Follow me Tuesday - I'll Follow you Back!

Today I am participating in Follow me Back Tuesday hosted by Survey Junkie! I have been looking for new blogs to follow lately, and this is a great way to find them!

If you Follow my blog, just leave me a comment on this post and I will go follow yours back!

Thanks so much, looking forward to getting to know you all better!

Wubbzy Goes To School DVD Review!

Just in time for the new school year comes a new DVD Release from kid's favorite character Wubbzy! Kids, along with their Parents, will enjoy watching Wubbzy Goes To School and preparing for the big day!



Here's a little more about the episodes included on this fun DVD!

“Wubbzy Goes To School” (SRP $16.98) puts the “cool” in “school” with six charming episodes that will have everyone ready to hit the books. In “Who Needs School?,” Wubbzy is nervous about going off to school for the very first time and decides he can learn all he needs to know on his own. When things don’t work out as expected and Wubbzy has no one to play with, he realizes that maybe school isn’t so bad after all. In another episode, “New Kid On The Block,” Wubbzy learns that meeting and accepting new friends can be a big! big! big! job. When Murphy, a larger-than-life new student, joins the class, Wubbzy finds that good friends can come in all shapes and sizes.

Additional episodes include: “Gotta Dance,” “Wubbzy the Star,” “You Gotta Have Art” and “Magic Tricks,” starring Wuzzleburg’s own Moo Moo the Magician! Fans will also be “wowed” with cool bonus features such as the “Meet Wubbzy’s Schoolmates” photo gallery, coloring and activity sheets and more.

We were able to review this DVD, to my Daughter's delight! She is familiar with Wubbzy and loves him, and I will admit that I don't mind watching the show either! It's full of bright colors, great lessons, and catchy songs that are easy to remember and fun to sing along to.

Each episode offered up a lesson on school, learning, or friendship...along with a lot of humor! Ever since we got the DVD a few days ago, my Daughter has been repeatedly asking to watch it. She learned the name of a couple of the episodes, and her favorite has to be New Kid on The Block. If I pop it in the dvd player, that is what she will request (although she does watch all of the episodes included of course!). My personal favorite is Magic Tricks because it teaches kids that they shouldn't give up when something is difficult, and sooner or later they will find their talents and learn that they can be great at things too.

Overall this was a fantastic DVD and something I would recommend to Wubbzy fans and those that haven't yet seen him. Wubbzy is adorable and his friends offer cute new personalities and interests into the mix too, which makes it even better! It's not obnoxious for the Parents, and is great for preschool aged kids.

Wubbzy Goes To School is available on DVD now and can be purchased in your local stores as well as Amazon.

Choosing A Small Pet That Is Perfect For Your Family

A couple of months ago, we decided that we would like to get a small 'pocket pet' for my Daughter. Well, for us too since we would be the ones taking care of it :) I started thinking about the different types we could get...and researched how to take care of each animal so that we would be fully prepared to add them to our home.

First up, hamsters. Like most people, I've owned hamsters before. I had a particularly adorable one for about 2 years or so. She had really wild hair and was kinda pudgy :)

One thing I would be careful about for a hamster is the type of housing you keep them in. They can be little escape artists and like to chew out of their cages. I have seen a hamster completely chew threw those little plastic 2 story habitats that are available in pet stores (although they are cute homes, be careful of the chewing!) You also want to be sure to keep things out of their cage that they can tangled up in. My brother had a little teddy bear hamster that got his foot caught in a sock that he liked to cuddle with. it was so twisted that my Mom had to go in and cut the string so he could get free. of course you can imagine that the hamster was pretty scared, and he bit my Mom SO hard, it drew blood. That is one image that won't leave my mind when I think of hamsters...rodent bites freak me out!

Rats. In my opinion, these things are totally ugly and creepy. Now my Husband on the other hand thinks very highly of them. This is NOT enough to change my opinion of them, and I will tell you I will never own one.

Truthfully, domestic rats make wonderful pets. They are very social with humans and can even be taught tricks or to respond to their name. Who knew?? They like to cuddle and will even crawl up on your shoulder (that is if you don't wig out like I would, LOL)

Rabbits. If you are interested in getting a rabbit, be sure to have a space that is large enough for them to live comfortably. Even letting them run around a safe room everyday gives them great exercise. We had a rabbit when I was a kid, and when we let him out of his cage to run around in our living room, he would tear up the carpet. Seriously. I guess we can credit him to getting rid of the blue carpet and going to hardwood floors though, right??

Rabbits don't like being picked up, and can get hurt if they resist and you aren't holding them correctly. This can be an issue if you have kids who will always be trying to pick up your little bunny. Neutering your rabbit will reduce aggression and also reduce their need to spray and mark their territory. Pretty important stuff!

Guinea Pigs. Guinea Pigs live best in groups...so if you are thinking of getting one, you may want to go ahead and get two so they have a little friend. Guinea Pigs are very gentle creatures that don't bite often. They require regular vitamin c...everyday in fact. You can add a supplement to water as well as feed them a diet of fruits and veggies that are rich in Vitamin C like oranges, red peppers, etc. They also require a large cage to get adequate exercise and should be handled daily.

Guinea Pigs are little talkers. They like to make adorable sounds as ways to communicate to each other. Teeth Chattering is not a good sound, this usually means they are stressed or giving out a warning to back off. Chirps are often heard when they are happy, and they may even whistle loudly when they are excited for a treat!

Before you head to the Pet Store to buy a small pet to add to your Family, you should check out shelters. Many times families cannot keep an animal (for various reasons) and they surrender them to these shelters. Often the price will be cheaper than a pet store. You'll most likely find adult pets here, and in my opinion they are the ones that need a home the most. It's the same as kittens...they get bought before the adult cat who's been handed over by their previous owner. Shelters are a great place to go for all pets, small or large!

Here are some costs involved in buying your small pet. Remember that some of these costs are a one time deal, and some are a weekly thing.

• Food. This can include pellets, fresh veggies and fruit, or vitamins for water.
• Toys. little animals like to be entertained too! They also need chew toys to keep their teeth healthy.
• Bedding. Animals need their cages cleaned often, and you'll appreciate this too to keep smells away. Bedding is the one thing I find myself buying the most.
• Housing. Wire cages, glass cages with a screen top, plastic hamster cages. They aren't cheap! I would suggest checking Craigslist for these animal homes. We found an excellent deal on a cage that would have cost a ton if we would have picked it up at a pet store.
• Water Bottles, Hiding Spots Like huts, Etc.
• Vet Visits. they may get sick, they might need shots, or you may need help clipping their nails. These are often unexpected expenses.

So after sharing my tips for picking a small pocket pet, can you guess which type we ended up buying??

My Baby's First Journal From Glow Baby - Review & Giveaway!

I remember those early days so well, when we brought my Daughter home from the Hospital. I hadn't slept leading up to the birth, and didn't get a wink of sleep while in the Hospital those 2 days either. When we got home, things were a blur of nursing, comforting, changing diapers, and trying to get some food in our own stomachs.

We were supposed to keep track of my Daughter's wet diapers, dirty diapers, and also wanted to watch her feeding times to make sure she was getting enough to eat. I was breastfeeding for the 1st time, and was nervous about how much she was actually eating. The first few weeks are definitely the hardest!

My Husband and I tried to keep track of everything by writing it down on paper. If she ate, we'd write that down, and the time. If I was lucky, we'd remember to write down what side she nursed from. The first day, that worked great. But then, the notes got harder to understand, more vague, and sloppier! I remember wishing we had a better way to keep track of it all.

This time around, we will be fully prepared with the Baby's First Journal from Glow Baby! This journal is a Parents' tool in tracking their babies schedule. Inside you'll find pages to fill out your baby's eating, diaper, and sleeping habits. There's spaces to keep track of which breast they last nursed on, length of the feeding session...and a spot for bottle feeding too (sections for formula and breast milk so you can keep track if you offer both!) Diapering has a spot for pee and poo, and sleep lets you put a start time and an end time.

All of this information is right there in front of you, so that you can make sure your baby is eating, sleeping, and dirtying diapers in those important early weeks. And the more you use the Journal, the better you can see patterns of eat and sleep emerging. This would have been SO helpful with my first Baby. Being stay at home Mom my days kind of blended together, and it would have been nice to have this journal to show me her sleep patterns without me having to remember her nap time from the day before. Sleep deprivation does nothing for my memory, that's for sure!

(Above:Example Page from Glow Baby Website)

Below this chart, you'll also find boxes for a daily vitamin and a bath...just an easy check mark in each box will remind you the next day that the Baby got those things taken care of.
Another thing I love about Baby's First Journal is that there are 5 lines at the bottom of the page just labeled NOTES. You can fill out whatever info you'd like here...from something cute and new your baby did (first smile!) to specifics on a nap or feeding (baby had a hard time getting to sleep today, etc). I loved keeping notes like this on my Daughter, and having it in this handy location will ensure that it is convenient to do with my 2nd child as well!

I feel confident that this journal will be a helpful tool in keeping track of our Baby's Routines, and give me peace of mind that everything is going along smoothly. It will also be great because I expect to be a little more distracted with a toddle running around, and this journal will let me look at nap times, the length, and work with my Baby in keeping her most happy :)

You can purchase your Baby's First Journal for $15.99 at the Glow Baby Website. The Journal comes in 3 colors....green, blue, and pink.

They also have a food journal available, family calenders, and convenient list pads (medicine pad, shopping list, Baby Sitter's List, and To-Do list) You can even purchase a specially wrapped gift basket that includes all of the items I mentioned. This set would make a wonderful Baby Shower or New Mom gift!

One person will win a $25 Gift Card to Glow Baby! You can pick something out that fits your needs perfectly!

Please visit Glow Baby and take a look at their products. Then come back and leave a comment telling me the name of a product you'd like to have.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave a comment for every extra entry you complete

1. 'Like' Glow Baby on Facebook
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4. Follow Ladybug Soup using Google Friend Connect
5. Subscribe to my Blog by Email
6. Follow Ladybug Soup on Twitter (@Kelliebug)
   
7. Tweet or Blog about this Giveaway (leave the link)

This contest is open to US & Canadian Residents. Giveaway will end on September 10th at 10pm CST. Winner will be emailed & have 72 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary journal in exchange for an honest review. All opinions given are my own and different people may have different experiences with company and/or product.

Create A Meal With Less Sodium - With Mrs Dash Seasoning!

It seems like these days, a lot of the food we eat is loaded with salt. I am not one to add extra salt (from the shaker) to my food because I feel like it's already tasty enough. But my Husband? He will add salt to pretty much anything he eats! I may be guilty of adding it to home baked french fries, but that's about where I end it.

The thing is, food is already salty enough without adding more to it. Easy prep meals in boxes, like macaroni and cheese...rice a roni, etc are all full of sodium. Even those frozen meals have way to much in them. I admit I am guilty of eating frozen meals when I am in a hurry or just don't feel like cooking. And those meals, even the so called 'healthy' ones, have a ton of sodium in them.

One thing I try to do is purchase foods with lower sodium content. I have found that the food will usually taste just as good as the original version, but without all of the extra salt. You can buy low sodium soups and broths that will help keep the sodium out of a home cooked meal. There are also great seasonings that will add flavor to your meals without adding salt...like when you use Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blend! When you add fresh ingredients like chicken, beef, veggies, or rice, you can get a healthy meal with a lot less salt!

Mrs Dash Seasoning Blend can be used in so many delicious recipes that your family is sure to love. I like to use Mrs. Dash in hash brown potato dishes, and mixed into our sauces (spaghetti, ziti, etc) We have only used the Mrs Dash Original Blend (includes ingredients such as black pepper, parsley, basil, oregano, and more!) but there are lots of other version you can try that sound delicious too. another thing I love besides the taste? No MSG! They also make some marinades that would be perfect for grilling out.

I would highly recommend you visit Mrs. Dash and check out their selection of delicious recipes! They have hundreds to look through, so I bet you will find something perfect for oyur family dinner!

This is an easy recipe from their website, and I have tried my own variation of it before. It uses:

2 Tbsp. of Mrs Dash Original Blend
4 Medium red Potatoes cut into wedges
2 Garlic Cloves, slivered
juice of 1/2 lemon
3 tbsp. of olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. dry the potatoes on paper towels, then rub with 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and Mrs. Dash Original Blend. Roast on baking pan about 30 minutes, turning at 15 minutes. Mix garlic, lemon juice, and remaining olive oil in a small pan with remaining Mrs. Dash Original Blend. Serve alongside roasted potatoes for dipping.

Another Idea - If you use fresh vegetables (red peppers, green peppers, oinions, broccoli, etc), pasta, olive oil, and Mrs Dash Seasoning, you can create a delicious stir fry with healthy, fresh ingredients.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mrs. Dash and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Throw A Unique Baby Shower - Here Are 10 Tips To Get You Started!

I was fortunate enough to have 2 Baby Shower's when I was pregnant with my Daughter. One was with my Family (In-Laws too!) and the other was with work friends. Those two showers helped me out enormously because they cut back on the money we would have to spend on baby supplies. Not to mention they were FUN!

Actually being the one to throw a shower can be difficult, but not if you put some thought and planning into it. Here are my 10 tips to planning a unique baby shower!

1. Use Your Talent! Are you a great crafter? Maybe you could make the invitations with some cute scrapbook paper. Sewing your thing? How about handmaking the baby a onesie or bib? That would be such a special gift! I am good at making delicious cake balls, so that's something I could contribute to the shower.

2. Make It Potluck. This works especially well if you have a lot of people coming. I bet people will be more than happy to bring something to share. It helps cut the cost for you and is less stressful too. Think about tim eof day...if you don't want to do a full meal, make sure you don't have the shower at lunch or dinnertime.

3. Set a Theme. There are some adorable themes out there. Maybe Ladybugs, or an All Natural/Green Theme. Candy would be fun too! Having a baby in October? A little pumpkin theme would be cute! Having a theme will make things look more organized too.

4. Make A List. And stick to it! I adore lists. I would list food ideas, game ideas, shopping lists, prize ideas, etc. Oh yeah, the Guest List!

5. Plan Games Ahead Of Time. Some people hate games. I love them! Make sure you have all of the materials printed out, answer sheets for the hosts, enough pens/pencils to go around, etc.

6. Explore A Couple's Shower. If you have a lot of friends who are married already, you could do a couple's shower. I would recommend making these a little less girly, and do something fun that both men and women would enjoy. We let men come to my work shower, but they hung out in the basement playing pool, watching tv etc. Then my Husband came up to help open gifts, it was really nice to have him included in that way.

7. Make Your Own Party Favors. They have some adorable Baby Theme cookie cutters that would be adorable to bake, decorate, and hand out in little bags.

8. Get Some Help! it may get overwhelming if you are completely on your own, so I would suggest planning it as a team. Maybe a sister & a mom, 2 friends, etc. this will help with the costs and give you someone to bounce your ideas off of.

9. Get a Great Location! I have seen some thrown at a restaurant, a park, their work place, or at a friend's home. I would go by what the guest of honor would most enjoy. If she is a nightlife kinda girl, renting a room at a trendy restaurant may be perfect. If she is more relaxed, go for a home shower. Not HER home though, nobody wants that cleanup mess while pregnant :)

10. Use the Internet! I found tons of great games when I searched the internet. You can also learn how to make a diaper cake (love those!) and find great unique decorating tips. Themes are everyone online too, as well as food ideas and dessert ideas.

I think the best advice would be to pay attention to the Mom to be's personality, and plan accordingly. If you have questions, ask her! Be sure to get her opinion on inviting kids too. Personally, I like one without the kiddos, but many like to have them there. It's up to the expecting Mom and the party throwers!

If you are interested in seeing some adorable Baby Shower invitations, be sure to check out Tiny Prints sweet selection! There are design that will surely fit any theme you choose, you could even work off of your favorite one to decorate for the party!

I don't know if I'll get a shower this time around, especially since I am having another girl. But I still think getting together with friends to celebrate the upcoming baby is a great idea, no gifts needed. :)


“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 Tiny Prints Gift Code plus 25 FREE Tiny Prints Greeting cards (valued at $149.75). For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Keep Your Childs Teeth Looking Healthy And Bright - 5 Simple Tips!

I'm sure most of oyu remember be blogging about my Daughter's first dentist experience. She was super nervous of course, just like any time she gets near a doctor, but the important thing is that her teeth looked excellent. Thank Goodness!

Twitter Moms is asking us to share 5 simple things we can do to keep our Child's teeth looking healthy and bright. Here are 5 of my tips!

• Start Young: you should start taking care of your child's teeth as soon as he/she sprouts their first tooth! A gentle wipe down with a wet cloth is enough for those first months.

• Bring them to the Dentist When They Are Still Young. I have seen recommendations that say 1 year olds should go, and some say 2 is best. We started at 3, which was a little too late in my opinion. If you bring them in early, it may help them get used to going and seeing the equiptment. Less meltdowns, maybe? It's best to ask your pediatrician for their age recommendation.

• Establish Good Brushing Routine. Make it fun! Let them go to the store with you and pick a fun toothbrush out. My Daughter's latest choice was a Barbie one, we've also had Tinkerbell and Princesses before. help them brush twice a day, and use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are old enough.

• Offer Healthy Snack Options. These are less likely to cause cavities and decay. In my opinion, treats are okay in moderation but be sure to brush/floss after the sweet treats.

• Don't Let Them Fall Asleep With Milk/Juice/Etc. I understand babies will do this, with a bottle...or maybe you nurse your little one during the night. So did I! But now that she is 3, she is only allowed to have water at bedtime afetr we brush her teeth. This helps prevent milk from sitting on her teeth overnight.

If you have your own tips to share, be sure to head over to TwitterMoms and join the conversation!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Trident blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Longing For Fall....

I know most people are getting ready to send their little kiddos back to school, or maybe they have already started. But in my house, we have no hustle and bustle of school supplies, back to school clothes, nerves, or tears from separating from our little ones (Mom's tears of course!).

Since my Daughter is still only 3, she has not gone to school yet. And thankfully I have a whole year before preschool. I don't even want to think about it! Just the thought of her being away from me makes me get a nervous tummy. it's hard when she's never even been to daycare...to all of a sudden be an independent little kid. I'm sure she'll love it though! She probably can't wait to get away from me, LOL!

So I am looking forward to Fall, this time of year brings all kinds of great things to do....

• Apple Picking, Apple Cider, Apple Donuts....yumm!!
  
• Hayrides
• Halloween! We have a great zoo trick or treating event, and my Daughter went trick or treating for the 1st time last year. She loved it, and so did we!
• Leaves Changing. It gets SO pretty, I love the gorgeous colors!
• Pumpkin Pie. Nuff Said.
• Wearing Hoodies and Cute Sweaters!
• Carving Pumpkins
• Baking in the oven on a chilly day
• Thanksgiving Dinner. My Mom's dinner reminds me of home. It's the same every year and I LOVE that. It's like reliving my childhood, so good!

Of course, then you'll have winter, which has lots of good things too. But mostly ones I am not too fond of :) But I think it just makes us appreciate Spring more when it finally arrives!



I bought a Pumpkin Pie at the grocery store over the weekend. I couldn't resist. I have eaten almost the entire thing all by myself. It is SO good and makes me long for Fall!

What is your Favorite thing about Fall?

Mealtime Must Haves Winner!

Mealtime Must Haves Winner!

#49 - Meghan! (couponmeg)

I have emailed you - please reply within 72 hours to claim your prizes!

Five Favorite Family Time Ideas!

There are plenty of ways to have some family fun time every week or everyday! We like to find things that are inexpensive so we don't break the bank :) Here are some fun things we like to do! Be sure to visit TwitterMoms for even more ideas!

Take Out Dinner At Home - restaurants are fun, but a little stressful with a hyper 3 year old. Sometimes we'll get it to go and enjoy it on our deck! You get a nice warm evening, great meal, and no tipping :)

Movie Night - We like to cuddle up with a family friendly movie. Great ones comes from Disney of course! If we need something new we'll visit RedBox for $1 a day rentals!

Games Night - my daughter's favorites are Don't Break The Ice, The Honeybee Game, and puzzles, puzzles, puzzles! I can't wait until she gets a little older and can do even more of them. We love games!

Walk At Lake or Park - this gets us outdoors and enjoying the sunshine! Plus it keeps us active, which puts us all in a better mood. We have some great local parks and lakes that we love to visit on the weekends.

Going to The Zoo - always a favorite1 Even though we go often, there is always a cute animal doing something different1 our local zoo also has an amusement park with kiddie rides, so my daughter loves that :) There's also a big park so we can pack a lunch and have a little picnic!

I also love to cook with my Daughter, we get lots of family time out of that :) Cupcakes, casseroles, whatever....she enjoys helping! Crafts & projects are other ones we like to do together - especially painting!

I'd love to hear your ideas too - might give me some new ways to enjoy a new activity with my Family!


“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and LEGO blogging program, making me eligible to get a prize pack. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

WE ARE HAVING.......

A GIRL!!!!!!


SO, SO EXCITING!

Here's a little recap of the day :)

They instructed me to drink 32oz of water by 11AM...and my appt was at noon. So I finished drinking the water by 11, and felt really gross from that much water so fast. I didn't want to spread it out over the hour though, because I thought it would be harder to hold it a longer amount of time.

So we get there at 11:45, and by that time I have to go.

It went from uncomfortable to pretty much unbearable so fast. They didn't call me in until 12:15 and I thought I was going to bust! Like seriously, a pregnant woman who has to pee is not a thing to play around with, LOL! Every time the baby kicked, it was torture on my bladder. I told the lady that I wasn't going to last much longer, and there was no way I could enjoy the ultrasound when my bladder/tummy was in that much pain. She told me that she only needed it full for the first minute, then I could go to the bathroom & we would do the rest.

Thank God!

Once I was done, I felt so much better, LOL! Then I could relax & enjoy the moment.

Until, that is, my Daughter starts crying. Of course, this wasn't a surprise. She is a cryer whenever she gets near the Doctor, a nurse, dentist, whatever. We made it totally clear that they were just taking pictures of the baby, and it was a fun day, but she still was upset. She spent the hour whining, crying, and wanting to leave the room. Luckily my Husband just held her the whole time, and kept her calm for the most part.

We had the technician SPELL OUT if it was a g-i-r-l or a b-o-y so that we could tell my Daughter when she was in a better mood :)

It was so cute seeing my little belly baby on the screen, kicking, waving her little hand. Everything looked great, so we are very thankful for that!

When it was all over, we left the room and were walking down the hall. My Daughter says "That was SO fun!!' And the tech just started laughing at her! That is so my Daughter, to be totally fine as soon as we are out of the exam room :) Back to her happy self!

After we got to the car, we asked her if she wanted to know if it was a boy or girl. She said yes! We told her at the same time...it's a girl!! And she was SO excited! The smile on her face was priceless! She was so proud telling her Gramma and Uncle later too, and was in the best mood all day :)

She is going to have a little sister. We are going to have two sweet little girls in our family. I couldn't be happier!

Tackle Laundry With Robby Wash Laundry Ball - Review & Giveaway

I feel like I am always doing laundry. Even when I get my pile done, the very next day....there's more clothes sitting there. And with the arrival of #2 at the end of the year, there's only going to be more of it! You know how much laundry those tiny babies can create? Tons!

Part of the hassle that comes with endless laundry is the process of buying the detergent. It seems like we are always running low on that stuff. And being frugal, I hate spending a lot of money on it. I have been interested in trying a type of laundry ball to help save on detergent costs, and was fortunate enough to be able to work with Oransi and do a review of the Robby Wash Laundry Ball!


Never heard of it? Let me share a little more info about this easy to use product!

This little ball replaces the use of your regular laundry detergent. The ball is filled with small balls/beads that do all of the cleaning for you. Simply fill your washing machine with clothes & let the water fill...then throw your Robby Wash Ball into the machine! It's ultra high efficiency laundry solution gets your clothes extra clean and leaves them with a pleasant smell. No need to add any other detergents or do any kind of measuring!




Here are some great benefits to using the Robby Wash Ball!

• Saves Money! not only can you stop lugging those heavy laundry containers home, but you'll save on the cost that comes with it!
  

• Simple, Easy to Use

• Targeted Cleaning. There are 2 types of Robby Wash Balls available. Use the Fuchsia Ball for low temperature loads, and the Blue Wash Ball for higher temps. Maintains softness in your laundry while removing stains and odors.

• Hypoallergenic! Less detergent on your clothing, and less detergent to irritate your skin

• Baby Safe Laundry Solution! Formulated to be gentle on your Baby's skin but tough on the stains that they can create :)

• Fresh Scent! Using the Robby ball will leave a gentle clean smell to your laundry. Not overpowering, which is a plus for me

• High Efficiency Laundry. each Robby Wash Ball Pack will clean on average for 12 months. This includes the 3 refill packs of macromolecules

• Helps The Environment. Think of all of the plastic we use when we buy those other laundry detergents. It's a lot of waste! the Robby Wash Ball can be used for 2-3 years!

• Contains no phosphates or chlorine

I have had the chance to use my Fuchsia Robby Wash Ball numerous times this week alone. I never realized just how much laundry I did until I was working on a review! :) I actually ran out of my regular detergent this week, so it was really convenient to have my Robby Wash Ball waiting for me to try.



Just like they claimed, this product was VERY easy to use. I threw it in with my regular loads, and the laundry came out clean and smelled fresh. Normally I buy a gentle detergent without a lot of scents & no dyes. Making the switch to the Robby Ball was an easy one for me....the scent it left on my clothes was just enough to be pleasant, not overwhelming. And I love that it is gentle and hypoallergenic, that's an important feature for me!

I did multiple loads in a row, and it worked every time. When I was finished with the loads, I took out the Robby Ball to let it air dry, as recommended in the instructions. This was really easy to remember to do, because I had to take the ball out anyway while putting the laundry in the dryer. This ball is not meant for the dryer - so you want to be sure to avoid accidentally throwing it in there!

I am excited to see the continued benefits of using the Robby Wash Laundry Ball. I know overall it will save us money on detergent. The Ball & refill packets can last up to a year, but if you are a frequent washer it won't last quite that long. Right now I am doing about 3-4 loads of laundry a week, so it should last a pretty good amount of time. Now if you are a family that does that many in a day, you will need to buy refill packets sooner than a year.

Each Robby Wash ball comes with the ball (loaded with macro-molecule pellets) a stain stick, and 3 extra refill packets. Approx price is $32.95

You can purchase the Fuchsia or Blue Robby Wash Ball, depending on the temperature of water you would like to use with the ball.

Click HERE for more info on how/what to buy!

One reader will win their choice of a Fuchsia or Blue Robby Wash Laundry Ball!

Tell me your favorite feature about the Robby Wash Laundry Ball!

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave an extra comment for every additional entry you complete

1. Follow my Blog
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Giveaway will end on September 1st at 10pm CST. Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be emailed directly. Winner has 72 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary laundry ball to facilitate this review. No other payments were made. All opinions & experiences are my own & different people may have different experiences with product.

The Big Day!

Well...one of the big ones anyway!

Tomorrow afternoon (Monday) I will be going with my Husband & Daughter to the Doctor to get our big ultrasound done!!

Fingers crossed that everything looks great, baby is healthy, and that baby cooperates so we can tell if it's a boy or a girl :)

I can't wait to find out! I remember thinking about this day back in May, and telling me Mom that the time will probably fly by, because summer goes so quick. At the end of Summer, we would know. And now the day has come! I think it went by pretty fast, except those days in May & June where I was completely sick...those dragged on & on :)

I have been feeling much better lately, now just dealing with the headaches. I take a Tylenol and have a small glass of pop, and usually that helps enough to get by. It is a million times better than what I was dealing with up until about 15 weeks along.

I can't wait to share with everyone our news when we get back tomorrow!! My Mom will be the first person I call of course, she has barely been able to wait this long! Ha!

Chain Of Friends Contest From Hampton!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love staying in a hotel...and it has been awhile since we've been able to do that! Especially with no kids :) That was 4 years ago this summer.....I was pregnant with my Daughter and we had the most relaxing mini vacation ever. the best part of staying in a hotel for me is the comfortable beds, room service, and the extra large whirlpool tubs!

Even if you don't have anywhere exciting to go, just getting away from the house for a night can feel amazing. And right now, Hampton is having a fun contest where you can win hotel stays for you and your friends!

It's called the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes and is really easy to enter. 100 First Prize Winners will win weekend stays for themselves and three of their friends.

The very lucky Grand Prize Winner will win the entire hotel - that's 100 rooms - for 2 nights!! Can you imagine?? So basically you get to invite 100 of your closest (or most distant!) friends for a free 2 night stay!

If I won this contest, I would really have to thin about who to invite. Only because I don't know 100 people! I think I would invite all of my Family, their friends, and probably tell their friends to come along too! It would be a great way to get a relaxing weekend and have some friends with family and friends! Just imagine...if you go down to dinner or for breakfast in the morning...it would be full of people you knew! How cool would that be??

This contest is open to everyone, even if you've never stayed at a Hampton before. You don't even have to be part of their Hilton Honors Program. Just fill out your info & you're entered! Be sure to head over...and if you win, feel free to invite me :) 100 people is a lot you know!

My Future Shutterfly Experience! With A Giveaway!

Some of my favorite gifts to give and get come from the photos I have taken of my Daughter. Over the last few years, I have enjoyed things like Photo books, calendars, keychains, and posters...all with pictures that are meaningful and adorable!

Shutterfly is an online photo storing website that makes ordering photo gifts fast, easy, and convenient. Membership is free of course, and allows you to create wonderful items such as Holiday Cards, Birthday Party Invitations, and Office Supplies like mousepads or magnets!

Since I am expecting my 2nd baby, I will be checking out their huge selection of Baby Announcements!

Of course we aren't sure if the Baby is a Boy or Girl yet (we find out in 3 days...not like I am counting down or anything!)


But if it's a Girl...this Truffle Ruffle Pink Birth announcement is beautiful!



And if it's a Boy this time around, I'd love to send this Scallop Salute Blue Birth Announcement card to family and friends!



I love that they make it very easy to find the exact announcement you are looking for. You can select how many Pictures you'd like the card to include, Format, Color, Card Size, Price, and Designer and they will show you a list of cards that meet your criteria. Or you can just go through the whole list, like I did!

Don't forget, the Holidays will be here before you know it! Be sure to check out Shutterfly for all of your Holiday Card needs, they have a great selection and great prices!

One reader will win 10 FREE Shutterfly Cards of your choice!

Please leave a comment telling me what kind of card you would make! (Birthday, Birth Announcement, Holiday, Thank You, Wedding Announcement...the list is endless!)
EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave an additional comment for every extra entry you complete.

1. Visit Shutterfly & tell me the exact name of a Stationary/Card item you liked!
2. Follow my Blog
3. Subscribe by Email
4. Spread the Word about contest - Blog/Tweet/Or Post on Facebook (leave link!)
5. 'Like' Ladybug Soup on Facebook

Contest will end on August 27th at 10pm CST. Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be emailed & announced on Ladybug Soup. Winner has 72 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I will receive complimentary Shutterfly Cards as a thank you for posting about my Shutterfly experience. All opinions given are my own & different people may have different experiences with product and/or company.

Executive Gift Shoppe Review & Giveaway!

I'll be the first to admit, buying a gift for my Husband is not easy. I think Men in general are a little harder to buy for. But after being introduced to Executive Gift Shoppe, I won't have any more problems finding great gifts for my Husband, brothers, Dad, and more! In fact, the only trouble I may have is trying to decide on just one thing to get!

Executive Gift Shoppe carries great gifts for the Home and Office, including great items like:

• Personalized Mugs
  
• Liquor Flasks
• Money Clips
• Gift Baskets
  
• Briefcases
• Pocket Watches
  
• Coasters
• Golf Gifts
• Wine Gift Sets
• Wallets
  

This is just a taste of what executive Gift Shoppe offers their customers! Many items would make great Groomsen Gifts too! Their website is also very easy to navigate, which I really appreciated. You can use their categories listed on their left sidebar to search through the items you are interested in, keeping things easy and convenient.

Another thing I loved about this company is that there are gifts available in every price range. Whether you are looking to spend $10, $50, $100 or more you'll be able to find something great! And I quickly discovered it's not just a company for men. I found many items I would love to have in my home. This Festiva Square Cutting Board with Slide Out Drawer would be perfect for entertaining! ($36.72)

I was able to review an item from Executive Gift Shoppe, and after a lot of thought, I decided to get the 300 Dice Striped 11.5 Gram Chips With Oak Case. That's the technical name for this poker chip set in a beautiful oak case, perfect for travel! I chose this because my Husband loves to play poker (I like to join in sometimes too!) and he thought it looked like a great set to bring along to his poker games he goes to on some weekends.

He was so excited when the box came, it was seriously like Christmas for him :) He was very impressed by the quality of the chips, that's an important feature to him! The chips are made of a composite resin that makes them feel heavy...just like a real casino chip. Another feature he loved was that there were 3 removable chip cases (each holding 100 chips). You can just lift them up to conveniently pass out the chips to your buddies, and it also gives you a little hidden compartment to store your cards, money, dice, whatever you'd like! The interior is also lined with felt, so it looks professional and classy.

We were both very impressed with this product, and everything Executive Gift Shoppe had to offer. I know for Birthdays and Christmas he'll be sending me back to this website for another great gift!

Executive Gift Shoppe has generously offered to give one reader an item of their choice, up to $50!!

Please visit executivegiftshoppe.com and take a look at their many items they offer, then leave a comment telling me the name of one of your favorites!

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave an additional comment for every extra entry you complete

1. Follow my Blog
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4. 'Like' Ladybug Soup on Facebook
5. Follow Executive Gift Shoppe on Twitter (leave your twitter name)
   
6. Follow Ladybug Soup on Twitter (leave twitter name please)
7. Share this Giveaway by a Tweet, Blog post , or your Facebook Page - leave the link!

Giveaway will end on August 31 2010 at 10pm CST. Winner is chosen via random.org and will be announced on Ladybug Soup & emailed directly. Winner has 72 hours to reply to email or a new winner will be chosen. US Residents only please.

Disclaimer: Product was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. No other payments were given. All opinions & experiences are my own and different people may have different experiences with product and/or company.

5 Important lessons Every Kid Should Learn

TwitterMoms is celebrating the return of Nanny McPhee, and asking bloggers to share 5 Important lessons that every kid should learn.

I think the hard thing is limiting this list to only 5, because there are so many lessons I want my Child to learn. but here are 5 that I will share today...

Be Kind To Others.

I want to raise my Daughter to treat others with respect, stand up for the little guy, and to be kind to those that are different or not as fortunate as her. Nothing makes me feel worse than seeing someone get picked on, and I am determined to teach my Daughter right and wrong, and that she should treat others the way she would want to be treated.


Do Your Best To Get An Education.

This is one my mom passed on to her kids. An education is invaluable and no one can ever take it away from you. I want to support my daughter's school efforts and encourage her to go to college, and teach her that she can do anything she sets her mind to.

Learn to Forgive/Say She Is Sorry

People are going to do things in life that she won't like, and I want her to know it's best to forgive others than hold onto grudges.

Saying you are sorry is an important thing as well. Everyone makes mistakes....everyday it is sure to happen! I also want her to know that she can always tell me anything and that her dad and I will always be here for her, no matter what.

Love, Love, Love

Nothing is better than love! Loving her Family, friends, future Husband :) I want her life to be full of love.

Faith

I want her to love God, pray, and believe in faith

Give back

Charity, volunteering, I want her to learn it all. Life is more fulfilling if you can learn to help others, give back to your community. No person is too small to make a difference in the world!

I could list about 100 more! look forward to reading what other people believe are immportant lessons at Twitter Moms!


“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Nanny McPhee Returns blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Bob Books Introduces Sight Words Box Sets! Review & GIveaway (2 Winners)

Chances are if you are a Parent of a school aged Child, you have heard of Bob Books. I had heard many excellent things about them and how they really helped young children learn how to read. It's actually a #1 Best Selling Learn To Read program! Can't get better than that!

Recently Bob Books introduced two brand new sets that focuses on learning and practicing Sight Words. Sight Words are words that are recognized by sight, rather than sounded out, to achieve reading fluency. These are some of the most commonly used words in the English language and are often not ones that we can pronounce phonetically (words such as out, was, and are are good examples)

Sight Words from Bob Books are available in 2 different sets - Kindergarten and First Grade. Each Box Set comes with 10 Original Books, 30 Flash Cards, and a Parent Guide to help you and your Child practice these words in a fun and educational way!

We were sent a box of both the Kindergarten and the First Grade Site Words books to review for ourselves. Like I mentioned, there are 10 books in each set. Each book is short enough (about 12 pages) for your Child to practice reading without getting frustrated or bored. It is very age appropriate, as the words are very simple - usually 3-4 letters only. And the simple illustrations are just enough to let the story come to life and make it more interesting to the reader.



Of course my 3 year old is a little too young to be reading this on her own, but she really enjoys me reading the stories to her aloud. But after seeing how Bob books works, I am definitely going to go pick up the pre-reading skills box set, perfect for someone her age that is just starting out.

With school right around the corner (or maybe it already started!) this set is the perfect tool in helping your Child learn to read. Even now as an adult I can remember what it felt like as a Child when I was able to read a book on my own. Your Child will surely feel proud of themselves and ready for school with help from Bob Books!



For more information on Bob Books: Sight Words or another series from Bob Books, you can visit their website. Purchase from Amazon for approx $11 a Set.











2 Readers will win both Sets of bob books Site Words (that's Kindergarten AND 1st Grade!) along with an adorable Lunch Box!! (pictured above)



Please leave a comment telling me which Book your Child loves to practice reading, or a book they like you to read aloud to them

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave an additional comment for every extra entry you complete

1. Follow my Blog
2. Subscribe to my blog by email
3. Blog or Tweet about this Giveaway (Leave the link)
4. Follow me on Twitter
5. 'Like' Ladybug Soup on Facebook

Giveaway is open to US Residents. Giveaway will close on August 27th at 10pm CST. Winners will be announced here on Ladybug Soup and emailed directly. Winners have 72 hours to reply to email or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received the mentioned books to facilitate this honest review. All opinions are my own and different people may have different experiences with products. Thank you to Scholastic Books for providing review & giveaway items!

Aloha Friday!

It's finally Friday! What a long week it has been!

I thought I'd participate in Aloha Friday this week, since I actually remembered :) it was started by the lovely Kailani from An Island Life. basically, I ask a question, and you answer it. Pretty easy right? And if you'd like to do a little blog hopping & meet some new people, check out her site and see who else is participating!

In honor of being 19 weeks pregnant now, and having my 20 week ultrasound so close, I thought I would ask you all...

Did you find out early if you were having a boy or a girl? Or did you wait for the surprise??

I will be finding out, provided the Baby cooperates :) I love surprises as much as the next person, but to me it's just a surprise that happens a little earlier. I still am excited to know, excited to find out. It works for me! also I am completely impatient, lol.

I also think it will help with bonding...we'll be able to call it a little sister or a little brother, which will help get my Daughter used to the idea and excited to meet them.

There is something so great about the idea of not knowing until they make their grand entrance though, isn't there?

Let me know if you found out or waited in the comments! And have a great Friday!

Sore, Sore, Sore

I. Can't. Move.

Every part of my body hurts, all from cleaning the house.

Bending To Pick up Toys

Cleaning The Entire Bathroom (toilet, floors, sorting, scrubbing)

Laundry. 3 Loads. Folded Too (go me!)

Lots of dishes.

Taking Out Trash.

It never ends. Up until 4pm it looked like I didn't even touch a thing. Now though, it's visibly clean. Which helps me feel like I actually accomplished something.

All of this for a regular person can be tiring, of course. But throw in those crazy pregnancy joints and you have one sore Mama!

I think I overdid it today...so I'll be taking a warm bath & relaxing the rest of the night. Ouchy.

Ten Tips For Saving Money During Back to School Season!

Back to School buzz is everywhere right now! You can't walk through any store without seeing the pens, pencils, backpacks, folders, shoes, clothes.....the list goes on & on. So how do you make sure you stay on budget and still get the items your Child needs?

Here are a few tips I can offer, just off the top of my head. You may even have your own tips to share, or be interested in learning more. If so, head over to Twitter Moms and join the conversation!

1. Make A List. Pretty easy right? Make a list of necessity items and stick to it. This will prevent over spending from items that are thrown into the cart last minute
2. Check Sunday Paper Ads For Deals! be sure to check office supply stores like Office Depot & Office Max, as well as Walgreens and CVS. Sales will vary store to store and week to week, so watch prices and get them while they are on sale.
3. Use Coupons Especially at CVS & Walgreens. They have Register Rewards (and other programs) that can get you many free items if you just watch for them
4. Go Through Clothes To See What New Items Your Child Needs. Some items can be worn again if they still fit, like jeans, underware, sweaters, etc. I usually buy my daughter's clothes a little big, so the next season I always test things to see if they will still fit.
5. Check Old School supplies For Items They Can Re-use. I remember cleaning out my desk & locker at the end of the school year, and sometimes I would bring home never used items, like 3 ring binders. Same with calculators, rulers, and more!
   
6. Check Clearance Clothing Items for Items That Can Be Worn All Year Long. Great pieces are graphics tees, leggings, polos, and different styles of shoes.
7. Save Receipts. If something doesn't fit, or if you buy it while shopping alone & you get home and your teen hates it, you need that receipt ready to get your money back. There is nothing worse that not being able to use an item, but losing that all important receipt.
8. Take Advantage of Online Coupons. Old Navy is one that regularly puts out coupons. Check a store's Facebook Page too, they like to put out free shipping coupons, or discount codes (Children's Place does this)
9. Check Sales Just After the School Year Starts. Those backpacks, lunch bags, and cute food containers will probably go on Clearance after September 1st. If you can hold off, this may be a good option for you. But keep in mind the choices may be less, so your child may not get their favorite one.
10. Use Rebate Offers. Lots of stores have easy to use online rebates, which is much more convenient for a busy Parent. A lot of items are free after rebate, so you get your money back in the end.

If you have any other tips, I'd love to hear them!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Linens 'N Things Free Shipping Code!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of LinensNThings. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love to shop online for gifts and for products needed in my home. I love that I can have a stress free shopping experience without dealing with the hassle of driving there, hoping my toddler stays well behaved, and dealing with lines and crowds. Plus, I can shop ANY time of the day, which is perfect for busy Moms!

If I can get free shipping at an online store, I am pretty much sold! And right now you can get FREE SHIPPING at Linens N Things (thanks to SocialSpark), the perfect place to find things like Bedding, Bath Towels, Home Decor, and Organizational Accessories (so what I need right now!)

Simply visit Linens 'N Things and enter the code LNTFREE to get your free shipping! Offer is valid through 9/15/2010

This is the perfect time to shop Linens 'N Things because they have a ton of back to school items that are perfect for your college bound kid! I saw a great selection of necessity items like alarm clocks (get to class on time!), fans, dorm hooks, storage bins, wastebaskets, rugs, and SO much more!

Personally I could use some nice new matching bathroom towels and accessories! The Contessa Bath Collection looks very classy, and I love that the sets keep everything matching. It takes the hard part away from me! The set includes a matching wastebasket, toothbrush holder, tissue holder, really everything you'd need for a complete bathroom set!

If you have upcoming birthdays, weddings, or housewarming parties you can find great gifts at Linens 'N Things too! My favorites were the Bakeware and Dinnerware sections!

Remember to use your Free Shipping Code listed above and feel free to pass it along!

Embracing the Mini Bump

Do you remember that awkward stage of your pregnancy where you aren't sure if you look pregnant or if you look like you just ate too many burritos?

Yeah, that's me.

I am 18 weeks along now, so I am definitely getting the poochy lower tummy. But my upper tummy is already poochy because, well, that's where I carry my weight. So my bump definitely looks different this time around!



I still feel like I just look like I ate too much though. Not really a pregnancy bump yet, but getting there!

Oh, and I caved and bought a pair of maternity jeans/shorts. I had to. I wanted to wait because it'll only be hot here another month or so, but I couldn't take how uncomfortable my other shorts were. I had enough, and went to Target and got a pair. Just one. Yeah, I wear them many times a week, LOL!



I LOVE this one of my daughter hugging my tummy. She likes to talk to my belly and is very excited to become a big sister soon. In a couple of weeks we'll find out if it's a boy or girl, so that will be really fun! And much easier than trying to explain that we don't know if it's going to be a baby brother or a baby sister yet. Guess what her vote is for? ;)

Mealtime Must Haves Including Book, Bibs, And Placemats! Review & Giveaway!

Once you have a Baby, going out to eat at a restaurant does become a bit more challenging, but it's all about being prepared. Even at home, eating changes when you have a kid. Especially a baby! Ever notice that by the time you settle down to eat, your food is cold? Or as soon as you start to enjoy your food, the Baby or Toddler needs more milk, food, etc? I know I can't be alone on that one :) We go out to eat occasionally and I make sure to pack extra activities in my purse, little things I can pull out to prevent the boredom meltdowns.

Blue Apple Books has some stylish, fun, fresh products that are perfect for keeping your little one happy while eating their meals...whether you are at home or out and about! I was able to review 3 fabulous items that helped my Daughter stay entertained, clean, and happy....which of course made one happy Mom!

First up is the colorful and attention getting book 'EAT' from Dwell Studio. This book is a great way to get your Child excited to learn all of the different foods they can enjoy. The board book is sturdy and will definitely hold up to wear and tear that young Children can put on their books. It's great for kids 2-5 but I think it could even be great for a younger baby that is learning to say to words and to recognize pictures.


The second product we got to try is SO much fun. It's called 'Are You Eating Something Green' and is a book that is filled with tear out placemats your Child can read and color! I LOVED this idea, I haven't seen anything like it anywhere before. Some Moms might want to keep it in the car, so if you happen to stop somewhere for lunch you'll always have a little placemat ready to go. I have had my fair share of restaurant outings, and I can honestly say that the experience will have a better chance at going smoothly if there is a placemat for my Daughter to look at & color. It keeps her busy, entertained and happy.




The placemats all have a colorful side to read and learn, and then when you flip it over they have some pictures for your Child to color in. They tear out very easily and each one is different - 36 in all. This book goes for about $9.99 and in my opinion is definitely worth it!



The last product we got to try is another one that I really loved. 'Bibs To Go' from dwell Studio is a tear off pad filled with colorful and cute Bibs! Yup, a book full of bibs you can actually use! And if you are expecting a piece of paper in the shape of a bib, that doesn't actually do it's job, you are surely wrong! Each bib is made of a waterproof disposable material that keeps your Child's clothing protected. And there are tabs in the back that secure the bib around their neck so that it isn't constantly falling off of them. Seriously Genius! Inside you'll find hip designs like airplanes, animals, cars, birds, veggies, and more - 20 bibs in all!



Just like the placemats, you can keep this in the car so that you'll always have a bib handy for meals...or even if you find yourself doing a messy activity like painting. We use the placemats at home, and I also keep one placemat & bib folded up in my purse just in case we stop somewhere while we are out. I really loved these products because they are fun for kids, offer colorful designs, and are extremely useful for Parents!



One lucky reader will win the three items featured in this review....EAT, Are You Eating Something Green?, and Bibs To Go!



Simply leave me a comment telling me your Child's favorite meal! That's it!

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave an extra comment for every extra entry you complete.

1. Follow my Blog
2. Subscribe to my blog by email
3. 'Like' Ladybug soup on Facebook
4. Follow me on twitter
   
5. Tweet or Blog about this Giveaway - leave the link please (for twitter you can use this if you'd like: Enter the Mealtime Must Haves Giveaway! Prizes Include colorful EAT Book, Bibs, And Placemats! http://bit.ly/9sxVis
   
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Giveaway will end on August 23rd at 10pm CST. Winner will be chosen via random.org and is announced on ladybug soup & emailed directly. Winner has 72 hours to reply to emai or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US & Canadian residents only.

Disclaimer: I received the mentioned products in exchange for an honest review. No other payments were given for this review. All opinions given are my own and different people may have different experiences with product(s).

SmartyRents.Com: Rent Children's Learning Games Sent Right To Your Mailbox! FREE Month Code, And A Giveaway!

These days, there are so many different ways to get Kids excited about learning. One very popular way Parents do this is to let them use fun electronic games, like Leap Frog or VTech games. Children can play along with their favorite characters while learning numbers, letters, math, reading, and much more!

One thing I noticed right away about these gaming systems is the cost involved with buying your Child new games. Some Leapster games sell for $25 each, which in my opinion is a lot to spend on a game your Child may or may not be interested in. Then there are kids that play a game for a little while and get bored with it. Then you get a pile of games they aren't interested in anymore sitting around the house, not being used.

A great solution? SmartyRents.Com! Smarty Rents is an online game renting system set up for Children's learning video games such as Little Leaps, Click Start, Leapster, Didj, V. Smile Baby, V. Smile, V. Motion, and V. Flash.

How Does It Work?

1. Pick Your Rental Package. Choose the package that will fit your Family best. Choices range from renting 1 Game at a Time ($9.99 a month) all the way up to 4 Games a month (for $24.99 a month)
2. Games Are Sent Right To Your House! With Free Shipping & Free Returns, games are conveniently sent right to your home! When you are finished with them, just pop them back in the mailbox and they will send you the next available game on your list!
3. Rent Games as Long as You Want! Keep your game for one day or two months, either way you won't be charged a late fee. You'll be charged your regular monthly plan fee regardless of how many games you get in the month too. Keep one game the whole month or return them quickly & get many games in the month, it's your choice!
4. Return And Receive Another Game! Return the Game when you are finished (free return shipping label) Also if your Child loves the game and does not want to part with it, you can purchase the Game at a reduced price.

Easy Right? To me it is a lot like Netflix...you get Games you choose sent right to your house, and return them to the mail when your are finished, with no late fees! They have games that are no longer available on the market for purchase too, so you may be able to find something your Child would really enjoy! I love that you can choose what kind of monthly plan you would like to purchase. It makes it the perfect choice for Parents of just one or Parents of 3 or 4 Kids that would all like to enjoy a game too!

I have a Special Offer for ALL of my readers to take advantage of!

SmartRents.Com is offering everyone a special promo code good for One Free Month of the One Game at a Time Package (or $9.99 toward the package of your choice!)

Promo Code: d1cbdd
Expires: August 31 2010




I also have a Giveaway Offer for 5 Readers! 5 of you will win 3 Months of Free Rentals from Smartyrents.com!



Please leave a comment telling me which game system your Child loves to play! OR tell me their current favorite game or favorite show/character!

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave an extra comment for every additional entry you complete

1. Follow my Blog
2. Subscribe to my blog by Email
3. Become a Fan of Ladybug Soup on Facebook
4. Blog OR Tweet about this Giveaway (Leave the link please)
5. Follow me on Twitter

Giveaway will end on August 18th at 10pm CST. Winners are chosen via random.org and will be emailed & announced on Ladybug Soup. Winners have 72 hours to reply to that email or a new winner will be chosen. US Residents only.

Disclaimer: I received no payments for this post. I received only the same one free month promotion that the company offered to all of my readers. All opinions given are my own and different people may have different experiences with products and/or company.