SoapSox Bath Time Fun Review & Giveaway

Since I became a mom inventor, I have come across some amazing brands and people. Recently, I was introduced to Alvin and Ray from SoapSox, a plush bath time tub toy that has a pocket for a bar/liquid soap. It makes bath time fun for kids and allows them to easily wash themselves.

These products are great but so is the brand and marketing concept comparing to the competitors. Each character is uniquely designed with a child in mind having its own personality and identity. Having an actual foam/plush toy in the tub vs. a washcloth with a head makes the experience more realistic and interactive. Also, they dry overnight! No more crusty, dry washcloths to deal with!

CEOJack received Tank the Shark to test and VPBailey received Taylor the Turtle. Lately Jack has not been interested in bath time but since seeing that he can play with his new Shark and wash himself, there was no fight tonight. He is now 5 and is steering away from baths with his sister but since bringing home our SoapSox, he was excited to get Tank in the tub. 

Bailey of course took to Taylor the Turtle instantly and wanted to scoop up Tank the Shark as well. She is my fish out of water and will play in a bath/pool for hours if I let her. I am contemplating purchasing the entire line for bath time fun as well as a great pool toy too.

SoapSox are CEOJack and VPBailey approved, also a must have by mom. We all need a little bit more help in making bath time more fun and I am happy to introduce you to Alvin and Ray with their latest collection of bath tub friends.

Today through Wednesday, SoapSox will be giving away FREE products to THREE lucky winners for fans of Baby Jack Blankets. Simply enter via our Rafflecopter below. If you cannot wait to win and are eager to buy, visit http://soapsoxkids.com today.



In order to enter to win, there are 5 optional entries:
LIKE Baby Jack Blankets via Facebook
LIKE SoapSox via Facebook
PIN this giveaway via Pinterest
COMMENT via our Facebook post with your favorite SoapSox and who you would give it to
SUBSCRIBE to our Baby Jack newsletter
ENTER officially here:

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Baby Jack sharing Freshly Picked Moccasins

Today is Mom Invented Monday and I have the pleasure of a wonderful giveaway from Susan Peterson of Freshly Picked. Susan has grown her popular mocc business through the power of social media and as a mompreneur myself, I take my hat off to her.

PR and marketing are a tricky trade and being able to build a brand based off of interaction and engagement takes talent. Freshly Picked as a company is a chic, modern and a great addition to the baby product business with high quality moccasins. Oh the places this business will go!

Bailey and Jack love their FP moccasins and Baby Jack is excited to giveaway a FREE pair to one lucky winner along with their choice of a baby sensory lovey.

To enter to WIN - SHARE this blog post via Twitter, FB, Pinterest and then enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Giving Back Comfort

Baby Jack Blankets chooses to contribute to a select group of children's organizations providing comfort where it is needed. In the past, we have contributed to Autism Speaks, Celebrate the Military Child, The Special Olympics, Healing Hailey, Go Bright Pink and more.

This year, our 2014 selected charity is March of Dimes, and specifically Friends of Maddie. Maddie is the daughter of Heather and Mike Spohr from top blog The Spohrs are Multiplying and this non profit was created in hopes to assist families with babies in the NICU after she was born on November 11, 2007 at 26 weeks and 6 days; over 11 weeks premature. Maddie's lungs were left scarred due to her prematurity and became an angel unexpectedly on April 7, 2009 after coming down from a severe respiratory infection. Friends of Maddie was established to tribute to this beautiful little girl and the light that she brought into the world.

Join Baby Jack to help raise awareness and support Heather Spohr while she joins March of Dimes on April 26 to March for Babies. Up until April 26, for every lovey purchased from our website, Baby Jack will donate an item to Friends of Maddie to include in their Family NICU packs bringing comfort to many babies born pre-term.  Shop online and on the CART page, click on the Friends with Maddie option to ensure that a donation is sent.

 

Show this family, and many more that they are in your thoughts. Their struggles have not gone unnoticed and that their strength is admirable. Let's all March for Babies in any way we can.

