See Kai Run & Eleven giveaways

I entered myself in the Eleven giveaway over at Jamie's Precious Peas.

Deadline for the giveaway is 4/12.

And also entered myself in the See Kai Run giveaway over @ Jamie's Precious Peas.

Deadline for this giveaway 4/12.

BuckleyBoo review & discount

BuckleyBoo is company co-created by a child psychologist and grandma who recognized how much children love to play with buckles. The BuckleyBoo has five buckles attached with bright patterned ribbons so that your child can practice his/her buckling skills.

There are 4 BuckleyBoos: the BuckleyBear, BuckleyDog, BuckleyCat and recently added, the BuckleyBunny. They come in 2 sizes: 12" and 17".

The BuckleyBoo website explains the stages of cognitive development in relation to the BuckleyBoo and how your child will benefit from the BuckleyBoo from 15 months of age to 4 years old.

Stage 1: Matching
Children first learn to scan and match the 5 brightly patterned ribbons- polka dot to polka dot, stripe to stripe.
Stage 2: Buckling
At eighteen months, children are ready to buckle, but they cannot yet unbuckle, which makes BuckleyBoo, for a time, a toy to be shared between parent and child. At this stage, the child will likely leave all the other buckles in their environment alone; now they have 5 of their own buckles with which to play.
Stage 3: Unbuckling
At three years, children have both the physical strength and the problem solving skills to buckle and unbuckle and they will happily do for hours on end. Children will also begin to integrate their lovable pal into their world of imaginative play.

The BuckleyBoo will provide your child endless enjoyment while developing his or her hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, and spatial awareness.

We got the purple BuckleyBunny to try out as Abby just loves bunnies! The BuckleyBunny is very soft, very cute and Abby absolutely loves it! It has a chime in it that makes the softest sound when it gets shaken. Abby is at the stage where she can buckle but she can't unbuckle yet.

She'll let me know when she wants to play with her bunny telling, "kik, kik, kik" while handing over the bunny to unbuckle the buckles so she buckle them up again while we both say "click, click, click".

Abby sleeps with her 2 pink bunnies and wanted to add this bunny too, but we had to take this one out as she keeps playing with it instead of sleeping!

This toy is a lot of fun and I would highly recommend it. Mind you, you need to be ready to unbuckle for a long time when you're in stage 2!

Buy them: The BuckleyBoos are for sale for $29.99 (17") and $19.99 (12").

Emily has very generously offered a 20% off discount. Please use the code LATTE20 at check-out. This code is valid till April 13th, 09.

See Kai Run giveaway

For a chance to win a pair of See Kai Run shoes, head on over to dkMommySpot and enter. Deadline for the giveaway is April 6th. Good luck!

New blog design

I'm sure you've noticed my new design?

I absolutely love it!!! I had been thinking of re-designing my blog for a while but am not clever enough myself to start messing around with the HTML code....and am not afraid to admit it either.

Last week, I won a giveaway on Buy by mom and the timing couldn't have been better, now I could get a new look for my blog.

I wasn't sure where to start but Angela made it so easy, I had to give her some color options, if I liked 2 or 3 columns, floral, stripes,... I had a look around for some blogs where I liked certain designs, color combinations and send them to her. The next day she had a design ready!

Anything I asked Angela made for me! The service was excellent, she's my support desk, if I have a question she has the answer!

I'm not sure how she does it all, she has 4 blogs she manages, 5 kids at home of which 2 get homeschooled! These kids are all adorable and the oldest, Ashley, is 11 and the same age as my Lisa. I just love her blog 5 vinez monkeys! 

I could definitely use some of her energy!

Thanks Angela for all your support and your great design!!!

www.angelavinez.com

Chickabiddy Baby Boutique: review and giveaway CONTEST CLOSED

Thanks to all for entering this giveaway! The winner is......

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
27
Timestamp: 2009-04-14 05:22:26 UTC

GabbyLowe, congratulations! I've send you an email to confirm. Please get back to me within 48 hours.

==============================================

I would love to introduce Chickabiddy baby to you (I just love the name!). Chickabiddy baby is this cute little store on Etsy and Rene' makes the cutest vintage dolls.

