Sparkle Stories winner and a deal for EVERYONE!

Sparkle Stories have truly been a gift this last week.  I was flying solo this weekend as Super Mama and when bedtime rolled around I had no issues getting the boys snuggled in because they couldn't wait to hear the new story.  They have enjoyed all the stories.  Thanks to all that took the time to throw their name into the bucket.  It was a lot of fun to see.
I used Random Number Generator to select your number.   

Here is the list of people who entered in the order that you commented.  Since I am an amateur give away blogger I want to show you how I did things. 

1.  Amy
2. Christina
3. Kelly
4.  Shoan
5.  Haley
6.  Peggy
7.  Jennie
8.  Raina
9.  sshokoui@hotmail.com
10.  MOMOF2
11.  Christine
12.  youareyourown
13.  The Tompkins Family
14.  Lisa
15.  Lynelle
16.  Hannah
17.  Holly Fish
18.  Jessica
19.  Kim
20.  Jamie
21.  April
22.  Heather
23.  Amy
24.  Jessie

And the winner is number 10....MOMOF2!  I will email you the info.  You have 24 hours to return my email otherwise, I will pick a different winner. 

TO THE REST OF YOU.    The lovely folks at Sparkle Stories are offering a wonderful discount to all FOR THE LOVE OF NAPS readers — $1 for the first month! Choose from one of three Sparkle Stories story packages, and try four weeks of Sparkle goodness for one dollar. Go to: http://www.sparklestories.com/trysparkle/ Use the magic code  4F38 to receive your discount!.




One of our bedtime solutions, during one of the numerous "awful dreadful quirky stages" that our children have gone through, has been using books on CD to help them drift off to sleep peacefully. And when this mama is wearing her super cape and flying solo during the bedtime routine...having some fun audio books in my pocket are a huge help. I can read the crew a few picture books all together and then snuggle in the boys and hit play.  We don't use audio books every night.  We did for a while, always after reading with them.  But it is a special treat these days. 

Sparkle Stories, a unique children's audio book subscription, crossed my path recently and I have been lucky enough to get to try them out and GIVEAWAY a three month subscription to one of you.  Sparkle Stories is a unique subscription that delivers audio books to you on a weekly basis.  The stories are wholesome with cute characters and nice lessons.  The stories all range from 15-25 minutes long.  PERFECT to fall asleep to.   Your children can look forward to a new story each Friday.

 The Sparkle Stories are delivered to your storybox.  You can download them and burn them to a disc or play them on any MP3 player or ipad type device.  I put them on my  ipad and burned them to CD.  So we are set for travel too.  When I burned them I put each story on it's own cd but doubled it up.  That way they listen to the one story twice...helping with comprehension. 

Audio books are a great learning tool for children.  They allow the audience to practice their listening skills and let their imaginations create the images in their head -instead of limiting their thinking to the pictures in a book.  And how great to not have to leave your house to find a new story for your children to enjoy.

We are trying three of the series options.  And today we got our first stories.  Tonight they picked to listen to Luck and the BlueJay.

But here are the three stories and a little summary of what they are about.

Martin and Sylvia is one series.  The first story we received was titled:
Telling the Truth and a little blurb about the story...
Sylvia accidentally breaks one of Martin’s inventions, and blames the damage on their cat Pickles. “Pickles did it!” But oh how Sylvia feels miserable — all day! Momma knows just what to do: she whispers a little something in Sylvia’s ear, and Sylvia knows just what’s needed next.


Another series is So Many Fairies and the first story we received was titled:
Luck and the BlueJay
Ripley is a bold bluejay with quite a temper. For the past few years he has developed a reputation for his temper, and consequently, other birds have begun to avoid him. A host of fairies teach Ripley about finding inner peace and calm using the help of, well, something very surprising!


And another series is At Home with Martin and Sylvia and the first story we received is:
Visiting the New Baby
Momma’s assistant Amy has just had a baby, and Martin and Sylvia can’t wait to see her. They do all sorts of things to get ready to meet her: they make cards and little fuzzy gifts, and plan out a nutritious meal. But nothing prepares them for the magical moment of seeing a new baby for the first time.

The man that narrates the stories is very soothing.  It is just right for a calm end to the day.  The boys loved listening to the stories last night...even though there weren't dragons or Star Wars guys in them.

So a three month subscription...that is a couple hours of audio books ladies.  Perfect for in the car, bedtime, naptime, quiet time, art time (they can listen and you can pause the story so they can draw what they see in their imagination).  The possibilities are endless. 

Give a shout out and tell me one thing you are doing for you 

Sparkle Stories: Review and GIVEAWAY!

One of our bedtime solutions, during one of the numerous "awful dreadful quirky stages" that our children have gone through, has been using books on CD to help them drift off to sleep peacefully. And when this mama is wearing her super cape and flying solo during the bedtime routine...having some fun audio books in my pocket are a huge help. I can read the crew a few picture books all together and then snuggle in the boys and hit play.  We don't use audio books every night.  We did for a while, always after reading with them.  But it is a special treat these days. 

Sparkle Stories, a unique children's audio book subscription, crossed my path recently and I have been lucky enough to get to try them out and GIVEAWAY a three month subscription to one of you.  Sparkle Stories is a unique subscription that delivers audio books to you on a weekly basis.  The stories are wholesome with cute characters and nice lessons.  The stories all range from 15-25 minutes long.  PERFECT to fall asleep to.   Your children can look forward to a new story each Friday.

 The Sparkle Stories are delivered to your storybox.  You can download them and burn them to a disc or play them on any MP3 player or ipad type device.  I put them on my  ipad and burned them to CD.  So we are set for travel too.  When I burned them I put each story on it's own cd but doubled it up.  That way they listen to the one story twice...helping with comprehension. 

Audio books are a great learning tool for children.  They allow the audience to practice their listening skills and let their imaginations create the images in their head -instead of limiting their thinking to the pictures in a book.  And how great to not have to leave your house to find a new story for your children to enjoy.

We are trying three of the series options.  And today we got our first stories.  Tonight they picked to listen to Luck and the BlueJay.

But here are the three stories and a little summary of what they are about.

Martin and Sylvia is one series.  The first story we received was titled:
Telling the Truth and a little blurb about the story...
Sylvia accidentally breaks one of Martin’s inventions, and blames the damage on their cat Pickles. “Pickles did it!” But oh how Sylvia feels miserable — all day! Momma knows just what to do: she whispers a little something in Sylvia’s ear, and Sylvia knows just what’s needed next.


Another series is So Many Fairies and the first story we received was titled:
Luck and the BlueJay
Ripley is a bold bluejay with quite a temper. For the past few years he has developed a reputation for his temper, and consequently, other birds have begun to avoid him. A host of fairies teach Ripley about finding inner peace and calm using the help of, well, something very surprising!


And another series is At Home with Martin and Sylvia and the first story we received is:
Visiting the New Baby
Momma’s assistant Amy has just had a baby, and Martin and Sylvia can’t wait to see her. They do all sorts of things to get ready to meet her: they make cards and little fuzzy gifts, and plan out a nutritious meal. But nothing prepares them for the magical moment of seeing a new baby for the first time.

The man that narrates the stories is very soothing.  It is just right for a calm end to the day.  The boys loved listening to the stories last night...even though there weren't dragons or Star Wars guys in them.

So a three month subscription...that is a couple hours of audio books ladies.  Perfect for in the car, bedtime, naptime, quiet time, art time (they can listen and you can pause the story so they can draw what they see in their imagination).  The possibilities are endless. 

Give a shout out and tell me one thing you are doing for you today.  And you will be entered to win the three month subscription.  Make sure you have an email included in your entry so that I can contact you.  Otherwise you will have to rely on the announcement here on Saturday evening.  The winner will be chosen on Saturday evening around 9pm. 

Summer music giveaway!

Last summer I had a song that I called my summer song. And even this past winter, when it came on the radio, Henry would proudly remind me, "MAMA! It's your summer song!" What song was it you ask. It was this one!

 

Recently, I was asked to review and giveaway Michael Franti's latest album The Sound of Sunshine! Yes you heard me correctly...the CD that my summer song is on! I was thrilled. I hadn't listened to much else by Franti...besides the old favorite, Say Hey (I Love You). The CD arrived last week and it has been in our player all week!  It is AWESOME!  The boys even love having it on.  One day last week we had it playing all afternoon.  It has such nice rhythm. 

There are several songs that I LOVE on the album and there are none that I want to skip over!  But this one is probably my favorite.  It has the line...

"The best things in life aren't things" 

And I actually heard it on our local radio station yesterday on our way home from soccer!  So this must be his next hit from the album...which makes me feel pretty proud because it is what I would have picked.

"The best things

In life

aren't things"

...but wouldn't it be fun to get a new fun CD in the mail for summer!?
Share something you are planning to cross off your summer list this week and you will have a chance to have win a copy of Michael Franti &Spearhead's CD The Sound of Sunshine.

Giveaway will end on Thursday, June 16th at 9pm.

**I was given a copy of this CD from EMI to review and giveaway.  I only do reviews and giveaways for products that stay true to my blog content.  And I honestly really do LOVE this CD.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Winner of the Yael Naim CD was pw! PW said:

enjoying the song, stronger by sara evans lately. so many others but i'm no longer the hip mom that knows the name of songs anymore!!
fav mother's day moment?--lily saying "be right back, mom...i'm going to the jelly beans!" hahahaha
pw


Pw, Please send me your address so I can forward it on to the people who will get the CD out to you. Enjoy!

CD giveway for you!

Do you remember this song...that went with this ad?



Yael Naim became a sensation with me because of this quirky and catchy song.  I think it was about 2 years ago.  And recently she released a new cd titled She Was a Boy.  I was sent a copy and am in love with it.  Her perky sound is just right to listen to on a rainy Monday morning.  My favorite song on the CD is one titled Come Home:



Another great one is Go to the River:



So....Ladies...share with me a favorite artist or a favorite song that makes you smile these days and something that made your mother's day special.  And you will have a chance to win a copy of the new Yael Naim CD that is available May 10th.  I love mine.  You will love it too!  Promise. 

I will announce the winner on Friday evening at 9pm...

Winner Winner!

The winner of the Organically Grown spring onesie is:

Number 7!  Jennie said:

This year I'm especially looking forward to watching my 6 year old learn to ride her bike without training wheels. (that is if spring ever comes!!)

Jennie, please email me your address and the sex and size you would like, and I will pass it along to the company.  I felt the outfit I received ran on the small side, so keep that in mind - I am not sure how the onesies run.  

Another giveaway of a different sort should be coming this next week! 

Giveaway! Just for you!

I have given away and reviewed items from Organically Grown clothing company in the past. I loved the little outfit that they sent for Henry to try out. A reader, Amy, won a cozy item from a giveaway too.

Now they want to share a piece from their new spring collection....

Just in time for spring, well here in Minnesota I don't believe it will EVER arrive...but in case it does...! Their sets of adorable, 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton bodysuits are the perfect eco-friendly, affordable gift! Sets come with three themed bodysuits: Adorable jungle prints for boys and fresh garden fun prints for girls. All bodysuits come on a decorative padded hanger.

Share one of your favorite spring time activities and you are entered to win one of their cute onesies!   I will post the winner on Saturday night. 

Winner!

Go here to find out who won this fun book!

Book Review and Giveaway: Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?

I was recently given the opportunity to read the book Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick. She also allowed me to interview her and giveaway a copy of her book. Head over here to For the Love of Naps Giveaways and Reviews to participate!

GIVEAWAY!

CSN Stores is once again offering up a $50 gift card to use at one of their 200 online stores.  Go here to participate.

Look what's happening tomorrow!

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from cookware to cribs to specific needs such as dining room sets and shoes.  I have been given the opportunity to give away another $50 gift card to one of their 200 online stores.  This opportunity start tomorrow.  Go here to read more.

Who will be eating with Chopsticks!?

Below is the proof that Meg won the pair of Chopsticks!

To explain how I did it...I typed in each persons entry and numbered them. Random.org shuffled them up and Meg came up number one! Congrats Meg! Email me your address and I will stick them in the mail!

Stay tuned...I have been given another giveaway opportunity recently! Details coming soon!
------------------------

List Randomizer

There were 24 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. 24. Meg
2. 18. Messy Mommy
3. 6. Raina
4. 11. Shelly C.
5. 21. Crystal
6. 12. Shelly C.
7. 9. Shell
8. 14. Rebecca
9. 15. PEggy
10. 20 Crystal
11. 4. Nic
12. 17. Messy Mommy
13. 19. Jessie
14. 23. Meg
15. 5. Raina
16. 3. Coupon Clippin Mommy
17. 10. Jaime T.
18. 1. Jaime T.
19. 13. Rebecca
20. 8. Shell
21. 7. Mom
22. 16. Peggy
23. 22. Amy
24. 2. Coupon Clippin Mommy

Timestamp: 2010-04-02 03:10:05 UTC

Thank you and give away!

Woo Hoo! About a week ago I hit 100 followers. And just recently hit 100 subscribers. Around New Years I decided to put my blog out there and try and challenge myself to grow it a little. I started the 2010 with 15 friends and family that had signed up as "followers" and so I have definitely grown my little blog just a wee bit. In the grand scheme of blogs my blog is still just a tiny little spot...but it is my spot. And I am so proud of each comment, follower, hit, and email. They make my day. They motivate me to write.

I started this blog for my boys and my family and friends who don't live close enough to see us daily or even monthly. But it has turned into my place to reflect and pause and take in the little moments as a mother. It has become a fun hobby and spark for some fun friendships.

Thank you to each of you - who take time to visit, read, comment, and email. You make blogging so much fun!

In celebration of you, I am giving away two kids chopsticks (the cow and duck). They are called Animal Cheater Chopsticks. They make meal time here fun (and you know how I feel about family meal time). My boys each have a pair and LOVE them.

How do you win:

Throw a comment down below telling me a little about yourself so that I can get to know you, and make sure to leave a contact...since some of you don't have emails that link up to your profiles.

For a second entry - become a follower and leave a separate entry telling me that you follow. YOU MUST LEAVE a separate entry to get two chances to win!

I will use Random.org to pick a random person to win the set of chopsticks on Thursday!



***I purchased the pair of cheater chopsticks for this giveaway.

And the winner is...

Kelly! 

Some Jelly Belly Love will come your way!

I wish I would have included the question..what flavor would you have devoured.  Thanks for sharing friends that thought to, I thought of you as I nibbled on them today..it is really fun to find out what Jelly Belly Flavor is a person's favorite...if you didn't share and feel like it give a shout out. 

Jelly Belly Love

For Christmas Ed took the boys to Target and let them pick something out for me.  One of the items was a variety pack of Jelly Bellies...one of my favorites.  They have been taunting me since I unwrapped the gift.  Today I busted them out and immediately devoured one color in its entirety.  It is not normally the color I go for...usually it is the Very Cherry flavor.  However, lately, this other flavor has caught my attention.  odd. yes.  But boy did I enjoy the little stash.

Can you guess what flavor I devoured?  Ed will draw a name from a hat...of the people who guess correctly at 8pm tomorrow night.  If you are a follower...you get your name in twice.

And what is the prize....

Some Jelly Belly LOVE will come your way!

 

And the winner is...

Kimmer! A jar of homemade applesauce (and another little something) will be heading your way!

Happy Saturday evening everyone! I hope you got outside and enjoyed the beautiful fall day! We cleaned gutters, finished raking, trimmed down bushes, cleaned out the garage, rearranged the living room furniture, did the kid project at Home Depot, mowed a bit, swept, and more. Tomorrow...church, a Costco stock up shop, and more outdoor chores. What is the opposite of spring cleaning....fall ?

Be Present for the Give Away

The November Give Away will end on Saturday at 8 pm. At this point Ed will draw a name to see who wins a jar of homemade applesauce and another little treat...mailed or delivered. You can reply to this initial post. Or you can respond here.

Or you can read this other amazing reminder to be present with your children and respond here. What's for dinner?

The Fall Treat...

Today Lynelle's Fall Treat arrived on her doorstep. Conveniently, I could deliver it and skip the post office errand (the post office is not a favorite errand, hence, my mom's comment not believing that a fall treat would ever be delivered)...Next give away will be here before you know it! I made her 2 dozen m & m cookies and got her one of my favorite fall things these days, Simply Apple juice. My sister will testify that my response to any of her new mom stresses....a cup of warm Simply Apple juice. So enjoy Lynelle! All kidding aside...some of you are skeptical of Lynelle winning...she won fair and square...you can ask my all to honest husband who didn't catch on when I asked, "Do you think I can send everyone a fall treat?"

Happy Fall everyone....enjoy every second because the snow is really anxious to get here...as you can tell - those of you who live in these parts yesterday.

And the winner is....

Okay, first of all there are four minutes until 9pm so I have to write a little here before I can do the drawing. I am so excited that I can't even sit down and watch Grey's Anatomy. I comment on blogs and try to win things and never do. It is a little exciting waiting to hear if I am going to win...but this! THIS IS WAY MORE FUN! It has been so fun to anticipate who's name Ed will draw. This evening when Ed got home from work I said, "How can I just pick one?" He laughed.

What I realized today is that I write on here for my boys. And most days I forget that there are people who are reading. But every few weeks it hits me that there are people who know a hellofalot about our life. It starts to freak me out and I panic. Then I think, maybe I should stop making it public. Then it passes and it just kind of cycles. Anyways, today having a few people "interact" has made me realize that this is not just a hobby and when people share in my "passion" it makes me excited. I told Ed tonight that it would be so fun to throw a little party with my "readers." It just really has put a big smile on my face having a little interaction during my quiet day. Those that have stayed home with their children know that it can be isolating... anyways...this contest/give away thing has been so fun. So I plan to do more of them. Stay tuned...

Okay, it is now 9:05 so Ed is going to draw the winner!

And the winner is.....

LYNELLE!

Your "Fall Treat" will arrive next week... we are heading out of town tomorrow morning. I will make sure to get it to you by Wednesday!