 

When you donate or walk in March for Babies, you give hope to nearly half a million babies born too soon each year. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babies. March of Dimes have been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $2.3 billion to benefit all babies.

 

 

So long my baby girl...

I get extremely emotional when my kids hit a milestone that turns them from baby to big kid. Transition out of the crib into bed, potty training and currently saying goodbye to the nuk turned me into a sobbing lady. I can't handle how fast they grow but it amazes me how proud they stand when they make this giant little leap.

My kids are MAM paci kids since birth. Along with their blankets, it has been the only thing that would calm them down besides mama. When Jack had to let go of his pacifier, he didn't flinch. We told him strictly that if you bite it, you have to toss it. The day before Bailey's first birthday, he bit his last nuk. He tossed it and moved on. It worked out great because we were going to take it away the following week and blame the dentist! But Bailey is a rough and tough little girl who is opinionated as they come and gets what she wants.

Today started out as her being attached to her nuk since waking. I informed her that she would get to pick out a new stuffed bear and she was going to turn into a big girl and put her paci inside the bear. *Side note: we cut the end of the pacifier and told her she broke it so it was easier to part with. We peaked at the Build A Bear website and she got excited for all the choices that she had as a new home for her nuk.

The Build A Bear store was a madhouse -per usual- but she was adorable to watch. She knew that she did not want a bear, she is after all a horse/elephant/giraffe/puppy girl. Never does she pick out a teddy bear.

Her pick was the My Little Pony Princess Twighlight Unicorn; a great choice because she could comb her hair! Waiting patiently in line, Bailey gave one last goodbye to her baby soother and stepped right up. Stomping on the stuffer, watching her new friend grow and choosing which foot to put the paci in simply made her giddy. When Twilight was complete, she was able to wash her, brush and bring her home. It was amazing to see Bailey make all these choices herself.

When we arrived home, she was spent. Reality set in as nap time approached that her nuk was gone. She asked for another one - then demanded and I almost gave in because seeing her in distress simply pains me. I sat with her and rubbed her back as she screamed NO BIG GIRL. MY NUK until she calmed and I left her alone to fall asleep. It was a short nap, but she made it through without her nuk!!

The rest of the day we continued to keep her busy and do "big kid things" like going to Stonefire Pizza where there are bounce houses, bowling lanes, slides and a mini roller coaster. We kept cheering her on and telling her how big she was and all the kids around her didn't have nuks.

As we speak, she is in bed - holding Princess Twilight Pony tightly - with her Baby Jack Blanket in hand and singing herself to sleep and I am here realizing that these transitions are much more hard on the moms.

 

 

$1,000 Snuggwugg Baby Shower Spectacular Giveaway

Welcome to the Snuggwugg Baby Shower Spectacular Giveaway!

Snuggwugg™, a Huggies Mom Inspired Grant Winner and the world's only smartphone interactive pillow for babies & toddlers, is excited to announce the $1,000 Snuggwugg Baby Shower Spectacular Giveaway.

One lucky winner will receive over $1,000 in baby shower prizes and $75 in Paypal cash for all the extras you may need!

We are celebrating the upcoming launch of Snuggwugg, the innovative and award-winning smartphone interactive baby pillow that safely stops a squirmy baby during diaper changes. Snuggwugg is great for tummy time, play and travel. The official launch date is May 1st.

Retailers have begun accepting pre-orders for the Snuggwugg and demand has been very high. It will be in limited supply during the initial launch. The only way to make sure you get one is to pre-order now.

Our lucky giveaway winner will be able to get their Snuggwugg before the May 1st launch date and will enjoy some of the most sought after baby products available!

Snuggwugg has partnered with some of the most innovative and amazing baby products to give you the baby shower event of a lifetime with a prize package valued at over $1,000!

Check out a few of our amazing sponsors!

