Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Timesaver Tuesday: Know When to Say "No"
I am of the personality type that wants to please others, even if it makes me unhappy sometimes. I dont' like to make anyone upset, disappointed, or unhappy. I'm a people pleaser. I feel like, for the most part, this is probably a good thing, but sometimes I need to focus on me, my family, and our needs. On the one hand, I can get along with most anyone, can work well in a group, and tend to be one that you can depend on to help you out in a bind. Great, right? But, on the other hand, I have a hard time saying "no" when asked to help someone out, take on a new responsiblitiy, go somewhere with someone, etc., so I sometimes over extend myself to the point that everyone else is pleased, and I am stressed and over tired. Thus, the exact reason everyone should know when to say "no".
As working moms, we already do a lot by going out each day and doing our part to help support our families. Then we come home and take care of a little one, either by ourselves or with a spouse's help. I can attest that these things, in and of themelves, involve a lot of time, effort, and sometimes stress. Because of this, we need to learn to say "no" if we need to. For some, this is no problem, but, if you're like me, it is a learned process. I have learned to take time to think about a request before saying "yes" or "no". This allows me the opportunity to decide whether or not I truly have the time to fulfill the request. Previously, I would have said "yes" then later wondered, "what was I thinking??". To agree to something that you don't truly hae time for will cause you and your family extra, undeserved stress, and no one needs that. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to do what you need to do for you when you need to. It doesn't make you a worse person to say "no" once in a while; your family will appreciate it! You'll be a much better wife, mommy, friend, etc. if you know your limits!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Spring Clothes! Beautiful, Comfortable Clothing from Ingrid B. Designs {Review and Giveaway}
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1. For your initial, required entry, visit Ingrid B. Designs and check all of the super cute clothing she has to offer. Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me which item you'd like to use your coupon on.
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).
Friday, March 27, 2009
EGGcellent Easter: "Sew" Cute Personalized Shirts by Sew Cute Creations {Review}
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Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sweetbriar Studio Purse Organizer {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**
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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).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
eieio Girl's Roundabout Dress {Giveaway} **CLOSED**
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Here are your random numbers:
21
Timestamp: 2009-04-03 00:36:01 UTC
Congratulations to the winner, Hana! Thanks to all who entered!
"This dress can be anything - a jumper now, layered over a long sleeve shirt and tights or pants, a sundress next season, and as your little one grows: a swingtop or tunic.
It's reversible, so really you get two dresses in one. Can be dressed up with tights and fancy shoes or casual over jeans and sneakers for playing. If you're out and about and it gets a little dirty, just take it off and turn it around and you're ready to go again!
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The shoulders fasten with strong, colored, stainless steel snaps.
I still buy my fabric in small amounts, so you will usually only see 1-3 of each dress. I like to keep them unique!
Each piece has a woven fabric label and hangtag. Great for gifts!"
1. For your initial, required entry, visit eieio and check out all of the cute children's clothes they have to offer. Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me your favorite item.
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).
Timesaver Tuesday: Prepare Ahead Meals - Busy Mom's Cookbook
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Kids Konserve - Cute, Reusable Waste Free Lunch Kits! {Coupon Code for EVERYONE!}
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Sunday, March 22, 2009
Back to Work!
Anyway, throughout this break I have become more aware of some things I'm not sure I would have ever become aware of were I not a working mom. I have always found that since I am away from EG all day during the work week, I truly appreciate every second that I spend with her. Now, I'm certainly not saying that stay at home or work at home moms don't appreciate the time they spend with their kids, but I know that working keeps it at the forefront of my mind all the time. The highlight of my day, every day, is picking her up in the afternoons. I am just as happy to see her as she is to see me. I also find that I try very hard to make the most of the time I spend with her in the evenings, on the weekends, and during breaks. Sure there are things that have to be done like grocery shopping, house work, etc. But, I still try to include EG in those things by taking her with me to the grocery store rather than leaving her at home (even though that would be much faster and easier at times!!) or letting her "help" me with chores around the house. I just love spending time with her! I think that maybe if I stayed at home it might be easier for me to take for granted the time I have with her, but working makes me realize how precious it is. One day maybe I'll be able to stay home with her full time, and if that day comes I know that my experience as a working mom will have done nothing but help me to appreciate staying at home even more.
Even though we were not able to go on vacation this Spring Break, it has been one of my favorites so far. Also, since my husband is not currently working due to being laid off, we were able to spend time together as a family all week. It has actually been one of my favorite Spring Breaks so far! We have had more fun together this week than in the last few months combined. We've been to the park, on walks, digging for worms, planting flowers, to the zoo (so fun!), and just enjoyed sleeping in. Loving life right now!
Just some thoughts from a mom trying to feel better about going back to work tomorrow...
I think it may have worked :)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
EGGcellent Easter: Asher Jasper Mini Felted Wool Animals {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**
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To enter this giveaway follow the rules below (US ONLY):
1. For your initial, required entry, visit Asher Jasper and check out all of the beautiful handcrafted toys she has to offer. Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me your favorite item.
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 28. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Sunday, March 29.**
Spring Clothes!: Little Ace Lounge Sets for Girls AND Boys {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**
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1. For your initial, required entry, visit Little Ace and check all of the great baby items they have to offer. Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me your favorite item or your favorite fabric for the lounge sets.
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).
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
EGGcellent Easter: WIN Your Own Easter Tote FULL of Goodies Courtesy of Mimi and Reese!! {Giveaway} **CLOSED**
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- Coffee Bling coffee cozy (also from Mimi and Reese)
- spring m&ms
- Bible Belt Brew coffee
- a cute crayon roll for your little one
- a tin of gypsy tea
- AND a few other suprises that have yet to be named!
The rules for entering are simple and are as follows:
1. Leave a comment here answering the question "what do you want in your Easter basket this year?"
2. Follow and/or subcribe to my blog.
3. Visit the blog of Mimi and Reese and post a comment on the giveaway post there.
4. Follow Mimi and Reese.
**Please leave only ONE comment (on each blog) indicating that you have followed all of the steps. Thanks!**
Simple as that!
This giveaway will end at 12:01 A.M. CST on Monday March 30. Good luck to everyone!!
Spring Clothes!: Classy, Comfortable Clothing from Fabric, Yarn, and Design
What really made me fall in love with this outfit, and the others that Jamie offers, are the little details that add little something extra. First, the top has a matching coral piping that adds the finishing touch to the bottom, as well as helps the top to hold its shape. When worn, the top will keep its pretty shape all day! Another beautiful feature is a sewn bow on the front of the top, at the waist, and on the pant cuffs. I am horrible at tying a nice looking bow, so the fact that these are already tied, and will stay tied, is great! The bows also add a nice "fancy" touch. Another great feature is the wide, elastic waistband that helps to make these pants even more comfortable. EG did not have any marks on her from the waistband, and they also stayed on great! She played all day in these I didn't feel like I was having to constantly pull them up! A few other things I loved are the ric rac detailing on the straps, elastic around the back of the top for a great fit, matching cotton lining on the top, adjustable button straps, and fabulous accessories that complete the outfit. I purchased two ribbon bows to match (one pictured),
Spring Clothes!: Water Lily Capri Set from Designs by Barb
The little swing top ties at the shoulders with pink ribbons and can be worn as is, with short sleeves underneath, or even long sleeves for cooler weather. Barbara also states on the listing that it would even be cute as a swimsuit cover up. I definitely agree! It is just beautiful to look at, and even more beautiful on. It has the right amount of flare so that it is comfortable and breathes well. This is great for our HOT summers here in Alabama! The pants have a cuff at the bottom which adds a nice "finished" look.
The set is professionally crafted, and Barbara custom makes each item in her store just for you. She makes clothes in infant sizes all the way up to a girls' 14. The prices are terrific for a custom "boutique" outfit at $30 for the set reviewed (slightly higher for larger sizes). If a capri set is not what you're looking for, she also makes adorable dresses (priced $22 to $40), jumpers and pinafores ($20 to $28), girls and boys pants ($10 and $12), girls skirts ($18 to $25), infant clothes ($4 to $36), girls aprons ($8.50 to $18), and accessories ($6 to $20). Go check out Barbara's store and see for yourself! Your child will look adorable (and be comfortable!) while playing, and will look just as adorable for a day out on the town. Thanks Barbara for offering these beautiful clothes!
Spring Clothing Extravaganza: Reviews and Giveaways Galore!
Monday, March 16, 2009
New Blog Design by Emily June Design Studio!
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Some new features that have been added, along with the new design are a navigation bar for finding your way around the site a little easier, and a "Blog Events" link list on the sidebar. There you will find any special events currently going on at Mommy Works blog. Enjoy and thanks for visiting!
EGGcellent Easter: Kid and Kaboodle Customized Crayon Roll {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**
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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!
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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 :).
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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!
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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).
Little Brown Crane SnuglyMat XL Nap Mat {Review}
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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.
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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!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Handstamped Jewelry by cinnamonsticks {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**
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I'm sure to be purchasing more jewelry from cinnamonsticks in the future.
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To enter this giveaway follow the rules below (US ONLY):
1. For your initial, required entry, visit cinnamonsticks and check all of the great jewelry she has to offer. Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me how you would spend your $40 gift card 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).