Dittany Baby Review & Giveaway

I'm so excited about this baby. Now that I've made my way on to the internet, I've come across so many wonderful products that I hadn't heard of when my first son was born. The trendy styles, new designs and personal touches that you can find in shops online beat out anything that you could ever find in a big box store.




One of the products I'm excited about is my new sling carrier from Dittany Baby. It is absolutely adorable and I can't wait to put it to use! With my first child, I waited too long to get him into a carrier, and he wasn't going for it at all. Baby number 2 will be going into this sling carrier from day 1, and I am so looking forward to becoming a member of the baby wearing club!

When I first received my sling carrier, I was thrilled. The beautiful design on the fabric is carried over to the sleeve bag that comes with it. The Sling itself has a padded shoulder, to help you carry the weight of your baby without the sore strained shoulders. The bag, ment to carry the sling when not in use, is a great size and can easily double as a carry all, keeping small things together, or would even fit a diaper or two!

Here's a photo of me sporting the Dittany Baby Pouch Sling with one of my son's stuffed animals laying inside. Since the newest addition to our family wont be here until Mr. Raccoon was our test model.



Here are just a few more of the beautiful fabric designs that Dittany Baby offers in Pouch Sling Carriers.

The Giveaway!

Dittany Baby doesn't only carry pouch slings, they have a multitude of wonderful, fashionable products for your baby and some great products for the older kids as well. Dittany Baby has offered one lucky A Busy Mommy reader the chance to win a Pouch Sling and coordinating Skid Pants! To enter, head over to Dittany Baby and check out all their wonderful products. Come back here and tell me another product that they offer that you would love to have. Easy Peasy! This entry must be done for all extra entries to count

Extra Entries

• Blog about this giveaway and link to both A Busy Mommy and Dittany Baby. Leave me the link to the post in a comment.
  
• Follow @abusymommy & @dittany, and tweet about this giveaway. Can be done once per day. Leave a separate comment for each tweet with a link or your twitter name.
  
• Join the Dittany Baby Newsletter (Found on the home page of Dittany Baby)
  
• Become an A Busy Mommy Fan on facebook
  
• Add the A Busy Mommy button to your blog and leave a link in a comment. (button can be found on our sidebar)
  
• Stumble, Technorati, Digg, ect... this site
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• Join our Newsletter

This giveaway will end on Aug 14th at Midnight Atlantic time. Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada. Valid email must be available in entry's or on your profile, if I cannot reach you, you cannot win.

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The Name Game...

So, now that we know we're having a boy, we're playing the Name Game big time! I had it in my head that this one was a girl, so boys names hadn't really crossed my mind. Until now. Well, once I found out, the first name that popped into my head was Ethan...

Now, DH and I both like this name, which is good. But I have to wonder, does it have good yelling ability. You know, those times when you yelling at both your kids and you scream their names together... "Ben and Ethan, get in here!!!" or "Benjamin and Ethan, What do you think your doing?"

I think I may need to go hide somewhere and practice yelling it. Not sure if it has the "ring" that I'm looking for when I'm yelling at my kids.

And don't hate...we all yell at our kids and you know it!

As for middle names, this little bundle of joy will probably be named after the Men in My side of the family. Ben has 4 names, though I wont divulge them all on line. His middle names are after his daddy's Father and Grandfather.... I think it's only fair to put some of my blood in this ones middle names...

So, my question to you is... Do you like Ethan? and What do you think about he Yelling Ability of naming your kids?

My Pacifier Review & Giveaway

A Mute Plug....that's what I think of when I hear the word pacifier, and boy do they ever come in handy! In our house we call them sookies, though I've heard them referred to as nookie, paci, bubby, and many other funky little names.

One of the things that always drove me crazy about our "sookies" was that if you were anywhere near other kids with pacifiers, they would easily get mixed up. Then bring on the germs and colds! That's why I was thrilled to learn about http://mypacifier.ca!

My Pacifier carries all the most popular styles of Paci's from orthodontic style pacifiers (what we tend to use) Cherry and Symmetrical. All available in different colors and designs, and all 100% customizable! Put your child's name, nickname, a funny little saying...anything you want on your pacifiers up to 36 characters!

I'm thrilled with my Orthodontic Mute Button in Blue, and can't wait to use it on our new little boy coming this winter!

Now, I know many moms out there are worried about just what is in the plastic that we give our kids, as you very well should be. Rest assured, all the pacifiers from My Pacifier are PVC and Phthalate free! No matter how many times you sanitize or boil them, the customization will never wear off.

The Giveaway!

The wonderful folks over at My Pacifier.ca are jumping in on the giveaway wagon here during Maternity Mania and are going to give five lucky A Busy Mommy reader a Personalized Pacifier! How exciting!! To enter, head over to My Pacifier.ca and check out their different Paci's. Come back here and let me know which one you would purchase as well as what you want them to say. This entry is a must, if this is not complete, all extra entries will not count!

