The Knit Wit By Shair: 12/1/10

December 31, 2010

New Years Resolutions 2011

When it comes to New Year's Resolutions I am not one of those people who says I will do ______ every day for a year! I just realize that I am setting myself up for to miss a day, and then feel like I have failed. So what I like to do is make up a list of things I want to get done this year. If I don't get them all done, they will be just moved to next year! Some are small, silly, easy, and some are longer term bigger items.

So here is my list for this year.

get 500 gfc followers (it was 300 but I made the goal so now I upped it!!)
get caught up on DS#1s scrapbook
get caught up on DS#2s scrapbook
get caught up on DS#3s scrapbook
get 2000 twitter followers (1310 - Dec. 31/2010)
get 1000 fb fans (453 - Dec. 31/2010)
get 10 sales on etsy (1 - Dec. 31/2010)
have 50 items for sale in etsy shop (10 - Dec. 31/2010)
have 100 items for sale in etsy shop (10 - Dec. 31/2010)
earn set amount of $ for 2011
write boogie wipes review
write sportline review
Read Queen Latifah Book (started)
Write Queen Latifah Book review
Read Nativity book
Write Nativity book review
blog about earning $ online - swagbucks
blog about earning $ online - hotspex
blog about earning $ online - crowdcloud
blog about earning $ online - globaltestmarket
blog about earning $ online - survey savvy
blog about earning $ online - pay4click
blog about earning $ online - sponsored ads
blog about earning $ online - mylikes
blog everyday for 2011
Meet step goal for year: 3,650,000
declutter our room
declutter boys room
declutter baby room
declutter craft shelves
declutter office area
declutter storage room
write review: limited190
write review: eyeQ
write review: CSN stores
write review: kitchen aid mixer
write review: sony tv
write review nintendo wii
write review wii fit
write review super mario bros
write review mickey game
write review diego great dino rescue
write review scentsy warmer
write review discovery toys motorworks
write review samco richmond hill
write review tetris party deluxe
write review weller photography
write review picture weavers
write review the boy store
work on will
get family passports

Blog Dare on Bloggy Mommies

I've wrote a post about this more tomorrow, but I hadn't officially joined until just now.

I have joined the Blog Dare on Bloggy Mommies. What is this you ask?? It is a Dare to blog every day in 2011. I have been lax on blogging lately b/c I have been scheduling some posts for 2011. I have been writing some more personal types of posts, and scheduling interviews, and that sort of thing.

I have made up a schedule for myself of what types of blogs I will do on what day. I dare you to join in!! You will find the button under my sponsors on the left side bar all year.

You may ask why do this? Well I have some goals of growing my blog and I think this is a good way of doing that. I am welcoming all the brave Blog Dare souls to my blog as well!!

If you would like to be interviewed for my blog features either as a blogger or as a shop/business owner, please email me. You can either use the email button or here is the email address to use: theknitwitbyshair at hotmail dot com.

I am also always interested in any giveaway you have open to Canadians. I will enter them and post them, so either comment, or email me at the same email address!!

December 30, 2010

December 30th Giveaways I've found

I am always looking for some giveaways that are open to Canadians, so please send me any giveaways that are open to Canadians to enter and I will enter and post. Also if you have a giveaway open to US only, but has extremely low entries let me know and I can post too: theknitwitbyshair at hotmail dot com

Here are some I've found for you to enter:
1. Chocolate Giveaway - who doesn't love chocolate??
2. Pawparrazi - Ok I have boys, so I am not too sure about this one, but I am sure you Mom's of girls know all about these pets you can dress up :) I have some friends I am sure I could gift this too.
3. Cool Gear Win an item from cool gear!

December 29, 2010

Thursday Blog Hop

I haven't done a lot of blog hopping lately, and my numbers on my blog are very telling of such facts. So I decided to join one on a blog I visit a lot: Bass Giraffe's.

Thank you all for stopping by, leave a comment if you are a new follower, and I will follow back.

December 22, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - Some things I've Made

December 21, 2010

BookSneeze Book: Living with Confidence Book Review

Ok so I've had this book a crazy long time, but never finished it.

I found this book had a lot of statistics, and numbers. It was really hard for me to get into and get interested in. It really is not the kind of book I enjoy.

I found the subject matter interesting, and something we could all use in these days and times....but the dry way it is presented isn't something that holds my attention.

In all fairness, I am the type of person who likes a lot of stories, and examples, not numbers and stats. I also know a lot of people would love this type of book, and would really enjoy it.

I feel really guilty for not reading it all the way thru as I always try to push through a book no matter what, but I would find I couldn't get into it and would have to read the same paragraph over again b/c my mind would wonder off.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for review purposes from www.booksneeze.com, and was not paid. The opinions expressed above are my own.

Giveaways to enter

So my darling friend Stephanie from Ten Talents is stepping back from her blog. This is sad for me, as I will miss her, but I am willing to post any giveaways that you may have that are low-entry and open to Canadians! If you are super desperate for US only ones please let me know, and I can always post those too :)

Be sure to enter my giveaway for icaughtsata. You can find it on my fan page or here: icaughtsanta.com giveaway - 3 winners

1. Banana Guard - protects your bananas so they don't get mushed! I know this would be great for DS#1! Can/Us, Dec. 30

2. Colgate Toothpaste - Who couldn't use free toothpaste??

December 20, 2010

ICaughtSanta Review and QUICKIE Giveaway

Sponsored by Tomoson.com I was given the opportunity to try out the "Catch a Character" I Caught Santa Site.