Who's the wonderful Rene behind Chickabiddy baby you ask? Well keep reading....

I am a 32 year old mama and wife. By day I am a caregiver for the elderly and by night I am an aspiring artist and designer of children's boutique clothes and nursery items. My husband and I live with our daugher Savanna Jean in a little cottage in Nebraska. I am inspired by my old, creaky house which was built in 1914. Other things that inspire me are memories of my Grandma Lillian and all the beautiful crochet items her mother and grandmother used to make. I sometimes feel that they are smiling down on me and my creations, guiding me here and there. Grandma Johnson had an apartment full of vintage fabrics, jars of old buttons, a collection of glass bottles and keys from all over, and I try to recreate the feeling of spending an afternoon with her in my work. I love antique fabrics and trimmings...when I can't use vintage my mother contributes to the beautiful embroidery you will see on my creations. I create custom orders and will personalize and date all pieces with fabric tags so you can tuck them away and pull them out of an old trunk some rainy day when your babes are older. Each piece is lovingly created as if to be worn by my own precious one (who is now 12).

Babies are not my only clients...I can also create beautiful hats, totes, shrugs, sweaters, clutches and such for those of all ages.

We received one of Rene's sock dolls, and the first things I noticed was the scent. The scent is actually coming from the tags that Rene' buys from a seller on etsy, the tags get soaked in all kinds of spices. It reminded me of my grandma's house. My grandma's bedroom, where we used to sleep when we were tiny, smells like this (or at least that's how I remember their room). 

Now this dollie is not only loved by Abby but has a special meaning to me too as both my grandparents were in hospital when we received this dollie. This hospital is in Belgium, so I can't just hop on a plane and visit. In the meantime my grandma has left the hospital and is doing better, my grandad is still in the hospital but is slowly but surely recovering. So this little dollie is my good luck charm. 

I absolutely love the detailed work that has gone into this doll. I love the vintage look and the eyes.

This sock dollie has a rattle which Abby really loves. My 2 other kids keep saying that this dollie is called Bebe as this is the name on the front of the dollie.

Here's Abby's reaction when we opened our parcel...

Some examples of Rene's work:

Aren't they just adorable?

Rene' also has her own blog and I tell you, you should check it out, it's absolutely amazing!

http://chickabiddybabyblurbs.blogspot.com/

Rene' has generously offered to giveaway a cute Lil Sock Baby Rattle for 1 of my lucky readers.

HOW TO WIN?

Please head on over to Chickabiddy baby, have a look around and let me know your favorite Item.

Extra entries (you need to leave a separate comment for each):

* follow my blog

* add my new button to your blog and let me know you did so

* subscribe to my blog

* follow me on Twitter

* blog about this giveaway, linking back to Chickabiddy baby and my blog, let me know the URL.

Deadline of this giveaway is 4/12/09 midnight PST. Open for US residents only)

The winner will be emailed and announced on the 13th.

Thanks Rene'!

SHI SHU STYLE: review and giveaway

Happy Easter!!!

Thanks all for entering this super giveaway, the winner is.......

True Random Number Service
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
13
Timestamp: 2009-04-12 22:02:34 UTC

And the winner is Keitha: follower.

Keitha, I've send you an email.

=====================================================

By now you know I have a weakness for cute little kids shoes and blankets. So I was so honored to be able to do a review and giveaway on a company called SHI SHU Style.

ShiShu Style was created by Tamre Sutphen with her son in mind. Her son's favorite blanket (made of microfiber/polyester) caused him to break out into a rash. Tamre decided to design a line of blankets made of only natural fibers. This is where the bamboo comes in.

These Bamboo blankets are antibacterial, soft as silk and they keep you cool in the summer and warm in winter and most importantly, they let your skin breathe!

Thanks to Tamre, there's not only baby blankets and baby snugglers, she decided to design a larger version for herself and....the SHI SHU HOME throw was born!

Their products are even fit for stars! The Shi Shu Home Classic throw is featured as a premier gift in the 66th Annual Golden Globe gift bags!

We received the soft green blanket. First thing, I really love the soft green color, it's soothing. The blanket is so soft and I just love the pattern in the blanket! This blanket has been washed for a couple of times now and it still has the same shape, same color and softness. We love it!

