Playground for Parents

Labou

"Three young children set out to find a centuries-old pirate ship lost in the Louisiana bayou. Together they experience an adventure beyond their wildest dreams, a magical swamp creature named Labou, and most importantly they learn valuable lessons about perseverance, hard work, friendship, and belief in oneself."

 

Introducing: "Labou" - a new, award-winning family film that has just been released by MGM/Fox Home Entertainment.

 

I was recently sent a screener to review. We popped some obligatory popcorn and gathered in our living room for an intimate Family Movie Night. My husband fell asleep in about 20 minutes. But, he falls asleep during most movies that aren't about James Bond. I was only mildly amused - I thought the story line was a bit contrived, the dialogue forced, and I wasn't convinced about the friendship between the kids. The music was cool though - can't find much wrong with jazz in New Orleans. And I must give it a thumbs up for having a diverse cast. Most importantly, however, my eight year old loved it. The true evidence: she wanted to watch the movie again the next day, and the next...A film always scores when it has a cute, friendly creature that's small enough to fit in your backpack. Remember when you were a kid and wanted a little E.T. of your very own?

 

In all, it has enough action to keep the kids entertained, without being scary (you don't have to worry about them not wanting to go to bed afterward).  A good dvd pick for your own family movie night, though you may want to have your iphone on hand to secretly send emails while the kids watch.

 

The film has been approved by the Dove Foundation, and won top awards at several children's film festivals, including "Best of Fest" at the prestigious Chicago Int'l Children's Film's Festival.  For more information and to check out the trailer, go to www.LabouTheMovie.com. 

 

Homework for Mom

They drove my daughter to school all last year because I had a new baby. They picked her up for playdates and birthday parties, so I didn't have to take the baby out. They've called me if they've seen her on campus and she looked upset. They give me a heads-up if something is going down at the school with a particular kid, or with the administration (otherwise known as gossip, but the necessary kind). They greet my daughter with a hug and smile when they volunteer in the lunch line, and cover her cost if she didn't bring enough change for a pizza bagel. They are my spies in the classroom and on the playground, at a time when kids need to be protected more than ever. 

 

Who knew that the friends WE make at our kid's school, are about as significant as the friends our kids make?! Um, (raising hand frantically) I knew. My friendships with the moms at my daughter's school have proven invaluable, time and time again. From preschool to grade school, they have had my back. I was reminded of its importance on the first day of school, as we all hovered outside the classroom, greeting, laughing, kissing cheeks (is that an LA thing?). It feels comfortable. It feels safe. And it feels a whole lot better than the alternative - a lack of connection, the feeling that you don't belong or don't relate, that you have no one to talk to about your shared experiences at that school. Like that mom who walks by a group of parents who are smiling and laughing, and doesn't speak or look their way. I feel for that mom.

 

The moms' efforts have not gone unreciprocated. I am the mom that's called when a homework assignment isn't understood. I will run to their kid's aid if I see them hurt, or intervene if I see them treated unfairly. I plan group playdates just so the girls can hangout outside of school, and the moms can gab. And yes, I will cover the cost for that bag of Cheez-Its when I volunteer at snack time, but I will stop them before they order a hot chocolate AND a chocolate muffin simultaneously ("would your mom want you to have that much chocolate at 10am?").

 

So, why would you not make a point of building a relationship with the other school parents? Maybe you have few female friends, on purpose. Maybe you work full-time and have fewer opportunities to get acquainted with other parents. Maybe you're really shy, super busy, or simply don't care. Afterall, school is about their social development. You have all the friends you need, and even some you don't.

 

Here's a homework assignment for you, mom: make a point this school year of getting to know the mom of your child's friend. You can be choosey. Stay away from the one who acts like she needs to increase her Prozac dosage - you already have enough drama without sharing in hers. Befriend some school moms, and there's a good chance that you will improve the quality of your experience at the school, as well as your child's. Who knows, you may even create a friend for life.

 

Giveaway: Gourmet Stuffed Pretzels from Kim and Scott's!

You've been through the boxes of Cheez-Its, the Goldfish, and the graham crackers. They are the required snacks of childhood. And you couldn't be more bored. Prepare to awaken the snacking taste buds of both you and your child...

 

Introducing: Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels. Soft, fresh, filling and satisfying...and stuffed with a variety of delicious flavors. These gourmet pretzels are all natural, twisted by hand and made from scratch - and it shows. You get all the good stuff without all the bad - no trans fats, no hydrogenated oils, no preservatives.

 

We were sent an amazing Variety Sampler of the following pretzels to review:

 

6 oz. Apple Cinnamon Pretzels
6 oz. Original Cheesecake Pretzel
6 oz. Mixed Berry Cobbler Pretzel
6 oz. Chocolate Crumb Pretzel
6 oz. Cinnamon Roll Pretzel
6 oz. Pizza Pretzel Pretzel
6 oz. Cheese Lover's Pretzel
6 oz. Spinach Feta Pretzel
6 oz. Grilled Cheese Pretzel
6 oz. Cream Cheese Pretzel

 

Seriously tempting, right? It's really hard to choose my favorite, but Id have to go with the Spinach Feta and Cream Cheese Pretzel. Or maybe it was the Chocolate. We enjoyed them all! And the portion size is significant. The preparation couldn't be quicker - just put them in the microwave. Trust me when I say that these delights do not get gooey or chewy like some microwaved bread products. The texture and consistency were perfect.

 

The story of success behind these twisted gourmet treats:  "Since 1995, Kim and Scott Holstein, co-founders of Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, have grown their business from the kitchen in Kim’s studio apartment to a national presence selling millions of pretzels each week via grocery store chains like Albertsons, Wild Oats and Whole Foods.  In addition, their pretzels can be found at Borders Books & Music, Barnes & Noble, and via regular appearances on QVC, where they sold more than 150,000 pretzels in just 12 minutes when they debuted on the network. They have also been named “entrepreneurs to watch” by Entrepreneur Magazine...Kim & Scott’s bakery is located in Chicago. and the first-ever Pretzel Bakery & Twisting Café is located at Kohl Children’s Museum of greater Chicago."  All their well-deserved notoriety - they're definitely doing something right.

 

It's a new school year. It's time for some new snacks. Except I dare you to share your gourmet stuffed pretzels with your kids.  

 

Wanna But It?  Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels can be found in the frozen foods section of the grocery store. Click here to find a store near you!

 

Wanna Win It? You know that mouth-watering list of pretzel varieties that I mentioned above? Yea, that's the one. A lucky reader will win their own Original Variety Sampler pack from Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels!

 

 

Come out to play with a Giveaway!

 

Visit www.kimandscotts.com. Leave a Comment telling me your favorite flavor. Comments must be received by 11:59pm (PST) on October 7th.  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 residents of U.S. 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 three separate Comments for three entries! Are you already a Subscriber?  Just leave three Comments and say, "I subscribe!"
2. Blog about this Giveaway and link back to Playground for Parents.  Leave five separate Comments with the link to your post, for five entries!
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 one 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! You can do this DAILY, for an entry each day! Just leave the link to your tweet in your comment each day!
7. Leave a comment on any NONgiveaway post on my blog, and come back here and let me know you did!

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

 

Reminder:  Check the top corner of this page for other fantastic Giveaways! Hurry, they end soon!

Many thanks to Krista for providing this giveaway and review!

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCKY WINNER, LAURA (#57)!

 

She Doesn't Even Know You

The crying starts before I even let her go. As I walk away, they get louder, at least in my heart. I close the door, but can still hear the crying. I can't walk out of the building and around the corner fast enough. The guilt, and her cries follow me to my car. And I send up a prayer that it stops in a minute, like everyone assures me it will.

