Hope everyone had a Happy Fourth of July. Little late getting pictures up, but wanted to share a few fireworks over the beach. How did you spend the day?
New Winner – Oral B Electric Toothbrush
April 8, 2013 by
We have a new winner for the Oral B Professional electric toothbrush. The new winner is entry 85. You have 3 days to respond to the email from Mother 2 Mother requesting your mailing address. If you don’t respond within 3 days, you will be disqualified.
Thanks for participating in our give aways and congratulations to our new winner.
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
85
Timestamp: 2013-04-08 11:37:35 UTC
We Have A Winner – Oral B Electric Toothbrush
April 4, 2013 by
We have a winner! Entry 43 is the winner of our Oral B Toothbrush Give Away. Please contact me within 3 days! Congratulations!
True Random Number
Generator
Min:
Max:158
Result:43
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SnapBox Review and Give Away
March 30, 2013 by
I was asked to do a review for SnapBox. I had never heard of the company, and decided to check them out before I committed. Once I visited the site, I agreed to the review and so glad that I did. If you’re looking for a unique gift, you should check them out too. They specialize in canvass prints. The process is simple, you email your photo to the email address provided. You will receive a return email with instructions, choose the size of your print, provide a mailing address and they deliver your print within 5 days. It’s as simple as that.
You can choose from 5×5, 5×7, 8×10, 9×9 and 10×13. Prices range from $13.00 to 37.00, and worth it. The finished product is on a canvass like material that comes ready to hang. I decided to order a print of one of my favorite sunsets for my office. I was thrilled with the end result. It arrived as promised and packaged well. You just need to find a spot to hang it!
SnapBox allows you to email photos from your smartphone, Instagram or your home computer. How technically savvy is that? When I emailed my photo, the return email was almost instant. You’re not waiting around or checking your emails all day or night to complete your order. They’ve taken into consideration that we have other things to do. The craftsmanship is of quality. As you can see, the frame is nice and thick and the print flawless.
I’ll be ordering from this site again. I’ve decided to give each of my girlfriends a photo for their birthdays this year from SnapBox. A photo of us at a birthday celebration, a baby shower or a trip that we’ve taken together. Something that will bring back memories from years ago. The possibilities are endless, and will make a great gift.
SnapBox wants you to experience the beauty of their products too. They will allow one lucky reader to purchase up to $75.00 in free prints on their site. Here’s how you can win:
Visit SnapBox and than come back and leave a comment on what photo you would use and who you would give the print to. If it’s for you, that’s okay too. (Mandatory)
Extra Entries:
This give away will end April 20 at mid-night. Entries are open to US residents 18 or older only. The sponsor will provide the winner directly with a code to access the site and order your prints. Please ensure your email address is available and valid. If your email is not valid, I select another winner for the give away.
Note: This review is my opinion of the services and product provided by SnapBox for review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.
No Dyed Eggs For Me!
March 28, 2013 by
This year I decided to
not dye eggs. As a matter of fact, I won’t be dying them ever again. I will be
exposing my grandchildren to a variety of naturally colored eggs. I have been
blessed with light brown, dark brown, white, green, pink and light blue eggs for
my edification. Who needs dye! The photos don’t do the color of the
eggs justice. I’m able to purchase these eggs fresh, and the only date stamped
on the egg carton is the date that I write on an Avery label. I even provide
the egg cartons.
I want my
grandchildren to learn about nature and all its beauty. I want them to be able
to share unique experiences with classmates and have special memories when
they’re visiting me. I want them to remember grandma cracking colored eggs for
their omelets and brownies. I can’t wait to hear the giggles.
Jersey Chicken
Black Cochin Chicken
Speckled
Sussex Chicken
Sussex Chicken
Easter Egg Chickens
I’ve started purchasing fresh eggs a year ago. Here are some of the chickens that work to produce my order. I place my order and the next day the eggs are retrieved from the hen house and brought to me. I’ve never been into chickens, but I think the black Cochin chicken is beautiful. My grandparents had chickens on their farmette, but they where just your regular chickens that laid white eggs.
If I could withstand the smell and cleanup, I might invest in a few of these beauties. Okay, that thought didn’t last long. I’ll just continue to purchase them when I need them. What do you think about my colorful eggs? Do you have chickens? If so, what kind.
