Playground for Parents

GIVEAWAY! Pendant From Your Child's Artwork, by Analiese! CLOSED

 

Places to put all of your child's beloved artwork: 1) on the refrigerator; 2) in a scrapbook; 3) in the trash (shhh, I won't tell); 4) around your neck. Yes, on a pendant, around the neck, thanks to the creativity of Analiese Designs. 

 

Introducing:  my latest Etsy web store find, Analiese Designs. Custom pendants are made from your child's drawing. Love the idea, and can't wait to have one made to give to my oldest daughter. Goodness knows, she has years' worth of little masterpieces to choose from. Personally, I can draw a super stick figure. But, perhaps, you are the true artist in the family. Send Analiese your image, and a special pendant can be made just for you too.

 

Rachel, the designer of Analiese jewelry (and another fabulous mompreneur), created pendants using her son's drawings, and is now extending her talents to the rest of us. "I get inspiration from just about everywhere.  I started my business because I was looking for something to wear to a wedding and could not find what I was looking for.  I had worked with making jewelry before, but had not done so for quite some time.  I immediately became hooked and fell in love with beading.  I was looking to expand and be more creative with my work and started my adventure into Polymer clay.  I discovered my method of making image pendants on clay completely by accident.  It has certainly been the best accident that could have happened.  I have so much fun finding images and inspiration from my son (the artwork pendant) and from nature among other things.  I have expanded my work into glass and a couple of other mediums.  I am forever looking for new items to create in between being a mother, wife and teacher.  It is a true passion for me."

 

Great gift idea for yourself, your child, Grandma, or a favorite teacher. Your kid's best friend have a birthday coming up?  How unique for your child to draw a photo of her and her best friend, and have a pendant made as a gift!

Wanna Buy It?  Check out Analiese Designs and have a custom pendant made. In addition to artwork, there's a wonderful selection of glass tile and clay pendants, at super prices! 

Wanna Win It?   Rachel of Analiese Designs is offering one very lucky reader a custom pendant of their child's artwork! 

Come out to play with a Giveaway!

Visit  Analiese Designs. Leave a Comment telling me which pendant, besides the custom artwork offered in this Giveaway, is your favorite. Comments must be received by 11:59pm (PST) on May 15th.  One winner will be selected by Random.org. Winner will be notified via email, and will be announced here.  Be sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you (and make sure it doesn't go to spam) - I'd hate for you to miss your prize. Winner has 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be selected.  Good luck!

 

Increase your chances to win!  For more entries, you can: 

1. Subscribe to my blog (located on the top, right side of this page).  After you've subscribed, leave a comment and let me know.  Be the first to find out about Giveaways and parenting info!  Are you already a Subscriber?  Just leave a Comment and say, "I subscribe!"
2. Blog about this Giveaway and link back to Playground for Parents.  Leave a Comment, with the link to your post!
3. Post my blog button on your site!  Leave five separate Comments with your blog link, for five entries!! 
4. Email a friend about this Giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com. Leave a Comment for your extra entry!
5. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me, or advertise on my site! Just leave me a Comment and let me know you've done so.
6. Follow me on Twitter  AND tweet about the Giveaway! Leave the link to your tweet in your comment.

* Be sure to leave a Separate Comment for EACH entry. That's SEVEN total ways to enter this fantastic contest!! 

 

Reminder:  Deadline for the Artistic Shower Curtain from Izola ends 5/1!  Deadline for the Wall Art from BrowningtonForest ends  5/8!  Deadline for the Case of Gourmet Tortilla Chips from FoodShouldTasteGood ends 5/8! 

Many thanks to Rachel at Analiese Designs for providing this Giveaway!

Congratulations to lucky winner, Jo, who said, "scattered daisies is my fave."  

International Free Comic Book Day!

 

Ultra-cool jobs that some ultra-cool moms I know do for a living:  play professional beach volleyball...and still win after having two kids (hi Annett!); teach pole-dancing to moms seeking to bring their sexy back (hi Monique!); own and operate a comic book store (hi Portlyn!).  Well, you're not going to see me playing beach volleyball in a bikini, because the sight would burn your eyes as if you looked directly at the sun. You won't witness me pole-dancing, unless you want to see a reenactment of that old "True Lies" movie with Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. BUT, comic books are safe for me! Ha! I think it's just the cutest job. I mean, really, how many moms do you know that own a comic book shop?  What I bet you DO know is a kid or grownup that loves comic books, especially FREE ones!  Get yours this Saturday, May 2nd.

"Brave New World Comics in Los Angeles' Santa Clarita Valley, will be one of 1000+ stores participating in the international comic book holiday known as Free Comic Book Day. Yep, you read that right: FREE comic books! This is the 8th year that the comic book industry has gone all out, and if you have even a passing interest in the world of the 'funny book', this event is definitely for you. Portlyn, who co-owns the award wining joint in the SCV with her husband Atom!, says "Comic books are amazing! They are fantastic tools for helping get your kids to read, and this event is just plain FUN!". Brave New World will have "literally thousands" of free books on Saturday, as well as art lessons, creator signings, gaming demos, the 'Wheel of Prizes', games, music, and more! Plus, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life team is holding a fundraising bake sale during the event. "Get here early, and plan to stay awhile," continued Portlyn, "it's fun, it's free, and there's something for the whole family."

When:     SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2009

Where:    Find a store near you: www.FreeComicBookDay.com

Why:        Because comics are funnier than mom and dad

 

31-Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins!

 

Gee, based on my posts this month, you'd think I was obsessed with food or something. Ha! And when it's CHEAP, somehow it taste even better. Thank you, Baskin-Robbins, and thank you sunshine in California.

 

"Families can head to select Baskin-Robbins stores nationwide to enjoy a kid-size scoop of ice cream for just 31 cents during a fundraiser benefiting the National Volunteer Fire Council's National Junior Firefighter program."

 

When:  Wednesday, April 29th

Time:  5pm-10pm (sounds like an after-dinner treat to me. Or better yet, I can go after the kids are asleep, and not worry about sharing when they ask for "just a taste!")

Cost:  $0.31 for a 2.5 ounce scoop

Why:  Because ice cream is good for you. Because you deserve it.  Because you can pay for it out of your kid's piggy bank. OK, do you really need a reason?

 

A great deal, for a worthy cause (what do scoops cost normally these days, about $20?). 

Save me a place in line!

 

GIVEAWAY! Case of All-Natural Chips from FoodShouldTasteGood! CLOSED

Boys' clothes should be more fashionable. Freeway traffic should be lighter. Cute shoes should be comfortable. And food should taste good. Well, at least someone out there has taken care of the latter.

Introducing:  FoodShouldTasteGood. I mean, really, how absolutely clever is that company name? Direct and to the point, just the way I like it. And they make wholesome chips just the way I like too. FoodShouldTasteGood makes tortilla chips, and sent me a case of their seven varieties of tasty chips. I'm not going to tell you what the flavors are, because I want you to check out their website to enter the Giveaway!  But, I will say that I enjoyed them all. My favorite was the Multigrain, with flax, sunflower and sesame seeds....or maybe it was the...ha! I'm not that easy.The taste is fresh and light, the texture crisp and crunchy.

"With a brand name that says it all, FoodShouldTasteGood® tortilla chips are made from the highest quality, all-natural ingredients baked into the chips.  All chip varieties are gluten free, cholesterol and trans fat free, and do not use genetically modified ingredients (GMOs).  They are also certified Kosher, lower in sodium, and are a good source of dietary fiber.  Visit the website to join the fan club, try out recipes, or to learn more about the varieties and store locations."

Speaking of recipes, if you submit a recipe to their monthly contest, you could win a case of 12 6-oz bags, your choice of flavors! Written right on their bag of chips are recommended accompaniments for that particular chip flavor, such as hummus, salsa, and spinach dip. Boy, these folks sure are thorough! Of course, the chips didn't last long enough for me to even dip them.

These tortilla chips are a great addition to upcoming spring and summer barbeques, picnics, potlucks, and beach trips. A great replacement for those greasy, high sodium, trans fat things we've been eating with our sandwiches.

Wanna Buy It?  Check the FoodShouldTasteGood website to find a store near you. They're also available at several sites online, including www.amazon.com.

Wanna Win It?   To convince you that indeed, food should taste good, they are offering a CASE of their seven varieties of chips to a Playground for Parents reader!

Win an entire Case of Flavored Tortilla Chips!

Come out to play with a Giveaway!

 

Visit  FoodShouldTasteGood. Leave a Comment telling me the name of the flavor you'd love to try. Comments must be received by 11:59pm (PST) on May 8th.  One winner will be selected by Random.org. Winner will be notified via email, and will be announced here.  Be sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you (and make sure it doesn't go to spam) - I'd hate for you to miss your prize. Winner has 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be selected.  Open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!

 

Increase your chances to win!  For more entries, you can: 

1. Subscribe to my blog (located on the top, right side of this page).  After you've subscribed, leave a comment and let me know.  Be the first to find out about Giveaways and parenting info!  Are you already a Subscriber?  Just leave a Comment and say, "I subscribe!"
2. Blog about this Giveaway and link back to Playground for Parents.  Leave a Comment, with the link to your post!
3. Post my blog button on your site!  Leave five separate Comments with your blog link, for five entries!! 
4. Email a friend about this Giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com. Leave a Comment for your extra entry!
5. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me, or advertise on my site! Just leave me a Comment and let me know you've done so.
6. Follow me on Twitter  AND tweet about the Giveaway! Leave the link to your tweet in your comment.

* Be sure to leave a Separate Comment for EACH entry. That's SEVEN total ways to enter this fantastic contest!! 

 

Reminder:  Deadline for the Artistic Shower Curtain from Izola ends 5/1!  Deadline for the Wall Art from BrowningtonForest ends  5/8! 

Many thanks to Dani at FoodShouldTasteGood  for providing this Review and Giveaway!

Congratulations to lucky winner, Valerie, who said, "lime sounds yummy."

How Does a Baby Get IN the Stomach?

 

That's what my seven year old daughter asked me last night. Oh, excuse me, my seven and a HALF year old.  She won't let you forget about that half. This is how the conversation went, at least as much as I can remember - I've repressed it already...

 

Her:  "Mommy, how does a baby get in your stomach?"

Me:  "Uhhhh, (one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand...) is that mentioned in the book you're reading (that's right, throw the question back at her. Stall for more time)?"

Her:  "The boy's mom in the book is pregnant."

Me:  "Uh-huh (thanks a lot, Judy Blume)."

Her:  So, how did a baby get in her stomach?"

Me:  "That's a good question. Well (maybe what I told her when she was five will still work), the mommy and daddy get together and make the baby (I'm not off to a good start. Could that possibly have been more vague?)."

Her:  "But how does it get IN her stomach?"

Me:  (Crap, she's not five anymore) "Umm, there's an egg inside the mommy..."

Her: "An egg?!!?"

Me:  "Just like a chicken (what?!). There's an egg inside and..."

Her:  "In me?!? I have an EGG in me right now?!?"

Me:  "Uh, no? Later, you'll have an egg in you later (do I even mention sperm?! What's too much info, too soon?!? I should've just said it all happens by magic)."

Daddy (yelling from the kitchen): "Dinner's ready!"

His timing is perfect, and not just because I'm starving.

 

I can't believe I just admitted that I had such a bumbling, fumbling conversation. I'm usually so much more on top of it. Alright, alright! I froze. I choked. I wasn't prepared. And I'm not prudish, I swear. We've even had this discussion in my mommy support group about what to say, but NONE of it came to me. See, what had happened was - I planned to have a very informative, honest, reasonable talk with my daughter about sex and babies, nothing like that rambling foolishness that just occurred. Only it was going to be AFTER I had done my research, bought a children's book on the topic, checked out a few educational websites. On MY time. Silly me. My daughter reminded me so brilliantly that nothing is on my time anymore. 

 

OK, so this morning is a new day. And I felt determined to fix last night's blunder, so the first thing I do is Google. Unfortunately, I can't believe how NOT helpful the old trusted Internet is on this topic. I found article after article on how important it is to have this open dialogue with your kid. Duh! I know that already. I want a script!  And then I remembered that I DO have a factual kids' book on where babies come from! Woo-hoo. Oh mama, see there - I'm ahead of the game and didn't even know it. So, I found this kids' book I've been saving for a couple of years now, just waiting for this day, sitting high on the bookshelf. I skimmed through it, knowing I held in my hands the answers, and..."the man pushes his penis up and down inside the woman's vagina, so that both the tickly parts are being rubbed against each other...the tickly feeling gets stronger and stronger...it's very tiring. More than running or skipping..."  I'll spare you the rest, about the intense wiggling of the "tickly parts," and the popping sensation, and the "sticky stuff."  There's a big fat sticker on the book cover that says over 2 million copies were sold. Really? Two million parents bought this book?!  I'm thinking that I couldn't possibly have read through it before I bought it.

 

My daughter seemed satisfied with my lame explanation that there's an egg inside a woman when she gets older, that grows into a baby. Of course, I know it's grossly inadequate, so I'm headed to the bookstore today to find someone who can articulate this a lot better than I can.

 

Have you had this conversation with your tween? I'm open to suggestions from any of you who are laughing hysterically at me right now, and have already been through this. And don't get too smug - you know you have to repeat the conversation frequently, modifying the content as they mature, right?  So, how does a baby get IN the stomach?

 

 

GIVEAWAY! Artistic Shower Curtain from Izola! CLOSED

 

 

I know what you're thinking - the baby clothing, the kids' art, the photo cards, even the gift baskets - they all make sense as great giveaways on my blog for moms.  But, how does a shower curtain fit into the mix?  Look at it this way, sometimes the bathroom is a mom's only escape for a moment's peace. May as well make it pretty while you steal a few minutes to yourself. And this is not your ordinary shower curtain, but a work of art featuring photographs and other bold images.

 

Izola offers an innovative collection of shower curtain designs, including subway and geographical maps, photographic images of world destinations, bold patterns and limited edition artist series.

 

Izola generously sent me a shower curtain of my choice. I had a tough time selecting a favorite among such a great selection (wish I had more bathrooms, and thus needed more curtains), but I ultimately chose the Venice Shower Curtain pictured here. I just elevated my bathroom decor. It's cool, it's unique, the quality is good. It's actually a conversation piece, not that I have conversations in my bathroom, usually.

 

Give the kids a geography lesson and a bath simultaneously, spruce up your decor, experience the nostalgia of Vegas or New York, or even go green with their eco-friendly line of shower curtains.

 

Your family can't get away to enjoy the beauty of France or Italy?  Well, mama, you may as well imagine you're there while soaking in the tub at home. Don't forget to lock the door.

 

Wanna Buy It?  Izola has a large selection of dynamic and original shower curtains that will jazz up your bathroom. Prices start at around $29. Select shower curtains on sale now!

 

Wanna Win It?  Izola is offering one very lucky Playground for Parents reader their very own shower curtain of choice, from the destination, map, pattern or eco friendly selections!

 

 

Win a Shower Curtain of your choice!

Come out to play with a Giveaway!

 

Visit  IzolaShower.com. Leave a Comment telling me the name of your favorite curtain. Comments must be received by 11:59pm (PST) on May 1st.  One winner will be selected by Random.org. Winner will be notified via email, and will be announced here.  Be sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you (and make sure it doesn't go to spam) - I'd hate for you to miss your prize. Winner has 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be selected.  Good luck!