They have all different characters that you can "catch" in your house, to surprise, delight and prolong the joy of childhood belief in your child.

They have: Santa, The Tooth Fairy, Cupid, and the Easter Bunny. You can even get a bundle package for all 4 characters for $10 more than just one. I have been given a 25% discount to share with all of you! Just enter: KNIT-WIT

All you do is take a picture of your house, wherever you want to "catch Santa" and then upload it to their website. You can flip santa around, resize, adjust his brightness, pick all kinds of poses, whatever works best for your picture!

When it comes to manipulating photos, I am really unsavvy! It really needs to be quite simple for me to be able to make it look believable. I was able to do it very easily with their software! My hubby adjusted a little, but that's because he likes different poses, and he wanted to play around with it more.

After you are all finished and check out, you can even watch a movie of it, and send a link to family/friends!

I think our pic looks awesome, and my 4yo is going to go crazy for it!

I don't want them to see it before Christmas so I am going to put it down a little bit LOL.....

Buy it here: http://www.icaughtsanta.com/
Or you can Win it on my facebook page or here:

Since this a quick giveaway only 2 entries per person:

1. Tell me who you would want this for.

2. GFC follow my blog

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Giveaways today

Here are the giveaways I have found today:

1. Tie Buddies - Belly Charms blog has a very low-entry giveaway that ends today, for tie buddies. I've seen these around but haven't tried them yet.

2. Blog Makeover - Enter to win a blog Makeover, by the same lady who did my blog design!

3. iCaughtSanta Photo - I won this for my boys already, but it is super easy to do, and your kids will flip to see Santa in their house!!

December 17, 2010

Blog Giveaways I found:

Here's ones I entered:

1. Urban Riot T-shirt - Who couldn't win a t-shirt for a man in their life?

December 15, 2010

All I want for Christmas Winners Post!!

My Dandelion Wishes: Winner is #23: orangefukurou! Congrats!
Avon With Farah: Winner is #5: Glogirl! Congrats!
The Knit Wit by Shair: Winner is #38: Laura! Congrats!
EcoMom: Winner is #59: Avery! Congrats!
MarleyJane: Winner is #11: Glogirl! Congrats!

Congrats to all the winners!! I will be emailing you shortly, and you will have 48 hours to respond, before I draw another winner :)

Thanks, and be sure to enter the other giveaways on the other blogs while you still have a chance!

December 14, 2010

Giveaways I found

Make sure you enter all my giveaways ending tomorrow at noon EST!

1. Kraft Simple Salads - 5 winners - Can only - who couldn't use free Kraft Salads??

2. H&S Candies - US & Canada - Chocolate giveaway

3. Talk Around the Table Game - US & Canada - Family Talking Game

Kindercare Offers Boredom Busters for Winter Fun

(shhh...these are educational, too! :) )

Tips and Ideas to Keep Kids Busy this Winter!
As the days get shorter and weather turns colder, parents are often faced with more out-of-school time and the age-old question, "What can we do?" from children. Now, parents can look to KinderCare Learning Centers, a leading provider of early childhood education, for engaging and age-appropriate activities for their kids to enjoy over the winter months, including KinderCare Winter Science Camp, reading resources and other ideas that are great boredom-busters! KinderCare offers the following ideas for "weathering the winter season" with your children.

KinderCare Winter Science Camp:
The secret's about to get out: science is a blast! At the end of December, 1600 KinderCare Learning Centers across the U.S. transform into Winter Science Camps that give preschoolers through school-agers a chance to unlock the mysteries of the natural world. Split into eight 1-day segments to better meet the needs of busy families staying in town for the holidays, Winter Science Camp uses age-appropriate activities and a lively, hands-on approach to get kids excited about what they're learning. From fish to flowers, from robots to recycling-each center's camp covers chemistry, earth science, and physics. Among many activities, younger campers will get to be "science detectives," solving a series of science mysteries by using touch, smell and hearing. Meanwhile, school-aged kids will be busy experimenting with colored dyes, creating everything from paper to volcanic eruptions, building balloon rockets, and more. Kids can attend all eight days of camp, or drop in for a day or more. For more information about how KinderCare Winter Science Camp makes science as fun as it is smart, visit http://www.KinderCare.com/wintersciencecamp.

Winter Reading:
There is nothing better than snuggling up with your child and a good book. Reading to a child on a regular basis is by far the best way to encourage a budding reader. From the earliest ages, parents are encouraged to begin a reading routine with their children. Building on its robust literacy curriculum and teaching expertise, KinderCare is now providing parents with a comprehensive reading guide (available at http://www2.kindercare.com/uploadedFiles/Documents/a_guide_to_reading_to_your_child.pdf) that incorporates tips on reading to infants, toddlers and preschoolers as well as recommended age-appropriate book titles. Some tips include:

o You can help cultivate baby's interest in books by choosing ones that capture his or her attention such as board books, pop-up books, etc. Your child will want to see these again and again.

o While reading together, ask questions about the pictures. Children are delighted in finding objects on the page. If they're saying 'da' and pointing at the dog, say, 'Yes, that's the dog,' If the child says 'ball,' follow up with, 'That's a blue ball.' You'll be giving them additional language for their verbal bank.

o Ask your child open-ended questions about the story you are reading, such as "Why do you think that happened?"