Speaking of extra entries....Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

• Blog about this giveaway and link to this giveaway and protectabed.ca (3 entries)
• Follow @abusymommy and @SupremeBaby and tweet about this giveaway (once per day)
• Join the A Busy Mommy Fan Page on facebook. Click Here
• Follow this blog through blogger
• Add our button to your blog, you'll find it on the side bar
  
• Subscribe Via Email
• Join our Newsletter
• Head over to The Supreme Baby Shower and Subscibe via email and blogger, Join the Newsletter, add the button to your site (each is an extra entry)
  
• Stumble, Digg, Technorati, ect
  

This giveaway is open to all residents of Canada & US. Please be sure to leave a valid email address with your entries. If I can't contact you, you can't win. This giveaway will end on August 12th at Midnight Atlantic Time. Winner will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

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It's a....

Boy!!!

Or at least that is what the ultrasound tech said! We got to see the heart, kidneys, brain and apparently, the penis! Though I really couldn't make it out.

So now, at least I feel like I can shop. Though, I have to say it's amazing how fast a person can change their mind. Before I went to the appt. I was dead set on having my tubes tied after this kiddo is born. But as soon as he said boy, my decision went right out the window, and I really don't think getting my tubes tied is going to happen. I don't really want to close the door to a little girl...at least not yet. Ask me again when I'm fighting with to boys...completely outnumbered!

Here is a pic of our little ones face...

I have some video of the heart beat and such, though I still need to compress, I'll probably add that later tonight.

Here is Ben, shortly there after, enjoying some great take out!

Pebble.Com

Well, I'm sure most of you know by now, I am a maven when it comes to knowing all the pro's and con's of products before I buy them. I pride myself in only spending our hard earned money on quality items, that are worth every cent. Even if means spending a few extra cents!

Well, when it comes to looking for information on products in question, I usually would just google the product, with the product name and word review, and spend hours sifting through posts and reviews, learning other peoples experiences with said product. I'm excited to tell you that no more will I have to search through peoples reviews (though I do love doing that)

I want to introduce to you Pebble.com

This site is the end all and be all of comparative shopping, reviews and the answer to all your questions. Not only can you shop directly from the site, but you can read other peoples reviews of the product, ask questions and find the lowest price online!

In today's economy, we all need a little help saving those pennies. And I think when you can go to a site, find all the info you need and get it for the cheapest rate, it's definitely a site worth adding to my toolbar, Pebble.Com has made it to mine.

I will be using Pebble for my online shopping needs from now on.

Since I'm now on the hunt for Christmas presents, I decided to do a search for something my little guy is begging for, a Nintendo DS. I love this search engine style shopping. It came up with so many different shops and stores offering the DS, with a price range from $119.00 to $189.00 for bundles with games. Since my guy is only 4.5 I'm looking for the kiddy games, and one of the bundles comes with Wall-E! One of our favs!!!

Another thing on my Christmas shopping list is baby toys once again. I'm a fan of Playskool when it comes to childrens toys, so I decided to do a search in general for just Playskool. What showed up amazed me. Just about every Playskool toy available with all the lowest prices. I can't wait to actually start shopping!!

The last thing I decided to search was Lego, yeah...I'm a geek, and I love it!!! Literally every different style of Lego came up, different sets from beginner to expert. All with such a price range that there is definitely something for everyone!

As I said before, Pebble.Com has made it to my bookmarks, and I hope many of you will utilize this awesome shopping tool, and add it to yours. Be sure to check it out!

Top 10 Reasons I am Excited To Stay Home With My Family This Coming Weekend!

As many of you know, Blogher'09 is going on in Chicago this weekend. And as you can probably guess, I'm not there. Well, since the 1400+ folks are partying it up in Chicago this weekend and so many of us are a few shades of Green With Envy, watching the pics come in of swag and fun, the folks over at Cozi and Mom of 2 Boys, Wife of 1 don't want us home bodies to feel left out. That's why they've put together this great little contest where 15 bloggers (who aren't at Blogher this weekend will win $100 sponsorship!!) Whoot Whoot!!!

All I need is my wonderful readers to leave me a comment on the post! The 15 bloggers with the most comments will win the $100 Sponsorship, so that means I need your help! Please folks comment away!

So alas, here are my top ten reasons why I'm excited to stay home with my family this weekend.

10.~ I will not walk in pain from too tight shoes and blistered feet. No heels here, just flip flops or slippers.

9.~ I don't need to shave my legs!

8.~ I can't get snuggles from my little one way off in a hotel room somewhere. Here I can have all the hugs I want!

7.~ I'll keep my money in my pocket. No cab fares, plane tickets and bus passes for me. My little car will take me where I need to go, with out the meter running.