Happy Easter!
Aimee’s Babies – First Year Milestone DVD Review
March 26, 2013 by
I was approached by Aimee’s Babies, a child development company, to review their First Year Milestones DVD. I was excited and accepted their offer. The first thing that I noticed when I opened the package was that the cover didn’t have any children of color on it. My initial thought, this company has limited potential buyers. There is absolutely nothing on this DVD cover that would make a women of color stop and take notice. My next thought, would it have ethnic babies in the video. People are drawn to products that they can relate to.
I decided to keep an open mind and see what the video was about. The DVD is broken down by chapters. It focuses on various stages of development from the ages of newborn, 3 months, 6 – 9 months, and 12 months. Each stage focuses on the 5 senses, touch, smell, taste, sight and sound. The various stages teach you to understand reflexes, color, stimulation, balance, and social development. It was quite informative throughout all 4 stages.
Lets start with newborns – It teaches the importance of music. It was nice to know that it could be any type of music and not necessarily Mozart. It also stated that babies see things in black and white up to 3 months. At that stage red becomes a great stimulus for baby. It stressed the importance of touching and massaging your baby, swaddling him or her, and allowing them to become familiar with your scent. The DVD encouraged mothers to alternate sides during feeding so the baby could be stimulated from different directions.
The DVD moved on to 3 months – The focus was the same, the senses, tummy time, stimulation, and balance. At this stage the importance of talking to your baby, using wrist and ankle rattles, and implementing at least 20 minutes of tummy time per day was stressed. Using mirrors was also emphasized. The DVD demonstrated an exercise that I would never try. It required the mom to place their sitting baby in a large blanket while she swings it from side to side. The exercise was for helping the with baby’s balance. I personally wouldn’t try it and neither would I suggest it. I was quite surprised that someone would be encouraged to try it.
At 6 – 9 months, the baby’s weight should practically double. They should be able to see more colors, notice themselves more, crawl or move around while holding on to things. It still focused on the senses and stimulation.
The DVD moved on to the 12 month stage. Here babies were pulling themselves up, crawling, climbing stairs, walking and in jump ups. The DVD encouraged moms to allow their babies to walk bare foot, use soft sole shoes or grip socks. It stated that babies could start walking between 12 and 18 months.
My opinion after reviewing the DVD, it contained detailed, educational material with everyday moms and their babies at various stages. No Hollywood glamor or glitter. It wasn’t overly long and it keep my attention. I think it would be a great baby shower gift for a new mother. Would I buy the DVD for $16.00 plus $4.00 shipping. No, I think there are better products on the market for $20.00. Would I buy it for less, possibly, and I’m not talking about $19.99.
For ethnic mothers or mothers to be, there are no mothers or babies of color featured in the DVD. There is an African American father at the newborn stage with his baby. It seems than an entire segment of consumers were missed when this video was made and marketed. If you have no issue with this fact, I recommend that you check it out. If you don’t believe that you can relate to the DVD, I recommend that you check out Aimee’s Babies site. They have other DVDs, an adorable onesie and other products that may be of interest.
Note: This review is my opinion and my opinion only. I received a copy of the DVD for review; however, no additional compensation was received.
Blue Ivy Carter Pictures
March 9, 2013 by
photo courtesy of New York Daily News
Wow, does Blue Ivy Carter look like her dad or what? I see little resemblance to her mom. She has Jay-Z’s eyes, mouth and the shape of his face. The most famous celebrity baby turned 1 in January. Rumor has it that mom and dad celebrated her birthday with family and friends. The theme was Princess. Mother 2 Mother searched for pictures, but we were unable to locate any. I admire Beyonce & Jay-Z for wanting to keep family moments private. They’re demonstrating how they raise their daughter is their business and they’re doing a great job. They’re also proving that it’s important to keep your circle small and keep only trusted people in your circle. That will eliminate photo leaks from those seeking to make a few dollars off their daughter.
Unfortunately, being a celebrity brings difficult times for those wishing to live a private life when they’re off the stage or screen. I’ve seen negative comments on how much they spent on the birthday party and how ridiculous it is that they gave their daughter an $80,000 diamond encrusted barbie. Mother 2 Mother doesn’t know if that is a rumor or fact, but it must be difficult to have the public determine what should be spent or not spent on your child. Hopefully Mrs. Carter has tough skin, and she will be able to endure such judgement.
