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.**

Awesome Shopping Mom Product! Four Pocket Shopper by Carissa Black {Review}

I am so thrilled that I was able to review, and now carry with me all the time, the Four Pocket Shopper from Carissa Black!  I have searched and searched for a little wallet/wristlet to carry with me when I go shopping, especially for when I have EG with me.  Some may be more shopping savvy than I, but I just cannot carry my whole bag with me when I go shopping with my toddler.  I hate having to dig through it to find my wallet in the checkout line while I am also trying to hold EG (usually that's the time she decides she just can't sit in the cart anymore).  And, I also can't carry it, my bags, and EG out to the car without feeling like I'm going to drop something all the time.  So what I usually do is take out my wallet and just carry that in the store.  I can hold it in my hand, and I don't have to search anywhere to find it when I check out.  The only problem with carrying my wallet is that I have no place to put it except in my hand or in the cart (where EG likes to play "throw the wallet" :) and I'm also so afraid I'm going to accidentally leave it one day).  I needed to find something hands free and easy to carry.  The Four (or five) Pocket Shopper is just that!

Here is the description from Carissa Black:

"A great multi-functional bag. The styling of a wristlet combined with the functionality of a wallet. 

Perfect for trips to the grocery store. The strap and clasp make it easy to fasten to the front of the cart for hands free shopping. Great for traveling. Holds your camera, ipod, cell phone, and credit cards securly. Also a great alternative to the money apron for those of you who do craft fairs. Just clip the bag to your belt loop to keep your cash and receipts secure.

The inside is fully lined and has three slots for holding your money, drivers license, and credit cards. There is plenty of room for your cell phone, keys, and any other odds and ends you may need. The outside has a large pocket across the front.
This little bag measures 6 1/2" W x 5" T. I have used a layer of batting for softness and to add a layer of protection for your phone and gadgets."

It's awesome for those times you don't need (or want) to carry your purse with you, yet need to carry your all important items (i.e. BlackBerry).  The shopper is substantial enough in size to carry everything you need for a trip to the store, yet small enough to easily carry on your wrist or in your hand.  The much needed feature it has, that I was looking for in particular, is the wrist strap that can be attached to just about anything.  It has your traditional wristlet loop, but it also has a clasp that the end of the loop can be attached to.  This makes it SUPER easy to attach to your shopping cart handle, stroller bar, your bag (if you must carry it!), etc.  As stated in the description it can hold your cell phone, keys, credit cards, money, tissues, or whatever else you just have to have with you in the store.  It also has an outer pocket that would be great for storing those items you need quick access to, like coupons.  That's what I use it for and it's too convenient!  I love it!  It's a must have item for me now, and I am so going to buy one for my mom for Mother's Day.  Anything that makes shopping easier, gets an A+ in my book!!  I can honestly say that I will never carry my wallet into Wal-Mart (or anywhere else) again...EVER!  

Besides it's functionality, it's also very well made with designer fabrics and professional craftsmanship.  There is an extra layer of padding between the fabric layers for extra "niceness" and sturdiness.  There are also plenty of fabric choices to choose from, and lots of Amy Butler (whom I'm sure you know by now that I love!).  This is truly a quality product.

It's amazing how such a simple thing can make life so much easier.  Where was my Shopper a couple of months ago when it was pouring down rain, I was trying to hold the umbrella and my wallet in one hand, I couldn't close the umbrella, EG wouldn't sit in the cart, I dropped my wallet on the ground, and we were both soaked (all while a seemingly nice young man stood there, without helping, and watched all of this unfold...without offering to help)?  LOL!

Go to Carissa Black and try out the Four or Five Pocket Shopper.  You'll love it!  At $28 I think it's a great buy.  While you're there go ahead and check out the other cool products she has to offer too, including tons of different accessories and bags.  Thanks to Carissa Black for such a great shop, and a great product!

Sweetbriar Studio Purse Organizer {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

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Congratulations to the winner, Nicole!  Thanks to all who entered, making this my biggest giveaway yet!  Please come back in the future for more great products and ideas.  Thanks again!

