoes Set, the Cuddle Me Sleep Sack (custom sized for your baby, including older babies/toddlers! Her #1 seller!!), and her beautiful custom nursery sets. She has something there for everyone, whether you are looking for a shower gift (burp cloths, woobies, etc.) or for yourself. Check them out!

If you find something you love at Kid and Kaboodle, and I KNOW you will, enter the code "mommy" at checkout to receive a free customized crayon roll with any $75 order! This offer is just for my readers, so I'd love for you to take advantage of it. I'm certain you'll love anything you find! Kid and Kaboodle has also been generous enough to offer a crayon roll for giveaway. See details below for how to enter to win and don't forget that you can receive a free roll with your $75 purchase (code "mommy"). Thanks to Donna at Kid and Kaboodle for such a great store and for allowing me to host this review and giveaway!

To enter this giveaway follow the rules below (US ONLY):
1. For your initial, required entry, visit Kid and Kaboodle and check all of the great custom baby items she has to offer. Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me your favorite item (other than those mentioned here).

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**

7. Enter another one of my giveaways. Leave me a comment(s) telling me which one(s).

**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. Winners also submitted via PRIZEYWinners if you would prefer not to leave an e-mail address. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Wednesday March 25. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Thursday, March 26.**

Little Brown Crane SnuglyMat XL Nap Mat {Review}

A few weeks ago, the lady that keeps EG while I work and I were talking about how she might like for EG to try using a cot rather than a crib for nap time. I don't really know when you're supposed to move from a crib to a cot (or toddler bed for home), but I figured EG would probably do okay on it. So I said, "okay let's give it a try tomorrow". Well, when I came to pick EG up that very afternoon she had a huge, red bump on her forehead and guess what it was from...climbing out of her crib and landing on the floor (never having even attempted this before...)about 5 minutes before I made it there to pick her up. I guess this was our sign...she needed a cot. I tell you this story to say that this event is what led me to find the cutest, most comfortable, most AWESOME nap mat for EG to use each day. And, I think I've found all of those characteristics in the SnuglyMat XL from Little Brown Crane.

Little Brown Crane graciously provided me with one of their custom SnuglyMats to review and I could not be happier that they did. EG has thoroughly enjoyed using her nap mat each day and I am quite sure that she is snuggly and comfortable during naps with all of the mat's wonderful features. But, before I begin gushing over my love for this mat, here is some info on the SnuglyMat from the Little Brown Crane store:

"This super cute SnuglyMat is roughly 21" X 54" and is fully machine washable! It has a cotton front and a chenille back, as well as a double sided minky blanket! It's perfect for your little one to tote to school. SnuglyMats have an attached pillow and blanket, and come with a convenient carrying strap so your little one can carry it themselves! To wash your SnuglyMat, simply unroll, toss in the washer, and then straight into the dryer. It's as simple as that! Your SnuglyMat has been designed for durability and to provide many years of use!"

I can attest to the high quality of the SnuglyMat! The fabrics used are not only beautiful, but are of high-end quality and wash very well. And, at $55 the price is excellent for a completely custom mat! I searched through several sites and stores and found many nap mats that were over $100 for the same quality. You will definitely get your money's worth out of this one. The mat I chose (pictured) uses Amy Butler cotton fabrics in pinks, greens and browns and has a dark brown chenille back. It is gorgeous! All mats include a nice, plush attached pillow; and a removable pillow can be added as a $10 option. When rolled up, it can be secured with a button on each end (pink flowers on this one). It also includes a handy carrying strap and has the option of a beautiful name applique. The applique is made from one of the high quality fabrics used in the mat and can be added for an additional $12. I think this is so cute and different from your traditional embroidered monogram! Even though all of these features are FABULOUS, my favorite feature (and EG's too!) is the unbelievably soft and snuggly attached minky blanket. The nap mats that I usually see around town and online have a thin cotton blanket or sheet attached to them which makes the SnuglyMat's minky blanket seem so luxurious! It is minky on both sides and is the perfect thickness. Great for snuggling with! EG is very hot natured and doesn't like to be covered with a blanket, but she loves to snuggle with the blanket next her and rub her hands on the soft texture. Heck, I like it too! Hubby was trying to freeze me out of the car yesterday and I unrolled EG's nap mat and snuggled up with the blanket. It is plenty large enough! EG is only 18 months, but a much older child would easily be able to completely cover up with the blanket if they wished to. No feet sticking out, or body half covered...there is plenty to go around. The length of the mat also allows plenty of room for growth. We'll be using this mat in Kindergarten I'm sure! As pictured, with the applique option and removable pillow option, the mat is $77. A steal, in my opinion, for such a high quality, beautiful mat. Please go and check out Little Brown Crane's store! In addition to the SnuglyMats, she also offers super cute backpacks, lunch totes, nursing covers, and more! I know you'll at least want a backpack and lunch tote to match your SnuglyMat, right? I promise you will not be disappointed in whatever you purchase!

EG loves her "nat" and especially likes to carry it on her shoulder to and from daycare, around the house, to the washing machine, etc. Thank you Little Brown Crane for offering a terrific nap mat and for allowing me to host a review!