Life Nest Sleep System & Giveaway

So many moms, including myself, live in fear of SIDS and are constantly paranoid about tummy sleeping or rolling over. Well, worry no more. Check out the LifeNest Sleep System and learn how you can put all of that to rest while your baby sleeps safe and sound!

The LifeNest Sleeping System is a highly breathable, ventilated hammock for your baby to sleep on. It us safe and ergonomic. Does it get any better than that? You simply secure it to the crib slats! It sleeps nothing like a regular crib mattress and will allow your infant to get a more comfortable nights rest.

Some of the best things about this sleep system include:

- Reduces the chances of suffocation by allowing your baby to breathe freely through the netting if he or she flips over

- Keeps your baby dry and comfortable, on the dust mites’ free hypoallergenic netting.
- Allows liquids or mucus to pass through the LifeNest™ mesh surface, helping to prevent smothering.
-  The LifeNest™ mesh hammock cradles the baby, maintaining the recommended baby-on-back sleeping position, while allowing unrestricted movements.

Buy It:
You can purchase The LifeNest Sleep System online for $149.99! You can also purchase colored sheets for $39.99

Win It:
LifeNest has offered one of my readers a gift code to receive $45 off the purchase of a LifeNest Sleep System.

Mandatory Entries:
- "Like" LifeNest on FaceBook and tell them I sent you (leave me your FB name)
- Follow me via GFC

Bonus Entries:
- Go to LifeNest and tell me something you like about their product
- Follow me on Twitter
- Follow me on FaceBook
- Subscribe to my blog via email and confirm (3 entries)
- Post my button on your blog and leave me the link to the page (5 entries)
- Vote for me on Pickett Fence
- Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link (2 entries)
- Blog about this giveaway and leave a link (3 entries)

*I did not receive any product or compensation for posting about this product or hosting a giveaway. Contest will run from 1/31-2/4 at 8pm CT. You must leave your email in every comment so that I can reach the winner. You will have 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.*

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Monday Blog Hops!

Let's get started!

 

 

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$25 CSN Winner!

Congratulations to #72 in my CSN Gift Code Giveaway!

Dennis said...

Blogged this http://dennishobbyhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/25-csn-gift-code-giveaway.html dmacri1130 at aol . com

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I won Giani Granite!!!!

I am just so ecstatic about winning my first item from a giveaway since I started my blog several weeks ago. The best part is, this is the one I was wanting the most so far. I told my husband even if I didn't win, I would be purchasing this product for our kitchen. Thanks soooo much to Snack Bar Reviews for hosting this awesome product giveaway.

Giani Granite is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Honestly! It is paint for your counter tops that looks like real granite with hardly any cost! Too good to be true huh? Apparently not, because it really does look amazing! Look at some of these pictures:

How does it work?

It is literally a paint by number process! The Giani kit comes with 3 colors and all applicators needed to completely the job. You have several color kits to choose from, and the outcome is completely up to you!!! You apply a primer and work in 3 foot sections using a sponge to dab the paint on. It then has a final coat. You can also add the "cracks" where you would like to give it a more real effect. There are videos on their site to show you how and give suggestions!

What can you use it on?

Surprisingly, it can be used on most surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens to transform your home!
Visit here to see a full list of FAQ's!

How much does it cost and where can I buy it?

You can purchase Giani Granite paint at these stores or online at GianiGranite.com.  It's only $54.95! Yes, I said that right. You can spend less than $60 to completely change the look of your kitchen or bathroom. Sure beats the thousands you would spend on real granite. The best part, Giani completely stands behind their product!


I should be receiving mine soon and will begin my kitchen makeover (hubby is installing my new sink right now). Stay tuned for pictures and please please please go explore their website!

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Hopping on Sunday

Lots of them to do!!!

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Sebastian Potion 9 Review

If you're anything like me, you are all about having awesome hair! Lucky for me, one of my best friends owns the best salon around here and has been doing my hair for years and always suggests the best products for me. I get compliments everywhere I go. I'm a bit brave though and do things like this....

And even once had purple for about 2 weeks (I didn't like it because it didn't match many outfits)

However, my hair is not always straight and sleek. I don't have curly hair but from all the color I've used throughout the years, it's damaged in some places and I have those annoying fly aways! You know what I'm talking about. I'm not going to lie, I have been a devoted Paul Mitchell user for very long. I own a really awesome Paul Mitchell dryer and straightener (and believe me ladies, if you don't own a really good straightener, it is worth every penny and REALLY does make a difference). I have used Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny serum for a long time to protect my hair from all the heat of my straightener since I use it every day. I will always love Super Skinny. No lie.