Play Time
The colder weather outdoors offers a good excuse for good old-fashioned indoor play time. Play is the natural work of children and essential to learning. Through play, children develop social skills, the ability to solve problems and the courage to express their ideas. The following are some quick tips for educational and fun family playtime:

o For infants, playing peek-a-boo will help baby recognize your voice.

o To help infants and toddlers develop fine motor skills, provide a variety of soft, easy-to-grasp toys, such as soft blocks or plush toys.

o Blow bubbles with your child and watch them have a blast as they chase and catch the bubbles - both reinforce motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

About KinderCare

With more than 1,600 centers located in 39 states and the District of Columbia, KinderCare Learning Centers, an accredited early childhood provider, offer a range of educational programs and after-school care for infants as young as six weeks old to school-aged children through age 12. For more information, visit http://www.kindercare.com./

Disclosure: Please note that I received a gift card to post these tips.

December 13, 2010

DRIA Cover Inc Review

So today I would love to tell you about a new company that found me: Nursing Cover

If you know me at all, you know I am all about items that can be used for more than 1 purpose, and are a good value for the money.

I also am the type of person who loves nursing gear, as it is where I am at currently in my life. So I've been trying out all kinds of different ones lately.

The beauty of the Dria Nursing cover is it's not just a nursing cover, although it is certainly big enough to cover everything you want covered when you are nursing your baby.

The Dria cover also makes a wonderful maternity poncho. When you are pregnant it seems like nothing fits towards the end, and you feel unstylish and frumpy! With this cover you can wear this as a maternity poncho, they have many different patterns and styles to suit all tastes, plus it covers up the unfitting clothes underneath! What more could a Mama-to-be want?

So it’s double use right? WRONG, my friends! It is triple use! You can use it as a cover for your infant carrier too. I know when I used infant carriers I would want to cover the baby from the sun or dizzly rain, and would put a blanket over them. But if I tried to peek in, sun would get in their eyes (or rain), and voila, big eyes would look at me, and there would be no getting that baby back to sleep. This has a hole in it great for tiny sliver peeks!

The price is very comparible to other nursing covers, and this has much more uses! I wish I had come across this previously, I know I would have one, for sure.
You can pick one up from Amazon.com or from their website. Also be sure to check them out on Twitter and Facebook.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored ad, but I do not endorse products I don't believe in, and all opinions are my own.

All I want for Christmas Dec 13 giveaways

Only 2 days left to enter the giveaways from our event!! Remember there are some that are super low-entries, and you can always save them for gifts for the future ;)
Some of the ones I am posting here today I found over at 10 Telants Low-Entry Linky (She is part of our Christmas Event so I am sure you all know her blog very well ;) ).

1. Crayola Giveaway - There are 4 prizes to choose from! What kid doesn't love Crayola?

2. Biggest Loser Dessert Cookbook - Super easy entry, and only 3 entries so far. I don't need to lose weight, but I think this would be good for me anyways b/c I have a sugar allergy and need to keep my sugar intake low.

3. Boogie Wipes - it's cold season, who couldn't use boogie wipes??

4. Dr. Oetker Products - CAN only. Who coudn't use a little help in the grocery dept?

5. Gaddy Nipper Crayons - Another Gaddy Nipper Crayons giveaway for you.

December 10, 2010

Blog Giveaways

Check out these giveaways:

Gaddy Nipper Crayons - I am so happy that Gaddy Nipper is back!! Here is a giveaway for ladybug crayons from Gaddy Nipper.

Pull over bib - This is a personalized quilt bib. I love having bibs on hand for shower gifts or just for my baby :)

December 9, 2010

All I want for Christmas: Giveaways around Blogosphere

Check out our giveaways on the right side bar, perfect for gifting. Also here are some others I have found:

Smart Seat Chair Cover - This is a seat cover for your dining room chair. I think this would be great for my MILs house so that the boys didn't stain her really nice chairs.

Avon Giveaway - US only - here's a avon giveaway for the US fans it's low-entries

Play-doh and Elmo together at last - What kid doesn't love play-doh or elmo? Well here is a playdoh set with elmo on it!

Magic Cabin Toy Kitchen Appliances - My son would love these, seriously. 3 items to 1 winner

December 8, 2010

All I Want for Christmas - Giveaways on other blogs

Check out my giveaways on the sidebar, and don't forget to check the linky page:

1. Stella and Dots giveaway - Little girl necklaces

December 7, 2010

All I want for Christmas giveaways on other blogs

Check out my giveaways on the side bar, and the other ones from our blog event!!

These gieaways are ones I have entered or found around the blogosphere, and if I say low-entries that means under 100 entraints. They are also open to Canadian entraints unless otherwise specified (thinking if I find a super low-entry US only one I might post so you can all find it too).

If you have giveaways that are open to Canadians you would like me to know about please email/tweet/or comment and let me know. You can also post/enter giveaways on my giveaway linky page, you will find the tab at the top of the blog.

Another Zibits Giveaway - I have boys, can you tell?? LOL here is a low-entry giveaway for Zibits, these are aimed at boys aged 6-14. If I win one I would give it to my 4yo but Daddy and him can play together.

Cash Giveaway and Money Making Opp - this isn't your typical blog giveaway, but it is great for bloggers looking for a way to make money through their blog and also be entered to win cash!! This is legit as I know Bree Bree and she is in PR

Scholastic Kids Cooking Book - Low Entries - This is Canada only, and who doesn't love Scholastic books for their kids? I love cook books for kids.