Tamre has generously offered a SHI SHU baby snuggler for 1 of my lucky readers.

HOW TO WIN:
Browse Shi Shu Style, pick a favorite product/color and let me know who you would want to win it for. And I can completely understand it if you would want to win this for yourself. These blankets are amazing!!! Please also let me know in this comment what color snuggler you would love to win.

If you're not a blogger, please leave your email in the comment.

For additional entries:
* Subscribe to my blog (subscriber link is just above the followers)
* Blog about this giveaway linking to this post and to Shi Shu Style, let me know the URL in a separate comment.
* follow my blog

* follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway
* Put my button on your blog (button code is on my sidebar)
It is important to leave a separate comment for each of the entries to count. Thank you.

Deadline for this giveaway is 4/11/09 midnight PST. The winner will be emailed and announced here on April 12th. (this giveaway is open to US residents only)

Thanks Tamre for sponsoring this giveaway!

Wordless Wednesday

All I could hear was "oh-no", this is what I found.....

See Kai Run giveaway over @ Seeryus Mama

Over at Seeryus mama there's a chance to win a pair of See Kai Run shoes. (from the Smaller or See Kai Run collection).

I'm trying really hard to win Sofia for Abby for this summer.

See Kai Run giveaway

Head on over to Frugalmommyof2girls for a chance to win a pair of See Kai Run's from the Smaller or See Kai Run collection. The deadline for this giveaway is March 29th.

BonnBonn Baby review and giveaway! CONTEST CLOSED

Thanks all for entering this great giveaway!

And the winner is....

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
26
Timestamp: 2009-04-10 16:24:14 UTC

And this is #26 Andrea (The laughs will go on). Andrea I send you an email.

==============================================

BonnBonn Baby is the only baby line to use EcoFresh certified antimicrobial protection with a patented moisture control wicking fabric to keep baby fresh and dry. Their moisture control wicking fabric pulls irritating moisture away from baby's delicate skin where it quickly dries. The EcoFresh certified antimicrobial technology keeps baby's clothes fresh between launderings with its long lasting protection and kills virtually all types of odor causing bacteria and fungus. It is environmentally and user friendly AND affordable.

All of the products are super-soft, and only get softer with washing. They are all available in pure-white, with coordinating trim colors. I really love the fact that they will match any decor — perfect for gift giving!

We were lucky enough to receive a swaddling blanket with pink trim. This blanket is so soft and so big. Abby doesn't get swaddled anymore (she's 21 months old) but we use this as a blanket. She will cuddle under this blanket in the evening before going to bed. This blanket has been washed a couple of times already and it stays white and gets softer each time. We love it!

BonnBonn Baby has very generously offered a onesie or tee (winner's choice) for one of my readers!

For a chance to win, please go to BonnBonn Baby, pick your favorite item, then come back here and let me know.

Additional entries: 

* follow me on blogger

* follow me on twitter

* subscribe to me

* add my button to your blog, let me know the URL

* blog about this giveaway and let me know the URL for 2 entries  (2 separate comments)

The deadline for the giveaway is 4/9/09 midnight PST. The winner will be emailed and annouced here on the 10th. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents.

Just in case you can't wait till the end of this giveaway, BonnBonn Baby has also set up the code LATTE for 20% off. This code will be valid till June 30th.

Thanks BonnBonn Baby!

TickleMe plant: review and giveaway. CONTEST CLOSED.

Thank you all for entering this fun giveaway.

And the winner is....

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
29
Timestamp: 2009-04-06 22:14:43 UTC

CandG-Jill W, I have emailed you, please respond within 48 hours.

===================================================

Now this is a fun review and giveaway for the whole family!

What is a TickleMe Plant you ask?

The TickleMe Plant grows from a seed in about 7 days if the temperatures are kept between 70° and 85° Fahrenheit. However, if temperatures are lower, it may take 21 to 30 days for your TickleMe Plants™ to sprout. The first leaves are not ticklish but even these small TickleMe Plant™ sprouts will begin “sleeping” at night, by closing their leaves and dropping the branches.

Our plant sprouted in little over a week and we have cute little leaves at the moment that move. My kids love it! 