BUT, my friend introduced me to something new a few weeks ago. It's a lot like Super Skinny but not as "greasy".

Sebastian's Potion 9 is a wearable styling treatment which protects and renews your hair while giving it shine and helping tame those tiny wild hairs! You can use it on damp hair before you dry it or on completely dry hair to help style! The first time I used it I loved it. All you need is one pump of it. Rub it in your hands then lightly all over your hair, mostly on the ends. If you add too much on top, your roots will look too oily. You will love how sleek and sexy your hair looks! Try it and see!!!


Buy It

You can find Sebastian Potion 9 in many hair salons or you can buy it online at Beauty Mart for about $15.

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To you preschool moms

As a former preschool teacher I felt I needed to share some things with all of you moms (and dads) who’s children attend preschool (or a childcare program anywhere). These are things that I wished all parents followed in my classrooms/center to make things easier on us teachers and I will explain why most centers have these rules. I chose to enforce them strictly in my classroom for a very good reason. Your child’s teacher may not tell you these things but if you choose to do them anyway, you will make her a much happier teacher!

First let me tell you I worked in childcare for the last 7 years as a teacher in all age groups and assisted in the office sometimes, so I did have to deal with a little bit of everything. I have a CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, and my dream is to some day own a center of my own, or at least be a Director in one. The reason I’m not doing that now is everyone wants me to pay for my children to attend with me, and it would take the majority of my check to pay for my kids to be there. So I am home.

Anywho….. on with the most important part:

1)      Always always be kind to the teachers in your child’s center. These people take good care of your little one and a rude parent is no fun. Keep in mind how stressful the job is in itself. Can you imagine handling 18 three years old with only one other adult? I’ve had many parents say things like “I love you being his teacher. I couldn’t do this job, but I am so thankful for people who do”. Something that simple made my day!

2)      Make small talk! We are moms and wives too. Talk to them as if they are a friend. You don’t have to get personal or anything, but I had an awesome connection with many many parents over the years and keep in touch with so many of them and have been able to watch their children grow from infants, to 8 year olds! I love being able to chat with a parent openly and honestly about their child without fear of their reaction. I also hated when parents would open a door, toss the kid in, and leave!

3)      Escort your child into their classroom, hang up their belongings, and WASH THEIR HANDS. You would be surprised how many germs come from your home to the classroom, and vice versa. Teachers are busy, and you simply washing off the outside germs when they come in is a tremendous help. Do the same before you take your child home at the end of the day.

4)      Speaking of germs. It’s inevitable, children in childcare will get sick and catch gross funky things. BUT, remember…. They will build immunity to all of these things. My son was in childcare from 4 weeks-3 years old and he is never sick. He has caught a few things here and there but for the most part, has been a very healthy child. I’ve caught yucky stuff from the kids too. So PLEASE don’t bring your children if they have anything remotely contagious or ongoing. You will infect the teacher and the other people in the center. Then it just keeps circulating. I know you may have a job that you can’t miss, and that’s understandable. Just do your best!

5)      Put your child’s name on EVERYTHING. We had SO much to keep up with. I also asked that no outside toys or anything be brought into my classroom to avoid fighting and all that stuff. And make sure they always have a change of clothes. It was not good having children who had an accident or spilled milk everywhere who had no extra clothes and a parent wouldn’t bring them any.

6)      Make sure the center AND your child’s teacher have updated information to contact you and whoever else you allow to pick up your child in the classroom. This is sooooo important incase of an emergency and/or disaster where they have to leave the building.

7)      Try to get your children there at the same time everyday, by about 8am. That’s typically the time for breakfast, circle time, art, ect. This is the most important time of the day and I hated for children to miss this part. Consistency is essential to young children. As is a schedule. I ran a strict schedule and my parents always appreciated it. Our center had a policy that all children had to be there by 10am or had to call by 9:30am if they were going to be late… so that we knew how many children would be eating lunch and if ratios were low, to send teachers home.