December 6, 2010

All I want for Christmas is to win giveaways

Please look at my right side bar while you are here and enter my giveaways. All are low-entries!!

1. Playskool Alphie - This one is for Canadians only, and my DS wants this really bad. I so hope I win!!! LOL

2. Fill your plane and get a chance to win $25,000 to travel. http://bit.ly/i7xl1Y - Not a blog giveaway, but still a cool giveaway. CAN only

3. Secret Insider tips on how to save money book - Who couldn't use tips/tricks and ways to save money? This blog actually has a lot of great ways to make/save money.

4. Mom vs. the boys - She has a bunch of giveaways open, some just Canadian, some US/Can.

December 4, 2010

All I want for Christmas Blog Event - Our Traditions

My hubby and I have been married for 7 1/2 years, but we have been together 16 years so far. Over the years our Christmas traditions have kind of evolved as our lives have changed.

The last few years our Christmas Holiday has looked like this:

Get up Christmas Morning, drive 1 1/2 hours to have breakfast with my ILs. We all have our part and make breakfast together.

Next, we open the stockings, followed by the Christmas presents. We turn on the yule log program on TV, which is really nice since we don't open the presents near the fire place.

I have always loved how my ILs do the opening of the presents, although as a kid I always liked the chaos of our family better haha! So what we do at my ILs is we all sit and a circle with our coffees/teas, and then my FIL hands out the presents starting with the person beside him first. I am no dummy, every year I sit right beside him, on the other side of him is the tree :) So I always get the first present LOL I have established my spot now, so everyone knows that is my spot. I am always the most excited, although I think this year my Jack has me beat.

After we open presents there, we got to my Mom's house. Back in the day we used to do a nice lunch, but hubby and I were just spending the day trying to eat food at everyone's houses and feeling guilty for not eating much. So my Mom started having just a little buffet with 1 dish each of us has requested each year. So it can be a little odd of a combo like: ham, pizza, shrimp, pickles LOL But I enjoy it and I can pick a little as I am hungry during opening presents.

As our time is a little cramped we kind of open all the presents overlapping, so it's a little chaotic, but fun.

After we leave there, we go back to my ILs house for Turkey Dinner, and relaxing for a few minutes. lol

Then when all the eating and visiting is done, we pack up all the kids and presents and head home. We then open our presents to each other here, and our at home stockings. We have found that by thi time though our boys are pretty Christmased out. When we do get them into it, they are then too hyper for bed, but it's been a long day and way past their bedtime.

So we are going to getting up early Christmas Day and do the presents first and then head to visit the families. When we leave our from visiting the boys will sleep in the car on the way home and then we can put them in their beds. This will help us in organizing and putting things away. We also like to set up all their new toys in the basement so when they get up the next day they can go play. That was a huge hit last year.

We usually try to go Boxing Day shopping too. Not sure how that will go with 3 boys, though LOL

What do you do on Christmas Day?

Also while your here, don't forget to enter our giveaways, you can find all the links on my right side bar!

December 3, 2010

All I want for Christmas is MarleyJanedotcom Jewellry

A few months ago I won a giveaway on Take a Moms Word For It's Blog, for a jewellery piece of my choice from a cute shop called Marley Jane.

When I looked through I found one a necklace that reminded me of an Irish ring I had when I was younger. I loved that ring and wore it always, well it got stuck on my finger, and I had to go into Toronto Sick Kids Hospital for a surgery and had to get the ring off. My Dad felt horrible as he cut off my ring, but I knew it was a necessary evil, but I still cried while he did it. Poor Dad.

Here's my necklace:

So as soon as I saw the necklace that was my choice. When it arrived I pulled it right out, and checked it out. It was very sturdy and super cute! I love it so much.

When I talked to Jennifer, we discussed doing a giveaway for my Christmas event and she jumped right on board!

I know you will love her pieces, as there is a wide variety. Here are a few of my favs:

She even has gift certificates, for a great gift! Jewellry can be so personal so that is a great option too!

BUY IT: Go to her shop and pick up yourself something or something for a Christmas gift.

WIN IT: Now you can enter to win a choice of any piece of jewellry from her shop! That is worth winning!
MANDATORY ENTRY: This must be done for any other entries to count. Please leave your email address with each entry so I can easily contact you. Be sure to put 1 comment per entry.

Check out her shop, and tell me what your favourite item is.

BONUS ENTRIES: To qualify for extra entries you MUST complete the MANDATORY entry and please leave a separate comment for each entry.

1 Entry: Heart her shop on etsy - leave your user name
1 Entry: Follow her on Twitter
1 Entry: Like her on FB
1 Entry: Send the word "newsletter" to sales [!at] marleyjane.com
1 Entry: Tweet about this giveaway:
All I want for Christmas is a beautiful piece of jewellry so I entered to win at: http://bit.ly/dybvPT @marleyjanecom @knitwitshair #giveaway
1 Entry: Blog about this giveaway from MarleyJane and My Site on your blog with a link to this giveaway
1 Entry: Follow Me on Networked Blogs on the sidebar.
1 Entry: Update your Facebook status notifying your connections of this giveaway (link @the knit wit @MarleyJanedotcom if you liked us)
1 Entry Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other Giveaways or Any from the All I want for Christmas Event, and earn another entry.
1 Entry: GFC follower of my blog
1 Entry per follow: GFC follower either 2 Children and a Migraine or 10 Talents blog

Good Luck! This giveaway is open to Canada & USA only. Giveaway ends on Dec. 15 2010, 12:00pm.

