Rally 4 Jillie - Week 8 Giveaway

This is week 8 of 9 weeks of giveaways! 

All sponsored by amazing companies with 

huge hearts and all for little Jillie. 

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WEEK 8 GIVEAWAY

This giveaway will run from December 10-December 16 and is hosted by Kids, Clutter & Chaos and A Spectacled Owl!

This week's giveaway is sponsored by the following companies...

My Friend Paris: The author, Paris is a typical 14-year-old girl living in the San Francisco Bay Area. She enjoys musical theater, golf, and going to the movies with her friends. She has inspired seven books currently in print and is working on several additional titles involving her twin sisters as well as children's travel to New York, France, Italy and Hawaii. (Review)

Ubooly: Turn your iPhone™ or iPod™ touch into a smart stuffed animal! Recommended for ages 4-9 Ubooly is a magical stuffed animal that comes to life and listens to what you say. Smart and educational, Ubooly provides hours and hours of fun! New updates each month mean this new friend will never grow old! (Review)

Rock N Learn: Rock 'N Learn began as an idea that would help children learn by putting educational material to music with a current sound -- the kind of music that kids enjoy and find motivating. Now with over 50 products, they have sold millions of audio/book and video programs to teachers and parents throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. Rock 'N Learn programs help students learn math, phonics, reading, early childhood, social studies, Spanish, test-taking strategies, writing, and science. (Review)

I See Me!: I See Me provides the highest quality, most personalized children's books available. Their mission is to increase self esteem in children through personalized books that celebrate the uniqueness of each child. The goal of the books are to show each child how absolutely unique and special he or she is, to teach the child how to spell his or her name, and to build vocabulary skills. (Review)

Adventures with Wink & Blink: Multi award winning educational video series for preschoolers! A Day in the Life of a Garbage Truck and A Day in the Life of a Zoo. A fun, exciting way of learning for your children. (Review)

My 1 Story: My1story is a fun, entertaining, contemporary collection of the world's most renowned fairy tale characters and stories set in a colorful and playful style. The My1story collection is a great alternative for preschoolers and parents who are interested in the classic fairy tales and would like to experience them in a "kid-friendly" and contemporary adaptation. My1story's characters evoke endearing fun and imagination, adventures and everlasting friendships.

Aeromax New World Toys: Fun online toy store with something to expand and bring out your child's imagination! Costumes, toys and more! Feeling like a kid today? There are options for adults too! Astronauts, Firefighters, Cowgirls and fairies! What is your child's adventure today?

My Little Legs: You may know them as that cute leg warmer company, but they also have expanded into other product lines including hair bows, hats, bibs, and blankets. They love to include funky, vibrant colors in their collection and love the soft, classic baby look too. They know how important quality is so they make the highest quality items and bring them to other parents at affordable prices.

Comfy Critters: At Comfy Critters, they love to create new products that bring joy, fun and happiness to the lives of people of all ages. Their first product is the patent pending Huggable Hooded Blanket, the first and only huggable stuffed animal that is also a cozy, snuggable hooded blanket. You can hug, love, wear and cuddle up in your Comfy Critters Huggable Hooded Blanket, and it's great for all kinds of occasions: naptime, playtime, sleep over time, car time or anytime!

Prize Package includes for one winner: 

1. My Twins First Christmas Book from My Friend Paris

2. Ubooly - the smart stuffed animal

3. Alphabet DVD from Rock N Learn

4. Who Loves Me personalized book from I See Me

5. Two Wink & Blink video downloads
6. Lil' Riding Hood & Wolfie (I Love Cake!) Book & Lil' Riding Hood matching plush doll from My1story
7. Jr. Wing/Wand set from Aeromax Toys
8. $25 Gift Certificate to My Little Legs
9. Comfy Critter Blanket of your choice from Comfy Critters

Not only will one of you win this amazing HUGE prize package, but the same prizes will be sent to Jillie in the hospital as well! AMAZING!