 

That's how I get to begin every morning when I drop Munchkin at daycare. And it sucks. Hugely. When we had the nanny, Munchkin would reach out for her and go into the nanny's arms, smile and wave bye-bye. But, at daycare, the caregivers are still unfamiliar and there are several of them. There are also other babies. Babies who cry when their parents leave, or for some other unknown reason. Munchkin cries when they cry. I try to distract her when this happens, but I see her senses perk up, as she prepares to join in the wail-fest. I comfort myself knowing that the morning transition is a brief one, and I'll be told when I pick her up that she had her usual good day of smiling, blowing kisses, and playing with her new friends.

 

Except when I picked up Munchkin yesterday, I was told that it had been a bit rough, that she cried on and off everytime someone left the room. Mind you, she didn't even know the people coming and going. But, apparently she doesn't want anyone to leave once they come in. Like separation anxiety with complete strangers! It's as if she's saying, "if this place is so great, then why aren't you staying here?"  They said they tried to distract her when someone left, but she'd simply look around for them and cry once she realized they had escaped.

 

So, now on top of the morning crying, and the transmission of cooties that have had Munchkin sick and out of daycare for more days than she's attended, I have to be concerned about her separation anxiety with strangers. All I have to go on is that all of this is supposed to be temporary - soon she'll get used to being left at daycare, soon she'll get immune to the germs...

 

Sigh. I'm rethinking this whole nanny versus daycare thing.

 

 

The Providence Effect

I have goosebumps. I get them whenever I witness a story of astronomical triumph over racism, poverty, and illiteracy. I get them whenever negative stereotypes get a smack in the face. I get them when kids achieve remarkable feats against all odds. And I got them when I saw the trailer for The Providence Effect.

 

Those working on The Providence Effect recently asked me to mention the film, and I'm proud to do so. The film debuts on September 25th. It's a new theatrical documentary that will change the way America thinks about teaching our children. It is confirmation that I should, and must, expect greatness from my own children. It is a documentary I will share with my girls, with an intriguing combination of education and inspiration.

 

"THE PROVIDENCE EFFECT is the story of an individual man, the inner city Chicago school he founded, and the student lives the school has changed and saved.  The school, Providence St. Mel, has a 30-year 100% college placement record; with an “old school” approach to learning --- “Do the work.” --- and a dedicated corps of teachers and administrators, Providence St. Mel can serve as a model for revamping all of American education.

To turn Providence St. Mel into a first rank college preparatory school, and its African-American student body into a corps of driven, disciplined, high achieving students.  That was over 30 years ago.  Since then, 100% of Providence St. Mel graduates have been accepted to college, half of them, during the last seven years, to first tier and Ivy League colleges and universities."

 

Read more about the film, its numerous awards, and find a theater at www.theprovidenceeffect.com

 

 

Birthday Bash Giveaway #6: Toy from Zhu Zhu Pets!

Some of you have been visiting my blog long enough to know about our pet bunny. She was a surprise Easter gift to my daughter, from my husband.  Yep. A bunny, that I would have to catch on several occasions during the past few months when she escaped, or my daughter got freaked out. You want to surprise us, plan a weekend vacation or bake a cake. My husband wouldn't have been sent to the doghouse if he had just gotten my daughter a Zhu Zhu Pet instead.

OK, back to my Birthday Bash! You've decided on a theme, purchased the party supplies, assembled the favors, and now for that special gift for the birthday boy OR girl - their very own pet that you don't have to feed, bathe, vaccinate, or flush down the toilet when it's floating belly up!

 

Introducing:  Zhu Zhu Pets. It's the next best thing to a real pet. They are realistic (like freakishly realistic) battery-operated hamsters with their own fun-filled habitat! The hamsters chatter, purr and coo, explore, run around and play, and go to sleep, all with the press of a button. Over twelve add-ons are available for their extensive hamsterworld. And get this: the batteries are included! FINALLY!

