Get in the Picture with Gorillapod {Giveaway}

I love blogging and photographing my family, but sometimes I wish all three of us could be in the picture.  When my husband’s away from home, and there’s a sweet moment that I’d love to capture on film with my son and me, it’s helpful to have a portable and flexible tripod.

Gorillapod’s SLR by Joby is strong enough to carry the weight of an SLR body plus lens (holds up to 1.75 pounds).

Over two dozen flexible joints throughout the legs remind me of my organic chemistry model kit–ya know, legos for adults.  The legs look like a combo of a bunch of single bonds, except the joints on the Gorillapod SLR bend and rotate 360 degrees.

a girl’s best friend by gcfairch via Flickr

The rubberized rings and foot legs stay-put on slick surfaces like cars, recycle bins, or cedar trees.

I’m a total fan of the quick-release level that stays on my SLR camera for easy on/off access to the Gorillapod SLR.  I use it to make sure my SLR is level when I need to set the timer for shots when I’m not behind the lens.

I used the Gorillapod SLR with my Nikon D90 DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens.

There’s a period of about 6 months where I snapped gobs of photos of my husband and son…and I’m not with them in a single photo.

Since I received my Gorillapod SLR from Joby (Thanks, Joby!) I was able to share the frame with my family for Easter:

I also used it to snap photos of a gorgeous spring day while holding my son.  Definitely not something I could have done without a tripod.

When we go camping next month, I’ll be able to wrap the Gorillapod SLR around a tree or even a tent pole to snap some fantastic photos.  Later when I can afford to spring for an extra Nikon flash and diffuser, I can remotely mount the flash on the Gorillapod SLR while snapping away with my camera, and using a softer light from another angle.  It’s like having a portable photography studio (great for amateurs and aptly enjoyed by professionals).

This lightweight, portable, and super fun flexible tripod retails for $39.95 on Joby and Amazon.com

Win it!

Joby is sponsoring an awesome giveaway for one of our lucky readers!

One (1) winner will receive a Gorillapod SLR (retail value $39.95)!  To enter, hop on over to Joby’s site, then leave a comment on this post telling us something you learned about a Joby product that sounds totally awesome to you or what type of photograph you’d love to capture with your Gorillapod prior to May 15th at 11:59 p.m.  That’s it! Please follow the contest rules and avoid any generalized comments, or you will be disqualified.

*I received two Gorillapod SLRs, one for me to review and keep, and the other to give away. Read my full disclosure policy.

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We’re celebrating motherhood from now until the end of May.  Although, motherhood should be celebrated year round…don’t you think?  Join us for gift ideas and giveaways for Mom.

Tools for Keeping New Year’s Resolutions – Quo Vadis Equology Minister {Giveaway}

If you wrote out your new year’s resolutions or goals, then you’re already on track for making some positive changes in your life.  I took a 3 year maternity hiatus on goal-setting because I was overwhelmed enough with pregnancy and becoming a new mom.  But 2010 is here, and I’m ready to reclaim order and organization in my life– starting with my goals.

Writing things down, and keeping them in a place where I can reference them is a seemingly simple step for getting organized.  Yet, it’s surprisingly simple to lose sticky notes and grocery lists…and I don’t want that to happen to my annual goals and weekly appointments.

Before I became a mom, others always commented on how organized I was.  I never missed important academic or social events, or forgot birthdays.  The secret to my timeliness and organization skills was merely the fact that I wrote everything down in my planner.

In graduate school (beginning in 2004), I used a Quo Vadis Scholar planner for 3 years, and I loved it!  Everything I ever needed was in one place: a weekly calendar, to-do list, phone numbers, etc.  Writing things down, referencing them regularly, and crossing completed items off a list kept me focused and on point.

Fast forward to December 2009

I’d gone 3 years without using a planner.  I’d had a baby, moved to a new state, started a new business (besides this blog), and I wasn’t really organized. Life came at me fast, and I was just reacting to it…wearisome.  Others told me that was “normal”, but it felt highly irregular to me.