In case you missed what Rally 4 Jillie is all about, read on then enter the giveaway below. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to work with these amazing companies who have stepped up to help. 

If you would like to sponsor and be part of these giveaways please feel free to contact me.

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It is hard to even know where to begin this post and even harder for me to write it. As most of us are parents to young children you all know how hard it can be to see our children sick or hurt. I can't even begin to imagine the feeling of finding out your child has the dreaded "C" word. Cancer.

No child should have to face cancer. They shouldn't even have to know what cancer means. They should be riding bikes, playing, going to school and just being kids!

Why am I writing this about cancer? Thankfully both of my boys are healthy. However a close family friend of mine hasn't been so lucky. Her little girl Jillie, just 2.5 years old was just diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A fast moving, aggressive form of leukemia that if not treated, could be fatal in a few months.

Luckily after weeks of being sick, Jillie was diagnosed and quickly moved to an amazing children's hospital. She will now be living in the Ronald McDonald housing for the next 6 to 12 months as she undergoes many many treatments and blood transfusions.

Remember she is just 2.5 years old. How do you even begin to explain to her what is going on and why she is now living far away from home and facing months and months of treatments?

So far Jillie is being a rockstar and keeping a smile on her face! She actually feels good with new healthy blood running through her! She is a fighter and one tough little girl. If anyone can fight this it is Jillie and her family.

In my small way of feeling less helpless and helping out in any way I can, I've started Rally for Jillie on my blog! I'm seeking sponsors willing to donate two items. One to add to the giveaways and one to send to Jillie. My hope is that this will keep her spirits up, help keep her occupied, to just keep her being a kid through this ordeal.

If I could hug the sponsors that have stepped up to help, I would in a heartbeat!  Their kindness and generosity to help a sick little girl says more about these companies than any review I could ever post. So if you are reading this, please take a moment to show some love to these amazing companies. To thank them for their small act of kindness that can go a long way in the journey to heal and cure baby Jillie.

_____________________________________________________________________

ENTER HERE!

And please if the kindness of these sponsors have touched your hearts like it has mine, take an extra minute to say thank you on their Facebook pages or in a quick email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

frego Review & Giveaway

It is so amazing how far we have come in the past few years with products to avoid BPA, chemicals and all that nasty stuff we've been living with for years. Big Brother is just 4 years old and when I was pregnant with him and soon after he was born, finding BPA free items for babies and kids were nearly impossible. You had to dig and research to find those items. And finding items for adults was extremely extremely hard.

I'm am very adamant at using only BPA free for anything that touches my kids and my food. I have some plastic storage containers that are great but are quickly falling apart on me. And even though they say they are safe for the microwave, I'm still leery as they are still a plastic.
I am so excited to have found something new and durable, frego!

About frego
frego was started by mom Juhi Gupta Gulati after she became more and more concerned about the chemicals leaching into her children's food. She would pack them healthy lunches each day, yet they were packed in plastic containers. She stopped heating in plastic but quickly realized the number of dishes were doubled. Her search for a really safe healthy food storage and prep system came up empty, so she created one!

Safe, Healthy....Responsible. This is the frego tag line and how they approach everything they do. Their products combine the best science, ergonomics and dedication to creating a better world.

frego review
I had the opportunity to review the frego in orange. There are 4 color options, Blue, Green, Honeysuckle (pink) and Orange. At this time they only come in a 2 cup square size.

The frego is a really neat  storage system. In fact it is hard to even call this a storage system because it does so much more than that.

• You can use it for wet or dry storage.
• You can cook or bake in it. Microwave and oven safe.
• You can eat and serve with it. The silicone sleeve protects surfaces. No trivet needed. Place the hot or cold glass bowl in the silicone sleeve and go!