Ever wonder how you could easily organize the main section of your purse or diaper bag?  I have often wondered this myself, but haven't found an answer.  I sometimes have the pockets and zippered sections of my diaper bag organized, but the center section is a jumbled mess.  I have things in there I probably haven't seen in three months!  The one thing I lose the most in my diaper bag is EG's pacifiers.  That is something that I just CANNOT lose!  Because, if I need to get one out of my diaper bag that means we've lost the one she had and she wants it...NOW.  When I start searching through my bag for a paci I find things in there that I thought I had lost, things that probably shouldn't be in there any more (once found an old wet diaper I had wrapped up...yeah...gross), and things I'm not sure I ever knew I had in the first place.  I finally decided enough was enough, and I had to find a solution to this problem.  After searching and searching for a purse organizer that I thought would do the trick, I found this purse organizer from Sweetbriar Studio.  I was given one to review and I can attest that my problem is solved!  It definitely does the job!!  

I was so anxiou

s to try it out and am so pleased with the result!  First, I wanted something that was pleasing to look at.  I knew I didn't want anything boring, bulky, cheap looking, etc.  After browsing through the selection of beautiful purse organizers at Sweetbriar Studio, I knew I could move on the the next requirement.  They are so cute you almost don't want to put them in your bag!  Second, I wanted something that was large enough to actually be useful and fill up the bottom of my diaper bag.  Check!  

The purse organizer is 10" wide, 6" tall, and 2.5" deep.  It fit perfect in my Vera Bradley tote that I use for my diaper bag.  Next, I needed to make sure that it had plenty of storage pockets for all of the little things I carry all the time (i.e. pens, sunglasses, PACIFIERS :), etc.).  Check!  There are 10, yes I said 10, little pockets to store everything you would ever need to store in there!  There are pockets on the outside of the organizer, the inside of the organ

izer, and then the large center pocket.  The center pocket was a perfect size to drop in a few diapers and a travel pack of wipes.  It would also be perfect to drop your wallet in!  The outer and inner pockets can store anything, and they are of varying sizes so you can choose which pocket you want to use for which items.  I love that there are pockets small enough that my pens can't really fall over and leak.  There is also a perfect pocket for my Flip Note.  Finally, it cuts out the hassle of changing purses or bags.  All you have to do is pick it up and transfer it to another bag.  There is no hassle and everything stays organized.   And if all of those great features aren't enough...it is also machine washable!

I have only used the purse organizer for a couple of weeks and I don't know what I would do without it.  

I think it is one of the most FABULOUS products I have ever tried, truly.  It is the perfect size, has more pockets than I have even

 found a use for, is easy to transfer from one bag to another, and is beautiful all on it's own!  It helps me to find things quickly and easily, which is exactly what I need as a busy working mom.  What more could a girl ask for?  One for FREE you say??  Well...Sweetbriar Studio has agreed to do a giveaway of one of their purse organizers to one SUPER lucky reader!  See details below for how to enter, and go check out the other great items that Sweetbriar Studio has to offer.  These purse organizers would make a great gift for Mother's Day coming up!  

To enter this giveaway follow the rules below (WORLDWIDE - if shipping to countries other than US and CANADA, winner will pay the difference):

1. For your initial, required entry, visit Sweetbriar Studio and check out all of the great things they have to offer.  Then come back here and post a comment letting me know which purse organizer  you would like if you win or what your favorite item in the shop 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 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 Saturday April 4. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Sunday, April 5.**

MOManizer: Great Solution for any mom! {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

Congratulations to the winner, MaddyRu! Thanks to everyone for entering and check back soon for more great giveaways and articles!

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Okay, it's no secret that I love my BlackBerry! But, sometimes it's so nice to see all the lists, things you need, calendar, etc. on paper, all together, all at once. This is where the MOManizer by Cindy at Polka Dot Monkey comes in handy. What is a MOManizer you ask? It's a full-size, stylish binder organizer designed specifically for moms, by a mom. On the front and back inside cover there is a space for sticky notes; a pocket for coupons, cards, etc.; an at-a-glance monthly calendar; and a clip for other important items. Clipped in the rings are full page versions of a to-do list (sectioned into e-mails, calls, errands, projects, misc., and at-a-glance weekly meals), weekly schedule, weekly meal plan, and grocery list (sectioned by category for easy shopping!). All pages are printed on cardstock and, since they are in a binder, can easily be removed (and put back too...a feature not common with many organizers!). All the things mom needs to schedule each week can be taken care of with this beautiful organizer!