Veggie Tales Give Away
March 8, 2013 by
As Easter approaches, VeggieTales: The Little House That Stood is the perfect title to celebrate the holiday with! The Wise and Foolish Builders meet The Three Little Pigs In a hilarious veggie parable, featuring Bob, Larry, Junior Asparagus, The French Peas, Madame Blueberry and others. When
the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses,
they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with
hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation –
following the wise plans from the “Master Builder’s Handbook!” Will the Little
Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses – and
their lives – on solid ground? Find out in this parable the shows kids when
they follow God’s blueprints, they can stand strong when the storms come!
the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses,
they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with
hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation –
following the wise plans from the “Master Builder’s Handbook!” Will the Little
Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses – and
their lives – on solid ground? Find out in this parable the shows kids when
they follow God’s blueprints, they can stand strong when the storms come!
PLUS!
Ever wonder what happened before Humpty cracked? Find out in this very Veggie
retelling of the classic Humpty Dumpty story “The Good Egg of Gooseville” where
we learn that a good neighbor always “lends a little hand” to those in
need!
Ever wonder what happened before Humpty cracked? Find out in this very Veggie
retelling of the classic Humpty Dumpty story “The Good Egg of Gooseville” where
we learn that a good neighbor always “lends a little hand” to those in
need!
The
DVD is available at all major retail outlets starting for
SRP $14.99.
DVD is available at all major retail outlets starting for
SRP $14.99.
You can win a copy of the Veggie Tales: The Little House That Stood. Just leave a comment on this post and tell us your favorite Veggie Tale character (required). Want extra entries:
Give away ends March 30, 2013. Give away is open to US residents 18+ only. Give away will be mailed directly from the sponsor. Enter daily to increase your chances.
Raising A Preemie
March 8, 2013 by
As you know, my Zarriah was born weighing 2lbs. 10 ozs. She spent the first 3 month of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Virginia Beach, VA. This is my preemie a year and half later. She’s walking, talking, eating everything in site and has proven herself to be one of my greatest blessings. I look back at the day she was born, Hurricane Irene was coming through. I nicknamed her “Storm”.
Her doctors say she’s doing fine. They see no problem with her eyesight. Her motor skills are fine, she sleeps through the night, she’s walking, and throws the normal tantrums for a toddler. She has a totally different personality from her brother. He’s loving and likes to cuddle, Zarriah prefers her independence. She likes to be held, but she doesn’t hang around long. She prefers to discover and climb over or under whatever is in sight, and is always up for a fight. Yep, she will fight. She fought for her life, and she continues to fight. Hopefully, she will grow out of this habit.
She has a huge appetite! I must say, she eats more than any child that I have ever seen. There’s times when I think she’s going to be sick, but it never happens. When she doesn’t want anymore, she will turn her head, spit it out or just stop eating if she’s feeding herself. Her grandfather and I took her to Golden Corral for dinner. She ate the biggest plate of mashed potatoes and gravy that I’ve ever seen. The people sitting next to us looked and looked. Finally, I spoke up and said she will eat until the bottom falls out. We engaged in further conversation, and found out that they too had a preemie who was at that time 10. She had caught up and grown into a beautiful young lady.
It is such a blessing to be able to write this post. I want to thank the nurses in the NICU at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach for their professional care. They were all excellent, and will be forever in our hearts and prayers. I remember the first time that I saw Zarriah. I truly believed that I would pass out. She was so tiny, in an incubator and wires everywhere. I broke out in a sweat. The nurses comforted me, and assured me that they were skilled and she would be fine. Zarriah has been back to visit the NICU on several occasions. We thought it was important for her to keep the connection with those who fought as hard as she did to save her life.
Are you raising a preemie or know someone who is? Have they caught up or did they remain small? Leave me a comment, I would love to connect with other raising preemies.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
March 2, 2013 by
Mother 2 Mother would like to pay tribute to 109 years of Dr. Suess. Yep, 109 years. I remember my first Dr. Suess book, Green Eggs and Ham. It still remains one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books. I read it to my daughter and now I’m reading to my grandchildren.
We hope Dr. Suess’ legacy will live on and on. What’s your and your children’s favorite Dr. Suess book?