With each frego you get a 2 cup glass dish that is lead free, break resistant, stain resistant and extremely durable. It is safe from -40 degrees to 465 degrees. The glass dish nests inside a silicone sleeve that has a patent pending air-spaced cushion design. This reduces heat transfer as well as making it virtually spill proof and break resistant when the lid is on. The lid also has a see through design making it easy to see what you are storing.

frego products are:
• dishwasher safe - top or bottom rack
• BPA, PVC, Polystyrene and Lead free
• 2 cup size

I really love the frego. My husband is always looking for a safe way to take soup to work. He won't heat it in a plastic container, and can't always pack a glass dish safely to heat it in, until now! I would love if it was a little bit bigger for soup (it does fit a can, but I would like a little more sloshing room) but it is a perfect size for other snacks and sides. We easily fit a scoop of hummus and carrot sticks. Great for kids and adults.

I love frego's tip of using a dry erase marker and writing a special note to your kids when you pack their lunch. It will dry quickly and not rub off, but will easily come off with water! Your kids could even draw and decorate their own frego!

Now the only down sides to the frego is that it is a bit heavy. Especially if you were going to pack a few different things in individual frego's. And the price. Each frego is $17.95. This is a little steep if you are replacing all your storage containers. However when you think about it in perspective, completely safe, a million uses and they will honestly last forever...I think you can justify the price. You can also get a small discount per frego if you purchase the 4 pack (one of each color) on Amazon for $59.95.

Check out frego for yourself, find them on Facebook and keep up to date with specials, recipes and more. Start with one and I can bet you will want more!

fre of plastic, fre of breakage, fre to heat, fre to go!

WINT IT: Now who wants to win one of their own? frego is generously offering one 2 cup size frego in the color of your choice to one of my readers! Enter the Rafflecopter below! GOOD LUCK!Disclosure: I received this product for the purpose of review. I did not receive any compensation for this review. The opinions in my reviews are my own, and others’ opinions may vary. This post was written by me and not edited by anyone. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Healthy Breakfast Cookie's Recipe

I've been wanting to share this recipe with you for some time now because these are so good and super easy! An easy grab and go breakfast solution or a perfect morning treat with your tea or coffee!

Healthy Breakfast Cookies Recipe
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup flax meal
1 1/2 cups wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups Oatmeal (quick cooking or old fashioned)
1/4 cup craisins*
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds*
1/4 cup sunflower seeds*
1 cup chocolate chips*

Instructions:
1. Mix together honey, brown sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl.

2. In a separate bowl mix together flax meal, wheat flour, salt and cinnamon. 

3. Then add to large bowl of wet ingredients and mix. 

4. Now add your craisins, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and chocolate chips and mix just until covered.

Use a a cookie scoop or desired spoon size and make drops on the cookie sheet. These bake up firm in the ball shape. So you could press them down if  you wanted a firm flat cookie.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes!

* You can use whatever mix ins you enjoy. I rarely use sunflower seeds but choose crushed almonds instead. You of course could also use raisins or any other nut or dried fruit!

Enjoy!

My little helper who thinks these are so yummy!

Ubooly - Magical Interactive Stuffed Animal

I came across Ubooly in my search for sponsors in my Rally 4 Jillie series of giveaways. Jillie is a 2.5 year old little girl that was just diagnosed with a fast moving form of Leukemia. My hope is that fun, unique and new items for Jillie will keep her spirits up and just being a kid through this ordeal.

Ubooly was excited to be able to help little Jillie and I'm just as excited to work with them and tell you more about Ubooly.

What is Ubooly?
Ubooly is a magical little stuffed animal that comes to life with your iPhone or iPod Touch. Tell me that doesn't sound like the perfect little friend to pass the day with at the hospital!

You simply slide your device into Ubooly's special pocket and he will come to life! Play trivia games, play pretend, tell stories, jokes, fun facts and even play music! Ubooly updates every month so this little furry friend will never get old!

 

Ubooly is recommended for ages 4-9 and I love that he is fun and educational! I have not had a chance to physically review Ubooly myself, but I do know just by reading about him and watching the video's that my boys would go crazy over him!

