Baby Log: 1 Year and 49 Weeks Old

As Marlie's 2nd birthday creeps closer, I am letting the realization that she's no longer a baby slowly sink it. Things are going to change so much! Stuff she did as a baby, like spit bubbles, will NO LONGER be cute. No one is going to say, "aw, look at her picking her widdle nose!" 

So this week I have been working hard on teaching manners. So far she is saying "please" and "thank you" with some consistency. It is music to my ears when I give her something and she says thank you! She has also mastered covering up her mouth when she sneezes or coughs. Her daddy taught her to ask for help instead of stomping around frustrated. We are also getting more consistent with the discipline. It works wonders when she is getting the same message from both parents as opposed to running to one of us when the other says no. Damon started counting to five as a "warning." The other day he reached #4 and she shouted "5!" She is a total joker. At least she is learning to count. 

This week I have noticed that she is having a lot more falls and knocking her head into walls more often. I lost count how many times I have watched her run, trip and face plant onto the floor. She falls hard too. I'm surprised she hasn't knocked out a tooth. Is getting clumsier a growing pain at this age?

Be Stylish at Any Size

Shopping for clothes can be frustrating task for plus-size women.

I should know because I was once a size 14. I vividly recall the experience of walking out of stores because they didn't carry plus size clothing or had a limited selection that was not fashionable.

I am here to share a website with a mission to bring stylish plus size fashion to women all over America. JessicaLondon.com is a one-stop shopping destination catering to women size 12-32. You can shop your entire wardrobe from business suits to sleepwear, and you won't be disappointed with the inventory. Actually, you might have a tough time deciding what to buy. Can you imagine have multiple options in cute swimwear?! Don't be surprised if you find yourself loading up your online shopping cart really fast!

It's not a bad problem to have, but if you are worried about how you are going to finance this shopping spree, JessicaLondon.com has you covered. Register for email updates and you will receive a 40% coupon off your highest priced item. Also, you might consider applying for a Jessica London credit card, which has no annual fee and comes with seasonal offers and birthday savings.

Happy shopping!

TracFone Let's You Stay in Touch Cheaply

This sponsored post is written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Is it getting more expensive to own a cell phone or is it just me?
I already know the answer to that question because I hear the complaints from my family and friends when the bill from their cell phone carrier arrives. 
There are several reasons cell phone bills have gone up. Having multiple members on your plan increases costs a little, but it's the rising rising taxes and fees and charges for special features like web access and app capabilities that really start to add up.
When you are faced with choosing between your rent and paying your cell phone bill, it might be time to look into an alternative like TracFone. TracFone prides themselves on offering the least expensive way to own and use a cell phone in America. There are no contracts, no credit checks, no activation charges or cancellation fees. There are no surprises on your bill according to real TracFone customers.
For as little as $29.99 you can pick a brand name phone packed with features like camera/video recorder, web access, app capabilities, mp3 player, and full QWERTY keyboard. Choose from simple "Candy Bar" phones, to Bluetooth®-enabled "Smart" phones. Watch this video for a demonstration of the features of the Samsung T301 phone:

TracFone's monthly plans for nationwide coverage start at $9.99 for 50 minutes or pay as you go online or with cards available at thousands of retail stores across the country. If you have relatives abroad, you'll be happy to know that  you can call over 60 international destinations directly from your TracFone at no extra cost! Plus, with the International Neighbors program, you can provide family and friends in Mexico or Canada a local phone number in those countries to reach you at your TracFone in the U.S.
Doesn't TracFone sounds like a great deal? Listen to what real TracFone customers have to say about it's service reliability and decide for yourself!

We Conquered Khan at the Irving Arts Center!

A couple of weekends ago we met up with another family at the Irving Arts Center to see the Genghis Khan exhibit with two toddlers in tow. Every inch of the exhibit was spectacular and the girls loved every minute of it!


We attended the free Family Khan Day on July 9 where we made our own ancient Mongolian travel passports. Marlie and Orlaith love to paint so this art project was right up their alley! There are three more Family Khan Days scheduled for August 13, September 10 and September 24...mark your calendars.

While our passports were drying we entered the land of Genghis Khan. It is recommend that you bring a sweater or jacket for each member of your party because the exhibit hall is kept at a low temperature to protect the mummy.  If I was a teacher or homeschool parent, I would be tickled happy by the learning opportunities offered by the Genghis Khan exhibit. There are many classroom activities designed around the exhibit like word find puzzles and scavenger hunts. The possibilities are endless!

Kids of all ages will enjoy Genghis Khan. Marlie was really taken by the the life-size replicas of a shaman, nomadic dwelling, and mounted horseman. I was really surprised that she wasn't afraid of the menacing looking warrior. She even took a peek at the mummy. I think her favorite part was touching the military helmet, chain mail, and arrowheads at the volunteer-led interactive kiosk. At the end of the exhibit we were treated to a live musical performance by Mongolian artists. Orlaith loved the paper Mongolian hat she received as a parting gift!

The entire exhibit was fascinating from beginning to end, but don't take my word for it, go see for yourself. The Genghis Khan exhibit closes on September 30, don't miss it!

Disclosure: I am participating in a promotional campaign on behalf of Irving Arts Center as part of Business2Blogger. All opinions expressed are my own.

Baby Log: 1 Year and 48 Weeks Old

What's up blog buddies? There is so much going on at Marlie and Me that I feel a recap is in order:

• I guest posted over at My Brown Baby on Thursday. Please go check it out. It's my manifesto on all the things that are sick and twisted about the new Summer's Eve ad campaign. Your constructive feedback is welcomed!
• The Christmas in July Giveaway Hop starts tomorrow! If you haven't seen my sponsor posts, they are at the top of the sidebar. Early entries close tonight and then is Christmas in the morning! There are nearly 125 blog participating with over $5000 in prizes up for grabs. You can enter all week long. Make sure to stop by this blog for some very nice (and organic) bath toiletries as well as jewelry for accessorizing.

This was a busy week at our house too:

• Preparing for vacation is a project. We are hung up on taking the car seat and renting a stroller because we can't carry both. We are going to be doing a lot of walking in NYC, so a stroller is a must. If the car seat wasn't required by law, I'd take our wonderful stroller and leave the heavy car seat in our car parked at the DFW airport because, really, how many times are we going to use it in New York except in the cab ride from and back to LaGuardia? I know I must sound like the most irresponsible parent on Earth right now.
• We've been spring cleaning all week. I know it's midsummer, but better late than never, no? Plus we have a very good reason for doing it now, but more on that later.
• Marlie has really sprouted this week. It's not my imagination. Suddenly, her shoes are no longer fitting and she is pronouncing words correctly such saying milk instead of milt and she is starting to form small sentences with subjects and verbs and nouns like, "pour my milk" and "it's hot outside" and "I brush teeth." It's like watching magic!
• She has become the queen of oral hygiene. She loves nothing better than to pull 6 inches of floss from the spool and go at her teeth. She is also into the gargle, rinse, and spit. She gets this from me because I am forever brushing and flossing my teeth. I guess that's a good habit for her to pick up!

Things I'm Loving This Thursday

this week I am loving...

• Guest Posting. The beautiful gift that blogging have given me (aside from many new friends) is confidence in my writing. I am getting pretty good at putting words to my feelings and sharing them publicly without fear. Today I took my prose to a larger audience at My Brown Baby. The topic is the dreadful Summer's Eve "Hail to the V!" ad campaign. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. I'd love to know what you think!

• My online library where I catalog my favorite things around the Internet. All in one place in neatly categorized pin boards. It's awesome. I have a few invites if you want to join.