I had an opportunity to try out the MOManizer and LOVE it! First of all, as I said above, it's beautiful! It has a padded fabric cover on the outside, and a nice coordinating lining on the inside. It can be made in a variety of fabrics and all are very pretty (the giveaway winner will win the one pictured!). The next feature I love is that it is a full-size binder that fits standard paper size (8.5 x 11). This makes it so the organizer can easily be added to, if you think of something else you'd like to have in there (not sure what that would be!), and pages can be removed. This is especially great for the grocery list, which you will definitely need to remove and take to the store. Finally, the lists that are included are very relevant for moms, are organized nicely into categories, and are separated by easy to read dividers. And...Polka Dot Monkey offers refills of all of the lists! I don't know about you, but I can't stand to use something that doesn't have refills! Another note on the lists...I particularly love that the weekly schedule is not dated (you write in the date at the top) and is organized into morning, afternoon, and evening rather than specific times. I know on dated weekly calendars there I times waste a whole page because I haven't gotten around to even making a calendar for the week! And on hour by hour calendars there are inevitably chunks of time that are rarely or never scheduled events. Thus, the morning, afternoon, evening format works great for me! I can write in my own times and there is no wasted space or paper. I have thoroughly enjoyed using the MOManizer and hope you'll check it out for yourself! See details below for how YOU can WIN the MOManizer pictured! Thanks to Cindy for offering such a great product!

To enter this giveaway follow the rules below (US ONLY):
1. For your initial, required entry visit Polka Dot Monkey and check out the other great items they have to offer (other than MOManizer). Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me your favorite product they offer and why, or how you will use the MOManizer 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 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 Saturday March 21. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Sunday, March 22.**

Lula Ballou Gadget Case Giveaway **CLOSED**

Congratulations to the winner, always_317537! Thanks to everyone for entering!

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Ever wish you had a stylish way to carry and protect the gadgets you MUST have with you all the time (think...iPhone, BlackBerry, iPod, Flip camera, digital camera, etc.)? Looking for more than the boring, standard cases that come with them (that nobody I know ever uses anyway...)? Well look no further! The padded gadget case from Lula Ballou is just what you have been looking for! It is a great solution for those who want a case that can be carried on its own (and is not a big fashion "don't"!), or can be used for protection while you carry it in your purse or diaper bag. The gadget cases come in many fabrics, are padded for optimum protection and are all SUPER cute! In addition to being gorgeous, another fabulous feature is that the strap has a clasp that allows it to be undone and clipped around a stroller handle, shopping cart, belt loop...you name it. How is that for style AND function? Well, thanks to Lula Ballou, one lucky Mommy Works reader will get to pick out the gadget case of their choice! See details below for how to enter, and thanks again to Lula Ballou! And be sure to check out the other great bags they offer too! They make wristlets (which are one sale NOW!), key pouches, zipper pouches, and purses. You're sure to find something you love!

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

1. For your initial, required entry visit Lula Ballou and leave me a comment telling me which gadget case you would want if you win, or another product you would love to have.

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. 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**

6. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail.

**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 Saturday, March 7 The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Sunday, March 8.**

Timesaver Tuesday

Starting today (forgive me for the late start for my first Tuesday...lol) I'm going to be writing a weekly Timesaver Tuesday tip. After all, this blog is focused on products, tips, and ideas to help you make the most of your time spent with your precious little ones. Thus, I thought a Timesaver Tuesday would be totally terrific! I hope that this is a post that you can look forward to each week, and I'd be delighted if you'd share your own timesaving tips with me! They may even be featured on a future Tuesday! Now for the first ever Timesaver Tuesday...

