Baby bibs are a necessity. You can have so many, but after awhile, you kind of settle on a favorite few that you use and rewash every day.
The Mally Bib is unlike any other bib. Why? It's made from leather! What's great about it is that it is soft, flexible, and able to be rinsed off easily at the sink. (Plus the designs are to die for!)
I could tell you all about how comfy it is, how durable it will be, and how it clasps firmly in the back with super-strong magnets (so baby can't take it off), while Mommy can still undo it with one hand. Rather than go on and on about these benefits and the many designs (like pirate skull, bee, and guitar), I'll let you see my little guy enjoying his elephant Mally Bib while eating some candy:
See how well they cover? And they'll never look ratty like your traditional fabric bibs.
Dying to get your hands on one? You can save when you buy Mally Bibs, by shopping online at mallybibs.com and using our exclusive coupon code for the next week only! Just enter PUNKIN at checkout, and you'll get Free Shipping! (And don't forget to get all the news and special events info straight from the horse's mouth at the official Mally Bibs blog!)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Review of the Mally Bib
Monday, March 30, 2009
Win Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior on DVD
Universal Home Entertainment is releasing Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior on DVD tomorrow (March 31st), and they are giving you a chance to sign up to win your own copy! Two lucky Lille Punkin' readers will get their hands on the newest Pokémon adventure!
Giratina and the Sky Warrior features the powerful Pokémon Giratina and its epic struggle with another legendary foe, Dialga. Ash and his companions become entangled in a dimension-spanning conflict when they befriend the feisty and sharp-witted Pokémon named Shaymin and stumble upon Giratina’s mysterious Reverse World. In the course of the heroes’ adventure, they meet a helpful researcher as they all try to battle a dangerous villain who wishes to control Giratina and rule the Reverse World.
To preview the video, see the trailer at:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4745619/12674272
Or visit the official website at www.pokemongiratina.com
Sound fun? Just comment here with why you want to win! We'll pick two winners to get a copy of the DVD. You have until next Tuesday, April 7th, at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Pampers One Pack = One Vaccine Campaign
What if you could help end disease by doing something you do anyway? No extra effort. No extra money. Some of you are already doing it!
"The Pampers “One Pack = One Vaccine” campaign is part of a global initiative with UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), a preventable disease that claims the lives of approximately 128,000 infants and 30,000 mothers in less industrialized nations each year – that’s approximately one death every four minutes.
Tetanus can be contracted during childbirth in developing countries, where women often must give birth at home in unsanitary conditions without access to adequate health care. The disease rages through newborns within days of their exposure to the tetanus bacteria and almost always leads to a swift and painful death.
From February 5 through May 1, 2009, parents in the U.S. and Canada have the opportunity to help UNICEF protect moms and babies around the world against tetanus by simply purchasing specially-marked packages of Pampers diapers and wipes. Each product they buy triggers one life-saving vaccine*. These specially marked packages of diapers and wipes cost the same as traditional products and are available wherever Pampers products are sold. For more information, go to: http://www.pampers.com/en_US/unicefhome
In addition to product, parents can also redeem a special campaign “baby body suit” or baby body suit using Gifts to Grow points though Pampers.com beginning in February – each baby body suit triggers a life-saving vaccine*. http://www.pampers.com/giftstogrow"
We fully support Pampers' efforts in helping kids stay healthy. We even have a few of their "baby body suits" to give away! Wanna win? Just comment here on this post with a positive message for Pampers and their partnership with UNICEF. We'll randomly pick a few to send a baby onesie to! You have until Monday, April 6th at 5pm CST to get your comments in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Recall Recap
It's been awhile since we covered recalls, but there are many that are worth mentioning (for a full list on all consumer products categories, visit www.cpsc.gov.)
- Fisher-Price recalls 3-in-1 highchairs due to fall hazard
- Pacifiers recalled by OKK Trading due to choking hazard
- Pure Fishing recalls children's fishing game due to lead paint danger
- Kidd Recalls to replace fire extinguishers due to failure to operate
- Seattle Cotton Works recalls hooded sweatshirts due to strangulation hazard
- State Farm recalls Good Neigh Bears due to choking hazard
- Nordstrom recalls girls' shoes due to violation of lead paint standard
- Cannondale recalls road bicycles due to fall hazard
- Infantino recalls infant toys due to choking hazard
- Ice Skates recalled by Pronto Sports due to violation of lead paint standard
- Electra Bicycle Company recalls bicycles with front trays due to fall hazard
Friday, March 27, 2009
Review of PJ Sparkles Dolls and Playsets
So my little girl is growing up (and doesn't play with dolls much anymore.) Does that mean that I can't enjoy the cute and sweet doll that is always smiling? PJ Sparkles has been around for awhile (she first appeared in 1989), but she hasn't lost her innocent charm!
Zizzle is the creator behind her trademark smile and sparkley accessories. ( I can still remember her trademark saying, "Light up your world with love!") The Twinkle Town Fashion Runway is my favorite of the playsets, offering a tiny PJ Sparkles doll with a heart that flashes brilliantly-colored lights when you push on it! It also comes with a fashion runway with turning platform, a pink teddy bear, clothes rack, and a few other accessories (brush, wand, tropy, and flowers.)
Note: The playset has small pieces, so be sure your child is over 3 before allowing them to play with PJ. If you have a daughter or grandchild who loves girly fun, this is totally perfect for them! There are several playsets from PJ Sparkles, including the Twinkle Town Beach, Park, Candy Shoppe, Ballet, and more!
Wanna win a PJ Sparkles Doll and Playset for a special girl in your life? Just comment on this post with what you like best about PJ Sparkles Twinkle Town or PJ Sparkles herself! You have until next Thursday, April 2nd at 4pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Review of The Tale of Despereaux on DVD
All kids' movies are not created equal. Either they're a bit dumbed-down (so little ones "get it), they are a bit too snarky (because some people think parents want their kids mouthing off), or they are just to fast-action for even the most hyper kid to follow. Thank goodness, I'm not about to review one of these movies.
What I'm excited to tell you about is the first movie to hit our home entertainment schedule in months that:
A. My husband and I enjoyed watching with our kids
B. The kids have asked for time and time again
C. I couldn't find a single thing wrong with... and there were more redeeming values than in most movies for kids.
The Tale of Despereaux is a little difficult to spell, but it's an easy way to connect with kids over animated mice, rats, princesses, and life lessons. It's a tragic tale turned triumphant, and one that will introduce and reinforce some important messages for kids. Truth, nobility, honor, and forgiveness are all explored and presented in a way that is responsible (not too heavy for kids) but not watered-down, either.
You'll laugh, you'll gulp, and you'll never look at a rat the same way again. (You may also find yourself thinking that the infant Desepereaux looks more than a human baby than a mouse -- it's the huge eyes, I think.) You'll also find Susan Sarandon to be the perfect narrator for this heartfelt story... it's amazing!
The Tale of Despereaux is out on DVD on April 7th!
Wanna win? We have a copy of this 5-star flick to give to one lucky Lille Punkin' Reader. Just visit one of these links on YouTube to get a "feel" for the flick.
Clip #1
Clip #2
Clip #3
Then comment here with why you think you'll love it, too (and we'd love to hear which clip you watched.. although watching a clip isn't mandatory to win). We'll randomly pick one qualified winner to get the movie for their own family! You have until Thursday, April 2nd at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Review of Clouds and Stars QuickZip Crib Sheet
It's something I do all too often: Changing my infant son's crib sheet. After wrestling with the mattress, I usually get it to come off, but putting it back on is another story.
While I wouldn't normally even consider a zipper when using baby bedding, Clouds and Stars has come up with a brilliant way to incorporate an easy-to-use zipper with super-comfy bedding. I love it, and I think you will to!
The QuickZip Crib Sheet is actually two pieces: One piece goes underneath and around the corners of the crib mattress (the mattress actually sets on top of it. The second piece (the piece you remove and wash) zips over the bottom piece and comfortably lays so that no zipper teeth could pinch or scratch baby. (There is even a nice little "pocket" for the zipper pull to tuck into.) Baby can't get this one to come off, no matter how grumpy he is (and my little one is 2 years old!)
They also come in play-yard sizes, so you can keep your play-yard or playpen clean!
I would highly recommend getting the QuickZip starter set for a new baby or an existing crib. You can buy the zipper sheets separately if you need to have an extra one on hand (while the other is washing.) They even have a beautiful yellow gingham bundle (with set and 2 zipper sheets) on clearance for $62.99!