Another year was about to begin, and I needed to get back to the basics that helped me feel organized and content with whatever I was doing at any given moment.  So once again, I turned to Quo Vadis.  When I learned that they had multiple planner organizational options, I got very excited, indeed!

Even better news was learning about the Quo Vadis Equology line, made from 100% recycled paper–crisp, white paper that works well with gel pens, ball point, pencil…you name it.  Green and great!

Presently, I’m using the Quo Vadis Equology Minister.  It offers pages that fold open flat with a week at a glance.

• Appointments are available in 15 minute intervals from 8am to 9pm.
• There’s a Generous right sided column with boxes for phone numbers, e-mails, faxes, to-do/see, a pay/receive list, and a box for notes.
• Each week view includes a small 3-month calendar view to help with planning and scheduling.
• At 6.25″ wide x 9.5″ high and weighing just over 3 ounces, it’s not bulky or cumbersome to keep with you everywhere you go.
• The tear-away corners help you keep tabs on the current week.
• As a back-up to your cell phone contacts, you can write in the detachable address book in the back.
• For the traveling Mompreneur, enjoy the world maps (and time zones) pages.
• Keep the recycled cover and refill the pages next year!
• It’s available in a completely recycled Equology format with a softly textured cover–recycled fibers that are fountain-pen friendly.

The Equology Minister retails for $26 , and it’s available through many retailers online including quovadisusa.com, The Daily Planner, and others.

I’m also loving the matching red (and recyled) notebook from Exaclair and Clairefontaine that’s perfect for jotting down brainstorm ideas for blog posts.  At 3.5″  wide x 5.5″ high, this miniature notebook filled with 96 sheets of lined paper is petite enough to store in a purse, diaper bag, or glove drawer of the car.  The pages are constructed from beautiful French-milled paper that are perfect for writing.

To stay in-the-know on Quo Vadis, follow them on Twitter (@quovadisblog), become a fan on Facebook, or subscribe to the Quo Vadis blog.

YOUR TURN:

What works for you to keep track of your family’s schedule and your to-do list?

Win it!

One winners will receive a Quo Vadis Equology Minister–winner’s choice of cover.

To enter, leave a comment relevant to this post prior to January 27th at 11:59 p.m.  Please follow the contest rules and avoid any generalized comments, or you will be disqualified.

FOR A SECOND ENTRY: Blog about this giveaway, then leave a comment with a link to your post.

FOR A THIRD ENTRY: Tweet (include @drdolly) about this giveaway, then leave a second comment telling me that you tweeted with a link to your tweet.

*I received product samples from Quo Vadis and Exaclair for the purpose of this review.  Read my full disclosure policy.

Subscribe // Twitter me: drdolly

*UPDATE*

Congrats to the winner, #4 Aimee W!

Easy Party Prep: Nancy’s Appetizer’s Giveaway

December is a busy month. You could go to a different holiday party or festive event almost every day of the month.

Personally, I get a little apprehension about bringing appetizers or party food to events.  I think it’s much simpler to prepare a main course or a side dish than a cute and pretty appetizer.

As much as I’m an advocate for healthy and nutritious food, I will admit, I do get a smidge lax when it comes to parties and holidays.

In the event that I need to bring a dish to the next soirée, I think I’ll opt for Nancy’s Appetizers.  Mini quiches, crab cakes, cheese soufflés, and chocolate dessert tarts are available in adorable tartlets in the frozen section of your grocery store.  Just pop ’em in the oven for 20 minutes, and they’re ready to be served!

I loved the Petite Quiche Lorraine with bacon, eggs, onions, and chives.  The pastry shell is delicious…too bad it’s made from refined white flour.  Again, for a party, a small indulgence is permissible.

They’re available in 12, 36, or even 72 count at some wholesale clubs.  Find Nancy’s Appetizers at a grocer near you.

WIN IT!

One winner will receive a Nancy’s Appetizer’s coupon for a free 12-count appetizer of choice.

To enter, leave a comment stating how you plan to use your Nancy’s Appetizer’s on this post before December 17th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the contest rules–all generic comments are ineligible.).

I want to know…what Nancy’s appetizer do you love or want to try?

EXTRA CREDIT:

1. Blog about this contest and Nancy’s, with a link back to this post.  Leave a comment with a link to your post.

2. Subscribe to Traveling with Baby.

3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet this contest, and leave a link to your tweet.

Subscribe // Twitter me: drdolly

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Nancy’s Appetizers and received 2 coupons to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate.  Read my full disclosure statement.

*UPDATE* Congratulations to the winner, #10 Carolsue.

National Recess Week Giveaway

*UPDATE*

And the winners are . . . Jessica who said,

I will play with Lourdyn on the floor since she is learning how to roll and flip all over the place! We will also continue training for a half-marathon together! She and I will log about 13 miles this week at the park in the stroller. Yay!! I’m already subscribed to your blog and I already follow you on Twitter. Woo hoo!! I will try to blog about your contest, but I’m not going to promise because I’m working on another blog right this second.  Love you!

Heather who said,

I have an infant who never stops moving: in my arms, on the floor, in a stroller, in the tub it reallly doesn’t matter where. I’m pretty sure as soon as she can crawl and walk, I will be the one who gets a lot more exercise.
I already geyt traveling with baby, but I will check out twitter.
Miss ya!! Love ya!!

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March 2-6 is National Recess Week.  The whole idea of Recess Week is to encourage kids to get on their feet to enjoy active, calorie-burning fun.  Lively music is a great way to get toes tapping, hands clapping, and kids playing.

Putumayo Kids‘ Playground collection of albums are a perfect accompaniment to playtime.  The Playground series is jam-packed with upbeat sounds for dancing and play.  World Playground was the first album release in the series in 1999, and continues to last as a crowd-pleaser for all ages.  My son’s personal favorite is Hawaiian Playground which is joyous for adults as well as little ones. The next release is European Playground scheduled in May and Picnic Playground which will be released in July.  On tour this summer is A Putumayo Presents Picnic Playground.

Putumayo Kids is the children’s and educational division of Putumayo World with a goal of introducing children to other cultures through music.  Putumayo Kids is a truly global record label, with millions of CDs sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.

*WIN IT*

As part of National Recess week, Putumayo Kids and Traveling with Baby have teamed up to offer not one, but TWO winners will win TWO Putumayo Kids Playground CDs (manufacturer’s choice).  Double the fun and double the recess play time!

1. To enter, post a comment on how you’ll encourage your kids to actively PLAY more during National Recess week.  What will you do WITH your kids?  Be creative, but most importantly…play!

2. Earn a second entry by blogging about the giveaway and linking to Traveling with Baby.  Then, leave a comment with a link to your post.

3. Earn a third entry by subscribing to Traveling with Baby.  Leave a comment “subscribed”

4. Earn a fourth entry by following me on Twitter (drdolly) and tweeting about this contest.  Leave another comment for this entry “twittered”.

Leave a valid e-mail address, so I can contact you to claim your prize, or it’ll go to another amazing person.  This contest is open to U.S. only.

This contest runs until 11:59PM (EST) on March 6, 2009.

One winner will be randomly selected (via random.org) and announced on this post and e-mailed sometime shortly after March 6th. If a winner doesn’t respond within 72 hours, a new winner will be selected.

See Kai Run, Jump, and Splash – Giveaway

Let your toddler run in style!  Any company who shares a middle name with my son is tops in my book (they already have great taste!).  But, how about flexible rubber soft-soled shoes that are stylin’?

Even if your little one can’t literally walk on water, at least he can jump in puddles and still keep his feet dry.

Forget booties, See Kai Run new fall line offers boots with soul for non-stop tromping fun.  The side zipper allows easy on-off, and for only $2 add the lux option of faux fur for extra warmth in the winter. There’s the mean, black, biker-inspired Dominic boot, and the purple grape star and striped Riley for your little fashionista, or the burnt orange Steph boots for your little Texas Longhorn.  That’s just a sampling–there are many, many more!

Bowling shoes meet bright, fresh colorful fun in the Bent, Boden, and Larkin styles.

Mary Janes—yeah, baby.  Work it.  So many darling styles for your little princess and diva.  I love the flower detailing on the black and white Emilie, and, the strappy, fire engine-red Yuna.

My son tried the Dominic with the faux-fur lining.  PLUSH!  Super toasty toes for a rainy autumn and snowy winter.  I love how it’s easy to put ’em on with the side zip and how the flexible rubber bottoms move with his feet from heel strike to toe-off in the gait pattern of walking…perfect for a young toddler still figuring out his way with balance.

When you purchase a pair of stylin’ See Kai Run shoes, you’re also sharing a pair of shoes with a child in need.  For every pair sold on seekairun.com in the months of November and December, See Kai Run will donate a pair to a child in need through Soles4Souls and local organizations in the Seattle, Washington area. It’s the season of giving – give a pair and share a pair!

See Kai Run comes in sizes 3 through 9, but check out their Smaller line for  infants and Eleven line for bigger kiddos (ages 3 through 8).

**WIN IT**

To enter, visit See Kai Run’s NEW Fall Line, then come back here and leave a comment on which style and size you’d love to win and who you’re winning it for.  Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you, or another winner will be selected.

One winner will receive a pair of shoes from See Kai Run.  The winner can select any style, whether it’s the fall line or not.  Picking only one–that’s your toughest choice!

Only one entry per person.  Multiple entries will be removed.  The contest for See Kai Run shoes ends at 11:59 PM (EST) on November 13th.

The winners will be selected on Random.org and announced on this post shortly after November 13th. Provide your e-mail address, so I am able to contact you.  The winner has 72 hours to claim the prize, otherwise, the prize goes to another amazing participant.

–by Dr. Dolly

**UPDATE**

Congratulations to the winner! Heather Prenger who said, “I would love to try the Paul in size 4 for Jack! Lately he has been doing much better at keeping his shoes on! Good thing since winter is approaching!”

Sweet Slumber Around the World – Giveaway

**UPDATE**

Congratulations to the winners!

1. Karma`, “This would be a great cd for my kids to fall asleep to. It can be difficult to find good kids music that isn’t hard for the parents to listen to as well.”

2. Kay Cookie, “This would be great for my son and the baby on the way.”

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DREAM SONGS NIGHT SONGS FROM BELGIUM TO BRAZIL

Bedtime just became a whole lot sweeter with lush lullabies from around the globe.  Angelic voices and gentle rhythms help little ones to wind down before being tucked-in.  Adults will also relax with the soothing songs which invite you to sing and hum along, even if you don’t understand the words.

Secret Mountain’s award-winning release features 40 minutes of world music accompanied by an illustrated bedtime story about an imgainiry journey to unknown lands for a truly imagination.  The CD includes PDF files with high-resolution printable illustrations for each song along with lyrics in each song’s original language and translations in English, Spanish, and French.

The ideal setting for listening to this rich tapestry of musical bliss is dim lighting and an evening cup of tea.  Listen, enjoy, relax…repeat.

Fave tracks:

• Nade gau
• C’est la nuit mon petit ange

[Appropriate for ages 0 to 12+]

Order your own copy of Dream Songs Night Songs: From Belgium to Brazil online.

** WIN IT **

I’ve been enjoying this week’s Bloggy Giveaways Carnival–thousands of prizes to win in only one week.  I want to play along, too!  So, here’s increased odds for winning a pretty amazing CD that will be loved by the entire family.  To enter, leave a comment about your child’s bedtime routine.

Two winners will each receive one own copy of Dream Songs Night Songs: From Belgium to Brazil. Only one entry per person per giveaway.  Multiple entries will be removed.  The contest for the Dream Songs Night Songs From Belgium to Brazil CD ends at 11:59 PM (EST) on November 3rd. The winners will be announced on November 4th.

The winners will be selected on Random.org and announced on this post. Provide your e-mail address, so I am able to contact you.  The winner has 72 hours to claim the prize, otherwise, the prize goes to another amazing participant.

–by Dr. Dolly

Music Reviews and a Contest

Charlottesville resident Ellis Paul’s 14th album, the Dragonfly Races, was inspired by his two daughters.  When his second daughter was born, he took 6 weeks off his road schedule–the longest amount of time in his 15-year touring career.  Ellis spent late nights pacing the floor while singing Sofi to sleep.  Then, he decided to use his songwriting skills to create music and lyrics with messages he wanted to pass on to his daughters as they grow.

The songs are intended to be sweet and playful, yet insightful and thoughtful.  The lyrics include compelling and witty story telling–painting  a picture with themes about peace, unity, and awareness of the planet as a whole.

There are no cute-sy lyrics or annoying toy piano sounds on this children’s CD.  This is a whimsical musical adventure that will be equally cherished by little ears and those with more sophisticated tastes.  Ellis’ folksy vocals and tracks remind me of Geoff Moore and Peter, Paul, & Mary.  This critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and poet is the recipient of thirteen Boston Music Awards.  Don’t miss out as he gracefully shifts his songwriting style to encompass music and lyrics intended for families.

For imaginative fun, check out the title track 5 – Dragonfly Races. For playground inspiration, enjoy track 10 – I Like to Swing. This 14 track CD also includes a 24-page lyric book with Ellis’ original artwork inspired by each song.  You can purchase Dragonfly Races on Ellis Paul’s website for $15. 

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Baby Loves Music presents Baby Loves Salsa upcoming release: Salsa for Kittens & Puppies is produced by Grammy-winning producer Aaron “Luis” Levinson who won the 2006 Best Salsa Recording for the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.  The band has already headlined Central Park’s Summer Stage, Miami’s Bicentennial Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and will tour this fall.

Baby Loves Salsa features some of the biggest and brightest stars in contemporary salsa music including band leader and singer Jose Conde. The albums songs create a story of a group of kittens and puppies (gattitos y perritos) from the streets of New York City who go on to become the best salsa band in the land.

At first, I thought the album title sounded very corny.  What do kittens and puppies have to do with red hot salsa music?  But, I’ve been blown away by how fantastic this album truly is.  The first track, Somos la Banda, introduces each salsa instrument with a solo and its name en espanol while the kittens an puppies (children’s voices) shout out the names in English.  This is the recurrent theme throughout the album.  The concept sounds like the stacatto vocabulary lessons will disrupt the rhythm and flow of the songs, but quite the opposite.  The music enhances learning, but each song contributes to an overall storyline.  This album is more like a movie soundtrack than a language – multicutural teaching tool.  Think West Side Story, but with exceptionally good salsa musica!

Not only is the latin salsa rhythm entertaining for babies (Calvin always perks up when this album is playing), but you’ll find yourself shouting out the names of colors en espanol and shaking your hips to the beat.  The salsa rendition of Old MacDonald is truly a unique take on an old nursery rhyme favorite–especially fantastic are the abilities of the vocalists to portray animal sounds.

Baby Loves Salsa is expected to be released later this month.  In addition to the musica fantastico, there is a 20-page board book which helps children (ages 2-6) learn all about salsa and all about Spanish in a way that parents and kids can enjoy together.  You can pre-order your own copy of the CD package for $15.98.

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What do you get when you mix a guitarist and a bassist?  Trout Fishing in America, of course! Three-time Grammy nominated duo of Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood introduce Big Round World, their latest release featuring 14 new songs, many of which were inspired by kids’ songwriting workshops.  Their family music crosses the generations to appeal to all ages.  The musical style blends African pop, jazz, rock, and bluegrass to produce a truly eclectic album. 

The cool jazz licks of Too Good to Be True help you keep big fish stories in perspective.  I couldn’t help but chuckle at the lyrics to Always Chew Your Food and Curse of the Spinach.  But, my favorite track is hands down 9 – The Alarm Clock Rings. The agnsty rock hearkens back to the style of Green Day, but with lyrics that anyone with an alarm clock can relate to.

This is an album for families by a couple of adults who were inspired by kids.  Purchase your own copy of Big Round World.

**WIN IT**

Two winners will each win one own copy of Big Round World.

Only one entry per person per giveaway.  Multiple entries will be removed.  The contest for the Big Round World CD ends at 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, October 24th. The winner will be announced on Saturday, October 25th.

The winners and 2 alternates will be selected on Random.org and announced on this post. If you provide your e-mail address, I will contact you. The winner has 72 hours to claim the prize, otherwise, the prize goes to the first alternate to contact me with a shipping address.

–This is an original Traveling with Baby post by Dr. Dolly Garnecki

**UPDATE**

Congratulations to the winners!

terrajones, on October 12th, 2008 at 10:13 am Said: I love this!!! We try to expose our children to different styles of music…much of the kids music is…well, “kidsy”…This sounds fabulous!!!!

Catherine copeland, on October 14th, 2008 at 7:17 pm Said: the big round world!!!!! i just love it. i would love to have it for my wee ones

Sleep Tight and Sleep Safely

My son grows out of pajamas faster than I can blink.  Even if he can last longer in sized clothing for day wear, he seems to outgrow pajamas daily.  I don’t know if it’s due to the monstrous nighttime cloth diaper or the fact that he has a long torso and legs, but footed pj’s aren’t too economical for this kiddo.

Awhile ago, I purchased a cotton sleep sack and loved that I could easily couple it with a onesie for night time use.  It replaced the need for a blankie.  I don’t know the purpose of a blankie other than giving it to him as part of his nap time and bedtime ritual because he would always end up lying on TOP of the blanket instead of the reverse.  At least with a sleeping bag, he can stay warm and snuggled and not thrash his blanket about during the night.  For my safety conscientiousness, I knew it didn’t pose a rare yet potential strangulation hazard when he was alone in his crib.

So, when I heard that my fave baby feeding line company began Keen company to distribute the Grobag® baby sleeping bag developed in the U.K., I was glad to check out their design and fabric weight options or togs.  This collection of premium baby sleeping bags are the number one selling brand in Europe. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, sizes, and patterns, perfect for all climates and seasons.

Not only does Grobag® baby sleeping bag feature 100% cotton, but they also offer woven, jersey, fleece, and velour fabrics.  The baby sleeping bags come in 3 sizes: 0-6 months, 6-18 months, and 18-36 months, and each one is available in different togs depending on the fabric style of choice.

Grobag® baby sleeping bags were created when the founders of the brand, Rob and Ouvrielle Holmes, found that their son was constantly kicking off his covers and waking up during the night They were all exhausted from lack of sleep so they tried using a baby sleeping bag and discovered that their son slept through the night. Ever since, the Holmes’ have been on a mission to develop their own line of premium baby sleeping bags.

The bag sizes are based on child height and weight.  Since Calvin tends to be built more tall and lean instead of short and chunky, I went with the length guide to help me choose a size Since we’re often on the road, I opted for the travel bag at 1.0 tog which seemed the most versatile fabric weight.  Since we recently moved to an apartment without air conditioning, I’ve found the 1.0 tog to be a little too warm for many nights, but as the weather cools for fall, it’s perfect.

The Grobag® travel bag features a 2-way front zipper closure on all sizes, and a back vent (which can be secured closed with a hook and loop closure) for use with a 5-point harness.  There’s a zip-click feature on 18-36 month bags, which stops adventurous little ones from opening the zipper.  I love that the zipper can be used in either direction to position the sleeping bag as you need it over the 5-point harness.  Also, the YKK zipper can be “hidden” at the bottom by a fold of fabric that snaps over it.  My only gripe is that the back vent doesn’t positioning options for a baby with a longer torso (like my son).  It makes it a little tough to weave the seat-belt clasp through the back vent (I had to almost fold my son in half to make it work in the carseat).  But, it may not be an issue for smaller sized babies.  If there were several lengths of back vent options, that would make the travel bag easier to adapt to different sized babies.

Compared to other baby sleeping bags that I’ve tried with my son, I definitely prefer the Grobag® baby sleeping bag.  After numerous washings, the zipper doesn’t change shape and cause the fabric to buckle and bend, yet it maintains it’s shape and the quality is enduring.  I love that there are varying tog options depending on the season.  In the coming chilly autumn months, I don’t need to dress Calvin in numerous layers of clothes for our evening walks (because changing a diaper after all of THAT is just too much work!), instead I can put him in a shirt and a medium to heavier tog Grobag® and we’re set!

He first wore the Grobag® baby sleeping bag at 7 months.  But now even at 10 months, there’s plenty of room for him to grow another 8 inches and wiggle his toes.  Heck, he can even stand up in his crib while wearing it, and he still gets around with a fast crawl in the Grobag® baby sleeping bag.  The baby sleeping bag retails from $39 to $60 depending on the fabric, tog, and style.

As the perfect companion to the Grobag® baby sleeping bag, Keen also features the Grobag® egg color-changing digital room thermometer. The egg gives off a soft glow that changes color according to the temperature in baby’s room. Parents can tell at a glance if the room is too hot or too cold and then adjust either the room temperature or the baby’s clothing or bedding accordingly. Monitoring room temperature is an important part of creating a safe sleeping environment for baby.

The Grobag egg® features a simple to use room thermometer that changes color (blue – yellow – orange – red) based on the temperature.  There’s a digital room thermometer with permanent ‘back-lit’ LCD readout in Farenheit.  It provides a soft ‘nightlight’ glow, and the power adaptor included.

I tried using the Grobag® egg digital room thermometer as a nightlight in my son’s room, but since there is no natural light in his room, the light was too dim in his cave.  So now, my husband and I use it in our room to gauge the temperature in the back of the apartment.  It’s dim enough for us that it doesn’t keep us awake.

When I first tested the Grobag® egg, I found that its temperature readings were two to three degrees too high.  I was concerned that it always registered as red or too warm in my son’s room.  So, I compared the temperature readings of the Grobag® egg to a mercury-based thermometer and another digital thermometer.  I found that the Grobag® egg was consistently too high in its reading compared to the other digital thermometer which was spot on with the mercury thermometer (which I considered a baseline for accuracy).

So, now my husband and I use the Grobag® egg digital room thermometer in our bedroom  as a dim nightlight.  We’ve never seen the temperature vary in color other than red or orange.  If it would drop just ONE more degree, we could see it turn yellow!  Perhaps with the coming fall weather we’ll see yellow or even blue on the Grobag® egg.  It’s a great concept, but I think there needs to be a little more time in the lab spent on developing temperature readout accuracy.  The egg retails for $30.

To learn more about Grobag® products, visit the company’s site.  Order your own Grobag® baby sleeping bag or Grobag® egg digital room thermometer. _______________________________________________________________________

**WIN IT**

You can win your very own Grobag® egg digital room thermometer from Keen Distribution.  To enter, visit Keen’s website, then come back here and leave a comment about which innovative product you’d like to try.

Only one entry per person per giveaway.  Multiple entries will be removed.  The contest for the Grobag® Egg Thermometer ends at 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, September 26th. The winner will be announced on Saturday, September 27th.

The winner and 2 alternates will be selected on Random.org and announced on this post. If you provide your e-mail address, I will contact you. The winner has 72 hours to claim the prize, otherwise, the prize goes to the first alternate to contact me with a shipping address.

**UPDATE**

Congratulations to the winner! Kandice Watson, on September 21st, 2008 at 2:41 pm Said: “I love the timeout table!! That is too funny!”

A Contest of Wild Sorts

**UPDATE**

Congratulations to the Winner! sharon martinez, on September 20th, 2008 at 5:51 pm Said:

“strong wind, torrential rain
Hurricane in the Gulf
Fall in florida

Thank you for the contest”

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You asked for it, and now, you can get it.  Your very own copy of Where the Wild Things Are…And 5 More Stories by Maurice Sendak DVD from Scholastic Storybook Treasures™.

The book comes to life in the animated adaptation of the storybook classic.  In a room full of kiddos ages <1 to 13 years, the older ones found it entertaining.  The subtitles highlight as the story is read to encourage read-along fun.

The 5 other film shorts were not as detailed in artistic quality–in fact the technology was decades older than the title piece.  But, they’re entertaining enough for younger kids who aren’t yet jaded by the animated special effects available in most of of today’s films.  There are songs performed by diva Carole King which sound dated compared to today’s music, but it IS music and it IS singing which kids love.

Personally, I could give or take the 5 extra features, but the title feature is worthwhile.  Major craft bonus is that the DVD comes with incredibly detailed stickers inspired by illustrations from Where the Wild Things Are…And 5 More Stories by Maurice Sendak.

You can purchase your own copy of Where the Wild Things Are…And 5 More Stories by Maurice Sendak DVD online . . . OR you can try to win your very own copy here on TWB by leaving a comment in haiku format about what you love most about autumn.  You must keep to true haiku syllabic form in order to be eligible.

Only one comment per person.  Multiple entries will be deleted.  The contest for Where the Wild Things Are DVD ends at 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, September 26th. The winner will be announced on Saturday, September 27th.

The winner for each prize and 2 alternates will be selected on Random.org and announced on this post. If you provide your e-mail address, I will contact you. The winner has 72 hours to claim the prize, otherwise, the prize goes to the first alternate to contact me with a shipping address.

Putumayo Sesame CD/DVD: Win it!

Earlier this month, I reviewed the joint venture product: Putumayo Sesame CD/DVD.  I’ve Calvin’s been listening to it almost non-stop for weeks.  It’s so lighthearted and catchy!

And now, faithful Readers, you can win your very own copy!  Visit Sesame Workshop and explore the fantastic ways this non-profit is educating children worldwide.  Then, check out Putumayo Kids and check out their cool CD selection and teaching tools.

Finally, come back here and comment about a new fact you learned about each of these companies.  I could have asked you to comment about anything to be eligible to win, but I’m just so impressed with so many fantastic and free resources for children and learning that they’re providing worldwide, that I think it makes the biggest impact if you check it out for yourself.

You can always purchase your own copy of Putumayo Sesame CD/DVD online.

Only one comment per person.  Multiple entries will be deleted.  The contest for Putumayo Sesame ends at 11:59 PM (EST) on Saturday, August 30th. The winner will be announced on Monday, September 2nd.

The winner for each prize and 2 alternates will be selected on Random.org and announced on this post. If you provide your e-mail address, I will contact you. The winner has 72 hours to claim the prize, otherwise, the prize goes to the first alternate to contact me with a shipping address.

UPDATE

Congratulations to the winner: Sandy, on August 27th, 2008 at 1:34 pm who said,

putumayo has downloadables, and sesame street changes the characters around a bit to fit in with the countries they are in to bridge the gap…I love sesame street and its 39 years old!

— By Dr. Dolly