• Petunia Pickle Bottom is offering your choice of one Boxy Backpack ($189.00 ARV). A modern classic as striking as it is well-appointed, the Boxy Backpack is a favorite of stylish mothers the world over. It’s intuitive design features an array of well-placed pockets, an easily accessible built-in changing station and multiple carrying options for maximum efficiency and versatility.
• Two cases of HUGGIES Natural Care baby wipes brought to you by Huggies MomInspired where over $600,000 has been awarded to celebrate the ideas of entrepreneurial parents who have created solutions that bring parents and children closer together. HUGGIES Natural Care Wipes offer a sensitive, gentle clean for new baby’s naturally perfect skin. They provide a soft, sensitive clean, and are now available in a stylish designer tub that’s handy in any room!
• Sugar Factory has provided the most delicious looking sweet treat VIP basket on the planet!
• Visit Snuggwugg for a detailed description of all of our wonderful sponsors and prizes.

A very special thanks to all our sponsors: Huggies, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Sugar Factory, Baby Jack Blankets, Lil Tights by Skights, San Diego Bebe, Baby Elephant Ears, KidSwitch, Bobee Inc, Made With Love Cards And Crafts, Assessables, Liv & Lily, Baby Dipper, Shop Zippyz, Babee Talk, The Wizor, Heavenly Hands Party Creations, Bunchees,Goodie Bag Marketing, Fashion Touch, Refresh A Baby, The Diaper Clutch, Pinkapotamus and Bee Charmer NYC. Visit them on Facebook, Twitter and their websites!

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Enter to win a $1,000 Baby Shower Prize Package.

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.

Refer your friends using your unique link to earn even more chances to win.

One winner will be selected at random from all valid entries.

Open to the United States.

Ends at 11:59pm EST on March 14th, 2014.

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This giveaway was coordinated by Giveaway Promote.

My Funny Valentines

I recently read a post from Parents Magazine Top Instagram and mom blogger Mommy Shorts, a Valentine's letter to her children.  She states: "You two are my world, so it seems fitting that my career and my family should be intertwined." As a mom, there was so much truth to her words and it is evident how much love there is in her work and towards her children. It resonated with me entirely.

I sit here, in front of my computer while my kids play around me - handing me cups of pretend tea and building LEGOS in between typing; the Bryan Adams song Everything I do comes to mind. Jack and Bailey are my world and building this business is showing them - and me - more than I could possibly imagine. To be able to display that following a dream, accepting failures and putting all that you have into a career has made this experience all the more wonderful.

To my loves #CEOJack and #VPBailey, I want you to know that I happily display your adorable faces for the public to enjoy, seeing your enthusiasm as we together create products and the joy I see in fan photos of other babies has validated everything I do.

Happy Valentine's Day from Mom

Baby Jack Blankets on Pregnany and Newborn Magazine

We are excited to mention that we have been working with national publication Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine who recently informed their audience about Baby Jack Blankets via a giveaway Post on Facebook. It was such a successful giveaway that drove traffic to our Facebook page and we were thrilled to engage with more fans.

 

Keep your eyes peeled for Baby Jack Blankets in the April issue of the Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine's Baby Registry on newsstands April - June 2014 for more ways to win a blanket!

 

Lovely Baby Gifts for your Little Loves this Valentines Day

Buying for the loves of your life has never been easier. Your baby has your heart and you have their best interest. Why not purchase from great brands that have ensured to provide the best products on the market?  This Valentine's Day we are showing off some of our favorite baby products.

Accessory Connectz® Create endless looks with one little gadget. Accessorize flip-flops, headbands, belts, pet collars and so much more. Made in the USA.

Babee Covee convertible 6-in-1 baby blanket can be used for 1) car seat canopy 2) stroller cover/blanket 3) shopping cart cover 4) high chair cover 5) nursing cover and 6) playtime blanket.

Baby Jack Blankets Sensory Blankets Baby Jack Blankets creates sensory ribbon tag baby blankets. Vibrant & modern fabric paired with plush dimple minky backing.  Accented around the blanket are ribbons sewn shut into Tabs to prevent tiny fngers from getting intertwined like other products on the market. Ribbons provide entertainment, security and comfort. Babies love textures; item also used as a tactile toy for autism and special needs.

