A Baby Extravaganza Event!

With Baby #3 on the way I wanted to plan something fun to celebrate. To celebrate not only the upcoming arrival of our sweet baby boy but also to celebrate my readers & followers.

So, coming 2013 a A Baby Extravaganza Even with tons of reviews & giveaways.

Just to name a few participants/sponsors so far:

Balboa
My Brest Friend
Simple Wishes
Kolcraft
Swaddle Designs

More to come!

So, be sure to invite all of your friends..you don't want anyone to miss it!

And I'm up for suggestions, who/what would you like to see in the event??

Bebe au Lait Giveaway

As Emma's birth gets closer & closer it's time to check off the must-have's...which includes a nursing cover. 

After not having one with Maddox I realized that this time around it was a must.  I by no means plan to nurse in public (nothing wrong with those that do), that's just not me.  But what about those times when you're riding down the road pumping or nursing in the backseat of the car while sitting in a parking lot.  Oh yes, all the things you don't think about before you're a mommy. 

But with so many to choose from where did I even begin??

Every store is full with different ones of all different prices.

So, what's the difference??? After talking with other mom's I've realized some barely cover you. 

And what's the point of that.  Why use a cover if it doesn't serve the purpose?

But after having the chance to review a nursing cover from Bebe au Lait I knew I had found a keeper.

Not only do their covers come in super cute prints such as Chateau Endive (picture above) like I received

but they are such a wonderful size so they are sure to serve the purpose. 

Plus, I absolutely love the fact that they have 2 Terrycloth interior pockets for storage of breast pads or pacifiers. 

Plus, another great feature is their unique rigid neckline that not only allows for ventilation but for direct eye contact with your baby.  Which is especially important in the beginning while your newborn is still learning how to breastfeed correctly. 

Absolutely the best cover around; it is definitely going in my hospital bag!

Bebe au Lait has been so generous to offer ONE LUCKY follower the chance to win

their very own nursing cover

Wanna Win???

Please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't count

Mandatory Entry

**Be/become a public follower of my blog then head over to

Bebe au Lait & tell me another product that you love (MANDATORY)

Extra Entries

**Head to their site & sign up for their newsletter (1 EXTRA)

*Like Bebe au Lait on facebook & tell them

Houghton Happening's sent you (2 EXTRA)

**Follow them on Twitter (1 EXTRA)

**Subscribe to the Bebe au Lait channel on YouTube (1 EXTRA)

**Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link (3 EXTRA)

**Enter my other current giveaways (1 Entry per)

Giveaway ends 2/15 at 11:59 EST.

Winner will be chosen via random.org & will have 48 hrs to respond.

I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review & host of this giveaway.

I was in no other way compensated.The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views.

I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The views & opinions are purely my own.

Precious Baby & Maternity Boutique Review & Giveaway

As a soon to be mom of 2 Under 2 I have to say a mom can never have too many diaper bags.  This also comes from a mom that loves to accessorize.  I strongly believe in changing your purse with seasons so why not change your diaper bag as well?

I recently came across Precious Baby Boutique on etsy & fell immediately in love with her diaper bags.  Not only are they gorgeous but they are handmade & customizable. Right up my alley.

A few of the things that I find as a must in a diaper bag:

• Cuteness (of course)
• Washability
• Tons of pockets

And Precious Baby Boutique's has just that...

Sarah so kindly sent me a diaper bag to review and, oh my goodness, let me tell you show you how cute it is.

And as I mentioned above a diaper bag MUST HAVE pockets...and Sarah's has THIRTEEN. Oh yes, you heard right, 13!  With 8 on the outside & 5 inside this bag fits my expectations.

And as an added perk Precious Baby Boutique's  comes with matching accessories:

• Coordinated waterproof changing pad
• Coordinated Covered Wipes Case
• Coordinated Diaper Holder

And not to mention the other perks: swivel key fob (wonderful because I'm always losing my keys) & integrated stroller straps (which will be wonderful with 2 kids).

Sarah has so many beautiful fabrics to choose from so there's a bag for EVERYONE.

I must say this diaper bag is my absolute favorite of all the ones I have.  It is absolutely gorgeous & so professionally sewn.

After having it only one day I have already received so many wonderful compliments. 

Precious Baby & Maternity Boutique is definitely one of my new favorites on etsy!  And with so many cute things to choose from she is sure to be yours as well.



Soft Stackable Ring Toy



Lol, and because we all want to scream it....



Hands Off The Belly Tee



Patrick's Day Shamrock Tie Onesie Plus Hat & Pants


Sarah has so generously offered to give ONE LUCKY FOLLOWER
the chane to win a $40 Credit to her shop

 Wanna Win??

Please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't count

Mandatory

**Be/become a public follower of my blog then head over to

Precious Baby & Maternity Boutique and tell me your favorite item (MANDATORY)

Extra Entries

**Heart Precious Baby on Etsy (1 EXTRA)

**Like Precious Baby on Facebook & leave her a wall comment

saying Houghton Happening's sent you (2 EXTRA)

**Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link so I can check it out (3 EXTRA)

**Enter my other current giveaways (1 Entry per)

**Update your facebook status with a link to the giveaway (2 EXTRA)

**Follow Me on Twitter & Tweet with a link back to this post (2 EXTRA)

**Buy something from Precious Baby & tell me what you bought (10 EXTRA)

Giveaway ends 2/15 at 11:59 EST.

Winner will be chosen via random.org & will have 48 hrs to respond.

I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review & host of this giveaway.

I was in no other way compensated.The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views.

I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The views & opinions are purely my own.

Sophie Marie Carseat Cover Review

Have you ever tried to cover your carseat with a blanket only to have the wind blow it off??

Can we say frustrating. 

And being Emma is being born in the Winter I felt it was necessary to search for a carseat cover.  We have all seen the ones you can buy at baby stores but if you're like me you want something cuter & more fashionable.  Plus there's the controversy about those because they can interfere with the carseat straps so where else would I turn...
etsy!

And I'm so glad I did, because I found exactly what I was looking for at
Sophie Marie

Sophie Marie is the collaborative endeavor of two sisters who are both moms of little kids.  They absolutely love sewing for children.  Their shop is based out of Pacific Northwest, where they enjoy taking their kids to the zoo, park & the farmer's market together.  They are both very passionate about living the conscientious life, whether it means eating locally grown food or buying used in order to live in a more sustainable way.

I just love their story & think it's absolutely wonderful to see 2 sisters working together. 

They were so generous to send me a carseat cover for review

I love the fact that their covers easily fit over any carseat & that there is no bottom piece to interfere with the carseat straps.  Safety is of course the #1 priority & with theirs I know that I'm not compromising it. 

Each cover has elastic sewn into the outer edge which allows it to be easily stretched around the edge of your carseat.  I had no problems whatsoever applying it to my Chicco KeyFit carseat.  It fit perfectly!

I also love the fact that there is a head flap which I can easily flip down to protect Emma from the wind/snow/rain. 

Another feature that I absolutely love about their cover is that it easily unzips to allow you to get your infant in & out of the carseat without having to remove the cover. 

A MUST in my book!  Who wants to remove a cover every time they need to place their child in & out of the carseat?  Not me.

And another MUST, their covers are machine washable because we all know baby's spit up and we know that it stinks after awhile. 

If you're in the market for a carseat cover or if you have a friend who you don't know what to buy for their shower head over to Sophie Marie for the cutest carseat cover's around.
I promise you won't regret it.
Price: $50.00

Padalily Giveaway--CLOSED

Have you ever carried an infant carseat???

If so you know how much your arm can hurt afterwards from it digging in. 

But luckily there is something to make it comfortable & easy to carry.

Like many great baby products, Padalily was created my a mother, Lily, soon after she gave birth to her 3rd child.  One morning while juggling the carseat at the post office, the idea struck.  Hence, the Padalily was born & is now available to moms (and dads) EVERYWHERE!

A padalily is a plush & stylish cushion to wrap around the car seat handle. Plus it comes in many stylish fabrics & trims so you're sure to make a fashion statement at the same time.

Plus it's reversible & made in the USA!!

 

With Emma getting ready to make her big debut I was super excited to try out my very own

in Red Frisco...

And let me just say what a magnificent invention!  My arm will thank Padalily very much. 

Plus, it's super cute & fashionable.

Seriously a must have on my list!

Every Mom should have one & it makes a wonderful shower gift!

The Padalily is super easy to apply to any carseat handle, it folds out to a flat piece

which is easily wrapped around & velcroed in place.



Padalily has so generously offerd to give ONE lucky follower their very own

Padalily

Wanna Win??

Please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't count

Mandatory Entry:

** Be/become a public follower of my blog then head over to Padalily & tell me your favorite fabric(MANDATORY)

Extra Entries:

**Like Padalily on Facebook & leave them a wall comment

saying Houghton Happening's sent you (2 EXTRA)

**Follow Padalily on Twitter (1 EXTRA)

**Tweet or update your facebook status with a

 link to this giveaway (can do both) (1 EXTRA each)

** Enter my other current giveaways (1 Entry per)

**Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link so I can check it out (3 EXTRA)

**Watch the video on their site & tell me something you've learned (1 EXTRA)

Giveaway ends 1/31 at 11:59 EST.

Winner will be chosen via random.org & will have 48 hrs to respon

I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review & host of this giveaway. I was in no other way compensated.

The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

The views & opinions are purely my own.

 

Another Cuddles From Home Giveaway---CLOSED

Remember THIS giveaway???

Well, I'm super ecstatic to bring you another giveaway from

Cuddles From Home

As I have mentioned before Maddox is in love with his blanket. 

 I honestly don't know what we'd do if we lost it.  So, I think it's only right to find Emma her very own blanket that she can love just as much as he does. 

And I think we may have found it (we'll see soon) with Cuddles From Home

Teddy Bear Loveys

One of the things that Maddox love about his own is that it is super soft...and Cuddles From Home's is just that. Each Teddy Bear Lovey is made with 2 layers of 100% ultra-soft plush polyester dimple-dot minky.  It is so incredibily soft. I just wish I had a big blanket like this for my bed.  Plus, each blanket has finger tabs (which kids love to rub) that are made of satin. 

I'm sure Emma is going to love her Teddy Bear Lovey just as much as her Momma does.

I only wish I could get Maddox to switch from his current lovey to one of these...they're so much cuter.

And the best part for me is that each lovey is

Handmade with Love in the USA

Cuddles from Home has generously offered to give ONE lucky follower thier very own

Teddy Bear Lovey

Wanna Win??

Please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't count

Mandatory Entry:

** Be/become a public follower of my blog then head over to Cuddles From Home & tell me which color you'd choose if you won(MANDATORY)

Extra Entries:

* Like Cuddles from Home on Facebook on leave them a

wall comment saying Houghton Happening's sent you (2 EXTRA)

*Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link(3 EXTRA)

*Enter my other current giveaways (1 Entry per)

* Follow me on Twitter & Tweet about this giveaway leaving a link back to the post (1 EXTRA)

Giveaway ends 1/26 at 11:59 EST.

Winner will be chosen via random.org & will have 48 hrs to respond.

I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review & host of this giveaway. I was in no other way compensated.

The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

The views & opinions are purely my own

Pea Pie Doodle Hospital Gown Giveaway---CLOSED

Honestly, who wants to wear those ugly hospital gowns???  And as a nurse myself I see where those gowns have been, YUCK!  And to top it all off who wants to look back at their pictures in those hideous unflattering things. Those are pictures that every mother treasures for years to come so why not look good in them. 

Thankfully, Ashley Isaacs of Pea Pie Doodle felt the same way and created

Special Delivery Gowns

And I'm so excited to share all about it. 

This has seriously been my favorite review/giveaway thus far



Ashley Isaacs with her older kids, awaiting baby #3



A little about her story:

As the Mother of three beautiful children, I have been through my share of labors and deliveries,and have looked back on each one of my first photos and thought, they really should make hospital gowns a little more flattering!

Coming from a family of seamstresses and creativity, I decided I would do just that...Make a hospital gown that is functional for the stay at the hospital

Ashley so generously sent me my very own Sarah Delivery Gown to welcome Miss Emma in to the world.  I'm so excited to be able to welcome her in style.  Plus it's absolutely gorgeous in fact my Mom saw it hanging on my closet door & said "that's a pretty dress".  When I told her it was my hospital gown she couldn't believe it. 

Each Special Delivery Gown is made with a cross over front & shoulder snaps to make exams & breastfeeding a breeze without being completely exposed.  Plus, each gown snaps down the back to prevent showing your tush. 

And even better the gown is made with an empire waist to show off your figure.  No need to hide it behind those ugly hospital gowns.

I am so in love with her Special Delivery Gowns & even more delighted to be working with a fellow sister in Christ!  I seriously think every expectant mother should have her very own

Special Delivery Gown

Ashley has so generously offered to give ONE lucky follower a chance to win their very own

Special Delivery Gown 
(excludes black & white damask print)

plus

She has generously offered to give EVERYONE 10% off their order; just use coupon code:
HGIVE
at checkout!

Wanna Win???

Please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't count

Mandatory

**Be/become a public follower of my blog then head over to Pea Pie Doodle's etsy shop & tell me your favorite print  (MANDATORY)

Extra Entries

**Like Special Delivery by Pea Pie Doodle on facebook &

leave her a link with your favorite gown; & don't forget to tell her Houghton Happening's sent you 

(3 EXTRA)

**Blog about this givewaway & leave me a link (3 EXTRA)

** Heart Pea Pie Doodles on Etsy (1 EXTRA)

**Update your facebook status with a link to the giveaway.

And be sure to leave me a link so I can check it out.(2 EXTRA)

**Enter my other current giveaways (1 Entry per)

Giveaway ends 1/26 at 11:59 EST.

Winner will be chosen via random.org & will have 48 hrs to respond.

I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review & host of this giveaway.

I was in no other way compensated.The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views.

I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The views & opinions are purely my own.

Miracle Blanket Review & Giveaway---CLOSED

When Maddox was a newborn he slept through the night at just 4 weeks old which is unusual for an exclusively breastfed infant.  However, I definitely hope to duplicate this with Emma.

I honestly can't tell you exactly what we did but I sure plan on trying it again. 

And one of the things that I DID DO was to swaddle Maddox nice and snug.

The art of swaddling can be a bit difficult to get "just right" so they're nice and snug but luckily there are great swaddling blankets out there like the Miracle Blanket.  And they make it so easy even the Daddy's can do it correctly.

Plus the Miracle Blanket is guaranteed to stop Colic!  (This alone should be a selling point)

A little background:

An exhausted father’s frustration gave birth to the Miracle Blanket® — ecstatic customers named it after sleeping for the first time in weeks! Michael Gatten decided he wouldn’t settle for another colicky baby.

Following exhaustive research, cutting, stitching and testing the design on his then four-week-old son, Michael created a simple and incredibly effective solution that greatly enhances the age-old technique of swaddling. Before he knew it, Good Housekeeping Magazine® got a hold of his creation, gave it the coveted “Thumbs Up!” and the rest is history. In 2002 Michael Gatten formed AMB Enterprises, now Miracle Industries, LLC., to produce and distribute the Miracle Blanket® which is now used around the world by 100s of thousands of parents, hospitals, pediatricians, midwives, nannies, NICU nurses, Maternity Ward Nurses, day care facilities. Sales have spread throughout the United States , United Kingdom , South Africa , Switzerland, Mexico , Canada , Australia , New Zealand as well as Japan , Korea, China and the Philippines, Scandinavia and Germany to name a few.

As a mother/baby and pediatric nurse I strongly support swaddling

and

With so many facts supporting swaddling why wouldn't you too?

• FACT: Medical research showing the incredible efficacy of PROPER swaddling has been done using a snugly wrapped blanket with arms down at-the-sides.
• FACT: Babies are not coordinated enough to self-soothe (ie. suck hands) reliably until 14-weeks. Swaddling is a substitute during this time to prevent awakening from the Moro Reflex.
•  FACT:  PROPER swaddling has been shown in clinical studies to calm a fussy, colicky baby while helping baby sleep safer, netter, deeper and longer. 
• FACT: PROPER swaddling has been shown in clinical studies to reduce SIDS by as much as 30% even over back-sleeping babies without swaddling.     

Miracle Blanket was so generous to send us a natural beige blanket to review.  One of the greatest things that I found was that their design uses no knots, buttons, straps, velcro, snaps, or zippers.  So, there is nothing to scratch your newborn plus there's no confusion where to snap or velcro.  I will definitely be recommending the Miracle Blanket to all my friends & patients parents. 

Often times I have parents call me to their room because their newborn won't stop crying.  After simply swaddling their baby the newborn tends to drift to sleep easily.  So, of course their next question is how do you swaddle?

Well, the Miracle Blanket makes that 10x easier. 

Not to mention that many receiving blankets are just too small to achieve that perfect swaddle.

Swaddling can truly make the world of difference in whether your little one sleeps or not.

My Miracle Blanket will be going in to the hospital bag 1st thing!

Where to Buy: Head to THEIR SITE for a store locator (see left column)
Retail Price: $29.95
Target Age Group: 0-4 months
Wanna Win One???
Please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't count 

Mandatory

**Be/become a public follower of my blog then head over to Miracle Blanket & tell me something you've learned (MANDATORY)

Extra

**Like Miracle Blanket on Facebook & leave them a wall comment

saying Houghton Happening's Sent you (2 EXTRA)

**Follow Miracle Blanket on Twitter (2 EXTRA)

**Head over to Miracle Blanket & watch the video then come back & tell me something you've learned

(1 EXTRA)

**Head to their site & subscribe to their newsletter (see left column) (1 EXTRA)

**Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link (3 EXTRA)

** Enter my other current giveaways (1 Entry per)

Giveaway ends 1/26 at 11:59 EST

Winner will be chosen via random.org & will have 48 hrs to respond.

I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review & host of this giveaway.

I was in no other way compensated.The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views.

I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The views & opinions are purely my own.

Lil' Diner Review

If your toddler is anything like Maddox you need something to keep his plate attached to his highchair.  We're pretty much fine until he decides he's done eating.  Once he's done off it goes right in to the floor.  And if you're like me you hate seeing your good plates bounce off the floor.  And not to mention the mess that it creates.

So, I was super excited to review  Lil' Diner's Baby Diner. 

 In the past I have wasted my money on suction cup bowls & plates but Maddox was always able to pull them right off.  So, I was a bit skeptical.

I was happily surprised!

This isn't the case with the Baby Diner

with dual suction cup's it is sure to stick.  Plus, any plate or bowl will attach to it making it great for EVERY meal or snack.

And it's small enough to fit in your diaper bag for restaurant use.

No more eating off dirty restaurant tables.

And best yet the plate stays in place even after he's done. 



Ignore his wet shirt



 If it can hold up to my toddler it certainly can hold up to any baby.

The Baby Diner normally retails for $14.99, however Lil' Diner currently has them on sale for $9.99.

Head over today to get yours. You won't be sorry.

I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review. I was in no other way compensated.

The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

The views & opinions are purely my own

Mummi Quilts Lovey Review & Giveaway ----CLOSED

If there's one thing Maddox can't live without it is his lovey.  I fear the day that we lose it. Not quite sure what we'll do...I just pray it never happens. 

So, of course it would only be right to find Emma the perfect lovey as well.

I recently had the opportunity to work with Mummi Quilts 

who sent Emma her very own monogrammed Bunny Ear Blankie

Isn't it precious?

 

One of the things about a well loved security blanket is that it goes EVERYWHERE which means tons of germs & dirt.  Which in return means lots & lots of washes.  So, I find it very important to find a well made blanket that will hold up and Mummi Quilts Bunny Blanket is just that.  All of their products are handmade at their studio in Ontario, Canada.  Their blanket is very well stitched; in fact it has double stitching around the edges.  I can only imagine how well it will wash. 

And not to mention how adorably cute it is.  Each blanket has numerous colorful ribbons & bunny ears to keep your baby's hands busy & to assist in developing hand-eye coordination.  What a wonderful addition for a lovey.

I've also found from Maddox one of the things that makes a lovey so lovable is the softness factor...and Mummi Quilts has just that.  Each blanket is backed with the softest chenille. 

And, lastly to make their blanket even better they have attached a toy link so it can be attached to the stroller or car seat.  I can't even tell you how many times I've had to bend over the seat to retrieve Maddox's from the floor.  Or how many times we've almost lost it because he threw it out of the shopping cart.  If only it had a toy link.

Mummi Quilts definitely had all the necessities in mind when they created their blanket.

I'm sure Emma will just love it, I know her Momma does!

Mummi Quilts offers so much more from Personalized Chenille Stroller Blankets

to Designer Stroller Blankets (which are super cute)

to Pullover Bibs 

(you can never have too many of them)

to super adorable Princess Aprons

and the best part is that ALL of their products are handmade with love.

Mummi Quilts has been so generous to offer one lucky follower the chance to win their very  own

Personalized Bunny Ear security blanket

Wanna Win???

Please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't count

Mandatory Entry

*Be/become a public follower of my blog then head over to Mummi Quilts

and come back and tell me which

designer fabric is your favorite (MANDATORY)

Extra Entries

** Like Mummi Quilts on Facebook & leave them a wall comment

saying Houghton Happening's sent you (2 EXTRA)

** Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link (3 EXTRA)

**Enter my other current giveaways (1 Entry per)

**Sign up for Mummi Quilts newsletter by Contacting them on their website with your name & email address (1 EXTRA)

Giveaway open to US & Canada residents

Ends 1/11 at 11:59 EST.
Winner will be chosen via random.org  & will have 48 hrs to respond.



I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review & host of this giveaway. I was in no other way compensated.

The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.
The views & opinions are purely my own