Wanna win? Sign up for our monthly newsletter, and you will be automatically entered to win a QuickZip Sheet for your little one! (Look for the Clouds and Stars logo and sign up form on the right-hand side of our website to enter.)
Save 10% on your order from Stars and Clouds with our exclusive coupon code! Just enter LP061509 until 6/15/09 to get your savings!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Congratulations to our Twilight Prize Pack Winner!
Whew! We had so much fun with the Twilight Ultimate Fan Pack giveaway! So many twitter replies, comments, and general chatter. (I had no idea how hardcore you Twilight fans were!)
We randomly picked from all the entries, and we are excited to announce that AwesomeNiks
is our winner!
Here's what she Tweeted:
AwesomeNiks: Very excited that I won a $150 Twilight prize pack from @LKnerl! YAY! Thanks so much! You made my day!!
Congrats! And don't forget that we are giving away more Twilight prizes this week....
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Win a Spa Duo from Sothys!
Moms need luxury, too!
French Skin Care Company Sothys Blends Timeless Elegance with Advanced Skin Care Products and a 5,000-Square-Foot Flag Ship Manhattan Spa
Sothys, A Legend in the Beauty Industry, Brings the European Spa Experience to American Consumers
Desquacrem - Few products can claim to be an all-in-one necessity like Sothys Desquacrem. Clarifiying and astringent active ingredients to help eliminate persistent deep impurties - including sebum trapped in skin follicle - creates a radiant complexion. (Priced at $30.)
To be entered to win, visit the sponsor's website at www.sothys-usa.com, and let us know what other treats look good!
You have until next Friday, March 27th at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Lille Punkin' Reviews Featured in All You Magazine!
I'm so excited! I just picked up my most recent issue of All You magazine (the April one), and who was in it? Me! I was featured in a special advertising section, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive, and it included myself and the following Walmart Elevenmoms:
Lynnae from Beingfrugal.net
Mercedes from Common Sense with Money
Tara of Deal Seeking Mom
Monica of Mommy Brain Reports
We had a chance to share our thoughts on some of the newest and best Colgate-Palmolive products (I reviewed the Lady Speed Stick.) It was fun, and I enjoyed being part of such a Mommy-centric project!
The ad can be seen right before page 25 (if you're looking.) All You is a fabulous magazine, full of tips and coupons! (Many shoppers report picking up extra copies to supplement their shopping savings.)
You can get your April issue at Walmart stores or a subscription online at Amazon.com (save $5 automatically on your order!)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Review of Piano for Preschoolers Program
As a homeschooler, I think it's important to incorporate the arts and music into our daily curriculum. As an unschooler, I really don't like to have learning be over-scheduled, stressful, or unnatural for my kids. This has left me with a bit of a delimma when it comes to teaching my children piano. (I started at a young age, and grew to love it. It wasn't without years of frustration over the traditional competitive methods that I was taught with.) How do I get my preschooler engaged in piano without discouragement? Piano for Preschoolers is my answer.
I admit that I had tried teaching my son piano last year. We used a traditional piano course (the same I used as a child), and I worked in basic theory, along with beginning lessons of notes, tempo, and posturing. He learned one song, and loved it so much, he refused to learn another. I gave up.
When I was blessed to be able to try Piano for Preschoolers, I was a bit skeptical that it would make any difference. We had hit a wall with my 5- year-old, but he longed for more lessons. I decided to give it a shot.
We are now on our 3rd lesson. I can't wait to keep showing my son how to play! (Note: You do not have to know how to play piano to teach your children with this program. It tells you exactly how to give the lesson, and you may even learn something new yourself!)
Do I recommend this program? YES! It has helped me tremendously, given hope for my children's musical future, and has given my preschooler (or kindergartener, in my case) a good foundation for learning piano. The set (which sells for a very reasonable $39.99) is available at www.pianoforpreschoolers.com
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thank Goodness for Husbands (and SXSW Sponsors)
As many of you know, I'm headed off to SXSW in Austin, TX tomorrow (before 4 a.m., so technically tonight)! Many of the Walmart Elevenmoms will also be there, and we are scheduled for a bunch of good fun and networking opportunities!
The best part of getting ready for this trip (which has been difficult, with 4 kids) has been the wonderful generosity of the many sponsors who have made it possible for me to go. I'd personally like to thank:
ConAgra - My personal sponsor at SXSW. They have been so good to me, and have really made my trip something that I've looked forward to for weeks!