6.~ Swag? who needs it! I already have enough things to clutter up my house.

5.~ I need my sleep. I couldn't imagine being up to all hours of the night, chatting and partying! Not for me! I'll rest my head and have sweet dreams in my own bed.

4.~ Can you imagine the state my house & kids would be in without me for a weekend. It's already a mess with me in it! I'd come home and spend 2 weeks catching up on just a few days of missed work.

3.~ I don't need to waste my time picking out outfits or doing my hair. A ball cap and capris are great for the park or the pool.

2.~ I know what my family is eating! Without me for 4 days, their diet would consist of take out cheeseburgers, potato chips, soda pop and chocolate.

1.~ I would be lost without hearing the constant whine of "Mommy can I," and "Mommy I need" and "Mommy, Mommy Mommy....."

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Ah Goo Baby

First of all, I have to say that when I first checked out the Ah Goo Baby website, I was in awwwh. The site is very well designed and the background music is so relaxing, and even slightly hypnotic. As I'm typing right now, I have the site open in the background, just listening to the melody.

But, I'm not here to talk about their website, or the music, I want to tell you about the Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad. The must have pad for today's babies! These adorable pads, created out of only the most fabulously designed fabrics and memory foam are the ultimate in Baby Changing Stations.

Use this pad to save room in a small space, great for laying baby down for a diaper change. But it's not just for diaper changing...this pad is a wonderful belly time pad. The memory foam snuggles your little one, helping to relax them and relieving those tiny little pressure points.
Some of the best features of The Plush Pad are that It's machine washable! All you have to do is remove the Memory Foam and pop the cover into the washer. When it is rolled out, the pad is 2ft by 2ft, giving baby ample room to stretch. When rolled up it measures 3 in by 10in. Fitting perfect into any diaper bag. This IS the ultimate in Baby Pads and is a Must Have for all modern babies.

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The Cart Stopper Giveaway

Have you ever been out shopping with your children, taken the shopping cart to your car, started to unload your packages into the car only to turn around and see your shopping card running away on you? With you child/children still in it!!!

Well, it has happened to many a Mom or Dad, including the creators of this next product I want to share with you, The Cart-Stopper!

No longer will you have to worry about runaway carts, this trusty little gadget will easily save you the stress of trying to hold the cart and unload one handed. The Cart-Stopper will easily attch to the side of your car with a large suction cup. On the other end a little device that slides between the rungs of the shopping cart, keeping it safely at your side.

Not only is the Cart-Stopper an awesome safty product that every parent should own, It's also extremely affordable, at under $10, no car, or shopping cart should be without one. Available in Pink, Blue and Red!

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Blogher'10

That's It, They've gone and done it! The have now announced the location and dates for Blogher'10. I am reeling. As I sit here and watch all the fun going on at Blogher'09, all I can say is that I Will Be At Blogher'10. Not quite sure how I'm going to do it yet. But I will be there!!!!

I am now actively looking for Blogher'10 Sponsorship. If you are a PR rep or a Business who would like to have your company represented at Blogher'10. Please contact me as soon as possible. With all the excitement on twitter, conference passes are sure to sell out fast, and you and I both don't want to miss the boat.

Blogher'10 is being held in New York City from August 5-7 2009.

For more information about Blogher'10 Click Here.

If you would like to help me get to Blogher'10, please email me at jen@abusymommy.com.

Buy Ad Space

If you would like to help me get to Blogher'10 without actual event sponsorship, It can be really simple, I now have 125X125 ad spots on the right side bar created specifically for Blogher sponsors.

These ads are available at $10/30 days, $55/6months, or $100/year. To purchase you can use our easy Pay Now button right below and email your ad to jen@abusymommy.com - I reserve the right to refuse any ads that are not family friendly.

Sponsor Pricing

30 Days $10.00 6 months $55.00 1 Year $100.00

19 Weeks Pregnant

Ok, so now that I have Baby Bump, It's time to start sharing some Week - by - Week shots and how just what's going on with this little bambino.

First of all, here are the shots...

I had my 3rd prenatal yesterday and though it only lasted a few minutes I'll fill you in on all the deets.

Weight Gain This Month: 3lbs
Total Weight Gain: 6.5 lbs

Heart Rate: Freekin' Fast! (they didn't give me an actual rate)
BloodPressure: Perfect
Ultrasound Appt: This Coming Tuesday...I so hope we will find out the sex of this little bambino. (I'll keep you posted)
Next Prenatal: August 18th

I have to say I love the top that I'm wearing. It's an awesome Love Bump Tee from Speggwear. They're offering 20% off the Black Version of this top. Use Coupon Code 'abusymommy'

I'm also wearing an absolute Must Have for any expecting woman...it's a Bella Bandz from Ingrid & Isabel. This awesome piece of clothing holds up your regular size pants with the buttons undone, so you don't have to switch over to Maternity Pants so early.

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A Busy Mommy's Crazy Christmas Wishlist & Shopping Guide

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All The Way.....

Ok, I know it seems a little early, we're all sweltering in crazy hot temperatures, Christmas is the last thing on our minds, but did you know it's only 154 days away!! (as of July 23rd) Yep, that is not a lot of time to start planning your holiday purchases!

Here on A Busy Mommy, I want to help. I will be putting together the most extreme of Gift Giving Guides, and My Crazy Christmas Wishlist Giveaway Event, covering gifts for everyone in the family, from the smallest of babies to that grumpy grandpa! Even gifts for the family pets!

If your not already following us, be sure to join our Newsletter, Subscribe Via email or follow us through blogger as to not miss out!
__________________________________________________________________


If you are a company or PR pro who would like to add your product(s) to the Christmas Shopping Guide, please email me as soon as possible. With an event this big (cause really, what's bigger than Christmas?) we'll need lots of time to work out the details, set up the reviews and giveaway some great items!

I will be accepting Family Friendly products only, that fall into the following categories...

• Household Items
• Furniture
• Technology
• Entertainment (family friendly of course)
• BoardGames
• Video Games
• Clothing (for all family members)
• Art/Deco
• Toys (Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Children, PreTeen and Teen)
• Baby Product
• Electronics
• Greeting Cards
• Gift Cards
• Pet Supplies and Gifts
• Holiday Memories
• Gifts For Mom
• Gifts For Dad
• Gifts For Grandparents

1. Product Reviews and Giveaways for the Crazy Christmas Wishlist are hosted at no charge to the sponsor or company.
   
2. Product Features in the Gift Giving Guide (separate from the reviews and giveaways) will be $15 per product. 2 photos, 2-3 paragraphs, can include coupon code Includes 588X250 Image in slider on the home page. (Slider will be dedicated to the Gift Giving Guide from Nov 1st through Dec 24th.
   
3. 125X125 ads on the side bar will be $25 and will run from Nov 1st through Dec 31st.

If you are interested in securing your spot in the A Busy Mommy Crazy Christmas Wishlist and/or Gift Giving Guide, please contact at jen@abusymommy.com I look forward to hearing from you and will reply as soon as possible.

Betty Crocker - Gluten Free Cakes & Cookie Mixes - Closed

Have you ever had to drastically change your diet. I mean take out something that your used to having with almost every meal, every snack and every treat. Well recently a part of our family had to do this when they realized they had a huge sensitivity to Wheat Gluten. When you go from eating just about anything you want (In moderation of course) to having to read every label and give the third degree to anyone who has a baked good for you it is really a difficult change.

Many people now have Gluten sensitivities, and trying to find an easy recipe for making a cake or cookie is IMPOSSIBLE! Many of the recipes include flours made from other grains than wheat, that are very pricey and can be hard to find! That's why I was so excited to try out the new Gluten Free Baking Mixes from Betty Crocker! They now offer a wide variety of Gluten Free Mixes that you can find on your grocery store shelves! No more hunting down scarce ingredients, Betty Crocker has handled all the hard stuff for you!

I was given the opportunity to try out some of the Gluten Free products that Betty Crocker now offers, and I have to say We Love The Chocolate Chip Cookies!!! You would never know by taste that they were Gluten Free, that's just how awesome they are!!


Betty Crocker now has a variety of Gluten Free Mixes available, Including:

• Betty Crocker Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix


• Betty Crocker Gluten Free Devil´s Food Cake Mix


• Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix


• Betty Crocker Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

I received the Sweet Moments prize pack full of all four of the above mixes, a grocery tote bag, a magnetic shopping list a pen and two full price coupons from My Blog Spark to try out, and guess what!! I have one for you too!


There will be two prizes for this giveaway.

• First prize is the above "Sweet Moments" Prize Pack.
• Second Prize is Two Full Price coupons for Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mixes.

To enter, leave me a comment here letting me know why you would like to win this. Be sure to leave a valid email address so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner! Can't wait to see if you've won? Call 1-800-446-1898 to request your free coupon! -hh800-446-1898

Extra Entries: please leave a separate entry for each...

• Blog about this giveaway and link to my blog
• Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway @abusymommy (once per day)
• Subscribe to my site via email
• Leave a comment on THIS POST
• Follow my blog through blogger
• Digg, Stumble, Technorati this site (any and all social bookmarks are welcome, separate entry for each)
• Join our newsletter

This giveaway will end on July 30th at 12am Atlantic time. Open to US Residents Only. Winner will be contacted via email and will be posted on our winners page. Winner will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

A Huge Thank You To My Blog Spark and Betty Crocker for providing the review and Giveaway!

ifBanks

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