Disclaimer: Please note that I purchased 1 necklace on my own, and no payment was received. The opinons are my own.

All I want for Christmas is to win a giveaway from EcoMom

For my Back-to-School event I was able to do a review and giveaway from EcoMom for some of their food, and at that time my baby hadn't tried it. Since then he has started eating it, and he loves their baby food!!

EcoMom and I have decided to work together again, since it was so much fun last time.

So we are doing a giveaway for this cool toy for your kids:

They offered to do a review with me, but I wanted to ensure you all got a chance to win this as part of the Christmas event so I haven't tried it. But here is the info from the site:

MobileHome is blue outside and red inside.

Easy to insall. Easy to carry.
8 secret rooms, stair openings and spy holes, and an attic for storage.
Suitable for Knights, Pirates and Princesses.
For the road, for a sleepover, for a day in the park, at home or on vacation.
Easy to assemble for hours of play.
Easy to store; it folds down flat in it’s box.
It’s made of 100% recycled cardboard, 100% biodegradable.
No supplies or tools needed for set up.
Expads to a lightweight dollhouse 8.75W x 14D x 18H
Recommended for 3 years and up.

Why We Like This
Great as a dollhouse, playhouse, storage chest, imaginary play castle, mobile play room...you get the idea. The design is non-offensive and fits in with most decor, so no matter where it ends up, it'll be a neat addition rather than an eyesore.

What I like is, that I like items that you need to use your imagination for. I think there are too many toys these days that are electronic and the kids are more passive with. I think this is a great idea for getting their brains going. Also I love that it is lightweight and you can pack it up to take places. We go visiting to our families, and although they all have toys it is nice to bring 1 or 2 of my boys own things in case the kids start fighting over toys I can take mine aside and give them their own toys and keep an eye on them.

BUY IT: Check it out here: https://store.ecomom.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HIP-MOBILEHOME-BLUE - it's only $29.99!

WIN IT:

Now you can enter to win this handy fun toy!

MANDATORY ENTRY: This must be done for any other entries to count. Please leave your email address with each entry so I can easily contact you. Be sure to put 1 comment per entry.

Check out EcoMom, and tell me what your favourite item is.
BONUS ENTRIES: To qualify for extra entries you MUST complete the MANDATORY entry and please leave a separate comment for each entry.

1 Entry per day: Tweet about this giveaway:
All I want for Christmas is a toy from EcoMom so I entered to win at: http://bit.ly/dybvPT @knitwitshair #giveaway
1 Entry: Blog about this giveaway from EcoMom and The Knit Wit by Shair on your blog with a link to this giveaway
1 Entry: Follow Me on Networked Blogs on the sidebar.
1 Entry: "Like" The Knit Wit on Facebook on the sidebar (please leave me you FB name to verify your entry).
1 Entry: Follow Me on Twitter on sidebar
1 Entry: Update your Facebook status notifying your conncections of this giveaway (link @the knit wit @EcoMom)
1 Entry: Post my button on your blog (let me know where I can find it).
1 Entry Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other Giveaways or Any from the All I want for Christmas Event, and earn another entry.
1 Entry per follow: GFC follower either 2 Children and a Migraine or 10 Talents blog

Good Luck! This giveaway is open to Canada & USA only. Giveaway ends on Dec. 15 2010, 12:00pm.

Disclaimer: Please note that I purchased 1 necklace on my own, and no payment was received. The opinons are my own.

December 2, 2010

All I want for Christmas is to enter giveaways

Please check out all the giveaways listed on my sidebar! Currently there are very low-entries, or no entries!!
Now on to others I have found:

1. I Caught Santa - 10 winners! - You win a code for a free I caught santa photo. You can take a pic of your house and easily insert Santa into your photo to show the kiddies proof Santa came!

2. Cloth Craft Labels - If you are a crafter than these cloth labels would be a cool win!

3. Bummkins Diaper Bag - Ok who doesn't love diaper bags??

4. Handmade Cards 2 Winners - I love putting these away so that I can have a card if something comes up. Check out the shop too it's super cute: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EverybodyElse

5. Fern and Moss Potted plant - Who couldn`t use a little more plants in their house, I know I can!

6. Canadian Made Prize Pack - Assorted prizes from Canadian artisans, but it is open WorldWide!

7. Christmas Event - Josiah`s nest has a Christmas event with super easy entry.

8. Hand Carved Stamps - I love entering giveaways on this blog, it`s always a fun entry, and these stamps are cute.

If you have any you want us to know about, comment here, or add them to my linky on the `Giveaway Linky` page.

Smarty Rents Discount and Update

I've told you about Smarty Rents before, and the wanted you all to know about their exciting announcement, and offer you a discount code:

SmartyRents.com has added LeapFrog and VTech’s latest educational gaming additions. All Leapster Explorer and Mobigo games are now available for parents to RENT for their children through SmartyRents.com. View Today’s new SmartyRents Press Release!

With the upcoming Christmas season, a Gift Certificate to SmartyRents.com is a great alternative to just buying another gift that will inevitably end up at the bottom of the toy box. This is especially true for grandparents who might not know what to get their grandkids who seem to already have everything.

