Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

I have two daughters, so I have lofty dreams of the three of us doing girly things together in the future. We'll do lunch and then go shopping and then to the spa and have manicures and pedicures and all those fun things (sad to say, but I've never had a pedicure before, so I'm counting on my girls to change that someday).

Here's some sand. How about you just stick your toes in it and call that a pedicure?

Until then, I try to keep my nails and skin in good condition on my own and I do a... decent job of it. Lately, however, with the dry winter air coming in and the amount of times that I've been washing my hands due to all the germs floating around, my hands are starting to show the wear and tear of it all. I won't even get started on the dryness of my feet.

My problem is that I don't like a lot of the lotions available in stores because of two things: the scent and the greasiness. After I have applied lotion, I don't want to smell like a flower shop and I don't want to be shiny and have to wait around for a while for my hands to dry (who has time for that?). To top it off, I want a lotion to do something. I don't want to feel like I've added a layer of slime to my skin that, as soon as it is gone, didn't actually get rid of the dryness. Is that too much to ask?

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is different from conventional lotions in that instead of adding moisture to the surface, it bonds to the outer layer of your skin to strengthen its natural barrier against toxins and irritants and lock in your skin's natural oils. Something that protects my skin and helps it heal itself? Sounds good to me.

Over 90% natural, Skin MD Natural is free of harmful fragrances and colorants, something that I definitely appreciate. After putting Skin MD Natural on, my hands just smell clean. Not like flowers or fruit or aftershave, just clean. Plus, it is gentle enough that not only can Skin MD Natural be used on your hands but all over your body and face as well. For summer months, Skin MD Natural also has a Shielding Lotion with SPF 15 so your skin can be protected from the sun's rays as well.

What I really think is great about this Shielding Lotion though, is that it rubs in easily (without being thick and gooey) and leaves my skin instantly feeling soft and smooth. In fact, after applying the shielding lotion, I almost have a hard time stopping running one hand over the other to relish the touch.

When I do manage to tear my hands away from each other, I am pleased to see that not only does the Skin MD Natural website list each and every ingredient in their Shielding Lotion, they also give in-depth descriptions of them. Seeing as I am not someone who would know offhand what Dimethicone, Achillea Millefolium Extract and Caprylyl Glycol are, I was impressed with the amount of disclosure from Skin MD Natural and definitely had no need to worry about any hidden ingredients.

As the weather gets colder and dryer outside, I'm looking forward to having this lotion around to keep my family's skin soft and hydrated. Whether you are like me and looking for a way to maintain healthy, moisturized skin or you suffer from a skin condition such as eczema, Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is a lightweight, natural solution for all skin types. Want to give it a try?

One lucky person will win a full-size bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion!

To enter to win your bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion: Tell me why you would like to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion and what part of your body needs it the most. Please do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile. I have to have a way to contact the winner.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted)
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway. See the list on the top of my right sidebar - there are some really great ones going on right now and coming up!
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion #giveaway @thxmailcarrier! Your soft smooth skin will thank you! http://bit.ly/42BhF3 #WIN! Ends 11/11

2 Extra Entries per follow method (leave 2 separate comments for each type) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries (leave 3 separate comments) if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries (leave 3 separate comments) if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Skin MD Natural. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on November 11th at 11:59pm CST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open worldwide - if you're reading this, you can enter.

A big thank you to Amber at Skin MD Natural for providing me with a bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion for review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Triple winning!

Three great giveaways recently came to an end, therefore I get to send out emails to brighten three people's day!

The lucky person who gets to use the most amazing cupcake toppers from Bug & Boo Designs at their next party is...Congratulations, Tina! I hope that your husband and daughter have a fantastic birthday party!

My UPrinting giveaways have also come to an end, and the lucky recipient of 250 personalized stickers/labels is...
Congratulations, alwayshopeful! Good job taking advantage of those extra entries! I hope these stickers will come in handy for you.

The lucky winner of 100 customized postcards is...
Congratulations, SandyM204! Another example of using those extra entries to win! I hope these make great invitations to your anniversary party.

Winners have all been emailed, be sure to respond back or else I'll have to head back to Random.org to choose someone else. Thanks to everyone who entered, make sure you get those comments in for the current giveaways - you can't win if you don't enter!

Mail Delivery: Chia Goodness Review

Do you ever wonder what type of effects the foods you choose for your children will have on them later in life? My brother and I have always talked about how my mom refused to feed us any sugary cereals growing up, therefore as soon as we were old enough to do our own grocery shopping, we both went straight for the boxes with cartoon characters and marshmallows.

After a few years of getting that out of my system (I probably consumed enough sugar in college to last my lifetime), I returned to being able to eat a little healthier but still reverted back to needing sugar every few days. Thanks to Big Sister E, I am now pretty close to being free of my sugary cereal addiction, although that may just be because I don't want to feed it to her and she's old enough that there is no way I can eat it sneakily enough that she won't want some, too.

I won't lie though. When I heard about Chia Goodness, of course I immediately thought this:

Really? I'm going to eat something that grows? Hmm.

In reality, the chia seed is amazingly nutritious and Chia Goodness is a unique new concept in breakfast cereal. As opposed to the traditional cereals found in stores, the ingredients in Chia Goodness are completely raw. You just put 2 tablespoons of cereal in a bowl and add 4 tablespoons of liquid (usually milk or water), cold or hot, and wait a few minutes for it to thicken. The result is something similar to oatmeal, except much better for you.

With 5 times the calcium of milk, more Omega 3 than salmon or flaxseed and an excellent source of protein and fiber, Chia Goodness is also gluten-free and lactose-free. Currently in 3 flavors (Original, Cranberry Ginger and Apple Almond Cinnamon), Chia Goodness is available at Whole Foods throughout the US and Canada and online at Ruth's Hemp Foods.


Then it came to taste it. My husband happened to be up earlier than I was the day we were set to try Apple Almond Cinnamon Chia Goodness, so when I came into the dining room, I found Big Sister E already eating it. DRY.

Sigh. My husband needs a little extra help following directions sometimes.

Surprisingly, she wasn't only eating it, she was HAPPILY eating it. "You like it?" I asked. "It's good!" She replied. From peeking into the bag, my husband wasn't willing to taste Chia Goodness at all (he said it looked like birdseed) and I have to admit that I wasn't too excited about it either. However, I mixed the small amount in a bowl with milk and waited for it to thicken, wondering how this tiny amount was going to fill me up.

After giving Chia Goodness a few bites, I'll admit that it was... different. I think part of my issue was that, thanks to my husband, I was having a hard time getting the birdseed reference out of my mind. Along with that though, I was not a huge fan of the different textures and feelings of the chia seeds in my mouth, however, the taste really wasn't too bad. Taking a different route, I later decided to try Chia Goodness mixed in a cup of yogurt and found that it was really pleasing that way. I like to mix granola into yogurt and this was similar except with more flavor and appeal (the dried apples, almonds and raisins were an added bonus).

I plan on continuing to eat Chia Goodness with my yogurt and I'm definitely pleased that Big Sister E likes it because it is so incredibly nutritious and filling for her. Whether or not I'll be able to convince my husband into trying it one day is another story. To find out more about Chia Goodness, its healthy ingredients or to see a video on this new meal, visit Ruth's Hemp Foods.

Thanks, Chia Goodness, for being a good alternative for a healthy breakfast for my daughter and for being one of my new favorite ways to have a tasty snack. And, for surprising me by delivering this so quickly and efficiently, thanks, Mail Carrier.

(Other than the sample of Chia Goodness that I was sent by Light Years Ahead, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this product.)

YourPictureBook.com Photo-Personalized Book {Review & Giveaway}

I've previously mentioned it, but I'll say it again. Around here, we like books.

I have a pile checked out from the library waiting for me right now... that I'll hopefully get to before I have to return them. Both Big Sister E and Little Sister B have bookshelves in their rooms piled high with books that get taken down and re-shelved daily.

From baby board books with only pictures to large, intricate books covered with words, they both love to look at books. Big Sister E will sometimes turn to me while we're playing and say, "I need to go upstairs and read books." With that, she'll leave me and Little Sister B and head to her room to rest and lose herself in the stories that she sees in the pictures. How can I say no?

So what could make a book better for a 3-year-old that is already enamored with them?

I wouldn't say that this book is "better." I would say that it is "beyond the coolest book that we have ever seen or even imagined." Or something like that.

Around 4 years ago, mother of 3, Marile Hendrickson, was reading a book to her daughter that had her name personalized in it. After realizing that her daughter wondered why her picture wasn't in the book if her name was, Marile and her husband set out to create a line of books in which the child could not only hear their name but see themselves in the illustrations. From there, YourPictureBook.com was born.

What makes a YourPictureBook special? Simple. When you send in a picture of the lucky child in your life, their skilled digital artists convert it to appear almost like a painting. The photo blends right into the illustrations in the book, making it seen as if the entire thing was created at the same time. There is definitely a significant amount of time and attention spent on each book ordered from YourPictureBook and the results, which are both beautiful and educational, speak for themselves.


As I knew it would, Big Sister E's face lit up when she saw her Can Count book. For a moment or two, she looked at her picture and then, tentatively, she reached out and touched it. "Who's that in the book?" I asked. She turned and looked at me with a huge grin. "ME!"

First thing in the morning and still in her pajamas. "There's me... and there's me.... and there's me..."

Without fail, every page brought a smile to her face as Big Sister E was able to not only hear her name in the words, but see her own picture in the illustrations. "I'm at the circus!" she pointed out happily. "There's my teddy bear!" She showed me. Whether her image was fully displayed interacting with the characters or blended into the background, Big Sister E's photo was seamlessly part of the story.

Right now there are 3 title choices available at YourPictureBook.com: Can Count, Noah's Ark and Moon Dirt Milkshake. Or, if your child is a budding Picasso, coloring book versions are also available where your child's photo is converted into a black and white sketch amongst the pictures for your little artist's delight.

Ordering from YourPictureBook.com couldn't be easier. Simply choose your favorite photo of your child and upload it to their website, where you also enter the name and dedication you would like displayed in the book. For me, the most difficult part of the process was getting Big Sister E to stand still and smile at the camera, as she tends to turn away or close her eyes whenever I bring it out.

Can't get a head-to-toe photo of your child? Or are you ordering this as a gift and you don't have a full-body picture of the lucky recipient? YourPictureBook makes it easy for you and has versions of their books made for "full body" photos and for "half body" photos so almost any picture will work for their talented artists to create a masterpiece just for you.

If books aren't what you are looking for, YourPictureBook.com also offers a large selection of photo-personalized DVDs and posters that are sure to grab the attention of any child (or Dad would probably think The Incredible Adventures of "Amazing Dad" is pretty cool, too). My nephew loves football, how fun would it be to see his reaction if he was featured as an NFL draft pic?

Yes, Sports Fans, all 32 NFL teams are available.

At the beginning of next year, YourPictureBook will be adding two more great titles to their book collection that, based on their existing selection, will also be wonderful. Even if you don't win this giveaway, I highly recommend YourPictureBook.com as a site to visit for amazing gifts for this holiday season. Plus, who doesn't love a discount? Right now, enter the coupon code mommyshipfree at checkout and receive free shipping! And, thanks to their generosity...

One lucky person will win their choice of any hardcover book from YourPictureBook.com! Just in time for the Holidays!

To enter to win your choice of hardcover book from YourPictureBook.com: Visit YourPictureBook.com and tell me the book title you would choose and which child in your life would be lucky enough to receive it. Please do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile. I have to have a way to contact the winner.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted)
1 Extra Entry (per method) - Follow YourPictureBook on Twitter or become a friend of YourPictureBook on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway. See the list on the top of my right sidebar - there are some really great ones going on right now and coming up!
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Amazing kids' book #giveaway @thxmailcarrier from @YourPictureBook! Their photo in the story is the best gift! http://bit.ly/1qryp4 #Win!

2 Extra Entries per follow method (leave 2 separate comments for each type) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries (leave 3 separate comments) if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries (leave 3 separate comments) if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and YourPictureBook.com. Please leave an address where it can be found.
5 Extra Entries (Leave 5 separate comments) if you make a purchase from YourPictureBook.com during this giveaway. Tell me what awesome item you picked!

Giveaway will end on November 9th at 11:59pm CST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to residents of the Continental US only.

A HUGE thank you to Marile Hendrickson at YourPictureBook.com for providing me with a Can Count book for review as well as any hardcover book for one lucky giveaway winner. Big Sister E loves/cherishes/adores her book and now when I hear, "You NEED to read me THIS," I can be fairly certain as to what she will be holding.

Mail Delivery: Chocolate: A Love Story Review

If you're one of those crazy people out there that doesn't like chocolate, I have to tell you two things. One, I don't understand you at all. Two, read no further. This review is definitely not for you.

I like to look at cookbooks. In my mind, they give me all kinds of ideas of dishes to make that my family would enjoy. In reality, we stick with the same boring meals that we always do because... we're like that. Plus, each member of my family is picky in their own way about what to eat, so there isn't really a point in making something new if no one wants to sample it.

Not just a cookbook, a CHOCOLATE cookbook. Pardon me while I wipe the drool off of my keyboard.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked up this book, after all, it is quite large (9" x 12") and bright orange. What I found was an introduction stating that Max Brenner's love affair with writing began at a young age and, after 10 years of making chocolate, he decided to tell its story (as well as his own). However, after a little bit of online research, there appears to be much debate over whether or not Max Brenner is an actual person or just a marketing ploy.

Multiple online sites state that the real founder of Handmade Chocolate by Max Brenner is a man named Oded Brenner and, with his partner Max Fichtman, created the concept of Chocolate by the Bald Man. Max Brenner is actually an international chain of cafe/chocolate shops with 21 stores worldwide and plans to open 300 branches in the US over the next 10 years. Is this book just one big promotion for the restaurants that are to come?

After getting over my feelings of being duped, I was still interested in what this book had to offer. The 65 chocolate dessert recipes in Chocolate: A Love Story are each accompanied by a short story or quip and a piece of vibrant modern art that makes you stop and think. The recipes are most definitely mouthwatering, ranging from somewhat traditional (Contentious Chocolate Chip Cookies) to what I would consider fairly strange (Meaningless Sweet Spaghetti really does combine dark chocolate, Irish Cream liqueur and actual spaghetti).

After flipping through the pages, I was torn between being hungry and wondering if people really would create and eat some of recipes listed. I wouldn't even know where to go to find the pulp of 10 passion fruits or 1 stem of lemongrass - was I just an inexperienced cook? However, in an attempt to really put the recipes to the test, I decided to try to find one that wouldn't be too difficult and involved ingredients that I could actually pronounce. If I can do anything, it's follow directions (if you ever need help putting furniture together, I'm a master at that) so I began searching the recipes for the right one for us.

What I came up with was a slightly altered version of the Home Industry Chocolate Cheese Pockets (found on page 118). Even if I left out the pears poached in wine (I do have kids, after all), they still look good in the picture (at left) from the book, right?

Even with Big Sister E's help, not long into making these Chocolate Cheese Pockets, I was reminded of why I don't cook too many things from scratch. All of the steps involved and all of the ingredients and all of the mess... hours later, the result was this:
As for the taste? Pretty good. Whether that is because of the recipe itself or because almost anything would be yummy if it had 12 ounces of good milk chocolate in it, I'm not sure. What I do know is that this is a unique cookbook that, for me, is more about the love and ideas about chocolate (and spreading "chocolate culture" around the world) rather than actually creating it. However, if a Max Brenner restaurant opens near me, I'm sure I'll be there to sample some of these delicious creations... particularly if they are made by someone else.

To find out more about Chocolate: A Love Story, Max Brenner or all of the related products, visit the Max Brenner website. Thanks, Hatchette Book Group, for allowing me review this book, it was fun to try something new. And, for dropping this long slim package in between my front doors, thanks, Mail Carrier.

(Other than the copy of Chocolate: A Love Story that I was sent, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this book.)

GIVEAWAY: Thinkbaby Feeding Set from SproutBaby (and Coupon Code)

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}


Last month I was fortunate to be introduced to a wonderful company, Sprout Foods, and their website, SproutBaby.com. Little Sister B was able review many different flavors of Sprout Foods baby food and really enjoyed the organic ingredients and delicious flavors that they have to offer (and I didn't mind tasting them myself).

While visiting SproutBaby, I was amazed at the large number of environmentally-friendly products that they offer for feeding, baby care, mom care and more. Combine these products and their pricing with SproutBaby's exceptional customer service and their focus on helping healthy choices be easy choices, and it's not hard to see why SproutBaby is the number one online shop for all of your eco-friendly parenting needs.

SproutBaby would like you to "Go Green AND Orange for Halloween" with their thinkbaby Complete BPA Free Feeding Set!


This all-in-one stainless steel feeding set allows for toxic-free feedings from the first time you spoon cereal into your baby's mouth all the way through their calls for more buttered noodles as a toddler and beyond. The thinkbaby set is reusable, BPA, Phthalate, PVC, Melamine and Polycarbonate-free and all of the containers come with lids for easy travel or storage and are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. The set includes:

• The Bento Box: A 9 ounce, on-the-go travel container with an air-tight lid. The clasp on the lid allows you to carry non-solid food or even liquids without fear of leakage.

• The Soup Bowl: A handy, insulated 10 ounce bowl perfect for cereals or soup.

• The Baby Bowl: Also 10 ounces and insulated, the baby bowl is lower and wider, therefore great for beginning toddlers.

• The Cup: For the child who has grown out of drinking from sippy cups, this 7 ounce cup is a great size for smaller hands.

• The Spoon and Fork: The handles on these utensils are wrapped in thermoplastic rubber to make them easy to grip for whoever is in charge of the feeding.

The thinkbaby feeding set is a wonderful example of the environmentally-friendly products that SproutBaby has to offer. Whether you are looking for baby food, bottles, skin care, gifts for a new baby or for a new mom, SproutBaby is dedicated to helping you love your baby and love the planet. Don't miss a thing by keeping up with SproutBaby on their website, blog, Facebook or Twitter.

As a bonus, enter the coupon code SBBL049 on your first SproutBaby order and you will receive a 15% discount! If that isn't enough...

One lucky person will win a thinkbaby Complete BPA Free Feeding Set of their own!

To enter to win your thinkbaby Complete BPA Free Feeding Set: Tell me one way that you and your family are going green for Halloween this year. Wearing a homemade costume or reusing one? Carrying a cloth bag to contain trick-or-treat loot? Please do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile. I have to have a way to contact the winner.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry)
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway. See the list on the top of my right sidebar - there are some really great ones going on right now and coming up!
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Thinkbaby stainless feeding set #giveaway @thxmailcarrier! Great eco-friendly way to eat! ARV $39.99! http://bit.ly/2Nv6ae Ends 10/31 #WIN!

2 Extra Entries per follow method (leave 2 separate comments for each type) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries (leave 3 separate comments) if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave the URL where it can be found.

3 Extra Entries (leave 3 separate comments) if you blog about this giveaway, linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and SproutBaby. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on Halloween, October 31st at 11:59pm CST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to SproutBaby for providing a thinkbaby feeding set for one giveaway winner. I was not provided anything for this review, however, patrons who use the discount code posted above will not only save 15% but I will earn a bonus for each new customer. Opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Mail Delivery: Tinytongs Review (and Coupon Code)

Eating. I feel like half the day in my house is spent in connection with it.

I'm either making a meal, feeding someone a meal, cleaning up after a meal or thinking about what the next meal is going to be. Actually, now that I think about it, eating probably adds up to more than half of the day.

Fortunately, Big Sister E is old enough that I can hand her a plate or bowl and she can climb into her chair and start eating all on her own. Unfortunately, one of the things that I often have to remind her is to use her spoon or her fork and not her fingers. I do understand that, in her mind, it's faster and easier to just pick things up with her hands, but that doesn't lessen the amount of times that I mention to her what utensils are for.

When I first saw Tinytongs, I was... intrigued. Recommended for children 12 months and older, tinytongs are 5" long, free of sharp edges and have a soft, tactile feel. Created by Carys Bice, mother of 3, this innovative child-sized utensil was formed when Bice began searching for a way to make mealtime less stressful, less messy and more enjoyable for children who are still learning to use traditional forks and spoons.

But what would Big Sister E think?


Definitely fond of the unique shape and fun color, Big Sister E was eager to give our tinytongs a try. However, after the novelty wore off, she realized that they are designed to pick up and grip small pieces of food and not the large chunks she tends to stuff in her mouth all at once. So, setting the tinytongs aside, she went back to her spoon and her fingers.

In the time since the initial appearance of tinytongs in our house, Big Sister E attempted to use them multiple times. "Look at this," she said, showing me one small bite before putting the tinytongs back down and picking up her spoon. For the time being, it seems that our tinytongs will have to wait.

According to their website, most children will be able to use tinytongs on their own between 18 and 24 months, which explains why Big Sister E wasn't interested. As she is already adept at using utensils, she doesn't understand the concept of why she would want to be able to pick up less food than she was before.

However, as we are quickly closing in on the 12-month mark with Little Sister B, I plan on keeping our tinytongs around to give them a fair chance with her. I love that they are ergonomically shaped for little hands, free of lead, phalate and BPA and are dishwasher-safe. If they increase the likelihood more food ending up in her mouth than on herself or the floor, I'm all for it.

Tinytongs are available on their website for $7.99 for an individual pair or $24.99 for a set of 4. To keep up to date with them, read their blog or become a fan on Facebook. As always, I love a deal! Enter coupon code tmc20 for a 20% discount on your entire order.

Thanks, Tinytongs, for giving me hope that as Little Sister B gets older there won't be a constant flow of pasta noodles and green beans heading for our carpet like there was when Big Sister E was learning to feed herself. And, for giving me a friendly wave as you slid these into our mailbox, thanks, Mail Carrier.

(Other than the pair of Tinytongs that I was sent, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this unique product.)

CSNbaby.com {Review & Giveaway} Bumbo Baby Seat

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

Chances are, you've heard of CSN Stores and CSN.com.

There isn't really a way to have missed them, as they've been featured on The Today Show, in The New York Times, on The Rachael Ray Show and on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, just to name a few. From their 200+ sites, you are able to buy items for every room of your house and I mean EVERY room. AllPotRacks.com, JustShagRugs.com, CSNMassageChairs.com (no, Honey, we don't have the room) and SimplyDogBeds.com are just a few examples of the store names, as once you get there there are categories upon categories for you to find exactly the item to fit your need.

CSNbaby.com has it all. Furniture, nursery decor, strollers, toys, baby gear... it's all there. Search by bestsellers, brands, eco-friendly, sales, the options are endless and the prices are competitive. In fact, if you think you have seen a better price, give them a call or fill out the "Seen it for Less?" form and let CSNbaby know!

Before Big Sister E was born, my wonderful coworkers threw me a baby shower where we ate, talked, laughed and had fun. One of the gifts that I received was something I had never seen before: a Bumbo Baby Seat. The mom of 3 that gave me the Bumbo raved about it and all of its uses and possibilities. I looked at the strangely-shaped foam seat, nodded and thanked her. Little did I know, it would become Big Sister E's chair of choice from early on in her life.

Was she ever really this small?

Big Sister E was a big fan of sitting as a baby, although she wasn't very stable at doing it herself until she was at least 6 months old. Our Bumbo Baby Sitter Seat came in handy all over the house for times that I wanted to put her in and know she would be safe, secure and happy. We quickly found that we were one of the estimated two million Bumbo users around the world enjoying the benefits of having one with our child.

Suitable for babies from the time they can support their own heads unaided until they are able to get out of the Bumbo on their own (approximately from 3 to 14 months old), this lightweight, portable, environmentally friendly foam seat is soft and comfortable for babies and is available at CSNbaby in 5 great bright colors (blue, lilac, lime, pink and aqua).

I love the lime green, how fun!

CSNbaby also gives you the option of adding a great Bumbo accessory to your order, the Play Tray, which allows a place to put snacks or toys that can stay within your baby's reach while they are seated in the Bumbo. Big Sister E was content to play with hanging toys while seated in the Bumbo, however, our tray definitely came in handy with Little Sister B because then Big Sister E could sit with her and they could play with toys together on the tray.

Little Sister B rocking the Bumbo while acting as Fire Chief in our pop-up fire engine.

Why shop for a Bumbo Baby Seat from CSNbaby?

First, their selection is outstanding. I wouldn't have thought to look there for Umi Shoes or a Boon Animal Bag, but they have them there - and with free shipping!

Second, the low prices. CSN searches the web to make sure they are offering you the lowest possible price and if you find something lower just let them know and they will get you a better deal almost every time.

Third, their stellar service. The CSN team is knowledgeable and available to help you with any aspect, whether placing an order or after you have made a purchase.

Fourth, they ensure quality and your complete satisfaction. CSN stands behind the quality of the items that they sell and guarantees your absolute satisfaction 100% of the time. I don't know about you, but that's not something I get at the stores I traditionally shop at.

Overall, CSNbaby is a great site to visit for all of your baby needs. Chances are, they'll have what you're looking for. If not, don't forget to check out the other CSN stores because, after all, with over a million products for sale, it's hard to come up with an item that they don't offer. Better yet, thanks to the generosity of CSNbaby...

One lucky person will win a Bumbo Baby Sitter Seat in their choice of CSNbaby's fun colors!

To enter to win your Bumbo Baby Sitter Seat: Visit CSNbaby.com and tell me another item that they carry that you like. There are SO many that it might be hard to choose just one! Please do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile. I have to have a way to contact the winner.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry)

1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway. See the list on the top of my right sidebar - there are some really great ones going on right now and coming up!
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Bumbo Baby Seat #Giveaway @thxmailcarrier from @csnstores! Award-winning item in your choice of 5 colors http://bit.ly/3MYoVz Ends 11/5 #Win

2 Extra Entries per follow method (leave 2 separate comments for each type) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries (leave 3 separate comments) if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave the URL where it can be found.

3 Extra Entries (leave 3 separate comments) if you blog about this giveaway, linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and CSNbaby. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on November 5th at 11:59pm CST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to Continental U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to CSNbaby.com for providing a Bumbo Baby Sitter Seat for one giveaway winner. I was not provided anything for this review as I am lucky enough to have received my Bumbo at my baby shower. The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Kushies Baby {Review & Coupon Code}

Little Sister B has grown into a pretty good sleeper, but she didn't exactly start out that way. She was one of those infants that had to be held and as soon as you even thought about putting her down while she was sleeping, she woke up. There were many times that I would hold my breath while trying to slowly slip my arm out from underneath her when putting her into her swing... only to have her eyes open and look at me like I was crazy for even having entertained the idea.

What we did notice was that she was a much better sleeper when swaddled. As Big Sister E slept well right off the bat, my husband and I hadn't known too much about swaddling before Little Sister B came along but we learned fast. I tried any number of blankets and found some success but was always frustrated when I would get her all tucked in and then a corner or flap would come undone somewhere and we would have to start again. Why wasn't there something that could just attach and hold tight so that she could fall asleep and, more importantly, STAY asleep even if an arm or a leg moved a little bit?
The Kushies Swaddling Blanket (available in pink, blue or mocha) is the most luxurious swaddling blanket that I have ever touched. Multiple times I have told my husband that if Kushies made one in my size (theirs is one size made to fit babies up to 3 months old) that I would definitely get one for myself because I have never felt anything so soft.

The smooth, silky lining keeps any baby warm and cozy but the best part of the Kushies Swaddling Blanket is the design. The simple wrap top has a hook & loop closure that is somehow smoother than traditional Velcro, therefore even if it somehow brushed against baby's delicate skin, it wouldn't hurt at all.

Combine that innovative top with the roomy pocket on the bottom and Kushies has created a foolproof way for anyone to swaddle their baby with ease. Even my husband would have been able to figure this one out. Simply tuck your baby's feet in the pouch, lay their arms at their sides and close the flaps. Done. Your baby can now sleep in velvety bliss.

I'm all cozy and ready for bed!

Kushies began more than 50 years ago and has transformed over time into the company they are today, starting with their first major baby item: a revolutionary 100% cotton, reusable diaper. Now based in Canada, Kushies covers an entire range of products from educational toys to apparel that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.

Browsing the Kushies site, it was hard for me to decide which items were my favorite because their products are both creative and inventive, as well as covering so many aspects of childhood.

I love the idea of the Girl's Swimsuit Diaper and how economical and environmentally friendly it is. Instead of spending money on disposable swim diapers (those things sure get expensive) this reusable swim diaper even takes it one step further by removing the need for a separate swimsuit to go over it. Genius!

The Stacrobats Magnetic Stacking Acrobats (for ages 1 - 100!) are a great alternative to the common plastic baby toys in stores. These magnetic figures, balls and base encourage so many wonderful skills in children like self-confidence and dexterity while building imagination. There is no right or wrong way to play with these Acrobats and any child would have a great time exploring and discovering with these magnetic friends.

Both of my daughters love to cuddle their blankies and I think the Dobbi Dog Pillow would be an instant best friend for either of them. The mix of colors, patterns, textures and sounds combined with the adorable Dog would keep them feeling happy and safe when they need a good snuggle. As for me, I especially like that Dobbi comes with a zippered mesh laundry bag so that he could take a spin in the washing machine with ease.

This just in! For one week only, Kushies adorable Kritter Pillows are on sale for 70% off! 70%! Until Thursday, October 29, enter KRITTERS at checkout and you can take Dobbi home for only $3.50. What a cute holiday or anytime gift! Check out the selection of Kritters and order one for the lucky child in your life before this deal ends!

Whether you're looking to stock up on essentials like cloth diapers, bibs or blankets or you're shopping for a great baby/toddler gift such as a folding baby travel bed, an adorable organic sleeper or a really cool My Bag (an organized daycare or overnight bag), Kushies has it all. They take pride in their exceptional customer service and the high quality of their 350+ products and will work to ensure your satisfaction. Find Kushies online, on Facebook or on Twitter.

Making a purchase from Kushies? Enter coupon code tmc10 for a 10% discount on your entire order!

Thanks, Kushies, for having such high standards for your company and your excellent products. And, for taking care that our swaddling blanket was not smashed or crushed, thanks, Mail Carrier.

(Other than the Kushies Swaddling Blanket that I was sent, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this company and its luxurious product... that needs to be offered in adult sizes.)

Winning is Fierce.

As well enjoying reading Fierce Style by Christian Siriano, I had such a great time seeing the entries that came in to win a copy of this book that I was laughing out loud at some of them. Apparently I'm not the only one that wondered what my mom was thinking when she let me out of the house donning my fashion faux pas.

The envelope, please...
Congratulations, etirv! Fierce Style really is a fun read, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Incidentally, I don't have a favorite on this season of Project Runway yet either, I'm waiting until the field gets narrowed down a little further before I pick someone to root for.

Thanks to everyone who entered this fun giveaway for sharing your fashion mishaps, it was good to see that I'm not the only one who has some embarrassing times to look back on! Keep an eye on the Current Giveaways tab, there are some great ones up now (have you seen those photo cupcake toppers from Bug & Boo? I want some! And a kokopax classic carrier? It's one the best baby items that we own!) and there will be more fun giveaways showing up shortly, including one from a really cool company with some wonderful nursery decor...