Bobee Inc A wall-mounted diaper dispenser and wipe caddy that allows you to
•Keep one hand safely on your baby while grabbing a diaper or wipe with the other hand
•Decorate the dispenser to match your nursery room decor with our line of colorful polka dot decals
•Organize the changing table area for other important baby items
•Keep diapers and wipes up and out of the way from curious little hands. Made in USA.

Cover My Heart Nursing Cover, Fashion with a Purpose, from nursing cover to fashion accessory for moms everyday look.

Daddy & Company DaddyScrubs is dedicated to providing dads in every stage of fatherhood a way to proudly proclaim, “I’m the Daddy!” DaddyScrubs is committed to excellence and strives to deliver quality products at great prices while ensuring the highest level of customer service and satisfaction.

Homeworks Etc. Designs Homeworks Etc. designs wall decor and more for baby nursery and kids rooms.  Our goal is to design wall decor that is decorative and functional, unique and stylish. They include: Wall Hooks {Growth Charts} Wood Letters {Canvas Art} Signs {Decals}. Mix and match our designs to create a space that reflects your likes and your child’s interests.

LillyBit Uptown Diaper Clutch A brand dedicated to creating stylish and functional, on-the-go accessories.

Liv N Lily Boutique Liv and Lily is a luxury brand of children’s accessories that has brought premium fabrics together with sophisticated designs to create a line as stylish as it is timeless. Inspired by playful and traditional elements along with style icons, dressing up your children has never been more lavish and luxe.

Lovey’s Body Products Inc. Lovey’s Body Products makes natural, worry-free body care products for you and your baby.

Magnificent Baby Spend more magnificent moments with your little one. Our easy-to-use, Smart Close magnetic-fastening infant’s wear will have your baby dressed in seconds! No more snaps, no more buttons! Soft. Simple. Magnetic.

Maria Dismondy (children’s author)  Maria is the author of award-winning children’s books, including Pink Tiara Cookies for Three, Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, and The Juice Box Bully. She believes in making a positive difference in children’s lives.

Milkin’ Cookies Milkin’ Cookies are delicious lactation cookies for nursing moms. They include healthy ingredients to boost breast milk production

Rock a Thigh Baby Socks Made in USA, eco-friendly, children’s thigh-length socks (like legwarmers with feet), developed by a WI mom of 4 girls.

Poopoose The Original PooPoose™ is a high quality changing pad that makes changing diapers faster, easier, and safer.

SeatPak Huggies Award Winner. Inventor of the SeatPak, the mini diaper bag that attaches to the infant car seat for hands-free carrying. Also attaches to a stroller, luggage, purse handle and more.

Sticky Bellies  Sticky Bellies® are milestone stickers for your favorite bellies!

SwimZip UPF Protective Swimwear Making UV protection a ZIP! Swim shirts with UPF 50+ and a full length zipper for easy on easy off for parents and children alike!

Teething Bling Teething jewelry made for Moms, safe for babies!

The Push Pack Prepacked Hospital Bag Selling peace of mind in a bag. Home of the Push Pack – the prepacked hospital labor bag. One less thing for expecting moms to worry about. Created by a mom for moms. A great baby shower gift, just for the MOM to be!

Tivoli Couture Practical Luxury Solutions for Baby’s Comfort Year Round

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe USA Sophie the Giraffe is the world’s favourite baby teethers from France. Trusted by celebrities and mothers, millions of Sophies have been sold worldwide since 1961. Sophie is handmade in the French Alps using natural rubber from the Hevea Tree.

A Cheers to Health

It's hard for me to write this post. I have had weight problems my entire life and it stems from low self esteem growing up. I was always the one taking the pictures to avoid being in them, faked my period for gym classes so I didn't have to swim and heard the gnash comments about being the "fat one"of the group.