We can't wait for the plant to grow bigger as it will have pink flowers when it's bigger.

Some more info on the company behind this fun plant.

When my brother Larry and I were children, we would show our friends our TickleMe Plants and watch the looks of disbelief and excitement on their faces. 
Growing TickleMe Plants from seeds was then and still is a magical experience for us. Throughout our lives, we continued to grow our own TickleMe Plants. I became a science teacher and over my 30 years of teaching have had many budding scientists experience the joy of raising their own TickleMe Plants.
Larry and I decided to form the TickleMe Plant Company, so that we could make the TickleMe Plant experience available to all people young and old. Many children (and adults) have never been exposed to the joy and importance of plants. Watching a plant grow and move can be an unforgettable experience. We don’t want children and those young at heart, to lose “touch” with our living world. What better adventure than to raise their own TickleMe Plant from seed? A great experience for everyone! Growing a TickleMe Plant is the perfect gift for someone who wants to share their love of nature and gardening!

The people of TickleMe Plant have offered to give 1 of my readers a TickleMe Plant Mini-House/Party favor so you can see for yourself how much fun this is!

The bag has lots of seeds so you can plant lots of plants all year round.

Let me know in a comment who you would plant this TickleMe Plant with or give the plant to.

For additional entries, please leave me a separate comment for each of the following:

* follow my blog

* add my button to your blog and leave the URL for me to check

* subscribe to my blog

* follow me on twitter

So you'll have up to 5 chances to win.

The deadline of this giveaway is 4/5/09 midnight PST. The winner will be announced here and emailed on the 6th. This giveaway is for US residents only.

Skateboarding for toddlers

Skateboarding for toddlers?

I can hear you think...WHAT???...

Abby's 21 months old and found a way to be as cool as her bigger brother.

It's easier for me just to show you....

Are your kids afraid of the dark? No more fear, the Shrunks are here: review and giveaway CONTEST CLOSED

Thanks all for entering this fun giveaway. I'm glad to read my son is not the only one afraid of the dark. The winner of this giveaway is.....

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
2
Timestamp: 2009-04-02 06:35:24 UTC

And this is CanCan (Mom Most Traveled), I have contacted you, please get back to me within 48 hours to claim your prize.

================================================

My son has always slept with a nightlight on and still to this day doesn't want to sleep with his door closed as he's afraid in the dark. So I've been looking around for solutions as he's already 7 and he really needs a good night sleep. His problem is that he can't fall asleep, but once he is asleep he sleeps till the next morning.

For all parents out there that have kids that fear the dark or wake up in the middle of the night cause they're frightened and can not sleep, I want to let you know about the Shrunks.

This company has all kinds of products that help kids with their fears at night.

Some of the products they have:

Sunny, the fearless guard dog: Are Your Children Having Trouble Getting to Sleep at Night? Do they hear strange noises? Do they imagine things lurking in their closet or under their bed? Are they frightened of the unknown sneaking into their room? Or, is it what goes bump in the night? Sunny, the Fearless Guard Dog will help make their fear disappear. Specially trained by The Shrunks', he sleeps with one eye open and one eye closed, so that he can watch over you when you are sleeping. Combat tested to scare any fear away.

Fear bust'r Tool kit: The Shrunks’ Fear Bust’r Tool Kit contains everything you need to eliminate your fear and manage a safe zone in your bedroom or on an adventure. Use the Door Signs on bedroom and closet doors to send the anti-fright message to intruders, the Safe-Zone Barricade Tape to create a safe zone through out the house and the Blow'r Whistle to alert those around you of your victory in the fight against fright! So, what are you afraid of?
Each kit contains:
2 Fear Free Metal Room Signs
1 roll of Safe-Zone Barricade Tape
1 Blow’r Fear Fright Whistle

We had the opportunity to review one of the plush Ududolls. Jamie picked Closet.

Nighttime is difficult and causes problems for all of us. Closet diffidently does not like the dark! He has lost his shoes and can not find them. He remembers them in the closet, but can not see them. He better hurry, or he will be late for school. So, what are you afraid of?

Jamie in his own words: "Now I'm not so much afraid of the dark anymore, cause Closet is fun to look at and he's so soft when I hold him".

I know he looks like a little pillow and what can a pillow really do to help, right? I asked myself that same question but I can guarantee you that Jamie falls asleep a lot quicker than he used to. He feels a lot safer in his room now.

One lucky reader will have the chance to find too. 

The Shrunks has generously offered to giveaway an 8" Ududoll (your choice of doll).

For one entry: Let me know what fear your child has and what things you've tried to help.

2nd entry: go to The Shrunks website and tell me your favorite Item (let me know in a separate comment what it is)

3rd entry: follow A latte in the morning, and let know you did so.

4th entry: follow me on twitter and let me know your username.

5th entry: blog about this giveaway and let me know the direct URL in a separate comment.

6th entry: add my button to your blog and let me know you did so.

The deadline for this giveaway is 03/31/09 midnight PST. The winner will be emailed and announced on this post on the 1st of April (not a joke!). This giveaway is for US residents only.

Note: If you're not the winner or you just can't wait till the contest is over The Shrunks is offering a free 8" Udu plush with any purchase (same or greater value). With the purchase mention "A latte in the morning" in the "heard from" section of the member registration. How cool is that?

Thanks The Shrunks for sponsoring this giveaway!

Wordless Wednesday

Well, we're having rain all week this week, but boy oh boy, we are ready for the summer!

getting back in shape

Jipppiieieeeee! We just ordered a Nintendo Wii with a Wii Fit bundle.

I can't wait for it to arrive as I really want to start losing some of this weight and I don't like going to the gym.

Anybody has had good results with the Wii fit and weightloss?

I would love to read your stories. 

Any tips as I'm new to the Wii fit?

See Kai Run giveaways

Head on over to Blessings Abound for a chance to win a pair of See Kai Run or Smaller shoes.

Also a See Kai Run giveaway over at Life in a house of blue.

And another one SKR giveaway over at A family completed.

sick kids

Oh man, I thought we were going to skip the illnesses that are going around everywhere, but I guess I was wrong.

Abby had a fever 2 days ago, she's nearly her normal self again.
School just rang to say Jamie had a fever and to come and get him.

He's just taken some Tylenol and is sleeping so hopefully it's just a 24 hour bug. Fingers crossed!

KidDictionary tells it like it is! Review and giveaway. CONTEST CLOSED

We have a winner:

Here are your random numbers:
6
Timestamp: 2009-03-28 04:21:48 UTC

And it is......amweeks. I have send you an email to confirm.

Thanks all for your stories, I really enjoyed them. 

======================================================

The KidDictionary: a book of words parents need but don't have by Eric Ruhalter.

I had so much fun reading this Dictionary! This book is a book every parent should have, none of the words exist in a real dictionary but oh man, we could certainly use some of them.

The words in the book are called "neologisms" or made up words. They capture some of the precious things our kids do and say. And I'm sure we all had loads of them with our kids. I certainly have with my 3!

Eric decided to compile all of his kids words into a book and I'm glad he did, it's hilarious and precious at the same time.

Let me give you one of my favorite examples (and I have a couple) in the book.

My husbands' car is spotless! My car on the other hand, second home to the kids, is a different story. Vacuuming it is a chore and I can never tell what there is to find under the car seats, but I can guarantee you it's always a surprise!

So the book has a name for this:

KIDDLES (KID-duhls) n: Crumbs and debris found in the creases of your car's upholstery when you remove a child's car seat.

Another one I love:

SNOOT (SNEWT) v: To suck in rather than blow out when blowing your nose.

One of Lisa's favorites (my oldest daughter): 

PAMPERATIONS (pahm-per-AY-shuns) n: The twisting, squirming and kicking a baby performs to make changing their diaper as difficult as possible.

The book is full of many creative words and they describe every kind of situation that we, as parents, have been in at some time or another. This dictionary is very entertaining and you will love it!

You can buy this book on Amazon or can be bought directly from Eric for $11.95. 

Eric has offered one of my readers a copy if this great dictionary!

To enter, leave me a comment telling me your most fun thing/s you're kid/s have said or done and  you wished you had written down.

For a 2nd entry: become a follower of A latte in the morning (current followers, just let me know you're already a follower.

For a 3rd entry: blog about this giveaway linking back to my blog and The KidDictionary, let me know the URL in a separate comment.

For a 4th entry: add my button to your blog and let me know you did so in a separate comment.

Deadline for this giveaway 3/26/09 midnight PST, the winner will be emailed and announced here on the 27th (US only).

Thanks Eric, we really enjoyed the book!!!

For all the new moms or moms-to be out there: NEW PARENT.com

As a mom of 3 I think I've figured out most of the things with my kids, at least from the baby side of things. Now with Lisa being 11, I'm entering this whole pre-teen world! I have a lot more questions for the future!

But if I do have questions I know I can check on New Parent and see if there's an answer out there! For all you moms and dads or parents-to-be out there who have questions you can now check out the NewParent website.

On the New Parent website you can find lots and lots of stuff like baby checklists, connect with other parents in the community, get expert advice for your pregnancy and parenting questions.

You can win free products, try the baby namer, read the parenting blogs, shop for maternity, cute baby clothes, you name it, you can find it there!

 

NewParent.com also offers useful information like: coupons, celeb corner features, recalls, recipes and much more!

There is also a baby of the week section where people can enter their
children to be the star of the week : )

I would love to enter my little Abby in that one but the age limit is 12 months, too bad for me!

If you like what you see, sign up for the newsletter.

Have fun!

Happy Birthday Lisa

I can not believe it, my first little girl turned 11 today!!!!

Happy Birthday Lisa!!!!!

Here she was 4 weeks old, I had to take a picture of an old picture as we didn't have a digital camera then.

And here she is today!

last chance

Last chance to enter the See Kai Run giveaway, the deadline is midnight tonight!

Enter here.

Wordless Wednesday

My cool dude!

Purrfect play: review and giveaway: CONTEST CLOSED

The winner of this giveaway is....

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
4
Timestamp: 2009-03-26 20:53:54 UTC

This winner is Michelle. 

Michelle, I'm sending you an email too to confirm.

=================================================

I first read about this company called Purrfect Play on another blog (something snappee) and was very impressed with it.

We have a 5 year old cat Simba who has some weight issues. We ration his food and keep him active but still the progress is slow. My 3 kids keep him busy but I wanted to get him something so he could keep himself busy too.

We received the snake and the brown mouse and as soon as I gave Simba this catnip snake he went crazy! I've used catnip toys before but never, ever has he played so hard with a toy as with this snake!!! Same for the little mouse, he just throws it in the air and then goes chasing after it!

A little more info on the company:

Purrfect Play is the company of Pam Wheelock who decided to start her own business 

Purrfectplay is run simply. We are dedicated to producing wonderful pet products crafted exclusively from organic, chemical free, and fair-trade materials. We are members of Co-op America and the Organic Trade Association. When you buy one of our products you can be sure it was made with dedication and love. You can be sure that we care about what you think and how your pets use our products.

They don't only have cat products, there's toys for dogs. They have collars, blankets,...

I also think these pet blankets are such a fantastic idea! They are crafted from felted sweaters.

They start with damaged wool sweaters which they get from

 their local thrift shop-- they are pleased to see them put to good use. They felt them, cut them up, and sew them together to make a comfy blanket. Because they are made from fe

lted sweaters they will not unravel and they hold up well in a gentle wash. Don't they look fantastic?

How do you feel in having your cat or dog try one of these toys?

Purrfect Play is offering one of my readers a snake or a pull toy for your cat or dog in the family!

For one entry: sign up to Purrfectplay's newsletter and let me know you did so.

Additional entries:

2nd entry: check out Purrfectplay and let me know what other item (besides the snake and pull toy) your cat and/or dog could use. Let me know in a separate comment.

3rd entry: become a follower of my blog 

4th entry: blog about this giveaway, linking back to A latte in the morning and Purrfectplay, let me know the URL in a separate comment.

5th entry: add my button to your blog and let me know the URL in a separate comment.

The deadline for this giveaway is 3/24/09 midnight PST. The winner will be emailed and announced here on the 25th. (US only)

Thanks Purrfectplay for the great giveaway! The snake and mouse are keeping Simba very busy!