What are you loving this Thursday?! Leave it in your comment :-)

Wordful Wednesday: Hat Girl

Marlie has what I call a hat face. She really looks good in hats! Me? Not so much. I am happy that I can now live out my hat fantasies vicariously through her. By the way, she is sporting a Beanie Designs Sunflower Bucket Hat in this photo. You can win a Beanie Designs Baby Hat of your choice in my giveaway!

What I'm Watching on #Netflix

Before I get into this week's picks from my Netflix Instant Watch Library or mail queue, I just want to say WTH Netflix?! Uh, that crappy email you sent last week informing your loyal customers that you are instituting a rate hike on September 1 by "separating unlimited DVDs by mail and unlimited streaming into two separate plans to better reflect the costs of each" is complete bullsh!t. It's called greed, so let's just call the turd and turd, m'kay? What I want to know is how stupid do you think we are? This chica is going to opt for the unlimited streaming plan and get her DVDs from redbox because it's not worth paying an extra $7.99/month for the 1-2 movie discs I get by mail from you. I just feel so betrayed. I thought you were different from the other corporations always trying to squeeze a dollar from consumers. et tu, Netflix?

TV Show:
The year was 1994 and I was a freshman in high school. Everyone was talking about My So-Called Life. Except me. Another parent told my mom that the show was about teens drinking and having sex. That put the kibosh on me ever watching the show while I lived under my mother's roof. Now 20 years later I am enjoying the show that defined teen angst. It's amazing how true-to-life it was from the mother-daughter power struggle to the search for an identity in the high school fish bowl. This show was truly trailblazing. It cleared the path for all of the teen dramas that followed.

Beanie Designs Baby Hat Review + Giveaway

What's handmade, fashionable, and cute all over? Your child in one of these stylish baby hats from Beanie Designs!

Beanie Designs certainly lives up to it's slogan "cutest baby hats ever!" I have never seen such a unique collection from infant hats to toddler hats in one place. Best of all they are handmade with organic cotton! 

I must say that Marlie wear hats well. The flower bucket hat she received was no exception. It fit perfectly and is so adorable. It goes with so many of her outfits too!

Hats for children never go out of season. Baby winter hats keep little heads warm, and hats protect delicate facial skin from the summer sun's rays. Fashion and functionality make hats the must-have accessory for your kids!

Buy It: Beanie Designs hats range in price from $15-$32 and the newborn hats make the perfect shower gift!

Win It: Beanie Designs is giving one Marlie and Me reader a choice of any hat from the website with free shipping! Thanks Beanie Designs!

Please Read How to Enter This Giveaway: you must use the Rafflecopter form below to record your entries. Comments left on the blog post for the required or extra entries don't count unless you record it on the Rafflecopter form. Please wait for the form to load, it may take longer to pop up than the rest of the web page. Make sure you have java script enabled and your browser updated. If you encounter an error, refreshing the page usually resolves the problem. If problem persists, please report the issue to Rafflecopter.

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Tropical Traditions Organic Hair Oil Review + Giveaway

Ever since my recent trip the salon after a three-year hiatus I have recommitted myself to a hair care regimen. Does this mean that I am becoming vain glorious? No. Does this mean that I am seeking out and using the most pure and gentle products that will give me healthy hair? Yes! Yes! Yes! 

One product that I am loving right now is Tropical Traditions Organic Hair Oil. It is a light-weight oil that helps replenish hair's natural moisture while protecting it from harsh environmental elements. Amen to that! The Texas heat leaves my hair ultra dry so this hair oil has been a life-saver. I have been using it to hydrate my scalp, as a deep conditioner, and as a daily shine serum. It is magic in a bottle! And because it is organic, I feel comfortable using it on Marlie too. Some more about these organic hair oils from Tropical Traditions....

Tropical Traditions has formulated three different hair oils using our organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil along with other high quality organic oils known to nourish hair. Along with the base of organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, we included organic jojoba oil, organic macadamia nut oil, organic rosehip oil, organic shea butter, and organic carrot seed oil in each formulation. Two of the formulations are scented with the highest quality organic essential oils available, imported from France: Rosemary and Lavender. There are no other ingredients besides these high quality organic oils: NO SILICONES, NO SULFATES, and NO ALCOHOLS.

Buy It: Tropical Traditions Organic Hair Oils retail for $28.00 (now on sale for $19.50!)

Win It: Tropical Traditions is giving one Marlie and Me reader an 8 oz. bottle of Tropical Traditions Organic Hair Oil (winner's choice of scent)! Thanks Tropical Traditions! Giveaway ends July 26, 2011.

Please Read How to Enter This Giveaway: you must use the Rafflecopter form below to record your entries. Comments left on the blog post for the required or extra entries don't count unless you record it on the Rafflecopter form. Please wait for the form to load, it may take longer to pop up than the rest of the web page. Make sure you have java script enabled and your browser updated. If you encounter an error, refreshing the page usually resolves the problem. If problem persists, please report the issue to Rafflecopter.

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Christmas in July Giveaway Sponsor Spotlight: Ginger's Garden Soaps (+early entries)

The Christmas in July Giveaway Hop is coming July 25-31!

The Christmas in July Giveaway Hop is brought to you by Just Married with Coupons, Matter of Cents and Money $aving Michele. 125 bloggers are joining forces and hosting giveaways for prize packages valued at $50 minimum and you get to hop from blog to blog and enter them all! That's definitely worth getting excited about. Of course, Marlie and Me is participating and offering fabulous prizes that will accentuate your natural beauty. Are you ready to look and feel pretty?

My next sponsor is Ginger's Garden, an online store specializing in natural skincare. Irena is the woman behind the business and she is a Licensed Esthetician and Certified Aromatherapist. After you read more about Irene and her handmade soaps, lotions, and perfumes in the Q&A below, be sure to complete the early entries!

Tell us a little bit about your business?
I have a handmade, artisan soap business called Ginger’s Garden. Ginger is my middle name and I love flowers and gardens.

I also make bath and body care such as lotions, scrubs, body powder, lotion bars, men’s shaving needs, fun bath jellies for kids, balms, fragranced body sprays and hand sculpted glycerin soap flowers. I love to create. This is my way of being creative and productive.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
My mother and grandmother made soaps, elixirs and balms when I was little. It has rubbed off on me, no pun intended.

I started making soaps in 1969. I have always enjoyed working with and helping people. Street Fairs and markets was where I met a lot of my customers. I work hard, but I get to choose my own hours and create products that people enjoy buying and using.

What makes your products unique? 
My products use the best ingredients that I source from all over. I also support the local economy whenever possible. My recipes are unique and have been proven a success. A lot of testing goes into each product that I make. Ginger’s Garden products offer a more natural alternative to what one can buy in a grocery store. Ingredients that I use are better for you and better for your skin. They are also more environmentally friendly.

What advice would you give women about feeling pretty?
It’s important to feel good on the inside, so you can feel pretty on the outside. Take care of yourself. Be good to yourself. Everyone deserves to be pampered. Take some time out and take a nice bath. Use a quality handmade soap as it’s better for your skin. It will thank you for it.

Thanks Irena! How would you like to win your choice of 4 bars of Ginger's Garden Soaps during the Christmas in July Giveaway Hop right here on Marlie and Me?! Earn extra entries by doing ONE of the following:

• Share this post by clicking the Like button below
• Tweet this post by clicking the Tweet button below

Leave a comment below with the link to your early entry (right click on the time stamp of your Facebook status or tweet to copy link location). That's all! Don't forget to come back July 25-31 to enter the giveaway!

Baby Log: 1 Year and 47 Weeks Old

This has been an interesting week. I thought I had scarred my child for life. We decided to place our dog in a no-kill adoption shelter. It was a difficult decision made with care. Ultimately, we felt he would be better off with a family who could give him the attention he deserved (Maltese dogs require lots of undivided attention). I had to take Marlie with me to drop Butters off, and I underestimated her understanding of what was about to go down. She screamed and cried when he was taken away. It broke my heart. She kept saying, "no, Budder!" and reaching for him. I started crying too. I was sure that I just inflicted psychological trauma upon my child, but the next day she was bouncing up and down and playing. She didn't even ask to feed the dog, which is her usually morning chore. Am I naive to hope that she is over the ordeal or am I going to pay for this later when she's in therapy?

Other Marlie antics this week:

• She has this new thing where she bends her head so her ear touches her shoulder. This is usually a sign that she about to through a tantrum or she she playing shy...she's versatile like that.
• She has also taken to walking and screaming at the top of her lungs for no reason. 
• She likes to drink out of a bowl, especially soup broth or the leftover milk poured over cereal.
• She is into policing our every move and correcting us. If I use Damon's cell phone she yells, "no, that daddy's!" He made the mistake of picking up my toothbrush and got told, "that is mommy's."

I ordered this bow to complete Marlie's birthday outfit. It won the poll with 45% of the vote. Thanks for all your help!

We saw Harry Potter yesterday (in 3D!). It was a brilliant end for the film series. I promise not to spoil anything for you readers still waiting to see it. I realized afterward that I have been following the Harry Potter books and movies for most of my adult life, so it was a bittersweet ending.

Promo Code Round-Up + A Twin Sisters Facebook Contest!

You still have a few days left to enter my $10 gift code giveaway to Twin Sisters Productions.

Twins Sisters has launched a Facebook Video Contest today. They are looking for the cutest, funniest, most creative videos of children making different animal noises inspired by the book “Old MacDonald Had a Farm." The 7 winners of the contest will be featured in a new, exciting and interactive iPad app. To enter, visit Twin Sisters on Facebook.

Plus, everyone gets a free download of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” from the Twin Sisters music website www.downloadkidsmusic.com with this promotional code: FARM.

Canopy Verde is a brand of green bags that marries modern style with earth-friendly materials. The company was founded by Linda Wong in Fall 2008. Her designs have been featured in PEOPLE Style Watch and on Daily Candy. Receive a 10% discount with promo code: blogger.

Things I'm Loving This Thursday

this week I am loving...

• Marriage. 11 years tomorrow I married my soul mate. It was the best decision of my life. It has brought me so much happiness, especially our daughter Marlie. I'd be lying if I told you ours is a perfect marriage. It's hard work, but name anything worth having that is easy?  Wedding anniversaries always remind me about the best parts of marriage. There'd be less divorce if couples got remarried every day!

• The Harry Potter movies finale opens tomorrow night! Yours truly has to wait until Saturday to see The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (at a matinee time, too). It's okay though. I can wait. I have enjoyed my ride through the Potterverse from the books to the movies. Delaying the end of an era one more day is fine by me. When Marlie gets old enough I can relive it all over again. I look forward to reading the books and watching the films with her!(photo by: Joits)

What are you loving this Thursday?! Leave it in your comment :-)

New FDA Rules for Sunscreen Products Shines Spotlight on Skin Health

We are all educated about the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure on our skin and the delicate skin of our children. Gone are the days of oiling up and laying out to soak up the sun. Skin cancer is real and deadly.

So we've become accustomed to wearing hats and sunglasses and slathering on the sunscreen, especially on the little ones. Just when you thought you and your kids were covered, the FDA is making changes to how sunscreens are marketed in the United States as part of the Agency's ongoing efforts to ensure that sunscreens meet modern-day standards for safety and effectiveness and to help consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families.

The FDA is now requiring sunscreens to indicate whether they protect against UVB and UVA rays. If you see "Broad Spectrum SPF" on the label, that means the product has cleared the agency's bar for protecting against both types of ultraviolet radiation. And the SPF value will indicate the degree of that protection.

Only broad spectrum-designated sunscreens with SPF values of 15 and higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging (if used as directed and along with other protection measures). Sunscreens that don't carry the broad spectrum label or that do, but have an SPF of between 2 and 14, can claim only that they help prevent sunburn, the FDA says. SPF levels will be capped at 50 since the agency says there's not enough data that higher SPF levels provide significantly more protection.

In addition, sunscreens will no longer be labeled as waterproof or sweatproof, nor can they be called sunblocks. "These claims overstate their effectiveness," the FDA says. Sunscreens labeled as water-resistant are permitted, but the product label has to indicate whether it will be effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.

The final rule will take effect by the summer of 2012, but consumers may begin to see changes to sunscreen labels before the effective date. 

The takeaways: You might be buying a false sense of security with some sunscreens. Read the label. Check expiration dates. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours and immediately after swimming or showering. Protect the skin you're in!

photo by HB Art on Flickr

Christmas in July Giveaway Sponsor Spotlight: Near the Willows Jewelry (+early entries)

The Christmas in July Giveaway Hop is coming July 25-31!

The Christmas in July Giveaway Hop is brought to you by Just Married with Coupons, Matter of Cents and Money $aving Michele. 125 bloggers are joining forces and hosting giveaways for prize packages valued at $50 minimum and you get to hop from blog to blog and enter them all! That's definitely worth getting excited about. Of course, Marlie and Me is participating and offering fabulous prizes that will accentuate your natural beauty. Are you ready to look and feel pretty?

My next sponsor is Near the Willows. This esty shop features exquisite handcrafted pieces by jewelry designer Katie Terwilliger-Smith. After you read more about her in the Q&A below, be sure to complete the early entries!

Tell us a little bit about your business?
My jewelry is made because I love designing each piece. I enjoy picking out each stone from my stash, matching it perfectly, and arranging them into the design it is begging to be in! I really like to use natural elements, gemstones, pearls and wood are a few of my favorites.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
My husband is in the United States Coast Guard. We get relocated frequently, having a "moblie office" was important to me.
I think giving back is really important. I donate the proceeds of certain pieces to charity. Mostly the Myelin Project. www.myelin.org

What makes your products unique?
Each piece is handmade - like a snowflake, no two are alike! I like to consider each one a work of art, and the wearer won't see another one like it. (Unless on special request ;)

What advice would you give women about feeling pretty?
Wow this is the toughest question. I am a pretty casual girl. I love my jeans and t-shirt. I think when I throw on some earrings, and a necklace. I feel a lot more polished. And when you are polished, I think that you have a bit more confidence. And people notice that :)

Thanks Katie! Up for grabs from Near the Willows is this gorgeous, custom Sodalite necklace, perfect for dressing up jeans, during the Christmas in July Giveaway Hop right here on Marlie and Me! Earn extra entries by doing ONE of the following:

• Share this post by clicking the Like button below
• Tweet this post by clicking the Tweet button below

Leave a comment below with the link to your early entry (right click on the time stamp of your Facebook status or tweet to copy link location). That's all! Don't forget to come back July 25-31 to enter the giveaway!

Wordful Wednesday: My My My Joker Face

Beet and Carrot juice is the new milk mustache! Doesn't she kind of look like The Joker?

What I'm Watching on #Netflix

This week's picks from my Netflix Instant Watch Library or mail queue:

TV Show:
South Park: A very Buttery Collection is a compilation of 13 episodes that center on the character Butters. Butters is my favorite kid on South Park. He is sweet, and oblivious to the avarice of his peers and the adults around him. He is innocence personified. But there is are many sides to Butters other than gullible (Awesome-O). He can be dark (Professor Chaos) and romantic (Raisins) too. He's a loveable, funny boy and I love this collection of his finest moments on the show.

Movie:
Redrum is a crime comedy film that went straight to DVD. A de-glammed Jill Marie Jones of Girlfriends stars as a mousy wife and school teacher married to an equally boring accountant. They struggle to find a way to add spice to their stale marriage and discover a shared passion for murdering mean people. Killing makes them feel alive (how ironic) and horny. I'm not saying it's a horrible movie, but it's not good either. I'll just call it strange.

Christmas in July Giveaway Sponsor Spotlight: Celadon Road Consultant Angie Bechtold (+early entries)

The Christmas in July Giveaway Hop is coming July 25-31!

The Christmas in July Giveaway Hop is brought to you by Just Married with Coupons, Matter of Cents and Money $aving Michele. 125 bloggers are joining forces and hosting giveaways for prize packages valued at $50 minimum and you get to hop from blog to blog and enter them all! That's definitely worth getting excited about. Of course, Marlie and Me is participating and offering fabulous prizes that will accentuate your natural beauty. Are you ready to look and feel pretty?

My second sponsor is Celadon Road Independent Consultant Angie Bechtold. Angie is a hip, green mama residing in the northeast. After you read more about her in the Q&A below, be sure to complete the earn early entries!

Tell us a little bit about your business?
Celadon Road is dedicated to promoting greener, healthier and more socially responsible living by offering our customers the highest quality natural, eco-friendly products for their everyday needs.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I think what drew me to doing direct sales is the ability to take control of my schedule. To work at a pace that allows time for my family.

What makes your products unique?
Our products are unique because they are truly organic and natural.

What advice would you give women about feeling pretty?
Beauty comes from with in I truly believe that a healthy body and mind bring out natural beauty.

Thanks Angie! She is giving away this Celadon Road Body Butter during the Christmas in July Giveaway Hop right here on Marlie and Me! Smother yourself in pure nourishment! Using only gentle, natural and Certified Organic ingredients, our body butter is more than just lotion, it’s a support system for what the body does best...keep you healthy! Created with the notion that the health of the body and the planet go hand in hand, we’ve left out the harsh, artificial and synthetic ingredients when creating this ultimate hydrating moisturizer. Minimally processed, hypoallergenic and cruelty free!

Earn extra entries by doing ONE of the following:

• Share this post by clicking the Like button below
• Tweet this post by clicking the Tweet button below

Leave a comment below with the link to your early entry (right click on the time stamp of your Facebook status or tweet to copy link location). That's all! Don't forget to come back July 25-31 to enter the giveaway!

Nursery Rhymes Floor Puzzle With Music CD: Review + Giveaway

We are big on music, reading, and educational games in our house.

That's why I am a big fan of Twin Sisters Productions. They carry the most amazing selection of book and CD sets with songs that teach. They've just released new product: giant floor puzzles! These beautiful 2 ft.x3 ft. puzzle sets are made up of 48 sturdy laminate pieces. Each piece is designed to be picked up and put into place by little fingers.

Marlie and Me received a Nursery Rhymes Floor Puzzle to put together. It is wonderfully illustrated with scenes from traditional nursery rhymes such as Humpty Dumpty, Hey Diddle Diddle, and Baa Baa Black Sheep. Since Marlie is under 4 years old I had to line up the pieces for her, but she got a kick out of pressing them into place. She totally gets the concept of puzzles even if she can't put them together by herself yet. The Nursery Rhymes music CD is the icing on the cake. It even includes a printable activity book in PDF. Marlie and me had a blast singing along to the songs and pointing to the corresponding pictures on the puzzle.

This floor puzzle was a joy to play with, and I can tell it will provide Marlie hours of fun while she learns for a long time to come!

Buy It: Get your own Giant Floor Puzzle for just $12.99...what a deal!

Win It: Thanks to Twin Sisters one lucky reader is going to win a $10 gift code to spend at their online store!

How to Enter: Use the Rafflecopter Form below to enter this giveaway. You may leave a comments on this post to as a reminder that you entered or to leave feedback, but they will not count as entries.

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