(My oldest daughter grubs. Hardcore.)Walmart - The brains behind so many of the amazing promotions. They truly are like family, and I have been blessed to be in such good company!
Fast Fixin' - Yes, they helped me out tremendously, with some food delivered right to my door (for hubby to fix when the kiddos get hungry.) No need to worry about meals while I'm gone!
(Hubby prepares Fast Fixin' meal -- Note the hasbrowns are draining on shop towels?)Tyson - Another fabulous food sponsor. I will rest easy knowing that meal prep shall be a breeze while I'm in Texas.
Johnson & Johnson - They have made my few days before the trip more luxurious, thanks to their amazing new body wash, and the Spongebob Band-Aids that came special delivery (and were snagged immediately by my 4- year-old hypochondriac.)
ZonePerfect - The delightful assortment of bars they provided will keep me full of energy in-between flights and after long nights out in Austin!
Anyone else headed to the big show? Follow me on Twitter. I'll be tweeting when I can. :)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Get a Free Box of Touch of Gray for Men
Just answer a few short questions, and you'll receive a coupon good for a free box!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Win with Walmart and Twilight!
What's the most buzzed-about DVD movie to hit retail shelves on March 21st? Twilight! And it's being sold at Walmart stores across the country for a very affordable $17. (That's no typo, folks.)
Are you a fan of books? Diggin on the movie? We have the giveaway for you! In fact, this giveaway is uber-special, because it is in celebration of the Walmart.com's amazing efforts to bring the Twilight-lovin' community what they want: more Twilight excitement!
I can't begin to tell you all of the good stuff they have planned, but I can tell you some of the highlights:
- ebites you can send to your friends (upload photos to make them real personal!)
- Exclusive Twilight events (you can search to find one near you)
- Special themed recipes (diggin the "Cold Ones" Love Potion?)
But that is just the beginning! I have the awesome privilege to give one Lille Punkin' Reader the swag bag every Twilight friend would die for, and it's valued at $150! (See photo below for a photo -- actual contents may vary slightly.)
How do you win? Easy. Just comment on here with your favorite Twilight moment or character (from the book or movie -- but please, no spoilers) by Saturday, March 14th at 5pm CST. You will receive one entry for sharing! Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) You can also earn an additional entry for each one of the following:- Blog this giveaway, and comment here with your link!
- Tweet this giveaway via Twitter (maximum of 5 entries this method per day). I've made it easy -- just tweet:
You might also be interested in the Blog Talk Radio interview that MomAdvice is doing with Jacob Lautner,the actor who plays Jacob in the movie on Blog Talk Radio Monday 3/9/09 at 6pm PST. (That's tonight, so if you miss it, you can play the archived file.)
*We will also be giving away another special Twilight prize (a Twilight / Walmart gift card) exclusively to our newsletter subscribers. You can sign up in the upper right-hand side of our website.
Win with your Whole Baby at Whole Foods!
I know that many of you are trying to "change your ways" when it comes to your household purchases. I have started to go more green, as well, switching out some common items on my shopping list with earth-friendlier options. Sometimes you may wonder how you can possibly do it, with so many products on the market.
Whole Foods has gone a long way to ensure that buying better is now easier. In fact, they are focusing their efforts on the smallest shoppers - babies! Here's an example of a typical diaper bag, and what small changes can be made to make it more "green":
- Instead of formula with artificial colors and flavors(when breastfeeding is not an option), try organic!
- Switch our your bottles containing BPA, polycarbonate plastic, and pthalates, consider glass ones or those that contain certain plastics, such as polyethylene (#1, #2, #4) and polypropylene (#5).
- Kick those diapers with chlorine and artificial scents, and go with latex-free and dye-free alternatives.
What are my favorite products from the Whole Baby product offerings? Definitely the Seventh Generation diapers and Hyland's Teething Tablets and Gel.
There's even a fantastic way to put your baby in the spotlight -- and win some fantastic prizes!
Whole Foods Market is launching a national search and contest for the cutest “Baby’s Favorite Foods” photos. From March 4 through13, parents can upload pictures of their little ones enjoying their mealtime favorites, for a chance to win a Canon Powershot SD880 IS digital ELPH camera and other prizes, including Whole Foods Market “Whole Baby” gift baskets and Whole Foods Market gift cards.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Review of Honey Kix Cereal
Kix is one of my first childhood cereal memories. I remember the commercials. I remember wanting something sweeter. I remember my Mom telling me that we weren't going to be eating any "sugar garbage" for breakfast. Thanks, Mom.
Now I know that my Mom cared for me enough to break tradition and give me a breakfast choice that was healthy. I want the same for my kids, but I also want to give them something that won't feel like a chore to eat. With the taste of new Honey Kix easily rivaling some of the more lightly sweetened cereals on the market, I think I've find my solution!
The "Kid-tested, Mother-approved" cereal has been reinvented with a touch of honey, which makes it taste delightful (without compromising the healthy benefits.) Honey Kix is a good source of fiber, calcium, and vitamin D (when served with milk) and contains 16 grams of whole grain per serving! It also contains no artificial flavors or preservatives (yeah!)
My kids really liked this cereal. That's pretty much all you need to know. (Because that says it all!)
Wanna win? We are giving three lucky Lille Punkin' Readers a fabulous Honey Kix "Sweet and Simple" gift set. It contains all you need for a healthy start to your day (except for the milk, of course.) You'll receive a coupon for a free box of cereal, a honey jar, a set of colorful cereal bowls, a container to take your cereal and milk on-the-go, and a container for keeping cereal fresh at home! 
To be entered to win, just do one of the following (or all 3, for extra entries!):
- Leave a comment on this post with your favorite childhood cereal memory
- Blog this giveaway, and with a link to this post.
- Subscribe to our RSS feed!
You have until next Friday, March 13th at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Free Warm Delights Minis!
This offer won't last long. Sign up to get your free sample when you register for news from General Mills and Betty Crocker!
Children’s Flip Flops Recalled by Alpargatas Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Standard
Baby Estampas models
Kid’s Flores and Kid’s Monsters models
These sandals have been recalled due to lead paint hazards. They were sold under several brand names at retailers across the country. To see the full details of the recall, see the official CPSC press release!
Wonder Pets Hit PrimeTime!
They're so cute they're almost creepy. Kids love them, and parent love that kids love them. They fight against injustice and help out their friends. Who are they? Wonder Pets, of course!
If you're not familiar with the adorable antics of the tiny duck, guinea pig, and turtle, you really need to join the ranks of Wonder Pets lovers! These tiny heroes are animated in a clever way, with real kids doing the voices. Now, they debut with a prime time special just right for kids who need a little evening entertainment (in a way that parents will appreciate.)
We previewed the special The Wonder Pets: Join the Circus! with my children (ages 5, 3, and 2), and we had a full day of circus fun! The episode tells the story of 3 friends who long for adventure (which is how they end up at the circus), but along the way, learn how special they are to each other. Teamwork and compassion are major themes in the preschool program. It's no wonder parents love it, too!
The Wonder Pets: Join the Circus is premiering Monday, March 9th at 8:00 PM ET/CT on Nickelodeon. (Check your listings for channel information.) It will kick off an entire week of new morning episodes, many of them featuring special guest voice-overs (like Jerry Stiller!)
If you want to incorporate the fun of Wonder Pets into your daily preschool activities (or homeschool, in our case), you can also visit the NickJr.com website to get printable worksheets and crafts -- plus really cool online games. This is a safe way to get your whole family involed in the circus fun! (We got a kick out of the cut-out circus dress-up kit!)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Bella Sara Treasure and Miniatures are HERE!
Remember the cute and carefree Bella Sara Babies that we reviewed last year? (They are truly the most adorable trading cards on the market for young girls who love horses.)
We are please to recently been able to experience the newest Bella Sara developments: Treasures and Miniatures! Here's the scoop and why we loved them, too!
- The Treasures are so precious! Not only does this series of cards (the 8th set Bella Sara has put out) contain the beautiful illustrations you have come to love, but they contain extra-special "treasures," as well! Stickers, tattoos, and tiny horses may be waiting to be discovered in your pack (but you have to open them to find out!)
- If you are really into horses, then you'll appreciate the tiny ones included in the Miniatures collection. This first batch of Miniatures contain little velvety horses, small enough to keep in a pocket or purse! (What is it about kids and tiny replicas, I'll never know!) Kids can collect all 20 horses, with 20 codes for interactive play!
