Sorry I’m so late announcing the winner from Geezee’s Custom Canvas but it’s been that type of week.

I received my print and I absolutely love it. Right now it’s sitting on a shelf in the office but I think I’m going to hang it in my bedroom. I just love it so much.

Anyway, before I announce the winner, I wanted to let you guys go that you have until December 8th at midnight in order to be guaranteed delivery by December 23rd. After that, it’s first come, first serve and rush fees apply.

The winner is Susan (gmail address) #51! Congratulations, Susan! (check your email!)

Thanks for playing, friends! And thanks, Stephanie for the fun giveaway!

Once again, I’m back talking about Vicks. Vicks approached me a few months ago about writing about VapoRub and how we use it in our day to day lives. Typically I turn these types of offers down, however, this products fits into our lives so perfectly and so often that it seemed silly to not only turn it down but to not share with you more info about Vicks.

First, I have to tell you that I have heard from so many of you about my recommendation to use Vicks on your kids’ legs when their little legs hurt in the middle of the night. I’m telling you, it works! (and did you know it’s now also available in lemon scent?) (although, it’s still very much smells like Vicks, there is a nice subtle lemon scent to it.)

I’m excited to be able to do a giveaway today courtesy of Vicks, it’s an easy one!

One lucky winner will receive DayQuil, NyQuil and VapoRub and your choice of one of the following products:

(a germ-free humidifer, a comfort-flex thermometer or VapoDrops (Vicks cough drop line)

What do you have to do? Head on over to the Vicks Facebook page and like em’. That’s it! Come back here and tell me you’re a fan! Already a fan? Tell me how you use VapoRub or what your favorite Vicks product is.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada and will remain open until Wednesday, June 8th at 9pm CST. Winner will be chosen randomly so please do not say “pick me” in the comments!

Thank you for entering and thanks to Vicks! GOOD LUCK!

Well, I guess when I say “news” I don’t actually mean CNN, I just mean, “In my head.”

I wanted to come here and talk to you guys about the point of my pregnancy I’m in but time is not allowing me to do that right now. But I did want to stop in and tell you a few other important things.

First:

If you live in Northwest Indiana (or the surrounding area, of course) I am hosting Father’s Day Mini Sessions on June 4th. The idea is that I’m taking Mom (You!) from behind the camera and photographing you with your kids  as a special gift to your husband for Father’s Day.

I am only scheduling six 30 minute sessions, only four remain. Also, I updated the design of my BFP blog, so head over and check it out. It looks extra pretty!

Second:

Remember my cute photography project June Afternoons? Well, since we’ve met and exceeded our goal for Team James and Jake, I’ve decided to begin donating to the victims of the floods and tornadoes that have affected so many in the United States this spring. If you head over, you’ll see that all proceeds from the sales from this shop go directly to just that. I believe I have found an organization where I can purchase baby food, diapers, canned goods, etc and ship directly to this organization and they will distribute, as needed. (still investigating) Any remaining funds will be donated to the American Red Cross. Please keep in mind that I do not receive any profit from this project, it’s something I’m doing so I can help. (for the March of Dimes, I was able to donate over $700 from this shop. This after the cost of listing, shipping, supplies and printing.)

Also, I just listed these postcards. I have two sets, in stock, ready to ship. Last time I had a set, I posted them on twitter and they sold in four minutes. So, I’m sharing with all of you first. (because you’re my favorites)

And finally, I’ve decided to give away a print from June Afternoons.

This print is an 8×10, a beautiful photo taken by THE Lisa Leonard. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Just head over to the shop and tell me, in the comments of this post, which print is your favorite. That’s it! I’ll choose the winner, randomly, tomorrow evening. Comments close on Tuesday, May 17th and the print will ship on Wednesday!

Tweeting or Facebooking about this giveway will earn you extra entries! Just leave the link in a separate comment, in order for that entry to count!

Good luck and happy browsing!

(please don’t say “pick me,” saying that will earn you a time out.)

I am in love with Tiny Prints. Their service, their product, the quality, the designers, the nice clean website and their super cute logo are all among the best I have ever seen.

So, when Tiny Prints approached me about doing a review of their Holiday cards, it didn’t take me long to say “yes.” In fact, I probably screamed and jumped up and down in excitement. And when I told Brian, he screamed and jumped up and down, too, because he loves free stuff. (and Tiny Prints.)

I went to their website to choose the cards of my dreams and I found so many that I couldn’t even make a decision.

Talk about a good problem to have.

I’m convinced they have a card for everyone – contemporary, vintage, whimsy; whatever your style, no doubt, they’ll have what you’re looking for – believe me, I’ve shopped while in many different moods and every time I thought “THIS IS IT, THIS IS OUR CARD.”

And the next day, I’d search again and find something new.

But I found it, THE CARD. I found it last night and I’m not going to show you because part of the fun Holiday cards is receiving it, right? But I’ll show you, soon.

In the meantime, I have 50 Holiday cards to give away to one lucky winner! Any card, it’s the winner’s choice! (how friendly is this giveaway?!)

What do you need to do to be entered?

First, head on over to Tiny Prints and check out their selection. Tell me which card you would love to send out. (I’ll pretend you sent it to me, k?) But don’t worry, if you win you can pick any Holiday card, no matter which one you told me about.

Second, do not say “pick me.”

Third, you can share the exciting details about this giveaway on your Facebook page, blog or your twitter account and leave the link in the comments! (up to four entries per person, please leave your links in separate comments in order for your entries to count.)

This giveaways ends tomorrow night (December 1) at 10:00pm CST. So, get busy! (open to US and Canada)

Good luck, friends. And thanks, Tiny Prints!

(I was not paid to do this review but was given free Holiday cards. Which is just as awesome.)

(some comments are under moderation, if you do not see your comment pop up right away, it will, I promise!)

The winner is Amy! Congrats, Amy.

And special thanks to Tracey!

This morning, as we pulled out of our driveway to head to school, the kids counted down to Christmas, wondered what we should do for Daddy’s Birthday (today!), talked about snow and commented on the Christmas music playing on the radio.

Noah, my six year old, leaned his head back on the seat and said “man, life is so awesome.”

I love that he realizes this because as adults, it’s so hard to take the time to honor life and all of the gifts it has to offer us, which is why I’m so excited about this giveaway.

You’ve probably heard of Tracey Clark, if not, here’s your formal introduction.

Friends, this is Tracey Clark, photographer extradordinaire.

Tracey Clark, meet my friends. (the friendliest faces on the internet, I do believe.)

Tracey has created a photography workshop titled “Picture the Holidays – 30 days of festive photography.”

In her words:

I am beyond excited to be starting this e-class on December 1st but I’m doubly excited to be able to give one of you the opportunity to join in on this amazing opportunity to try to soak in the holiday goodness while honing in on your photography skills.

The class runs from December 1 – 31st. For more information about Tracey and her e-class, click here. Tracey has offered numerous e-classes in the past and has received rave reviews from her alumni. I honestly can not wait to begin. Who will be joining me?

(and if this all wasn’t awesome enough, One lucky student will be randomly selected to win a coveted Epiphanie Camera Bag! I’m pretty sure I’ll be the winner, so don’t get too excited.)

What does one need to do in order to enter?

First, you need a camera, any camera will work!

Second, I need you to tell me what you do to treat yourself during the holidays. Is it a night out with friends sharing cookies & laughter? Dinner with your husband after shopping? Sitting by the tree sipping tea after the kids are in bed…spill it. I want to know!

Third, do not say “pick me.”

Fourth, share the exciting details about this giveaway on your Facebook page, blog or your twitter account and leave the link in the comments!

This giveaways ends tomorrow night (November 30th) at 10:00pm CST. So, get busy!

And good luck!

(some comments are under moderation, if you do not see your comment pop up right away, it will, I promise!)

Have you ever had one of those weekends where you started moving on Friday morning, bright and early, and you literally NEVER STOPPED until you fell until bed each night only to be awakened by a crying baby who wants to nurse and then you go back to sleep and wake up again to start your day all over again and then all of a sudden it’s Sunday night and you’re like “whoa, I’m tired and also, how did that happen?”

Yeah…that was my weekend.

My eyelids are heavy but I just must pick the winners, don’t you think?!  Special thanks to the amazing sponsors!  I’m pretty sure I’ll be hosting a giveaway day each month, so stayed tuned in September!

All winners were chosen using Random.org.

The winner of the Phillips Avent Electric Breast Pump is Tristina!  (comment #37)

The winner of  the LIFETIME membership to Clickin’ Moms (a $195.00 value) is Julie from Inmates!  (comment #141)

The winner of the Lands’ End Backpack is Mel (no blog-gmail email address)! (comment #138)

The winner of the $50 gift certificate to Studio Jewel is Jessica! (comment #111)

and the winner of the Matilda Jane giveaway is Cathy (gmail email address)! (comment #58)

Congrats, winners!  You will receive an email from me within 24 hours.

And this is something really special.  My friend, Love, recently turned me onto the clothing line at Matilda Jane.  I have to say that I love just about everything they have.  Matilda Jane is unique in that you can not walk into a store and purchase it and it’s also not styled like anything you would find in a store.  All of their pieces are super cute, modest clothing for girls (and woman and some boys clothes, too!)

I am a fan.  Here’s Anna in her Matilda Jane.

and more Matilda Jane Eye Candy:

I feel so lucky to be able to giveaway a limited addition art fair dress with matching pants to one lucky reader!  (retail value $90.00)  The quality of these items are sincerely fantastic.  The shirt that Anna is wearing underneath her dress feels like silk and washes like a dream.

You have to admit, these products are SO CUTE.

How does one enter to win?

1.  Head on over to the Matilda Jane website and lust over their amazing products.  Come back here and tell me your favorite item!

2.  Do not say “PICK ME” because that is so annoying.

3.  Tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway and leave each individual link in the comments.  Four ways to win!