 

MomSelect arranged for my family to review two adorable Zhu Zhu Pets, and included the Go Go Adventure Ball, Surfboard and Sleep Dome, Skateboard, Car and Garage, Hamster Wheel and Tunnel, and Slide/Ramp. Wow, life must be nice in hamsterworld. The parts were easy enough for my eight year old to assemble by herself. She couldn't wait to try it out, and had a blast playing with the two hamsters and all the accessories. More fun than she's ever had with that bunny eating up our garden in the backyard.

 

Your kid said he wanted a pet for his birthday? I just bought you a little time, mama.

 

Wanna Buy It?  Zhu Zhu Pets are available now at Toys R Us, Walmart, and Amazon!

 

Wanna Win It? One very lucky reader will win a Zhu Zhu Pet and the fun slide/ramp!

 

Open to residents of U.S.

 

HOW TO PARTY AT THE BIRTHDAY BASH:

 

INITIAL ENTRY:  Visit www.zhuzhupets.com. Leave a comment here about your favorite play accessory on their website!

 

You can do as many of the following as you like: 

 

DAILY ENTRIES

 

ONE DAILY ENTRY:  Comment here about anything related to birthday planning, mishaps, or memories! Leave a comment up to once daily!

 

ONE DAILY ENTRY:  Follow NinasPlayground on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway up to once daily!  Comment here with a link to your Tweet.

 

BONUS ENTRIES

 

ONE BONUS ENTRY:  Comment on any NONgiveaway post on my blog. Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did!

 

TWO BONUS ENTRIES:  Email a mama friend about this giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com.  Leave a comment for your extra entry!

 

THREE BONUS ENTRIES:  Subscribe to my blog (see upper right sidebar)! If you're already a subscriber, that counts too! Leave 3 separate comments here.

 

FIVE BONUS ENTRIES:  Grab my NEW Playground for Parents button and put it on your blog! Leave 5 separate comments here.

 

SEVEN BONUS ENTRIES:  Blog about this giveaway and leave 7 separate comments with the URL here.

 

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on October 9th.

 

 

 

Many thanks to MomSelect and Zhu Zhu Pets for this fantastic Review and Giveaway!

 

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Imagine walking out of your front door, holding out your dinner plate, and a big juicy hamburger with the works falls from the sky...or pancakes with syrup, hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream sundaes...If I were to create a fantasy world, it would look a lot like the one created in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, where the weather report included the day's menu coming from the clouds. Just think, no grocery shopping, no cooking, no dishes - ideal with the minor exception of all the weight we'd probably gain.

We LOVE the children's book, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. It's been one of my daughter's all time favorites for several years. Fortunately, it's also one of the few children's books I can bear reading repeatedly. Funny, imaginative, engaging, and we notice something new in the illustrations everytime we look at it. A must-have for your young child's growing library.

Well, you know how it is when a movie is created from a book - you're prepared to be disappointed, because you know it's not going to be as good. That truly could've been the case here, because the film is a FAR departure from the book. However, the book fans will still get their money's worth (even if the cost of taking your family to the movies is about as much as your mortgage payment).

Today, my eight year old and I saw the new kids' film, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. The animation was wonderful. The dialogue was humorous. The storyline was suspenseful and entertaining. Two thumbs up, from each of us. We saw it in 3-D, which is NOT necessary to truly get the most from the film. In fact, if it's not showing in 3-D at a theater near you, or not at a convenient time, don't strain yourself to make it happen. There wasn't much 3-D action at all, which surprised me considering the amount of falling food. Even my daughter felt she got jipped on the 3-D action, though she did get to keep the cool glasses.

Beyond the entertainment, the film provides a great opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your kids, based on the messages about family, unconditional love, courage, ambition, humility, nerdiness is beautiful, and the all important lesson that "bigger is (not always) better."

Want a synopsis of the movie and find out more?  Check out my favorite entertainment-related websites, that will give you a blow-by-blow account of the flick before you take your kids: Kids-in-Mind.com and CommonSenseMedia.org.

Birthday Bash Giveaway #5: Sweets from Lady Fortunes!

Do you hear that? It's the sound of me smacking. Ladies (and a few gentlemen), I'm so tickled about this find, that I can barely hold the treat in one hand while typing with the other. Chocolate...covered...Oreos. With my beautiful daughter's face on them. I know, I know. Can you stand it? Personalized Oreos. What will they think of next? Evidently, they've thought of it all...

 

Introducing:  Lady Fortunes. Just go to their site really quickly and then come back here. You've GOT to see their stuff, from picture cookies, to giant fortune cookies, gourmet pretzels, belgian chocolate picture grahams, picture rice krispie treats, and much, much more..

 

OK, now that you're back, what did you think? Makes you want to have a party, huh? Or send a gift to someone for absolutely no reason at all.

 

Lady Fortunes offered to send me my item of choice to celebrate Munchkin's party. They suggested their Giant Picture Krispie Sheet with custom picture, which I knew our little party guests would LOVE to devour (because cake and pinata candy are NOT enough celebratory sweets to put in their belly). Now, you know I love my chocolate, so I also received their Chocolate Dipped Oreo Picture Cookies (they can also add your company logo!), AND their Picture Fortune Cookies.

 

I chose a photo of Munchkin's face as an infant for the Oreos and fortune cookies, and a photo of her crawling for the Giant Krispie Sheet. I prayed that the items would look as great as they were described on the website. Lady Fortunes did not disappoint. I couldn't wait to show them off at the party. Seriously, who had seen these special treats before now?! Everything was almost too cute to eat. But, whatever, that's what pictures are for. So, after I tasted my due sample of the delicious cookies, I put some in a cello bag as one of the prizes for my adult party game (yes, I make the adults play games at my kid's parties).

 

Lady Fortunes has been featured on The Food Network, Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, in numerous magazines, and now on the Playground. They have a huge celebrity following, and have been featured in high end retail stores like Neiman Marcus. I must've made the big time.

 

The owner of Lady Fortunes is a mama, who brings her baby son to work, with a play/learning room in her office. Sounds like my ideal job, surrounded by my baby, and chocolate.

 

Now you can surround yourself with delicious personalized sweets, that will have your party guests saying "oooh," "ahhh," and "yum!"  You're on your way to Hostess of the Year.

 

Wanna Buy It?  Visit Lady Fortunes for an unbelievable array of specialized goodies. Trust me, you never knew so much stuff could be covered in chocolate, and have your cute photo on it!  

 

Wanna Win It?  Lady Fortunes is offering one very lucky reader a special sweet treat! Win a Giant White Chocolate Heart Sprinkles Fortune Cookie with a Sweetheart Message inside!

 

Open to residents of U.S.

 

HOW TO PARTY AT THE BIRTHDAY BASH:

 

INITIAL ENTRY:  Visit www.ladyfortunes.com. Leave a comment here about your favorite item on their website!

 

You can do as many of the following as you like: 

 

DAILY ENTRIES

 

ONE DAILY ENTRY:  Comment here about anything related to birthday planning, mishaps, or memories! Leave a comment up to once daily!

 

ONE DAILY ENTRY:  Follow NinasPlayground on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway up to once daily!  Comment here with a link to your Tweet.

 

BONUS ENTRIES

 

ONE BONUS ENTRY:  Comment on any NONgiveaway post on my blog. Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did!

 

TWO BONUS ENTRIES:  Email a mama friend about this giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com.  Leave a comment for your extra entry!

 

THREE BONUS ENTRIES:  Subscribe to my blog (see upper right sidebar)! If you're already a subscriber, that counts too! Leave 3 separate comments here.

 

FIVE BONUS ENTRIES:  Grab my NEW Playground for Parents button and put it on your blog! Leave 5 separate comments here.

 

SEVEN BONUS ENTRIES:  Blog about this giveaway and leave 7 separate comments with the URL here.

 

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on October 9th.

 

 

 

Many thanks to Heeda and Linda, for this fantastic Review and Giveaway!

Birthday Bash Giveaway #4: $30 Gift Certificate from Karen's Cookies!

 

What if I told you that to cut your expenses on clever and creative party favors, by making your own, in a fun and simple project involving your kids? What if it all came in a handy-dandy kit, that you could use to not only make party favors, but great cookie gifts for a favorite teacher, coach, grandparent, or babysitter. Or use it as an exciting playdate activity. And what if I just get to telling you what it is already?! Geez!

 

Introducing:  Karen's Cookies.  "Cookie decorating simplified."  Karen's Cookies has an extensive line of cookie decorating kits that include everything you need to decorate adorable cookies like a pro: food coloring, decorating bags, tips, shaped cookie cutter and tools needed, edible accents, and step-by-step instructions. Add your own cookie dough, and presto, you have amazing cookies decorated like a school bus, baby onesie, turkey, Santa, and more! 

 

Karen's Cookies also has "cookie cards," which provide detailed instructions on how to create everything from cute pizza cookies, to cookies decorated like watermelons, hamburgers, and baby buggies. Imagine showing up to your kid's next game with cookies shaped like different sports balls. Way to go, soccer mom!

 

Karen's Cookies sent us their Frog Cookie Decorating Kit to review. My oldest daughter and I LOVE baking cookies, especially for friends, teachers, and when we host playdates. I like the process to be quick and simple, because I admit I don't have much patience in the kitchen. I get intimidated by long recipes, and leave all that intricate cooking and baking stuff to my husband. But, it is my blog, and it is my review, so I took a deep breath, put on my apron (a stylish one, of course), and we started on our frogs (praying that it didn't end up looking like a green booger instead). I am pleased to tell you that decorating the frogs took only eight super easy steps, and I am proud to tell you that they looked better than any cookies I've decorated before. Thank you, Karen, for providing very clear instructions (unlike my kid's electronic toys, which may as well be written in a foreign language), WITH PHOTOS for every step! My daughter and I were so excited, we didn't want to eat them. That lasted about 15 minutes, of course.

 

So, Karen, what's the 411 behind your cute cookie business? "Karen's Cookies was born way back in 2001. Karen had been decorating cookies professionally for several years, and her husband, Mike, was a web developer. Karen was getting so many requests to teach cookie decorating classes, that she and Mike put together an instructional website dedicated to the craft. In 2007 they decided to update the web site by giving it a face-lift and adding a store with their Cookie Kits and other fine products. Since then, the site has grown by leaps and bounds and what started as a part-time hobby has become the family business. KarensCookies.net is loaded with free videos, tutorials, ideas, and over 500 great products to choose from. There is always something new to see!"

 

With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas around the corner, you'll have just the tools you'll need to create economical, gorgeous, yummy gifts that you and your child will love to give...and eat!

Wanna Buy It?  Karen's Cookies is offering my wonderful readers a 15% discount! Just used Code pgfp09 at checkout, from now until October 17th (once per customer). Take a look at their great cookie kits, mini kits, cookie cards, and decorating and baking supplies. Know someone who loves to bake? Gift certificates are also available!

 

Wanna Win It?  One very lucky reader has a chance to win a $30 gift certificate to Karen's Cookies!

 

HOW TO PARTY AT THE BIRTHDAY BASH:

 

INITIAL ENTRY:  Visit www.karenscookies.net. Leave a comment here about your favorite item on their website!

 

You can do as many of the following as you like: 

 

DAILY ENTRIES

 

ONE DAILY ENTRY:  Comment here about anything related to birthday planning, mishaps, or memories! Leave a comment up to once daily!

 

ONE DAILY ENTRY:  Follow NinasPlayground on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway up to once daily!  Comment here with a link to your Tweet.

 

BONUS ENTRIES

 

ONE BONUS ENTRY:  Comment on any NONgiveaway post on my blog. Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did!

 

TWO BONUS ENTRIES:  Email a mama friend about this giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com.  Leave a comment for your extra entry!

 

THREE BONUS ENTRIES:  Subscribe to my blog (see upper right sidebar)! If you're already a subscriber, that counts too! Leave 3 separate comments here.

 

FIVE BONUS ENTRIES:  Grab my NEW Playground for Parents button and put it on your blog! Leave 5 separate comments here.

 

SEVEN BONUS ENTRIES:  Blog about this giveaway and leave 7 separate comments with the URL here.

 

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on October 9th.

 

 

 

Many thanks to Karen of Karen's Cookies, for sponsoring this fantastic Review and Giveaway!

 

Birthday Bash Giveaway #3: Favors from Beau-Coup!

 

Enough with the mini photo frames that everyone gives away at their parties, but no one is going to use, those nasty candy-coated almonds in little bags, or the plastic toy that's going to break on the ride home. There is a WORLD of unique and impressive party favors that awaits you, mama, and it's all in one place...

 

Introducing Beau-coup. This is, hands-down, my favorite of all party favor shops. I was first introduced to their website over a year ago, when planning my best friend's baby shower. I was simply overwhelmed by Beau-coup's selection. They have favors that you couldn't even imagine, and that you certainly haven't seen before. Best of all, the favors can be personalized with photos, monograms, or text, to make it even more one-of-a-kind.

 

Considering how much I love their products, I was honored that Beau-coup agreed to participate in my blog's Birthday Bash. They allowed me to select two party favors for Munchkin's party, one for the adults, and one for the kids. It only took me about...a week to finally decide on my two favorites! I swear, I'm not exaggerating. Go to their site and tell me how long it takes you! For the adult favors, I chose the Photo Mint Tins (pictured left), with a picture of Munchkin holding up her index finger for one year old (I told you she's brilliant). The tins already come filled with mints and are individually sealed. The process could not have been easier for making my color, font, and text selection. Perfect. For the kids, I chose the Mini Candy Jars with personalized label (pictured above). I was able to select the color of the sticker, the graphic, and the text, to place on each jar. I filled the jars with candy that matched the purple and pink party colors. They turned out exceptional. It feels really good when you're actually proud of your party favors.

 

Beau-coup has been featured countless times in the media, from Modern Bride, Weddings, and Fortune, to the Today Show, ABC, CBS news, and many more. They are the leader in the party planning business. One look at their site, and you'll see why.

 

In addition to birthday party favors, they have the CUTEST baby shower favors, beautiful wedding favors, favors by theme, by season, by price (starting at under $1), party essentials, AND they provide great party planning ideas.  

 

Get your party on, mama. But, make it count, and do it in style!

 

Wanna Buy It?  Check out the Beau-coup website for an amazing array of party favors that will blow your mind, but not your budget.

 

Wanna Win It?  One VERY lucky reader will win a $25 gift card to Beau-Coup!

 

Open to residents of U.S. and Canada.

 

 

HOW TO PARTY AT THE BIRTHDAY BASH:

 

INITIAL ENTRY:  Visit Beau-coup. Leave a comment here about your favorite item on their website!

 

You can do as many of the following as you like: 

 

DAILY ENTRIES

 

ONE DAILY ENTRY:  Comment here about anything related to birthday planning, mishaps, or memories! Leave a comment up to once daily!

 

ONE DAILY ENTRY:  Follow NinasPlayground on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway up to once daily!  Comment here with a link to your Tweet.

 

BONUS ENTRIES

 

ONE BONUS ENTRY:  Comment on any NONgiveaway post on my blog. Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did!

 

TWO BONUS ENTRIES:  Email a mama friend about this giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com.  Leave a comment for your extra entry!

 

THREE BONUS ENTRIES:  Subscribe to my blog (see upper right sidebar)! If you're already a subscriber, that counts too! Leave 3 separate comments here.

 

FIVE BONUS ENTRIES:  Grab my NEW Playground for Parents button and put it on your blog! Leave 5 separate comments here.

 

SEVEN BONUS ENTRIES:  Blog about this giveaway and leave 7 separate comments with the URL here.

 

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on October 9th.

 

 

 

Many thanks to Silvia from Beau-Coup, for this fantastic Review and Giveaway!