I'm going to keep it simple this first week...very simple! My best daily timesaver is getting all of EG's clothes and accessories set out the night before, even her diaper. I set everything out in a stack on her changing table in the order it gets put on (i.e. diaper on top...shoes on the bottom). Having everything ready to go in the morning saves us at least 15 minutes. And in the morning when hubby and I are rushing to get ourselves ready for work, 15 minutes is a lifetime! Now if I could just get MY clothes organized the night before, EVERY night...

Flip Note Review/Giveaway! **2 Winners** CLOSED

Congratulations to winners Jaime and Becky!  Thanks to everyone for entering!

I was recently given the opportunity to try out Wellspring's Flip Notes and have found a new "must have" product for myself! After writing about how much I love the Moleskine notebooks (and still do!), I was contacted by FlipNoteFan offering to let me try out the Flip Note. Wellspring's site gives this description of the Flip Note:

"Flip Notes are Wellspring's #1 best-seller and are available in over 30 chic designs! Flip Notes are perfect for notes on-the-go as they fit snugly inside pockets, purses, or briefcases! Flip Notes make perfect gifts for loved ones, teachers, hosts & coworkers. Each Flip Note features a stylish debossed metal spring-loaded case with a blank white note pad and retractable pen."

I found that the Flip Notes are just the right size to slip in a diaper bag or leave in the car for quick notes. The Flip Note also fit very easily into my pockets, although it was noticeable. I found it worked best in my diaper bag, and I will forever keep it in there! The hard case makes it very durable so it can withstand all of the jostling and tossing with no problem. It was also able to withstand my very curious toddler without damage. That is saying something! She can figure out how to open, destroy, etc. just about anything I have, but she wasn't able to easily get the Flip Note open before she got bored with it. This is because the retractable pen that comes with the Flip Note must be removed before the notebook will open. I absolutely LOVE this feature! Not only is it unable to come open in your diaper bag or pocket (unless you want it to!), but you never have to go searching through your bag or car to find a pen. The pen and paper are always right there together. Genius! Finally, the hard case makes it very easy to write on, rather than a flimsy notepad that you must find a solid place to use it on. All in all, I think it's a fabulous little invention! I think every mom would love to have one and now two lucky moms have a chance to win one! Up for grabs are the Black Croc and Stacy Collection - Paisley designs (pictured above). Good luck!

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

1. For your initial, required entry visit the Wellspring Gift website and leave me a comment telling me your favorite flip note design (other than the ones offered in the giveaway) or favorite other product they offer.

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. 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**

6. Add my blog as a favorite on Technorati (button on left sidebar)

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible on in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Friday February 6. The winners will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on Saturday, February 7. The first winner to contact me will have their choice of design (although they are both awesome!!).**

Moleskine Volant Giveaway!

In a previous post I briefly sang the praises of my favorite little Moleskine notebooks. I use them all the time to write down special moments I have with my daughter, milestones, grocery lists, thoughts, books I want to read, etc., etc., etc. My husband is a budding writer and carries a Cahier notebook in his back pocket at all times. He also does all of his writing in the lined Hard Cover version before transferring it to his blog. Moleskine offers a notebook for everyone from your basic ruled notebooks to sketchbooks to storyboards to music books and so on. If you do any type of writing or drawing, they have a notebook for you. One of my favorite things about the Moleskine brand is how nicely the pages lay while you are writing. You don't have to fight with them to keep them open! I carry a small version of the hardcover in my diaper bag at all times, but my current favorite is the Volant set. I picked up the large Pink/Rose set the other day and LOVE it! The size is great as it is big enough to do serious writing, but thin enough to easily fit in a purse or diaper bag. Another plus is that you get two, in two shades of the same color. One lucky person is going to get a chance to win a set of the NEW Volant notebooks from Moleskine! You will be able to choose between the Pink set (pink/rose) or Green set (Green/Lime). See the details below for entry and good luck!

To enter this contest follow the rules below:
1. For your initial, required entry leave a comment on this post telling me how you would use your Moleskine Volant notebooks.

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. Tweet about this contest and 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.
4. Follow/subscribe to this blog and earn TWO extra entries.

5. Grab my button and place it on your site (w/ link to site in comment) for THREE extra entries.

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM Wednesday January 14, 2008 and the winner will be chosen randomly from eligible entries. Thanks for your entry!!