Ubooly is just $29.95 and can be purchased here on the Ubooly web site. What a fun Christmas present this would be! Still plenty of time before Christmas to get in your order!

What is Ubooly up to? Keep tabs on Facebook! And while you're there say hi and say thank you for their wonderful support of Jillie!

Thank You Ubooly! Enter for a chance to win Ubooly and many other amazing prizes starting December 10th-16 in Rally 4 Jillie week 8!

This review is written by me and my own thoughts and feelings of Ubooly. I wrote this review in exchange for sponsorship of Jillie.

Merry Fluffy Christmas Sponsor Spotlight: {Smush Tush}

I've already posted one awesome review of Smush Tush diapers but wanted to post an update and new photos! We are now the proud owners of three Smush Tush diapers and have been using them for over 7 months. They are one of our most favorites in our stash.

Favorite Features:

• Fun cute prints and design options

• One size approx. 10lbs - potty training

• 4 rise settings

• Soft comfortable fabric

• Durable Snaps that are reinforced and guaranteed forever

• Triple Stitched leg & pocket elastic

• Colored Micro Fleece inside (no staining)

• Dries Quickly

• No Leaks

• No Sagging

• Use your choice of insert

• Made in the USA by a fellow Mom

• Friendly Awesome service

About Smush Tush

The owner Kat is a mother of two under the age of three and a part-time pediatric RN. Talk about a busy mama! She believes in cloth diapering, saving money and keeping our landfills free from everlasting disposable diaper garbage!  And not only is Kat one busy mama, but she is a giver too! $1 of every sale goes to a Morale Fund for patients and their families at the Doernbecher Children's Hospital Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit in Portland, Oregon.

You can purchase Smush Tush here on Kat's Etsy site. This one-size pocket style diaper is $19 and does not come with inserts. She also offers newborn cloth diaper covers, one-size cloth diaper covers, organic hemp soakers, microfiber soakers and flannel wipes. And best of all you can completely customize your own pocket diaper, right down to the snap colors!

Make sure you keep up with Smush Tush on Facebook as well for updated fabrics and more!

WIN IT: Enter now to win a custom Smush Tush of your choice in the Merry Fluffy Giveaway Hop that runs from December 1-7! ENTER HERE!

Disclosure: I received this product for the purpose of review. I did not receive any compensation for this review. The opinions in my reviews are my own, and others’ opinions may vary. This post was written by me and not edited by anyone. 

Rally 4 Jillie - Week 7 Giveaway

This is week 7 of 9 weeks of giveaways! 

All sponsored by amazing companies with 

huge hearts and all for little Jillie. 

**With special thanks to Copy Kids, for without them this all would not be possible.**

_______________________________________________

WEEK 7 GIVEAWAY

This giveaway will run from December 3-December 9 and is hosted by Kids, Clutter & Chaos and A Spectacled Owl!

This week's giveaway is sponsored by the following companies...

Copy Kids: A joy-filled video and an innovative tool for parents who want to get children to enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. (Review)

JennyBec's: JennyBec's is truly a one of a kind children's boutique. From books, toys, games, furniture, wall art, and fine linens, you will find all you want from newborn through Tween. They pride themselves on being able to provide practically any gift, toy or furnishing. Shop online or experience shopping at a "Mom n'Pop" shop in West LA's Brentwood Neighborhood.

