The 400th Follower Giveaway Part 5

My vacation is still going well! A big thanks to those who have been asking. I know my husband is wishing I didn't bring my computer right about now, and I'm surprised with how much work goes into writing all of these features! Yikes! ...But it's fun, and I'm so happy to see you're all enjoying it!

Before you get all sad thinking this is the last giveaway I'm holding... Hold your tears... I've decided I'm going to do one more after this... This evening, another LIVE giveaway! The last one was so fun and I was expecting it to last a week or so and so many people missed it cause it went so fast! SO... I'm planning on doing another LIVE GIVEAWAY tonight at 7pm MST. ...Be there (here) or be square!... Although my giveaways are open to enter through next week tonight will be the finale of me posting them!

I'm still trying to round up a few more sponsors for it to end with a BANG, but I also wanted to do one more traditional giveaway for those of you who are traditional. So, on to the tradition...

Learning is fun right?--Sure, but making it a game can make it REAL fun.
23. That's exactly what Emily at Second Story Window has in mind when she's creating games for kids. They are teachers designing unique, colorful, and exciting activities for teachers, parents, homeschoolers, and most importantly, kids. All of their games are in the form of PDF files which makes it wonderful because you can get it right away! I browsed through her site and spotted this cute rhyming game to play cops and robbers... What kid wouldn't think that's a fun way to learn to rhyme? But there are LOTS more games! And the winner of this prize gets a $20 gift card to the shop! So check it out and let me know which games you'd pick!

Ok, I'm really trying not to be bias, and it could be my baby fever talking, but this next prize is SOOOOO cute!
24. You love little babies in Swaddles right? Oh man I know I do... They look like little baby burritos! Well, now you can make your own baby burrito at home (or help your friend make one) cause Loving Baby Inc. Is giving you the choice of your very own swaddle blanket!.. And let me tell you these are CUTE! Oh, and there's even some evidence that swaddling is good for babies.
The Perfect Swaddle!" Guaranteed to soothe your baby to sleep. This blanket is crafted from high-quality, luxurious 100% cotton flannel giving your baby a higher quality of life by providing a soothing, secure, comfortable and cozy environment. It promotes feelings of calm and relaxation, increasing the quality of sleep for both parent(s) and baby. It contour's baby's head, neck, shoulders and body for a secure, comfortable and long lasting wrap. Reduces crying and increases depth and length of sleep. Promotes "back to sleep" position reducing the risk of SIDS.
Sold yet? Enter away!

The next item up for grabs is something I SO wish I was winning, cause seriously I'm going to buy some...
25. Menstrual Beads from Doulahara's Etsy Shop. ...And before you look at me on the other side of the screen all strange (yes I get that reaction when people read the name of this prize) hear me out! Ever lose track of where you are in your cycle, want an easy way to remember when you're fertile so you DON'T do it on that day... or so you DO cause you wanna make a baby? Well, this is a unique and natural way to keep track! Here's how they work...
It's really simple! Every day, you move the charm over by one bead on the strand, beginning with the first day of your period.
-The strand of beads begins with one bead, that represents the day your period begins. There is a low likelihood of becoming pregnant on this day.
-The next 6 beads represent the infertile days of menstruation. There is a low likelihood of becoming pregnant on these days.
-The next 12 beads represent days when you are very likely to become pregnant if you have unprotected sex.
-The final 13 beads represent days when there is a low likelihood of becoming pregnant.
-In this final section of 13 beads, the 8th one represents the 26th day of your cycle--if your period ends before reaching this bead more than once in a year, you may not be a good candidate for this method of fertility awareness.
Note--These are set to work for women who have cycles between 26-32 days. So check out her site and let me know what other cool stuff you find!

And last but not least in my LAST "traditional" giveaway post for my 400th Follower Giveaway... Something for Jr.
26. I can't help but think of my puppy when I see things like these, but I'm so happy to know that chew-toy-like things don't go out of style just cause you have a human baby! Ok, I'm kidding, but really... I know from my younger siblings and working in daycare that teething can be a beast! Well, Krista from Discovery Toys is coming to the rescue with this prize-- A Yummy Teether. This prize with help your little one with those little pains coming through the gums! It's five teethers in one that will encourage sensory exploration as it soothes and comforts your teething tot. Stimulate baby's gums and ease the pressure that builds as teeth begin to appear. Five uniquely textured heads and light scent provide a range of sensations. 4" (10cm) long. Appropriate from Birth-Toddler.

So there you have it! Just leave a comment for your first entry! That's it!! No requirements, just leave one comment and you're in! BUT if you want something specific for one of these prizes let me know which color/style you like. Go ahead... Leave a separate comment for each choice, that'll up your odds! Here's other ways to up your odds:

You get extra entries by letting me know:

-*NEW* Tweet: "LIVE Giveaway tonight at 7pm MST on @babymakinmachin's blog! 25+ Prizes already! http://tinyurl.com/nzmfpn (Please RT)!"
-You subscribe to my blog
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog
-You favor my blog on Technorati
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (just click the link) and click my link again.. (It's a little too simple.)

-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "Check out this 400th follower giveaway by @babymakinmachin 25+ prizes! http://tinyurl.com/nzmfpn (Please RT)!"

-You follow my blog (worth 2 entries so leave 2 comments)

-You share your favorite "mommy moment" post you wrote this month (2 entries) - please comment on the "mommy moment" post with your link then let me know you did it here!
-You post about this contest (2 entries)

-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries for each comment on a different post)
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for MyBrownBaby (2 entries for each comment on a different post)

-You have my blog button (3 entries, so leave 3 comments)

-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments)

-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Black Weblog Awards (worth 5 entries!)

Again, Please leave a comment for each extra entry! That way you up your odds!

**I'm using Random.org to choose the winners. This contest closes midnight Friday July 17th**

The 400th Follower Giveaway Part 2

CLOSED

Well, Day 1 seems to be going well! One thing I forgot to mention is when all of these are ending. I haven't decided if it's going to be a week from now or two weeks from now. I'm thinking it'll be a week from now, cause I'll be out of town again in two weeks... So we'll see.

I hope you're having fun with this! I know I am... And this is really a fun way to thank you for all of the advice and encouragement you've given me... You ROCK! I'm hoping one of the days to have a LIVE giveaway, and the 5 or so items I give away that day will be given to random number commenter. The only thing is that goes better with comment moderation "on" and I'm visiting with family so I'm not sure I'll have much time to do that, we'll see! If I do do it, it'll probably be either Thursday or Friday... Just an FYI.

But on to day #2, which are mommy-themed items or gifts!:

Our first prize for you today...
6. Is "Baby's First Journal" from Lindsay at Glow Baby. It's an amazing idea... A comprehensive place for you to log your baby's schedule. You can track their eating, sleeping and diaper-changing schedules for your newborn. It's easy to use, and portable, and if you're one for a routine... This can help in developing that daily routine I often here is important for babies! And guess what? This is only the beginning for this company, Glow Baby will soon be launching a full suite of scheduling tools designed to help both parents of newborns and families simplify their lives. SO... if you're thinking of having a baby soon, or you have a friend who is.. This could be great for getting them started!

Lindsay has been kind enough to donate TWO of these journals. So check out her site, and let me know which color you'd like to win!

Speaking of just getting started... So is this giveaway. The next item we have for you..
7. A year subscription to JustAskBaby.com. Ever wonder what you baby is thinking or why he or she keeps crying? I know I wonder all the time what they're thinking when they're staring at me. Just Ask Baby's enlightening videos on babies' feelings will give you insight into your baby's social, emotional and intellectual development during their first year. Each video also gives you tools for good parenting to help you guide your child from milestone to milestone through their early childhood development.

This website is a unique website that let's parents see from a baby's perspective, and they say it's all based on science. You can also upload your own logs and milestones for your family to see! I've been browsing the site out myself, and you can get a free 15-day trial too. So if you like it, you're going to want to get the hook up with this giveaway! Let me know one interesting thing you saw on the site and you're in!

And if that isn't enough to get you excited, I have a few more things for you... Have a little girl, or a friend having one? Then listen up!
8. Heather from GeorgiaBlue's Etsy makes BEAUTIFUL little clippies for little girls. They don't slip. And trust me... She knows that works. She has a two year old and an eight year old herself, and both wear them. She says her two year old Georgia has some pretty fine hair but when she wears the clippies she looks so cute and they even stay in place!.. From what I hear that can be a challenge with some kids. her eight year old wears them too, to accent funky buns or she picks out sassy clippies to pull her hair to one side in. They are well made and all ends are heat sealed to prevent fraying. I looked at her site and couldn't pick out my favorites cause there are SO many.. But guess what? She's not going to limit you either! The winner gets a $25 gift certificate to her shop and can buy all the cute clippies they want! Check out her site and let me know which style or set you like in the comments section!

Still haven't had enough? This one is great if you have a little boy or girl or have a friend who's having one!...
9. This next prize is from Hippo Baby. With stuff you HAVE to have... No really, they have some CUTE stuff! The boutique offers unique, useful, & memorable gifts for Baby, Mom, & Daddy too. One thing I thought was cool was a chew-toy necklace that mom can wear... Now why didn't I think of that? But what I have for you is also cool.. and one of their newest items... A BandanaBib... That's right, your little guy OR gal is going to be eating in STYLE! I really like this striped one pictured but there are so many cute ones! So go check it out, and let me know which one you want!

This next prize is so adorable I literally can't stand it!...
10. A little giraffe-shaped rattle from Bundled's Etsy Shop. It's a sweet little giraffe rattles in bold prints make for tons of gentle fun for your little one. Soft cotton fabric bodies are easy for baby to grip, shake and chew. Little jingle bells on the inside and soft fabric loop ears and tail make for a "not to loud" distraction too! Mix and match with a Roll-Up or washcloth set for a perfect baby shower gift... Seriously, I kinda want to get one for Snoop. I'm SURE he'd love it! So... Have a baby or dog you want to get one of these for? Check out her site and let me know you're favorite color and if I draw your number it's YOURS!

And last but not least for today...
11. I don't know about you but sometimes I did wonder if there was a yummy way to make breast milk better. Well, HardierLime's Etsy Shop is here to hook you and your ladies up too if you know what I mean! One of you will be winning a small bag of Mother's Milk Enhancing Cookies. Oh, and I may have to chat with you about your reaction to this stuff too!.. It could make a fun post later. Heidi said her best friend had twin girls a few years ago and introduced her to the basic recipe for Lactation Cookies when she had her daughter last year. She says she's taken the general recipe and improved it, and has since made it many times. Everyone is different, but as an exclusive pumper, she says she's always seen good results after just a day of enjoying these delicious cookies.

Now you can make Lactation Cookies yourself with just a few extra ingredients you already have in your kitchen, without running all over town to find the specialized ingredients, spending a lot for the small amounts needed for the recipe or taking the time to measure everything out. It’s all in one mix, from her kitchen to yours!

So check it out and tell me which flavor you want so you can eat some yummy treats and get your baby some yummy milk!

So there you have it! Just leave a comment for your first entry! That's it!! No requirements, just leave one comment and you're in! BUT if you want something specific for one of these prizes let me know which color/style you like. Go ahead... Leave a separate comment for each choice, that'll up your odds! Here's other ways to up your odds:

You get extra entries by letting me know:

-You subscribe to my blog
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog
-You favor my blog on Technorati
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (just click the link)

-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "Check out this 400th follower giveaway by @babymakinmachin 25+ prizes! http://tinyurl.com/nzmfpn (Please RT)!"

-You follow my blog (worth 2 entries so leave 2 comments)

-You share your favorite "mommy moment" post you wrote this month (2 entries)
-You post about this contest (2 entries)

-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries)
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for MyBrownBaby (2 entries)

-You have my blog button (3 entries, so leave 3 comments)

-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments)

-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Black Weblog Awards (worth 5 entries!)

Again, Please leave a comment for each extra entry! That way you up your odds!

After typing all of this out I've decided each day of this contest will run exactly one week. So yesterday's will go until Monday July 13th at midnight, this one will end Tuesday July 14th at midnight and so on! Enter away and have fun! Tomorrow I'll be doing more fun giveaways for all women.. With or without babies! And if you missed yesterday's giveaway, just look below! Good luck!

**I'm using Random.org to choose the winners. This contest closes Tuesday July 14th**

The 400th Follower Giveaway Part 1

CLOSED- Winners will be announced 7/14

As I mentioned before, I'm out of town this week... A little family vacation--Yes, even with Snoop to visit Utah, attend a family reunion, and take care of some business with our condo.

I figured I wouldn't have much time to blog so I've set up some great fun for you! A HUGE giveaway to thank my first (an who knows, maybe last) 400 followers! I can't believe how much this blog--And myself have grown in the past seven months. I went from not knowing for sure if or when I wanted kids, to having a gameplan set... To who knows what (maybe pregnancy) in the near future!

Thank you SO much for traveling along this journey with me.

Just and FYI, I am not reviewing or getting any of these products I'm giving away for myself--So these features are purely for fun and so you can know what you're getting!

Day one of the giveaway is stuff for my hard working women... All women! Not just mommies! I had no idea so many Future Mama's read my blog until I saw my poll so I realized a lot of the things I give away couldn't just be for new moms. Here are the first five items:

Behind door number one...

1. A custom stamped necklace from Sandi of Tiny Token Designs

It's a hand Stamped Sterling Circle of Names Tag NecklaceSterling silver 5/8" disc hangs from a sterling silver chain (your choice of a ball chain or snake chain and you select the length 16", 18" or 20"). Names (or words) are stamped around the outside edge of the disc unless requested differently. Charms are hand stamped using individual letter stamping tools, therefore no two are exactly alike. Letters and numbers may not be perfectly straight or aligned properly, and spacing may vary. This adds to the charm of your custom piece and should not be seen as a defect, but as a one of a kind item. Check out her site and tell me what you like for your first entry.

And next... A brand NEW CAR! (not)... But similar in the blogsphere...

2. A custom premade layout from Danielle of The Design Girl. If you like my blog design you'll like her new layouts. She just started making pre-made layouts so there's a lot to choose from. You may be thinking "oh premade... what's so special about that?" But they are SO cute and original, plus she'll add your cute blog name and tag line in an adorable unique font. Ever week this month she's giving away a free pre-made layout on her site, but she's been nice enough to donate one to one of my own special readers! So check out her site, tell me which design you like and I'll HOOK YOU UP!--One of you that is, if you're the lucky number. If not... They're normally $35, but $25 right now (through the 8th for you all!)

My next prize just goes to show what I think of all of you...

3. A beautiful "Sweet Petite" pale pink LOVE wall decore sign from Darline of The Back Porch Shoppe is donating this beautiful decoration made with sand lettering and ribbon, and embellished with aged white dots. Measures 7 1/4" wide x 5" high. Perfect sign for any occasion...wedding, anniversary, birthday, valentine's day, or my favorite...a "just because". Each sign is individually handcrafted.--So check out her shop and tell me what else you like for your first entry!

And the next prize comes in handy for anyone who--Like myself can be forgetful, or have a hard time finding my keys your purse.

4. A cute Wristlet from Michele of SweetIrie. This super cute key chain is handmade with 100% heavy-duty cotton webbing and is accented with designer fabric. The band is big enough to slip on and off your wrist at a generous 9" in diameter or 22.9 cm long. It contains a split ring keychain, which is big enough to hold a large number of keys. It's great if you have your hands full with groceries, shopping bags, or babies. I know I'm always trying to figure out where the heck my keys are in the way to the car when I'm leaving work, so this would be great when I'm leaving late at night and want them at hand! Check out her site and let me know your favorite color for your first entry. She'll send the winner the one they choose! But even if you don't win guess what? She's giving my readers a 10% discount off anything from her shop! Just use the code: SAVE10

And finally... to conclude this first segment of my 400th follower giveaway...Something I just love to wear around the house!

5. An adorable BBQ Apron of your choice from Katy of Aprons and More. 100% cotton with one size fits most! This Polka Dot Flowers design is my favorite but there's LOTS more to choose from. I couldn't decide on my favorite because seriously, there are SO many! And trust me, she has a lot more than just this BBQ style, and they are all cute! I don't cook much myself, but wearing something cute like this gives me some incentive! Head on over to her shop, in the BBQ sextion and let me know your favorite! The winner gets the one they choose!

So there you have it! Just leave a comment for your first entry! That's it!! No requirements, just leave one comment and you're in! BUT if you want something specific for one of these prizes let me know which color/style you like. Go ahead... Leave a seperate comment for each choice, that'll up your odds! Here's other ways to up your odds:

You get extra entries by letting me know:

-You subscribe to my blog
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog
-You favor my blog on Technorati
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (just click the link)

-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "Check out this 400th follower giveaway by @babymakinmachin 25+ prizes! http://tinyurl.com/nzmfpn (Please RT)!"

-You follow my blog (worth 2 entries so leave 2 comments)

-You share your favorite "mommy moment" post you wrote this month (2 entries)
-You post about this contest (2 entries)

-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries)
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for MyBrownBaby (2 entries)

-You have my blog button (3 entries, so leave 3 comments)

-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments)

-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Black Weblog Awards (worth 5 entries!)

Again, Please leave a comment for each extra entry! That way you up your odds!

Whew! Ok, is that fun or what? And can you believe it's just day 1? Tomorrow I'll have products tailored more towards moms, moms-to-be, or great gifts for moms-to-be! OR... Just a nice somethin' somethin' for a future mama, to save in her stash for her own little one! This is ONLY the beginning!

**I'm using Random.org to choose the winners. This contest closes Monday July 13th**

The News Story That Opened My Eyes

As many of you know I work as a reporter. Most days I like my job a lot, but days like today I LOVE my job, because I don't know how else I would meet such wonderful people and children.

I work as an anchor and education reporter in Austin. I came across a Craigslist ad begging for awareness for a school in Austin created specially for young children diagnosed with Autism. It's not far from closing down because of lack of funding.

I've been around people with Autism before but never to this degree... But it wasn't just the kids who grabbed my heart and held tight, but their mothers. Never have I seen such love for a child, never have I felt that close to how a mother must feel about her child. A story has never given me the opportunity to sit down a just talk to a woman about her pride and joy--Her child.

I've been told several times that once you hold your baby in your arms it's a miracle when you realize how much love you can hold for a single being.

Hearing the struggles from these women brought tears to my eyes and tugged at my heart strings like never before. I don't think I've ever cried on location of one of my stories before, but today I did. Today I wanted to reach out and hug every mother in the world--Every mother who has a child with disabilities--Every mother who worries about her child day and night--Every mother who cries daily wishing she could do more for her family--Every mother who loves her child.

Cheers to you mothers. I can't wait to join the club.

To watch the story I'm still boo-hooing over click here. (It takes a moment to start playing after the anchor speaks)