Due to personal reasons and a growing photography business, Lolidots is not longer blogging, running giveaways or doing product reviews. There are tons of other great giveaway blogs out there though! Thanks to my fans for 2 years of awesome support and a lot of fun!


You can find my photography and photography blog (that I try hard to keep up with) at brosgrafix.com and facebook.com/brosgrafix


Thanks!



 

Cathy and Marcy's Song Shop CLOSED

February 1, 2010
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

My kids love music. They love to dance. They always have. In fact, most kids I've met in my life love music. With my own children and when I worked in daycare, music is such a fun way to get up, get involved and have fun.

Cathy & Marcy's Song Shop has recently released a series of DVDs for preschool children that is engaging, lively, fun, interactive and a treat for children and parents to watch. The DVDs contain musical activities that feature instruments that are both common and unique. Cathy and Marcy are engaging and the format of speaking directly to the viewers is ideal for the preschoolers watching. My kids were laughing and playing along while I smiled thinking that they were learning without even realizing it.


Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are Grammy award winning musicians who focus on the interests and needs of children and aim to teach through music. Their songs are catchy, their smiles are contagious and their hearts are wide open to the children who love them.

I am such a believer in the power of music and think it's a vital teaching tool. I highly recommend the "Meet the Instruments" DVD series from Cathy & Marcy's Song Shop.

Another new release from Cathy & Marcy's Song Shop is the adorable CD "Little Ditties for Itty Bitties". This CD is from grammy nominated Michele Valeri and is chock full of original songs that are designed to entertain while engaging children in fun learning activities. To further the experience, you'll find that the CD contains a full PDF with lyrics and activity ideas for each song. The CD contains fun songs about animals, songs that get a child playing and learning and even a bilingual song. This fun CD is just another amazing product from Cathy & Marcy's Song Shop that I definitely recommend to parents and any caregiver.


"Meet the Instruments" and "Little Ditties for Itty Bitties" would be welcome perfect additions into any home, daycare setting or classroom. Get those kids up and moving while they sing and learn! And, by all means, join in with them!

Check out the Cathy & Marcy website for free downloads!

Giveaways!
One lucky reader will win the "Meet the Instruments" DVD set!
One lucky reader will win the "Little Ditties for Itty Bitties" CD!

US only
Ends 2/8

To Enter: Fill out entry form below
Extra Entries:
-Follow the Lolidots Blog publicly in the Google Friend Connect
-Sign up for the Lolidots mailing list
-Comment on a non-giveaway post (link to the blog main page with posts is at the top of this page)
5 entries- Blog about what music means to you and your kids then link to this giveaway
 

Silikids CLOSED

February 1, 2010
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Silicone has been used in products for children for a long time. In 2006, two moms took their desire to be "green" and combined it with the need for high quality children's products. Silikids was born.

The Silikids products are unlike any I've seen. Silicone skins that slide onto glass bottles and child sized glass drinking cups are modern, very "green" and perfectly safe for babies and children. Silicone is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Easy to boil and clean, there is no where for bacteria to hide when silicone is used. Silicone is BPA free and completely free of harmful toxins. While silicone is extremely durable and resistant, if you should need to replace it, silicone is also recyclable!


The Siliskins are extremely useful. The rubbery grip they provide helps little hands hold on to cups and bottles. Plus, they come in fun colors.

Silikids also offers a product that I will absolutely scoop up should I ever have another crawler in the house. Silipads are brightly colored kneepads with silicone areas in the middle to keep the little crawlers from slipping, sliding or hurting their knees. Genius product, in my opinion!


I definitely recommend Silikids and their safe, environmentally responsible products.

Buy it!
Head over to Silikids and check out their line of products. Perfect for baby shower gifts!

Win it!
One reader will win a Siliskin with glass!

US only
ends 2/8

To Enter: Visit Silikids and fill out entry form below
Extra Entries:
-Follow Lolidots Blog publicly in Google Friend Connect
-Comment on a non-giveaway post (link to the main page of blog at the top of this page)
3 entries- Add Lolidots to your blog roll
3 entries- Add the Lolidots button to your sidebar
3 entries- Follow Lolidots on Twitter AND tweet this:
Awesome giveaways for mom, baby and kids! http://lolidots.com/giveaways
(You can get one extra entry for each time you tweet about Lolidots AFTER the original tweet. If you tweet again, come back here, click on the title of the post, scroll down to the bottom and leave a comment with the link to your tweet)

Don't have a blog? Email 4 or more people about Lolidots Giveaways, CC robin@lolidots.com so that I'll know and you'll get an extra 3 entries in any giveaway that your email mentions!

10 entries- Make a purchase from Silikids during this contest.
 

Mineral Basics Makeup CLOSED

January 26, 2010
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

I've wanted to try mineral makeup for a long time. When it comes to makeup, I always wear at least a little but, don't give much thought to what I wear. I've never really been a believer that different makeup is better. Well, after trying the makeup from Mineral Basics, I'm a total believer.

Mineral Basics began with one woman looking for the perfect mineral makeup that would be natural and for people with any skin type. Her makeup line has extended into other wonderful skin care products as well. I was really impressed with the large selection of makeup and products I found on the Mineral Basics website. There are just so many different products and colors to choose from. Luckily, Mineral Basics sent me an amazing sample pack, complete with 15 different samples of their fantastic mineral makeup.


My faves? Without a doubt, my number one favorite product from Mineral Basics is their Foundation. I actually used this as a concealer and was blown away at the effects. My skin looked flawless. Dark circles under my eyes were gone. Imperfections: gone. I love this foundation and will be purchasing some in the very near future. Speaking of my purchase, let me say that the prices are very affordable.

Some of my other favorites are the Charcoal Multi-Use Satin Color that I used to smokify my eyeliner, the Contour Multi-Use Matte Color that was perfect for a little accentuating of my eyes, the Dusk Multi-Use Color that looks great as a brow highlighter, and the Pink-to-Gold Multi-Use Shimmer Color that is just super fun anywhere you put it. One of the things I love is how versatile so many of these colors are.


I also tried the Angel Kisses Finishing Powder and the finish it created was smooth and flawless. The first night that I actually wore a complete face of Mineral Basics makeup, I was at an outdoor concert for several hours. Now, an outdoor concert at night in south Texas would normally mean a couple of things; frizzy hair, greasy face and runny makeup. While I can't comment on the state of my hair, I will say that when we got in the car at the end of the night I was absolutely blown away at how great my makeup still looked. I seriously didn't touch up the entire time we were there and every time I looked in the mirror, I couldn't believe that I didn't need to touch it up. That right there, makes me a huge fan of Mineral Basics.

I definitely recommend the makeup from Mineral Basics. I love that it's a small business and that the woman behind it all is dedicated to bringing these fabulous products to women all over the world at such fantastic prices. If you've never tried mineral makeup, Mineral Basics should be your first stop. If you currently use mineral makeup, give Mineral Basics a try! You won't be disappointed.


Buy it!
Head over to Mineral Basics and browse their extensive collection of fabulous products. Can't decide what you want? Buy a few of the super inexpensive trial packs!

Win it!
One lucky reader will win a sample pack with 15 different items! You'll get to pick the colors of everything or get surprised!

This contest is open worldwide!!
Ends 2/2

To Enter: Visit Mineral Basics and pick out your top two faves then fill out entry form below.
Extra Entries:
-Become a fan of Mineral Basics on Facebook
-Comment on their facebook wall that you found them on Lolidots
-Follow the Lolidots blog publicly in google friend connect
5 entries- Blog about your worst makeup experience and mention this giveaway at the end of your post with a link back here.
10 entries- Make a purchase from Mineral Basics during this contest
 

Snacker Catcher and Hipster Bibster CLOSED

January 24, 2010
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

When my kids were babies they both loved the teething biscuits and all the other great snacks they have for the litle ones who are just learning how to eat. I loved them too. They kept the kids entertained, sometimes for quite a while. The thing I didn't like? Constantly picking them up off the ground, throwing them out and having to get another one. When I think about how many snacks were wasted in my children's early days, the frugal part of me cringes. I recently found a product that I would love to take back in time with me and eliminate all that hassle with the snacks on the ground!


The Snacker Catcher was invented by a mom who took the experiences we all have, her ingenuity and determination and created something that I absolutely think is a must-have for every parent of a young child.

Much like the pacifier clips, the Snacker Catcher attaches to the child's clothing, car seat strap or whatever you need to attach it to. The other end uses a safe silicone tab that creates a loop to hold the food. Then...bam!...no more dropped food!


I really can't say enough good things and can't stress enough how awesome this invention is. Definitely one of those "why didn't I think of that!" moments when I saw it for the first time. Luckily for all of us, the super mom behind this company did think of it!


The mom-owned Bebalee company also brought to the marketplace something else that I think all moms will love. One of those things that you didn't know how much you needed until you have it...the Hipster Bibster.

The Hipster Bibster isn't the normal around-the-neck bib that is easily ripped off by small hands. I know my kids took their bibs off themselves so many times. I also always got frustrated by my kids grabbing their bibs and pulling them up and getting the food all over their clothing. The Hipster Bibster attaches by velcro under the arms. It is nice and long, great for art time with older kids or dinner time with babies. The patterns this bib comes in are cute and I love the way you can fold up the bottom, attach the velcro and have little pockets. Great versatility!


Huge props to mom, Athena Menoudakos, owner of Bebalee and inventor of the Snacker Catcher and the Hipster Bibster. Her fantastic ideas and super hard work have given us all two more products that help ease the little strains of motherhood.


Buy it!
Head over to Bebalee and check out the products. Be sure to check all the retail and online retail locations!

Win it!
One lucky reader will receive a Hipster Bibster and a Snacker Catcher!

US only
ends 2/1

To Enter: Visit Bebalee and check out the Hipster Bipster patterns on the home page and fill out entry form below.
Extra Entries:
-Follow Lolidots Blog publicly in google friend connect
-Subscribe to Lolidots Blog by RSS feeder
3 entries- Add Lolidots to your blog roll on your blog
3 entries- Add the Lolidots button to your sidebar
5 entries - Blog about this contest and link back here
10 entries- make a purchase from Bebalee
 

Munchie Mug CLOSED

January 24, 2010
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Have you ever had to clean up a bunch of toddler snacks? Ever had to vaccum a car you just cleaned out because there are hundreds of cheerios freshly spilled on the ground? Ever had to pull out the vaccum cleaner for the umpteenth time in one day because, yet again, there are cookie crumbs all over the floor?


Then, you definitely need a Munchie Mug!


I love these mugs! Normally, when I hear "spill-resistant" as a description of something having to do with children, I chuckle to myself and think "ha, they haven't met my daughter!" So, I definitely went into this review being a tad skeptical, as I always am.

Boy, was I surprised to see how very wrong I was. The first thing I thought when I opened the box containing the Munchie Mug was, "oh how cute". I love the cute little underwater scene on the mug and so does my daughter. Next, I was blown away by it's size. The 16 oz. jar easily holds plenty of snacks and the lid is large enough for even my husband to stick his hand into. I was also very impressed with the fact that the mug comes with another lid that doesn't have an opening, ensuring leftover snacks stay fresh. I love that.


The cloth opening of the Munchie Mug snack container stays closed until a little hand pushes through it to grab a snack. Unlike other snack cups we've used, there's no plastic at the opening to scratch children's hands. It's easy to push the hand through and easy to pull it back out. The stretchy cloth really gives way but, always goes right back to closed. What amazed me is that the cloth is soft and stretchy but, turn the mug upside down and you'll see how very sturdy the cloth is. Nothing spills out! I can vouch for the strength after seeing my daughter fill her Munchie Mug with toys and toss it around the living room. Not a toy spilt!


The great gets better because all the Munchie Mug parts are totally dishwasher safe, made from recycled polypropylene and other safe products that are approved for direct food contact. It's also 100% made in the USA.

Buy it!
Head over to Munchie Mug and get one for every kid you know! I think these are really great for birthday gifts or gifts for the new parents. Definitely something every parent will use!

Win it!
One lucky reader will win their own Munchie Mug!

US only
Ends 2/1

To Enter: Head over to Munchie Mug's website and fill out entry form below.
Extra Entries:
-Follow Lolidots Blog publicly in the google friend connect
-Follow Lolidots Blog by RSS reader
-Subscribe to the Lolidots mailing list
10 entries- Purchase a Munchie Mug during this contest.
 

DownEast Basics Clothing Giveaway CLOSED

January 20, 2010
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Oh, Longitude Cardigan from DownEast Basics, how do I love thee?


Let me count the ways.


Seriously, this cardigan is so lovely, so amazing, so wonderful. It may very well be my most favorite cardigan evah! I love the soft jersey feel of the fabric. I love how long it is. I love the roomy and stylish pockets. I adore the big, shiny, tortoise buttons. I love the slight gathering at the shoulders. My Longitude Cardigan is heather grey because I personally think grey is the most comfy of the colors but, it also comes in a beautiful white. This cardigan is fantastic because it's casual and comfy while remaining super stylish.

DownEast Basics is one of my very favorite online women's clothing stores. The fashionable clothing and accessories are high quality, chic and very affordable. Every piece of clothing that I've received from DownEast Basics has exceeded my expectations on what good clothing should be.


I am very picky when it comes to jeans. I like them low rise and really need them to fit perfectly and be comfortable. I'm a tshirt and jeans kind of gal so, I like my jeans to be something I can't wait to put on and don't want to take off. DownEast Basics sent me a pair of their Miss Slim Skinny Jeans. I was skeptical that they would fit or that I would like them. I have not owned any skinny jeans but, have been wanting to get a pair. I'm always reluctant to order jeans online without first trying them on but, I am so happy I chose these! First, they are uber comfy. They are a cotton/spandex blend that gives them a nice stretch. They are also lowrise, which I love. I really like the dark rinse and slight distressing and I love the diamond shanks and rivets that give them a little more oomph. They fit great, look great and I can't wait to go boot shopping! Keep an eye on the main page of the Lolidots blog because I'll post pics soon of me in my first pair of skinny jeans!


I will say that, in my opinion and experience, the sizes tend to run a tiny bit big. I only say this because if you are looking between two sizes, I'd suggest the smaller. I normally wear a size 1 or 3 in pants, depending on the brand. I was totally unsure here but went for the size 0 and they fit perfectly, with a little room to breathe. The xsmall cardigan is a spot-on fit, while normally I wear a size small.

DownEast Basics has so many fantastic pieces in their collection. Their "new arrivals" include some super cute tops, the Longitude Cardigan, gorgeous dresses, simple skirts, stylish jeans and a multitude of amazing accessories and handbags. If you've never browsed DownEast Basics, I highly recommend it! I'm itching to own even more of their splendid clothing!



Buy it!
Head over to DownEast Basics and browse their user friendly store to find all the perfect essential clothing pieces that I am sure you will love!

Win it!
One reader will win an item of their choice from the New Arrivals line at DownEast Basics!

US and Canada only
Ends 2/1

To Enter: Visit DownEast Basics and choose your prize from the New Arrivals section then fill out the entry form below
Extra Entries:
-Follow the Lolidots blog publicly in the google friend connect
-Follow Lolidots on Twitter
-Become a fan of DownEast Basics on Facebook

5 entries- Put Lolidots on your blog roll
5 entries- Put the Lolidots button on your sidebar
5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and link back here

10 entries- Make a purchase from DownEast Basics during this giveaway