Rock N Learn: Rock 'N Learn began as an idea that would help children learn by putting educational material to music with a current sound -- the kind of music that kids enjoy and find motivating. Now with over 50 products, they have sold millions of audio/book and video programs to teachers and parents throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. Rock 'N Learn programs help students learn math, phonics, reading, early childhood, social studies, Spanish, test-taking strategies, writing, and science. (Review)

Scentsy Independent Consultant: Jeannette Segerson: Jeannette emailed me to help as she has lost family members herself to cancer. She is a stay at home mom of 2 beautiful girls and has a heart of gold. A busy mom out to make a difference! Please show her some support if you need your Scentsy or Velata fix! {Scentsy began with a simple idea — a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles — and quickly grew into one of the most successful direct selling companies in the world. This wickless concept is simply decorative ceramic warmers designed to melt scented wax with the heat of a light bulb instead of a traditional wick and flame.}

Velata Independent Consultant: Jeannette Segerson: Jeannette emailed me to help as she has lost family members herself to cancer. She is a stay at home mom of 2 beautiful girls and has a heart of gold. A busy mom out to make a difference! Please show her some support if you need your Scentsy or Velata fix! {Whether you are a foodie, a trendsetter, or just someone who thinks of chocolate as its own food group, Velata fondue products are for you. 

• premium Belgian chocolate

• gluten free
•  dark chocolate is dairy free
• All processed in a plant that does not process tree nuts or peanuts
Velvety smooth rich chocolate and warmers making chocolate fondue easy and fun! From the Scentsy family.} THIS LOOKS SOOOO GOOD! A great gift idea!

Adventures with Wink & Blink: Multi award winning educational video series for preschoolers! A Day in the Life of a Garbage Truck and A Day in the Life of a Zoo. A fun, exciting way of learning for your children. (Review)

Prize Package includes for one winner: 

1. Copy Kids Eat Fruits & Vegetables DVD

2. Desk to Go from JennyBec's

3. Dance with the Animals DVD from Rock N Learn

4. Scentsy Buddy of your choice from Jeannette Segerson

5. Two Velata Chocolate Packs of your choice from Jeannette Segerson

6. Two Wink & Blink video downloads

Not only will one of you win this fun prize package, but the same prize will be sent to Jillie in the hospital as well! AMAZING!

In case you missed what Rally 4 Jillie is all about, read on then enter the giveaway below. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to work with these amazing companies who have stepped up to help. 

If you would like to sponsor and be part of these giveaways please feel free to contact me.

_________________________________________________________________________

It is hard to even know where to begin this post and even harder for me to write it. As most of us are parents to young children you all know how hard it can be to see our children sick or hurt. I can't even begin to imagine the feeling of finding out your child has the dreaded "C" word. Cancer.

No child should have to face cancer. They shouldn't even have to know what cancer means. They should be riding bikes, playing, going to school and just being kids!

Why am I writing this about cancer? Thankfully both of my boys are healthy. However a close family friend of mine hasn't been so lucky. Her little girl Jillie, just 2.5 years old was just diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A fast moving, aggressive form of leukemia that if not treated, could be fatal in a few months.

Luckily after weeks of being sick, Jillie was diagnosed and quickly moved to an amazing children's hospital. She will now be living in the Ronald McDonald housing for the next 6 to 12 months as she undergoes many many treatments and blood transfusions.

Remember she is just 2.5 years old. How do you even begin to explain to her what is going on and why she is now living far away from home and facing months and months of treatments?

So far Jillie is being a rockstar and keeping a smile on her face! She actually feels good with new healthy blood running through her! She is a fighter and one tough little girl. If anyone can fight this it is Jillie and her family.

In my small way of feeling less helpless and helping out in any way I can, I've started Rally for Jillie on my blog! I'm seeking sponsors willing to donate two items. One to add to the giveaways and one to send to Jillie. My hope is that this will keep her spirits up, help keep her occupied, to just keep her being a kid through this ordeal.

If I could hug the sponsors that have stepped up to help, I would in a heartbeat!  Their kindness and generosity to help a sick little girl says more about these companies than any review I could ever post. So if you are reading this, please take a moment to show some love to these amazing companies. To thank them for their small act of kindness that can go a long way in the journey to heal and cure baby Jillie.

_____________________________________________________________________

ENTER HERE!

And please if the kindness of these sponsors have touched your hearts like it has mine, take an extra minute to say thank you on their Facebook pages or in a quick email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway