Kid Update

I realize I rarely use this blog for what it was once intended for.  Having a blog helped me in those early days of motherhood when I felt like I was going to lose it if I didn't at least laugh about it.  It was a fun way for me to channel my thoughts, share my pictures, and share new products and info from time to time.

However, I still really enjoy writing, and I have always been better at expressing myself via written language than verbally.  Any one who has ever gotten into a fight with me can attest to that.  I'm going to make an effort to carve out a little more time to get on here and blog once in a while.  My posts may not be funny, interesting, or shared on Facebook 63,000 times but I'm here for me.
Joey is really into The Wii right now.  Lego Star Wars pretty much consumes his thoughts, and we have a rule that the Wii stays off until 4pm on weekdays.  Sometimes I'm thankful that he can't tell time so he doesn't know that I'm breaking my own rule when I let him start playing at 3:15 noon.

Olivia is Joey's shadow.  She goes where he wants her to, plays how he wants her to, and laughs at everything he does.  She is everything a 5 year old boy would want in a little sister.  She spends a good deal of each day pretending that she's an animal.  Usually a doggie named Minnie.  A black one.

Katelyn is Miss Independent.  She plays how she wants, and is usually right by my side while the other two are off playing the Wii doing something educational.  She loves make-believe, and taking care of her babies.  She is very musical, and will sit for hours listening to songs and singing along.

So there you have it.  A little update about my kids, and a intent to blog more from me.  Now I'm off to my sewing studio to work on a dress for my little spunky monkey.

The Croods Giveaway -Dreamworks Animation and General Mills

As a mom, I can't help loving some of the movies that my kids love.  And in my opinion, Dreamworks Animation has yet to disappoint me or my kids.  While some of these movies came out a few years ago, my children are just getting to the age to appreciate them.  Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek have hilarious, lovable characters, and these movies are included in our regular rotation of movie watching.

Dreamworks just released a new film, which starts in theaters this Friday, March 22, 2013.  My kids are excited about it since  we were lucky enough to receive a gift pack featuring some Dreamworks Animation DVDs, favorite movie treats, and products from the new movie, The Croods.  Each of the 4 sampler DVDs can be found in specially marked boxes of favorite General Mills Cereals in stores now.

My kids love the episodes featuring characters from Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar, and How to Train Your Dragon.  The DVDs and treats actually made it perfect for us to have a "family movie night."

Want your own "family movie night" delivered to your door?  Great.  Comment on this post for a chance to win a prize pack from General Mills including the following:

*	Set of 4 DreamWorks Animation DVD samplers
*	The Croods: Grub's Survival Book
*	The Croods: Movie Novelization Book
*	Film Reel tin filled with some of your favorite movie theater treats
	Combined Retail Value: $53

So go ahead and leave a comment telling me what YOUR favorite kids movie is.  This giveaway starts now and will end Wednesday, March 27th, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and will have 24 hours to respond with shipping info. Good luck!





Disclosure: The information, products and General Mills gift packs were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Obviously.

Bugaboo's Closet Etsy Shop Giveaway

I'm so excited to share this fun giveaway with you! And yes, this is me shamelessly self-promoting my very own Etsy Shop, Bugaboo's Closet.

A little about my shop: I try to create timeless styles that can be worn for multiple seasons and years. The dresses I feature in my shop are designed to last. I use high-quality fabrics, and notions, and each item is handmade with lots of love.

My friends and family have been working hard to support me and spread the word about my latest business venture, and to show my enthusiasm and appreciation I'm ready to host my first giveaway. This giveaway requires a little more work on your part than my usual blog giveaways, as you have to go on Facebook to enter. But the lucky winner will be able to select their own fabric and size for a FREE pair of kids lounge pants!  How's that for a prize?  Win a pair of PJ pants made to order! So here's how to enter:

1. Go to www.facebook.com/bugaboosclosetnc -click the "like" button..
2. Once there, Share the giveaway picture on your Facebook page. -click the "share" button, write a little something if you want, and click post.  It will post to your timeline.
3. Leave a comment on the giveaway picture to be entered to WIN! -this is important.  Sharing or liking without commenting won't count as an entry.  So make sure you let me know!

That's it... 3 little steps and you're on your way to a free pair of comfy adorable pants like these:

And here's a few fabric samples that I have in stock.  You can see all the choices in the "Flannel" album on my FB page.  Seriously... I only sew with the cutest stuff.  Who wouldn't love to win these?  Now GO ENTER!

Crayola Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to post #4, Brittney who said, "my daughter would love these!! we have a ton of crayola stuff and it all gets used."  I've sent you an email, please get your shipping info to me ASAP. I hope you and your daughter love the new Crayola products!

*Sorry for no Random.org picture... Blogger isn't letting me upload this AM.*

Crayola Review and Giveaway

Over the holidays, my family and I had the opportunity to try out some great new products by Crayola.  With 3 young children, Crayola is a household name in this house.  In my opinion, they make great age-appropriate products that keep moms in mind.  (i.e. not so messy!)

The products we got to try were the Digital Light Designer and Marker Airbrush.  Both of these products state for ages 6+, so my 5 1/2 year old son and I worked with these together.  He absolutely loved these new products, and since he's still young I think he'll get lots of use out of these for years to come.

Joey is huge fan of stuff that glows and lights up in the dark, so the Digital Light Designer was right up his alley.  What we loved the most was that we were able to create art and projects with the lights off. -It doesn't have to be played with in the dark... my kid just happens to think that is the best way to use anything that glows or lights up!  A great feature of this product is its' ability to save your favorite drawings and creations.  The interactive game mode was a lot of fun, with mazes and funny faces to keep Joey entertained for hours.

The Marker Airbrush is a more advanced toy that allows kids to create cool airbrush effects on lots of different surfaces.  We only used it on paper for now.  This toy is also recommended for ages 6 and up, so Joey was still a bit young to appreciate all that it can do.  What I love about it is that you can attach any Crayola marker to the sprayer, and use it however you like.  We will use this a lot as my kids get older.  I'm sure they will even have fun spraying the driveway outside.  It is a two-handed operation, which may be why its recommended for older kids, but with assistance Joey was able to make lots of fun airbrushed designs.

Both of these products are innovative and unique.  They help kids express their individuality and can keep them engaged for hours.  With so many different modes and applications I don't see my children getting bored with these anytime soon.  And a huge plus in my book is that there is not a ton of mess!  I stress about messy toys, and am always happy to find something that can ease that stress for me.

Unwrap the gift of imagination with Crayola by visiting Crayola’s Holiday Gift Guide at www.crayola.com/gifts, where you can find the perfect gift to unleash your kids’ creativity. And don’t forget to “Like” Crayola on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter to keep up with the latest Crayola news and updates!

Want to try out these fantastic new Crayola products with your kids?  Leave a comment for a chance to win a gift pack with the Crayola Marker Airbrush and Crayola Digital Light Designer.  But hurry!  This giveaway starts now and will end tomorrow, Wednesday, January 9th, 2013 at 11:59pm EST.  Winner will be selected via Random.org and will have 24 hours to respond with shipping info.  Good luck!

Disclaimer: The Crayola product to try, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by Crayola free of charge to me and the giveaway winner.  All opinions expressed are my own.