If I had self esteem back then, I would have embraced my body and just grinned for the camera. I would have rocked a beautiful swimsuit and did a cannon ball. I would have stood up for myself instead of treat others unfairly creating a vicious cycle of low self esteem. But now I am a mom and I worry about the self esteem of my two little kids.

I want Jack and Bailey to embrace how they were made, make healthy choices for themselves instead of to please others and have the courage to go after everything they desire. Lead by example right? I wanted to feel my best, no longer be stressed having a short fuse and showcase that this mom can love her body.

After much soul searching - and diets, my friend Julie introduced me to an amazing organic nutritional cleanse through Isagenix. Skeptical; I waited two months, stalking posts about others that have had successes and failures with the products. I saw a community of support, celebrating bodies in all shapes and sizes but most of all, I saw a pattern of results and opted to invest my money in myself.

I started on the 30 day Cleanse on June 1st 2013. Let me alert you that I quit caffeine COLD TURKEY because caffeine is basically a toxin to your system, causing problems related to stress, metabolism, energy and more. The 30 day cleanse program is 26 days of "shake days" and 4 days of "cleansing days".

My daily "shake day" program consisted of taking a energy boost drink called Ionix Supreme that helps with cravings, a nutritional shake - basically super food for your body - 2x a day. A shake is a meal replacement but I ended up taking a shake in the morning and one for dessert with a light lunch and light dinner since I am always sitting down eating with the kids. My calories will kept in tact according to the chart that the program comes with and I followed that schedule relatively close.  The first two days for me were "shake days" to get my body used to the right amount of nutrients.

The 3rd day on the program is a "cleanse day". This day involves NO EATING WHATSOEVER. It allows for the cleanse drink to remove impurities in your body and give yourself a break from digestion. You get the right amount of nutrients in the cleanse drink and your body doesn't go into starvation mode. You just drink 4 cleanse drinks 4x a day, 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water and delicious green tea CHOCOLATES called IsaDelights. It was a day to get used to but waking up and checking out the scale that I dropped 6# was a major motivator for "cleanse day" #2.

The 4th day on the program is "cleanse day" #2. This day is built to boost your metabolism and start breaking down fat cells. It is recommended to get moving on this day so I made sure to do some retail therapy and mall walking. After day 2, i was down 11# already.

Over the course of this 30 day program, I lost a total of 16 lbs and 27". Your body literally melts because the cellular cleansing that is involved boosts your metabolism to properly break down fat cells. My hair, nails, skin, energy and mood were improved and all on NO CAFFEINE! I am not a scientist but all I know is that the only time I have ever lost weight is when I have the flu or am pregnant - and I certainly do not welcome either of those right now. Finally, a product that helped me feel better in all aspects of life and I was on the right track...

After a lull, I took time off of the products and added some emotional eating from very stressful family times into my daily routine and of course I gained some weight back. With the holidays here and nearly gone, I vowed to get a jump start on my program again, kick starting my New Years Resolution early.

I am back on my daily routine of Ionix Supreme in the AM, Shake for breakfast and a daily cleanse 2 oz bottle before bed, shedding pounds already. I feel like myself again. I am taking charge of my body and showing my kids what it is like to be in control, loving how I feel and look.

My cleanse coach Julie has been an amazing support and friend. She knows what it is like to not feel like yourself and need a boost and have been a great resource for me during this process. She also helped me learn the business side of Isagenix where you can pretty much get your products paid for by referrals. It's been a whirlwind of 6 months on and off these products but I am an ISA girl for life and can't go a day in the morning without my Ionix Supreme drink.

If you are interested in getting in touch with Julie and costing out a program that fits your lifestyle and health goals, please visit my Isa website for more info to get in touch!

30 day cleanse system is a value of $5 per meal but it is up front cost of about $300 to cover you for the 30 days. If you cost out how much you get coffee, go out to eat, grab drive-thru, in the long run you save money! Invest in yourself, in your health and on the road to feeling better. Also, it comes with a money back guarantee!

10 Momventions Giveaway via Mommy Shorts

If you don't know about Mommy Shorts, go follow her blog immediately.  Her real & raw talent for comedic snark in everything parenting adds a lightness to the every day world of being a mom. Plus, her kids are adorable and her eye for fashion is spot on. Ilana is married to Mike and is a mom of two, Mazzy (4) and Harlow (1) and is the creative voice behind Mommy Shorts. She is also a freelancer for Huffington Post and this year debuted her own show on ulive called The Mommy Show. 

I am a forever fan. 

Being someone that is envious of anything New York City, I love everything about Ilana. She is kind, real, creative and a mom so I already feel this commonality with her; except I live in the 'burbs of Milwaukee in Wisconsin so I live my city life dreams through her Instagram photos and posts. I first took notice when #babymugging went viral. You know, when you are drinking coffee and you look out of the corner of your eye and your baby looks like it is jumping out of your mug...try it. You will laugh. 

When I first started following Mommy Shorts I saw that her daughter's name was Harlow. Oddly enough, a custom embroidered blanket sat beside me that day I had accidentally personalized with the name Harlow instead of Harper. (My niece's middle name is Harlow so I am sure she was on my mind!) Immediately I reached out to Ilana happy that this creation would have a home and sent it her way. What I didn't realize was the other opportunities that would arise for baby Jack blankets down the road like being seen on The Mommy Shorts episode with Rachel Dratch and being invited to their 2013 Holiday Gift Toy Guide. Every mistake leads to an opportunity and this was clearly showcased. 

Now, Ilana has excitedly agreed to work with some of our friends for a large giveaway! Being a mom inventor, I partnered with some other brands that are friends of Baby Jack Blankets and reached out to Mommy Shorts. Today Ilana has posted 10 of 20 of the Momventions and a mass giveaway for all of her audience in recognition of the great products we create with moms in mind. Visit her blog for a chance to win, Like her Facebook page, Follow her blog, Comment away and Pin via Pinterest. 

Following a Passion

I found myself in this business by learning how to sew after being let go from my marketing job after having Jack. My hobby grew into a business because I had the passion behind it. I saw the reaction from my customers and how much their little ones loved our creations that I had to keep going. It was a calling. To me, it's more than just a blanket, it's creating comfort. The validation I receive knowing that something I make and sell helps soothe babies at night, during a hospital stay or transition into a crib/bed makes Baby Jack Blankets feel like we are right where we belong.

Recently I came across a YouTube video from a recent X Factor contestant Christopher Maloney. His powerful ballet of Bette Midler's The Rose earned a standing ovation but what made this story so unique and emotional was his journey to get to that stage. Like many others, we have a passion - a calling - for what we are meant to do in life. In order to pursue that work, you have to have instinct, follow your gut and just put yourself out there. It took Christopher Maloney years to put himself in front of others to hear his magical voice after many telling him not to and this video captures the raw emotion, talent and passion this man has for the love of singing.

 

No matter how big or small your idea or calling may be, follow it. Try it once. Fail. Try again. It's the stories behind the performance that makes it truly a passion and worthy for everyone to hear when the time comes.

Win it Wednesday with Piggy Paint Natural As Mud Nailpolish

Melanie Hurley is a mom of two bubbly, fashionable girls. She is a mom inventor who created a product out of the concern for her own children after seeing solvent-based nail polish literally eat away at a foam plate while painting their nails. She later designed and developed a natural children's nail polish to prevent any chemicals from interfering with fashion. Piggy Paint is now a huge brand that is featured in many small retailers, big box stores and online throughout the world.

Baby Jack Blankets mini executive board #CEOJack and #VPBailey frequently use their products taking turns expressing themselves through colored nails and we at BJB are excited to work with them on a join promotion. Today they are hosting a Win it Wednesday giveaway with Baby Jack Blankets and LillyBit Uptown Diaper Clutch - for mamas on the go that want to diaper in style.

Visit the Facebook page of Piggy Paint and click their icon for the giveaway or simply ENTER HERE.