SmartyRents.com an educational video game rental company featuring LeapFrog and VTech games. We RENT games for eight game systems including Leapster Explorer, Clickstart, Leapster, Didj, V.Smile Baby, V.Smile, V.Motion, and Mobigo. All games are available to rent including those no longer available on the market for purchase. Families can choose one of several SmartyRents rental packages to meet the individual needs of all children in the family. Our company works similar to Netflix in that customers choose from a variety of game titles with no late fees that are shipped free, directly to their door.

This is an inexpensive way for families to provide their children with a variety of educational games without the high cost of buying a game only to have their interests change before you’ve gotten your monies worth.

SmartyRents would like to offer my followers a SmartyRents promo code worth 1 FREE month of the 1 Game at a Time package or $9.99 towards the package of their choice. This offer is for new customers only.

Promo Code: xmas
Expires: 2/28/11

December 1, 2010

Featured Blogger - Simply Shop and Save

Mrs. Shopper as she likes to be called is a part of a yahoo group here in Canada that I am a part of that likes to save money. She is always so sweet and helps me and others out on that board. So when she announced she was starting a blog I told her if she had any questions to let me know. Well since then we have become blogging buddies! I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did. Also please be sure to check out her blog, as she is still fairly new and trying to get her name out there! She has some giveaways going on, and would welcome more entraints!

l. After getting my Early Childhood Education, I have been in the licensed daycare and home day care business for a number of years. Besides having children in my home, we have two sons whom I love very
much .... As to my interests, I enjoy gardening, love shopping, attend a women's Bible study, traveling, going for walks and exercising when I have some time.

2. SimplyShopandSave.ca (ssas)began in August, 2010.

3. My favourite thing about blogging is discovering new products in the world of cyberspace, in the retail store, and created by stay at home moms that are so awesome. I love to share with my readers. Just this
weekend I learned about a economical, convenient, easy to use mop featured in a Christmas craft show that I hope to review one day...

Also, it means alot to me when I can help SSAS.ca readers save their hard earned money to purchase great products at a lower price through sales or using coupons or to blog about samples. I average saving $80.00 - $100.00 a month part-time.

4, I am a home early child care provider.

5. My biggest pet peeve is the software for blogging as it takes a very long time to load up. It's nice that everything in the blog software is automated but is it balanced enough with the length of time it takes to load
up? ... Also, I try to let my readers understand that in some cases they can make more than one entry for a contest. For example, some readers say they are a gfc member, get my emails, and make a comment about a product all in one entry when it could be three entries.

6. My current giveaway is for a custom made design crocheted hat or a pre designed hat made by a Stay-at-home-mom (sahm). These hats are for children, teens, or adults created by a sahm named Robyn. I just love her hats. This giveaway ends December 1 at 9 p.m.

7. Simply Shop and Save.ca originated with the idea of providing Canadian readers how to save, get samples, deals and freebies. I wanted a name that was easy and simply to remember.

8. Shari, your readers can find me at http://simplyshopandsave.ca/ (blog)
facebook.com/SimplyShopAndSave (facebook)
twitter.com/simplyshopsave (twitter)
networkedblogs.com/blog/simply_shop_save

thanks for the interview and enjoy reading your blog. Mrs. Shopper@simplyshopandsave.ca

All I want for Christmas is more ways to win free stuff!

Here are some giveaways going on at other blogs not associated with our event!:

1. A Busy Mommy, CAN, Crayola - This is for Canadians only! It is Crayola, what kid doesn't love Crayola?? Hmmm maybe I shouldn't share this one LOL

2. Was tweeted this one and thought I would let you see the message: We’re hosting a giveaway and we’d love it if you’d let your readers know it’s a beauty basket valued at $250 http://bit.ly/fp0sGH

Good luck all, and don't forget to enter my giveaways too!!!

All I want for Christmas - Olivers Labels Review

I recently got the opportunity through http://www.tomoson.com/ to try out Oliver's Labels.

When I went to their site I noticed a couple of things:

1. Their website has an easy to understand lay out.

2. Their labels are very colourful, and you get several pictures for each set.

3. They also have an optional tracking number system.

1. I love that their website is easy to understand because I need to be able to order things with alot of distractions in the background, and also be able to pick up where I left off without getting confused of where I was. I actually had tried to enter a giveaway for a label company in the past and tried and tried to figure it out, and everytime I would figure something out I had to run again. I ended up giving up. I remember that giveaway was very low-entries b/c it was too hard for people to figure out the website!

2. I love that they are very colourful, and eye catching it makes them easier to notice. They have Adult ones, Allergy ones, and kid ones. I got my son:

He is 2 1/2 and loves vehicles so this set is awesome for him! He gets excited that he has all different kids of vehicles on his labels.

3. Oliver's Labels has a unique feature (that is free option), that I havne't seen on any other labels for kids things. It's their "Found-It" Program. Here is the info from their site:

Get your stuff back!

Found Something? Please click here.

What is it?
Found-it™ is Oliver's Labels exclusive, FREE online Lost-and-Found system.

How does it work?
We give you the option of printing a Found-it™ tracking system code on your labels (as seen in the example below). This unique code connects you to your item via your email address.

How do I get it?
You can choose to have a Found-it™ tracking code printed on your labels or tags when you are filling out the personalization information for the product you're ordering. It's as simple as checking a box. If you decide to participate in Found-it™ for one or more of the items in your cart, you will be asked for an email address for our Found-it™ tracking system when you check out.

Can I get my labels without Found-it™?
Your participation in Found-it™ is totally optional. It's a free value-added service we offer to all our customers.

What happens if I lose something?
If you ever lose an item with a Found-it™ tracking system code, have no fear! When someone finds it they will be prompted to go to a special page on our website (see "A" in diagram below) with instructions to enter the code on the label (see "B" in diagram below). We then match you to your Found-it™ tracking system code and send you a notification email right away. Oliver’s Labels acts as an intermediary between you and the finder so you never have to share any of your personal information!

Here's what it looks like:

Over all I think these are great labels, and unique for sure! They seem to be very durable, as they get poked and prodded a lot, and I put some in my 2 yo shoes and they are holding up very well!

All I want for Christmas - Avon With Farah - CAN only

If you have been a follower for a while you may remember me doing a review and giveaway for Avon with Farah previously. If not, then it's your lucky day, because I am going to introduce you to someone awesome.

When I was a little girl my mom started selling Avon because she was buying a lot and her avon lady talked her into it as a great way to stay home with her girls and make a little money on the side. So ever since then I have always had avon around. My mom quit selling it years ago, but continues to buy it from the same lady.

I don't live in that area any more, and tried to buy from that same lady, but I was only seeing my mom once a month, and it was making it hard to shop from her. I have had different avon ladies, but I switched jobs and such and haven't been able to keep in contact with them.

Then one day, I met this awesome Mom at one of my Mommy groups, and we got to chatting, she has since taken up Avon, and is really working hard at her business.

She does some fun giveaways on her blog, and on her facebook fan page. Also I love that she is always giving tips on how to use your avon products for more than 1 use to save you money! How many sales people try to save you money?

Farah even posts regularly about the discounts they have going on, so you don't have to keep checking your flyer for what is one sale this time! I love that. There are certain products I wouldn't get anywhere but avon, and when they are on sale I have to stock up. She takes the work out of it, and for me that is huge! The last thing I need is more work! lol

BUY IT: Head over on to Farah's Shop and pick out what you want and let her know! Avon has awesome gifts, stocking stuffers, and or forget all that Christmas shopping and get yourself something!

WIN IT: Farah has is offering a little gift basket full of avon products to one of my Canadian Readers (must have a residence for shipping purposes).

Mandatory Entry: The mandatory entry must be completed before all other entries will be counted. Be sure to leave your email address with each entry. For each entry be sure to leave a seperate comment.

Go to Farah's Store and browse either the brochure or the categories and tell me what item you would love to have or something that surprised you that Avon sells!

Bonus Entries:
1 Entry: Fan Farah on facebook
1 Entry: Follow Farah on http://twitter.com/avonwithfarah
1 Entry: Tweet about this giveaway (you can do this 1 time a day, for 1 entry each time - leave me the link or add @knitwitshair & @avonwithfarah) or use this tweet:
All I want for Christmas is some an Avon Giftbasket from @avonwithfarah and @knitwitshair: http://bit.ly/dybvPT #giveaway #win #contest
1 Entry: Become a GFC follower of Farah's Blog
1 Entry: Follow Farah on Networked Blogs.
1 Entry: Follow Me on Networked Blogs on the sidebar.
1 Entry: "Like" The Knit Wit on Facebook on the sidebar (please leave me you FB name to verify your entry).
1 Entry: Follow Me on Twitter on sidebar
1 Entry: Enter my other giveaways and tell me which ones (1 comment per giveaway).
3 Entries: Update your Facebook status notifying people of this giveaway (link @the knit wit @Avon with Farah, and a link to the giveaway)
3 Entries: Post my button on your blog (let me know where I can find it).
5 Entries: For making a purchase from Avon through Farah (let Farah know your name that you posted your entries with, so we can compare notes)
1 Entry: Blog about this giveaway with a link back here.
1 Entry Each: GFC follower of 2 Children & a Migraine and 10 Telants

Good Luck! This giveaway is open to Canada Residences only. Giveaway ends on December 15 at 12:00 pm.

All I want for Christmas - Baby Bond

I recently was given the opportunity to try out a Baby Bond thru Tomoson.com.

I am a proud nursing mother, and have officially been nursing ths baby longer than I got to nurse my other 2, due to them biting me! But that is a blog post for another time.

I chose the chocolate brown, baby bond flex with removable burpcloth. It's super easy to use. I put it on just like my sling, but of course this is not to carry a baby! It's just the position that you put it in to cover yourself and your baby!

It is very comfy to wear, and very soft feeling. I liked that I could look him in the eyes and he wasn't covered up at all. I also appreciated that I was covered....well in concept.

My problem with this product is apparent in the picture lol! As you can see, his hand is on the top, and mine is holding it closed in the middle. The concept is good, and with a younger child I think this would be great. However, my 8 month (ok 9 months tomorrow but I don't want to think about that) old baby is very grabby, and likes to touch and grab at everything. I had quite a bit of exposure. I don't mind so much at home, but didn't really want it posted on the internet LOL!

I would really recommend this to someone who has a newborn, or for a shower gift. Personally, I wouldn't purchase it for an older child who is already use to grabbing things.

I am happy to announce however that BabyBond wants to off you a great discount if you shop at babiesrus.com for your Baby Bond. Now let's face it is that time of year when you are probably going to be shopping from babies r us and toys r us anyways, so you might as well throw a babybond or 2 in your online cart. I am all about on-line shopping at this time of year, with 3 young boys, it's just easier. So here is the info:
They are offering 75% discount on their site for any of my readers who order a BabyBond on babiesrus.com. So, you will be able to buy 2 BabyBonds for less than $46. Toys R Us Link All you need to do is email a copy of your receipt from bru.com to missy@babybondnursing.com and she will reply with the discount code that will allow you to order another BabyBond on their site with 75% off.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

All I want for Christmas Blog Event - The Knit Wit by Shair

www.This next shop is amazing! The best ever!! Ok, I may be biased ROFL!

I would like to tell you about my shop :)

I love crafting: knitting and sewing are my favourites! So I started a shop, it is a little all over the place, like me! So my product line is always changing, and adding new things.

Here is a small variety of what I have so far:

BUY IT: Check out my shop, and pick up something for yourself or someone else!

WIN IT:

Now you can enter to win a cute baby hat in your choice of pink, blue, or neutral colours.

MANDATORY ENTRY: This must be done for any other entries to count. Please leave your email address with each entry so I can easily contact you. Be sure to put 1 comment per entry.

Check out my shop, and tell me what your favourite item is.

BONUS ENTRIES: To qualify for extra entries you MUST complete the MANDATORY entry and please leave a separate comment for each entry.

1 Entry - Heart my shop on etsy - leave your user name
1 Entry per day- Tweet about my giveaway link to this giveaway or use this tweet:

All I want for Christmas is a infant hat from Knit Wit by Shair so I entered to win at: http://bit.ly/dybvPT @knitwitshair #giveaway #win

1 Entry- Blog about this giveaway from My Dandelion Wishes and My Site on your blog with a link to this giveaway
1 Entry: Follow Me on Networked Blogs on the sidebar.
1 Entry: "Like" The Knit Wit on Facebook on the sidebar (please leave me you FB name to verify your entry).
1 Entry: Follow Me on Twitter on sidebar
3 Entries: Update your Facebook status notifying your connections of this giveaway (link @the knit wit and add a link to this giveaway
3 Entries: Post my button on your blog (let me know where I can find it).
1 Entry Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other Giveaways or Any from the All I want for Christmas Event, and earn another entry.
1 Entry per follow: GFC follower either 2 Children and a Migraine or 10 Talents blog

Good Luck! This giveaway is open to Canada & USA only. Giveaway ends on Dec. 15 2010, 12:00pm.

Disclaimer: Please note this is my own shop.

All I want for Christmas Blog Event - Dandelion Wishes Giveaway

Welcome to the first of many giveaways that I will be posting today, and maybe in the next couple of days depending on how fast I get them typed up! LOL!

I have posted about My Dandelion Wishes before, as it's a great little shop from an awesome blogger named Kady.

If you haven't checked out her blog, may I suggest you do that now?? She has a cute giveaway going on right now, check it out HERE.

Now to tell you about her shop.

I have one of her super cute crocheted necklaces. The pirce is only $4, and they are unique! What I love about them is when I bought it I thought, well if it gets pulled apart, it was only $4. You see I have a 9 month old who likes to pull on jewellry, and my 2 yo will give them a yank every once in a while. My darling 4yo waits until we lay him down in our room, than sneaks around breaking my necklaces!! There is a reason I don't where a lot of jewellry! So I bought this figuring well it will be cute, and I can always replace it - it's only $4.

The great thing is that it takes a beating and it's still going strong. My baby eats it, and pulls on it, the other 2 yank on it, and stretch it out, and even though I try to stop them it doesn't matter. It bounces back! She has this one and a multi-coloured one. But seeing as my ensemble usually consists of a baby boy, and blue jeans, this one was amazing for me.

Here are some of her other things that I think are adorable:

Ok so I know you are thinking of all the things you want for yourself, or for others! So go over to her shop and buy them now!

I know my hubby is a great stocking shopper, and a great present shopper, but from what I hear a lot of men aren't so great at it. If that is the case with your hubby or you don't have a significant other to buy for you, why not buy yourself a few stocking stuffers and stick them in your stocking? Or send your hubby links to some of her awesome items, and say get me this! LOL My mom use to do that with us, go to a store and put things on layaway and tell us what store to shop at! This is the high-tech version of that.

Ok so now you have bought some items for yourself, and told your hubby what to get you, and crossed off people on your Christmas list.

WIN IT:

Now you can enter to win a cute beanie! Now even if you don't have someone to give a cute toddler beanie to right now, they make great shower/birthday gifts to tuck away! I love tucking these things away and then when I have a shower come up at the last minute I don't have to drag 3 young boys to the store!

MANDATORY ENTRY: This must be done for any other entries to count. Please leave your email address with each entry so I can easily contact you. Be sure to put 1 comment per entry.

Check out her shop, and tell me what your favourite item is (or several items lol)

BONUS ENTRIES: To qualify for extra entries you MUST complete the MANDATORY entry and please leave a separate comment for each entry.

1 Entry - Heart her shop on etsy - leave your user name

1 Entry - become a GFC follower of her blog

1 Entry - Enter her giveaway

1 Entry per day- Tweet about this giveaway from My Dandelion Wishes and The Knit Wit by Shair and a link to this giveaway or use this tweet: