Christian Fine Art 8x10 Print Giveaway [CLOSED]

Several years ago, my friends lost their 4-month-old baby. I had a hard time finding an affordable and beautiful gift for them, until I stumbled upon Bugaboo Jewelry (it was also my first giveaway on this blog!). Last year, another woman I know lost her baby, this time in utero. I wanted to get her a similar customized gift, but I didn't know the details that well and didn't know her well enough to ask. I looked for other gift ideas multiple times, but didn't buy any, and thought the lateness of the gift would be awkward.

A year went by, and I thought the anniversary would be a good time for me to try again. I decided on a card I found during one of my previous searches. It was a beautiful drawing of Jesus cuddling a newborn, made by Alicia of Christian Fine Art. I asked Alicia to make it into a card instead of a print so I could write a message to my friend. Not only did she do that for me, but she also included an envelope and an extra card! I hope I won't need to use it anytime soon.

All of Alicia's artwork is wonderful and uplifting.

I am a mom in my mid-30s with four children. I absolutely love music and dancing! I also love ripsticking, long-boarding, roller blading, jogging, and hiking. Most of all, with everything I do in life--whether it's raising children, helping a friend, or painting a picture--my greatest desire is to inspire people to believe in Christ, His love, and His grace and to follow His words. This desire to share my personal testimony is born of the hope, joy, and peace I have found in my faith.

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*Beautiful, realistic artwork.
*Great gifts and home decor for Christians, and inspirational artwork that the nonreligious can appreciate as well.
*Excellent customer service! Alicia responds to questions quickly and is very accommodating.
  
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*I would love to see new artwork in the shop!

 One of you will win an 8x10 print of any baby-themed drawing! Open to the U.S. & Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Renattoni Knitted Baby Booties Giveaway [CLOSED]

I am very excited to have a giveaway up for you! The lovely contributors are from the shop Renattoni:

We are three sisters from Peru who love to knit and sew high-end couture clothing and accessories for babies and children, with luxurious, best-quality organic natural fibers, organic Pima cotton, and baby Alpaca wool. 

Working with traditional textures and fabrics, we make heirloom handknit pieces for babies, and adorable toddler and girls' dresses in cotton, silks, and cotton wools. 

We also sell the yarns used to knit the beautiful pieces at our other shop, Bel Punto.

 
One of you will win a pair of girl or boy booties! See something darling you just have to get right now? Use the coupon code BABYGIVE for 20% off!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ali Brown Photography Newborn Flower Headbands Giveaway [CLOSED]

I am co-hosting a giveaway from Ali Brown Photography for 3 newborn tie-back headbands, the perfect photo props for your newborn's first photo shoot!

A little about Ali:

I am a San Diego portrait photographer. I especially love newborn photography and working with those sweet babies.

As a photographer I was always looking for perfect newborn props for my shoots. Knowing how to sew, and having always been into crafting and creating, I decided I would try my hand at a bonnet. I loved designing my own and then bringing it to fruition. I was hooked! 

I put lots of love and time into each piece I make. I truly enjoy doing something creative and without limits, and being able to share it with others!

I absolutely love being part of the Etsy community! It's such a supportive, talented group of artists. I could spend hours browsing the creative work of others!

Ali also makes fascinators and floral headpieces for women, bow ties for baby boys, tutus, earrings, and rag banners.

 

One of you lucky readers will win 3 beautiful tie-back headbands!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best Natural Medicines for Kids & Babies

Our family has been through the ringer with various illnesses lately, so I'd like to share with you my favorite natural remedies:

Similasan Kids Cold & Mucus Relief 

This homeopathic cough medicine really works! My husband and I use it when we are sick too. Its natural sweetness, similar to maple syrup in taste, makes it easy for kids to swallow. Here is a $1-off coupon if you want to try it.

Hyland's Teething Tablets

I love how easily these tablets dissolve. No time for Baby to spit them out! I much prefer giving this homeopathic teething medicine than Tylenol to my baby. Other helpful natural remedies for teething are amber necklaces (which I have a giveaway for right now), wooden teething rings, cold teething rings, and cold, wet washcloths.

Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water & The Windi

I got this natural gas-relief medicine in a giveaway package I won. I have only used it once on Baby, but it helped him with some constipation.

We also used FridaBaby's The Windi, an anal catheter that helps release gas. 

Coconut Oil

Ever since I stopped using Johnson & Johnson products on Caden and switched to BabyGanics soap and coconut oil, Caden's skin has improved greatly. Gabriel had dry, flaky skin behind his ears, and the coconut oil cleared that right up too. The brand I like, Nutiva, can be found at Costco. Otherwise, the best deal is to get the $10-off coupon on their Facebook page and order the 54-oz. container to also qualify for free shipping.

Apple Cider Vinegar

I just got over some food poisoning. While a friend was here helping me, she told me to take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (diluted in water) to settle my stomach. It relieved my intestinal cramps and stopped things on that end. I think this is going to become a staple in our household because someone always has tummy troubles.

What are your favorite natural medicines?

Featured Seller: Ashley from Ershware

This week's featured seller is Ashley from Ershware.

My background is in art and design. I have an MFA in Art and an MLA in Landscape Architecture, and a love for fashion, eco-friendly materials and processes, and dressing my son in the coolest clothes I can find or make! I basically started my shop after making hats, accessories, and screen-prints for my son and seeing the reaction of people out and about. Pretty soon, my son (and main model) began to become recognized around town in the oddest of places!

My nickname is Ersh and I have an art/landscape design business called Ershworks, so Ershware seemed to be a natural extension and fit for my Etsy shop featuring kids 'wares'. I love the creative process, and especially love the thrill of the hunt to find just the right t-shirt to upcycle. This branched out into screen-printing, other hat forms, and lately experimentation with other clothing items that I hope to start production on soon.

All the hats are double lined in super soft t-shirt material that is either upcycled from well-loved t-shirts or made in soft jersey cotton. It’s important to have soft, comfortable, stretchy material, a point my son makes every time I try to put on a different kind of hat.

Currently, other than the upcycled graphic hats, the hats are made to order, in sizes that fit infants to pre-schoolers (and beyond - my 11-year-old niece loves her bunny hat). All the items are handmade by me in my home studio, squeezed in between preschool pick-up/drop-off and nap times. I like the one-of-a-kind quality that guarantees no two will turn out exactly the same.  

Check out Ershware for more cute designs. If you see something you like, use the coupon code France15 for 15% off! You can also find Ershware on Facebook and Pinterest.

Watch Me Grow Pregnancy & Baby Month Stickers Review

Throughout my pregnancy I took a few belly photos with pregnancy month stickers on my tummy. They were courtesy of Watch Me Grow Stickers, which primarily makes pregnancy and baby month stickers. Isn't this one cute?

I was given this set to review:

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*Large
*Creative designs and wide variety to choose from
*Inexpensive
*Good customer service

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*A couple of the images were fuzzy, but only in this set. The other designs have higher quality digital images.

I wish there were a way to save the stickers to reuse them with the next pregnancy/baby. Maybe use wax paper? Any ideas?

Check out Watch Me Grow Stickers for more cute sets! And you can use the code CLOSET for 20% off their new closet dividers!

Haloopa Joop Baby Booties Review

Sophie from Haloopa Joop in England generously sent me a cute pair of navy baby booties to review. She knit the booties from Shetland yarn and packaged them in a lovely gift box.

 

They looked so cute on baby Gabe!

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*Adorable, warm, and well made.
*Room for growth.
*Laces to keep the booties on Baby's feet.
*Baby liked them. And so did Daddy.
*Beautifully packaged.
*Great seller!

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*Hand wash only.

Here's a little about the seller, Sophie.

I live and work in Nottingham, UK. I work full-time and run Haloopa Joop in the evenings and weekends. Haloopa Joop is an opportunity to take my knitting obsession into another arena and keep up a happy process of sharing my skill and improving it by way of constant feedback and the creative process. Haloopa Joop is an online store selling hand-knit items and knitting patterns.  

Hand-knitting takes time, lots of time. The booties here took 9 hours to make. That means a lot of care and attention has gone into the making of them. There is also a lot of opportunity to adapt each individual item. That's something that is quite important to me as I'm 6'2" (well above average for a woman) and now I can make sweaters with nice long proportions ;) I think it's a better world if the customer isn't requested to fit into something that isn't ideal for them, and if the maker can keep a very close connection with the product and a focus on skill and design rather than profitability and mass production. 

Check out Haloopa Joop for more cute baby booties, knit items, and knitting patterns!

"It's a Girl!" Multiple Prize Giveaway [CLOSED]

It's about time for another giveaway! In honor of my friend who is having her first baby, a girl, I have 3 great prizes for you:

*A cute pair of baby bloom toes and matching headband in any color and size from K.W. Bloom

*$25 store credit to Family Inspired Fashion
 

*A beautiful vintage Alexis dress in size 6 months (13-16 lbs.) from me, The Shop at Pooh Corner

Mandatory Entry: Tell me your favorite item from any or all of the shops: The Shop at Pooh Corner, K.W. Bloom, Family Inspired Fashion.

1 entry each (3 total possible): Heart each shop on Etsy: K.W. Bloom, Family Inspired Fashion, The Shop at Pooh Corner. Leave your username.

1 entry each (3 total possible): Pin an item from each shop to Pinterest: K.W. Bloom, Family Inspired Fashion, The Shop at Pooh Corner.

1 entry each (3 total possible): Like each shop on Facebook: K.W. Bloom, Family Inspired Fashion, The Shop at Pooh Corner. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow Family Inspired Fashion on Twitter.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, August 13. The winner will be announced Wednesday, August 14. Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open to the U. S. only. Good luck!

Bottle Feeding Tips

photo by Adam Davis

Although I am a huge advocate of breastfeeding, I understand some mothers' need to pump or use formula. So here are helpful tips just for you bottle feeding moms!

Preparation
Did you know the World Health Organization has guidelines on how formula should be prepared? Not all formula companies follow these guidelines when writing their preparation steps, so you should read the guidelines to ensure you are preparing your formula in the safest way for your baby.

Those who bottle feed with expressed breast milk should follow similar safety guidelines, found on the La Leche League site.
 
Bonding
You can still bond with your baby although you are not nursing. During feedings, hold or wear your baby, including skin-to-skin contact with infants; sing or talk to your baby; and give your baby lots of hugs and kisses. Avoid getting convenient bottle-holding devices for feeding Baby before he or she can hold the bottle without help. They encourage overeating (and sucking air if you're not paying attention, which will give them stomach aches and gas) and discourage bonding. Also, holding your baby in your arms, which puts Baby at a slight angle as opposed to lying down, can decrease spitting up and reflux.

Eating Habits
Bottle feeders should follow the same advice as breastfeeding moms: feed your baby on demand. Don't make a set feeding schedule and don't force your baby to drink the whole bottle. Baby knows when he or she is hungry or full. If your baby is gaining weight and having plenty of wet diapers, your baby is eating enough.

Sleeping Habits
As tempting as it is to do because it works, avoid letting Baby fall asleep with the bottle. First, it will rot your baby's teeth, whether or not they are in yet. If Baby must have a bottle immediately before bed, don't allow Baby to fall asleep until after you've brushed his or her teeth. While Baby is an infant, you can simply wipe the inside of Baby's mouth with a clean, damp cloth. (I've heard conflicting information on whether or not breast milk has the same effect on Baby's teeth. I think it's better to be safe and start good oral habits early.)

Second, pediatricians advise that babies should be completely weaned from bottles by the time they are one, though you can start sippy cups as early as six months. Weaning will be easier if they are not attached to the bottle at night. If you are afraid Baby will want to fall asleep with the sippy cup, either buy the kind with a straw, which cannot be sipped lying down, or put a little bit of water in the cup instead of milk (if Baby is one or older).

Third, according to BYU Magazine, there is a 36 percent increased risk of childhood obesity for infants put to bed with a bottle. 

Do you have any other advice?

Zulily.com, My New Favorite Site!

If you are looking for a great deal site for clothes, accessories, and home decor for women and children, Zulily.com is for you! Right now they have the cutest things on sale in preparation for spring and summer. I joined a while ago but didn't really get into it, but now that I'm pregnant I'm finding all sorts of wonderful things I want! I wish I knew what I was having, because then I would buy all these cuties for Baby!

I love this sweet and simple, classic-style dress!

I love Americana!

This outfit made me laugh and reminded me of Caden's brief biting-while-nursing phase. Glad that didn't last long! Maybe buying this would jinx the next one to be a biter.

I also fell in love with the citrus kitchen collection. It made me wish I had a house with a beautiful patio and backyard where I could throw a lunch party. I would get the whole set of place mats, napkins, and dish towels in this bright and cheerful design!

There is also a matching apron set! So cute!

But I also like this apron and matching oven mitts and these colorful dish towels.

And last of all, this beautiful drink dispenser!

Check out more amazing things at amazing prices at Zulily.com!

Some Things Never Change

eDiaperCakes.com Coupon Code

Liz, the creator of eDiaperCakes.com, asked to work with me. Once I saw her gorgeous, professional diaper cakes, I had to say yes! The variety is endless--including ones that look more like wedding cakes and a DIY kits--and the shipping is a flat rate of $5.

I am a new mom, and my diaper cake company was just born this year out of a need for me to be creative. EDiaperCakes.com makes great baby gifts for first-time parents. We design diaper cakes from our favorite children’s books, rattles, plush animals, and flowers. Some of the plush animals we use are allergy friendly! Our diaper cakes have more uses than just being the centerpiece at the baby shower. They are used as gifts for friends and neighbors, and we even have offices that buy diaper cakes for pregnant coworkers.

When we create our baby gifts, we only use brand name products. We know how special the gift is, so we want to make sure that the mommy will only get quality when she orders from us. Some of the brands that we use are Pampers, Gund, Kid’s Preferred, and TY. 

Liz is generously giving you all $15 off when you use the coupon code "babygiveaway15." Hurry! It expires Christmas Day, December 25, 2012. Start shopping now for a beautiful and practical Christmas gift for the new mother in your life!

Family Inspired Fashion $25 Credit Giveaway [CLOSED]

Family Inspired Fashion sells adorable clothing for babies, toddlers, and young girls.

"We love to sew. Family Inspired Fashion grew from that point. We are a mother and daughter team with over 40 years of experience. With a houseful of girls, we have been sewing clothes and costumes for them forever. When our children and grandchildren were small, we always liked to dress them in sets. We decided to share our creations with others. Rarely can you find a complete set like what we sell."

This dress is perfect for a family Christmas photo or first time on Santa's lap!

Isn't she adorable in that dress?

There are even flower girl dresses.

This outfit makes me want to have a girl so badly!

 

Family Inspired Fashion is generously giving away $25 credit to their shop!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Family Inspired Fashion and tell me what you would get if you won.

1 entry: Heart Family Inspired Fashion on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like Family Inspired Fashion on Facebook. Leave your name.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your name.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST on Tuesday, November 20. The winner will be announced by Saturday, November 24. Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open to the U.S. only. Good luck!