PLEASE NOTE – Many comments go under moderation.  If you do not see your comment show up immediately, IT’S OKAY.  It will show up or my name isn’t Charles Barkley.  I have no idea what that means.   Just trust me.

Good luck!

US residents only.  One winner will be chosen randomly.  The comments for this post will close on Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm CST.

See the rest of my giveaways here!

Hi friends!  You know I could do a day of giveaways without something from Etsy, right?

Today I am featuring one of my fabulous sponsors.  She’s uber-talented and super sweet.

Lisa is offering a $50 gift certificate towards her shop!

Can you imagine being able to create such beauty?  I can’t.  The last time I tried to make jewelry it was out of tin foil with a matching tiara.  It was cute but then again, I was six.

I feel so honored to be able to give away a gift certificate to one very lucky person!

How does one enter to win?

1.  Head over to Lisa’s shop and check out her inventory.  Come back and tell me what you would pick out if you could pick ANYTHING!

2.  Do not say “PICK ME” because that is so annoying.

3.  Tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway and leave each individual link in the comments.  Four ways to win!

PLEASE NOTE – Many comments go under moderation.  If you do not see your comment show up immediately, IT’S OKAY.  It will show up or my name isn’t James Earl Jones.  I have no idea what that means.   Just trust me, m’kay?

Good luck!

Open to US residents only.  One winner will be chosen randomly.  The comments for this post will close on Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm CST.

See the rest of my giveaways here!

I can’t decide if I’m saying this with excitement or dread…

IT’S ALMOST BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!

Okay, maybe it’s both, a little bowl of excitement with a sprinkling of dread with a big fat dollar sign on top.

I’ve decided that I would like school if we could send our kids from 11-4, yes, that would be perfect.  None of this early stuff.

I have a feeling that will never go my way but something that will go my way are character-free backpacks.  I honestly love character-free anything but backpacks with a simple print on them have a special place in my heart.

This year, my kids are getting their backpacks from Lands’ End.  They picked them out online and are super excited to receive them.  I can always count on QUALITY when purchased from Lands’ End.  I love that.

Today I am giving away one Lands’ End child’s backpack (up to a $50 value) to one very lucky winner!

How does one enter to win?

1.  Leave a comment telling me something you really LOVE or really DISLIKE about Back to School.

2.  Do not say “PICK ME” because that is so annoying.

3.  Tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway and leave each individual link in the comments.  Four ways to win!

PLEASE NOTE – Many comments go under moderation.  If you do not see your comment show up immediately, IT’S OKAY.  It will show up or my name isn’t Kenny Rogers.  I have no idea what that means.   Just trust me, yo.

Good luck!

One winner will be chosen randomly.  The comments for this post will close on Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm CST.

See the rest of my giveaways here!

But I am thankful for the perks.  Let’s celebrate World Breastfeeding Week!

Last week I received a package from Philips Avent, it was a Double Electric Breast Pump.  Now, I am no stranger to breast pumps, with Anna and Noah I used hospital grade pumps.  With Eli I used one manual brand (hated it) and then purchased a more costly, but (apparently) not top of the line double electric breast pump that was just not strong enough.

Then my friend, Sarah, came to my rescue and let me borrow her Medela Pump in Style.  Man, that pump is great.

So, when Philips Avent approached me about sending me a pump, I said yes, but I was skeptical.  What could be better than the Pump in Style?

I used the new pump for the first time last night and I can honestly say that I am impressed.  I pumped just as much as what I pump with the PIS.  (I pump at the same time every night.)   This pump comes with a discreet (although somewhat large) pumping bag, tons of accessories, coolers, bottles and nipples.  (all BPA free)

What do I extra love about this pump?  A few things.  First, it’s quiet.  (even quieter than the Medela.)  It’s unbelievably comfortable!  You control the speed, rhythm and comfort level at your fingertips, which means you can instantly and easily make adjustments without awkward reaching.  You can even set the rhythm to mimic your own baby’s suckling action.  (seriously, this is like no other, it’s really cool.)

If your power goes out, this pump can also be used manually and can be used as a single electronic breast pump.

I hate to say what I don’t love about it because I’m just not used to it, yet, but there are a lot of parts.  and a lot of tubing and detaching and reattaching.  Other than that, though.  It’s comfortable, sleek, quiet and it ACTUALLY works.

And I get to give a pump away to one of my readers!  (retail value $259.99) One lucky reader will receive the Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump and a box of nursing pads (which are AWESOME.)

How does one enter to win?

1.  Leave a comment telling me something about babies or breastfeeding.  It’s doesn’t have to be your personal story, it can be your vision of what you’d like to do when you become a parent, it can be what you love about nursing or a struggle you’ve had.  Share here!

2.  Do not say “PICK ME” because that is so annoying.

3.  Tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway and leave each individual link in the comments.  Four ways to win!

PLEASE NOTE – Many comments go under moderation.  If you do not see your comment show up immediately, IT’S OKAY.  It will show up or my name isn’t Abe Lincoln.  I have no idea what that means.   Just trust me, lovers.

Good luck!

Open to US residents only.  (sorry.)  One winner will be chosen randomly.  The comments for this post will close on Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm CST.