 

Increase your chances to win!  For more entries, you can: 

1. Subscribe to my blog (located on the top, right side of this page).  After you've subscribed, leave a comment and let me know.  Be the first to find out about Giveaways and parenting info!  Are you already a Subscriber?  Just leave a Comment and say, "I subscribe!"
2. Blog about this Giveaway and link back to Playground for Parents.  Leave a Comment, with the link to your post!
3. Post my blog button on your site!  Leave five separate Comments with your blog link, for five entries!! 
4. Email a friend about this Giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com. Leave a Comment for your extra entry!
5. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me, or advertise on my site! Just leave me a Comment and let me know you've done so.
6. Follow me on Twitter  AND tweet about the Giveaway! Leave the link to your tweet in your comment.

* Be sure to leave a Separate Comment for EACH entry. That's SEVEN total ways to enter this fantastic contest!! 

 

Reminder:  Deadline for the Gourmet Gift Basket is  April 23rd! Deadline for the Tile Pendant is April 24th! 

Many thanks to Richie at Izola for providing this Review and Giveaway!

Congratulations to lucky winner, Susan, who said, "I follow on Twitter and tweeted."

 

A Heart of Green

 

 

All this time that my husband has been planting vegetables in our backyard, I've teased him mercilessly about acting like a farmer when we live in the heart of a big California city.  Well, now I'm eating crow (or actually some fresh homegrown vegetables and herbs). Because if it's good enough for the Obamas, then it's certainly good enough for little old me. It wasn't until my exploration of Earth Day, that I discovered that my wanna-be farmer's garden was more than just a way to save money and avoid pesticides - it provides an opportunity to teach my kid about the environment. And I gotta say, that makes me feel mighty good, because I've been embarrassingly slow about jumping on the green bandwagon.

 

Just in case there's anyone out there even a little bit like me, still taking baby green steps, and in need of further motivation to participate in Earth Day and beyond, check out the article below. From gardening to conserving water, learn ten super-simple ways to get green with your family.

 

Happy Earth Day, moms and dads! 

 

 

Make Everyday Earth Day (from www.greatschools.net)

 

First Lady Michelle Obama broke new ground this spring (with the help of local school kids) when she began digging to create an edible garden on the White House lawn.

Now it's your turn! A garden in your backyard or neighborhood can teach kids about healthy eating and promote environmental awareness. And children are more likely to eat their vegetables when they actually grow them.

Learn about other simple things you can do at home with your child to live green while having fun.

 

 

"Earth"

 

Just type "Earth Day" into Google, and you will have at your fingertips a slew of websites, weblogs, articles and information.  You can't say you don't know when it is, or what it is, or what to do, because there are family activities, school projects, and community events galore occurring across the globe tomorrow. And yes, there's even a movie premiere...

 

The new movie, "Earth," opens on Earth Day, April 22nd.  It marks the first film in the Disneynature series, and tells the tale of three animal families as they travel across our planet - two adult polar bears and their baby cubs, a mother elephant and its baby, and a young humpback whale and its mother. The film is narrated by James Earl Jones (LOVE that man's voice!). 

 

The "Earth" trailer gave me goosebumps - the imagery is simply beautiful, the story suspenseful, and it is certain to instill in the audience, at least temporarily, a love for earth and animals. From what I've read in the reviews thus far, what is blatantly missing from this film is the critical discussion of man's impact on these animals through chemicals, pollution, global warming, and all those nasty little things we've done that necessitated Earth Day in the first place. Some viewers have said that this film is not the place for such a heavy discussion. Others disagree, and see this as a lost opportunity. Bottom line: it will be up to YOU, as mom or dad, to seek the information elsewhere; perhaps taking from the film a desire to protect the environment, and then discovering together with your kids what you can do about it.

 

Don't forget to check my favorite website, www.kids-in-mind.com, for a detailed synopsis of the movie contents, before you take your kids. It's rated G, but could still warrant some caution.  

 

Happy Earth Day to all. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! Mars looks a little too dreary.

 

Now, what are you going to do on April 22nd?

 

 

Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's, April 21st!

 

Free ice cream, and it's 97 degrees here in California. No, mamas on the East coast, that's not a typo. Sorry. I see a scoop of their Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream in my very near future. I gotta give it to them, Ben and Jerry's sure know how to time these things...

 

"Tuesday, April 21st is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's, and you know what that means...free ice cream for you!

As a way to thank our customers for their support and to celebrate 31 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away!

Maybe it’s time for you to try a new flavor that you’ve been wondering about without commiting your hard earned dollars or it’s time for you to enjoy an old favorite and savor in the deliciousness that is free ice cream? Hey, either way it’s time for you to come on in!

 Around the world, Scoop Shops are opening their doors from noon to 8:00 pm, to serve up a free scoop of your favorite flavor. Please check with your local Scoop Shop for more info!

 

Grab a pal and come on down to have some good, ’scream fun on us!"

 

 

Thanks to Mama Maureen for passing along this information!

 

GIVEAWAY! Enchanting Kids Art from BrowningtonForest! CLOSED

There is artwork that your kid will simply outgrow, because eventually they (or you) will tire of the primary colors, the zoo animals, or the alphabet-themed print. And then there is artwork that transcends age, appropriate for a baby or a teen, and is an adorable addition to the room's decor.

 

Introducing my latest find from Etsy.com: BrowningtonForest. These wall prints are enchanting and fun. The style is hip and contemporary.  I love the modern color combinations, and the quirky figures. BrowningtonForest prints are created with long-lasting pigment inks, on 100% cotton, archival, high-quality paper.

 

The creative artist behind BrowningtonForest is JB Louie, who is heavily influenced by nature, peace, love, and life.  "I've always found awe and magic within the forest. I spent most of my free childhood hours roaming the forest behind my house, right outside of Harriman State Park in NY. These days I spend most of my time in my studio near the beach. May your life be filled with Peace and Love!"

 

Is it me, or did the moment just become a little more calm? 

 

Add some peace and love to your child's room with a unique print from BrowningtonForest.

 

Wanna Buy It?   BrowningtonForest has a great selection of colorful and cool artwork that you and your kids are will love. Prices start at just $16. Each print comes signed, and mailed in a plastic sleeve.

 

Wanna Win It?  BrowningtonForest is offering one very lucky Playground for Parents reader their very own artwork of choice!

 

Win a Wall Print of your choice!

Come out to play with a Giveaway!

 

Visit  BrowningtonForest. Leave a Comment telling me your favorite print. Comments must be received by 11:59pm (PST) on May 8th.  One winner will be selected by Random.org. Winner will be notified via email, and will be announced here.  Be sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you (and make sure it doesn't go to spam) - I'd hate for you to miss your prize. Winner has 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be selected.  Good luck!

 

Increase your chances to win!  For more entries, you can: 

1. Subscribe to my blog (located on the top, right side of this page).  After you've subscribed, leave a comment and let me know.  Be the first to find out about Giveaways and parenting info!  Are you already a Subscriber?  Just leave a Comment and say, "I subscribe!"
2. Blog about this Giveaway and link back to Playground for Parents.  Leave a Comment, with the link to your post!
3. Post my blog button on your site!  Leave five separate Comments with your blog link, for five entries!! 
4. Email a friend about this Giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com. Leave a Comment for your extra entry!
5. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me, or advertise on my site! Just leave me a Comment and let me know you've done so.
6. Follow me on Twitter  AND tweet about the Giveaway! Leave the link to your tweet in your comment.

* Be sure to leave a Separate Comment for EACH entry. That's SEVEN total ways to enter this fantastic contest!! 

 

Reminder:  Deadline for "my mommy rocks" Plate is April 21st! Deadline for the Gourmet Gift Basket is  April 23rd! Deadline for the Tile Pendant is April 24th! 

Many thanks to Jill at BrowningtonForest for providing this Giveaway!

Congratulations to lucky winner, Patti, who said, "I subscribe."