8)      If your child has a hard time during drop off…. The best thing to do is say goodbye and GO. Don’t linger in the door or look in the window (if the child can see you). 9 times out of 10, the child calms down and is fine within 15 minutes. If that is not the case, the teacher would let you know. That’s the hardest part, I know… my son did it sometimes and I worked there! So he saw me during the day, not by choice.

9)      DO NOT send your kids to school with junk food and/or candy! Seriously? Yes, Seriously! I can’t tell you how many kids came to school with chips, Skittles, sugary jello for breakfast! No wonder they were nuts all day long!!

10)  For holidays… please don’t buy them bath products and candles. All gestures are appreciated and all, but I ended up throwing away half of those things. Gift cards were always the absolute best gift to give. I got cards to fast food places to grab my lunch, grocery stores, clothing stores, restaurants, and more! Loved it!

11)  Every state’s DHS guideline’s for childcare vary. I know TN licensing requirements like the back of my hand. If you aren’t familiar with yours…. I urge you to go find them online and read them! Seriously, you could learn so much about all the silly little things we had to follow and parents sometimes made it really hard to do because they wouldn’t stick to the rules.

I know there is sooooo much more I’m forgetting but I thought this may help you all.

I also wanted to share two of my favorite links I used when making themed lesson plans. They both have TONS of awesome things you can use at home too. Go explore!

Everything Preschool

Perpetual Preschool

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5 Question Friday & Blog Hops

1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose?

Most definitely a children's hospital. I can't imagine my child being sick or having to go through that and my heart always hurts for the children and their families, especially those with no insurance

2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt?

Here in TN we don't see snow that often, but this year it's been a  lot so far. I do love it because its beautiful and my son thinks its super cool. However, I don't like it when I need to go to the grocery store and I have to drag my children out in it

3. What talent did you wish you had and why?

I used to be able to sing, quite well. Back in school, which was many years ago. I wish I hadn't go tout of practice and could be even better than I was. However, I don't know why it would matter because Im way too chicken to sing in front of a single soul

4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?

Celebrity gossip is always fun but I'm not a junkie by any means. My mom on the other hand, buys those dang magazines every week!

5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't hafta be alcoholic!)

Oh I'm a wine girl for sure (and have turned my hubby into a wine lover as well). Our drink of choice is White Zinfandel. Beringer would be my absolute fave but I'm okay with cheap wine too. Arbor Mist is always a nice sipper too!

Now on to the Friday Hops....

 

Compose

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In Lieu of Oprah's Show Today...

I sit here in tears watching Oprah's military show today. It hits so close to home with me, as I know it does with many of you. I wanted to share some touching photos that I love...

If I ever go to war...
If I ever go to war Mom, Please don’t be afraid.
There are some things I must do, To keep the promise that I made.
I’m sure there will be some heartache, And I know that you’ll cry tears,
But your son is a Soldier now, Mom, There is nothing you should fear.
If I ever go to war Dad, I know that you’ll be strong.
But you won’t have to worry, Cause you taught me right from wrong.
You kept me firmly on the ground, yet still taught me how to fly.
Your son is a Soldier now Dad, I love you Hooah, Even if I die.
If I ever go to war Bro, There are some things I want to say.
You’ve always had my back, and I know it’s my time to repay.
You’ll always be my daybreak, through all of life’s dark clouds,
Your brother is a Soldier now, Bro, I promise I’ll make you proud.
If I ever go to war Sis, don’t you worry bout me,
I always looked out for you, but I can't do that anymore,
Cause I'm a big bro to all in America.
I love you so much and you know that, Your brothers a soldier now Sis,
So wipe your eyes, I'll be fine even if I die.
If I ever go to war my Friends, We’ll never be apart,
Though we may not meet again, I’ll hold you in my heart.
Remember all the times we had, Don’t let your memories cease,
Your friend is a Soldier now, Dear Friend, And I’ll die to bring you peace.
And when I go to heaven, And see that pearly gate,
I’ll gladly decline entrance, Then stand my post and wait.
I’m sorry Sir I can’t come in, I’m sort of in a bind,
You see I’m still a Soldier Sir, So I can’t leave them behind.

By PFC Jonathan W. Guffey – Alpha Company
101st Airborne 2/506th Infantry Air Assault – Iraq 2006
10 July 2006

Keep supporting our military and the families who endure deployments and all that comes with it. Especially those that have lost someone. I can't imagine going through that.

And just to share my favorite picture of our daughter when she was born....

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