September 23, 2009
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a copy of the Flower Duet instructional dvd
Planning any kind of event, whether it is a small dinner party or a
lavish wedding, is a chore. As a hostess I always want to be sure that
the decor is perfect. Even a tiny gathering at my house is something I
want my guests to remember. When it comes to something like a wedding,
the decor is extremely important. Even if you don't have time to truly
enjoy it during the moment, it is the backdrop for the pictures that
will last your entire life. 
I've always liked having fresh
flowers in my home and, of course, at a wedding they are necessary. I
love the flowers in my yard and the beautiful stems at the florist but,
shoving them into a vase doesn't exactly a breathtaking centerpiece
make. To get something memorable in terms of centerpieces orbouquets I'll probably end up spending so much that I won't completely enjoy the outcome! When
Casey and Kit sent me their DVD, Flower Duet, I will admit that I was
skeptical. Floral arrangements? Good enough for weddings or big events?
I think I will leave it to the pros. Well, I was wrong. Flower
Duet is wonderful. As instructional videos go, it's the easiest to
watch video I've seen. These sisters are so happy and upbeat that you
can't help but to join them. Any doubt about your ability to create the
floral arrangements goes out the window as soon as you see their
smiling faces. They glide through the show with ease and joy. I
honestly think they need their own show on PBS or HGTV. I love watching
all the shows on horticulture and cuisine and these girls would be the
perfect fit in shows like those. 
I like that Flower Duet is
from sisters that know what they are doing. They both have over 16
years combined experience in floral designing and you can tell that
they know their stuff. I'm already married but, plan on
keeping this wonderful little dvd tucked safely away for when I need to
spruce up my home and for all those yet-to-be-planned events in my
life. From here on out I will highly
recommend the Flower Duet DVD to anyone I know who is planning a
wedding, baby shower or event of any kind. Think how much money a bride
can save on floral arrangements if she has this handy dvd with her! I
think that is amazing. I love that there is a product like this out
there that can help people and, at the same time, actually be
entertaining. I look forward to the rest of the series of instructional
videos from Flower Duet. I also wish I was in the Redondo Beach area so
that I could take one of their classes. 
I don't think it's old
fashioned at all to say that every woman should know how to put
together a beautiful floral arrangement. What an amazing talent to have
and, need I say, marketable! I think the Flower Duet DVD is a must have
for any woman and imagine it would make a lovely bridal shower gift. I
would even give it as a housewarming or newlywed gift. Throw in some
fresh flowers or a gift certificate to your local florist and you've
got a wonderfully unique and practical gift.
Casey and Kit are so wonderful that they are giving one of my readers their very own copy of Flower Duet.Contest is open worldwide and will end on September 28th.To Enter: Visit Flower Duet and fill out entry form below.Extra Entries:-Look at the Floral Design Picture Gallery on the Flower Duet site and tell me which is your favorite arrangement.-Enter our other contests-Sign up to follow the Lollipops and Polka Dots Blog (friend connect on the righthand sidebar)-Become a fan of Lollipops and Polka Dots on Facebook-Become a fan of Flower Duet on Facebook-Answer the bonus question
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : DVD
September 23, 2009
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One very lucky reader will win a $100 gift certificate to Eye Buy Direct!I've worn glasses since 1988. For years and years I fought it. I got my contacts when I was a preteen and tried to never look back. These days, I'm pretty okay with it and wear my glasses often. Once you find a pair of glasses that you like, it's easy to wear them all the time. I honestly have never ever thought that I could be one of those people that buys their glasses online. I'm pickier about my glasses than I am about my jeans! So, I tentatively browsed through the frames from Eye Buy Direct. 
There are a ton of frames to choose from at Eye Buy Direct. It's simple to search through the frames and easy to narrow your search to find the perfect pair for you. What's really cool about Eye Buy Direct is that once you have found a pair of frames that strike your fancy, you can try them on! What? That's right. The "Eye Try" tool allows you to use one of the stock photos or upload a picture of yourself. Then you place the different frames on the picture to see what they'll look like. Eye Buy Direct even has a "Wall of Frame" where you can post your pic with everyone else and see what people think.
My online shopping experience with Eye Buy Direct was wonderful. I found a pair of frames. I used the Eye Try tool and was happy with the way the frames looked on my picture. I easily ordered the frames and even got the lenses that tint when you go outside. I was really surprised at how inexpensive the frames were. Honestly, I had no idea they were that affordable. I can't imagine that I'll buy glasses from anywhere else now. 
Once I got my frames, seriously only a couple of days, I was overjoyed with them. Not only was my prescription right on, they fit perfectly and looked exactly like they did on my Eye Try pic but, they also came in a nice eyeglass case complete with a cleaning cloth. I have to also mention that I love the case because it has a nice little magnet closure and is a see through case. If you had more than one pair of glasses, you could easily see which pair was in which case. Just a nice little touch, in my opinion. 
I was so happy with my entire experience shopping at Eye Buy Direct. I have and will continue to highly recommend their site for anyone looking to buy new glasses. I'm thrilled that Eye Buy Direct has offered to give the winner of this contest a $100 gift code to have their own wonderful shopping experience!Contest is open Worldwide and will end on September 28thTo Enter: Complete the possible extra entries and fill out the form below. You can come back and fill the form out again for your extra entries. Can't wait for the contest to end? Need some glasses now? Use the coupon code lolidots to get 20% off your already affordable order.Extra Entries:-Enter our other giveaways-Sign up to follow the Lollipops and Polka Dots blog (friend connect on righthand sidebar)-Browse the frames at Eye Buy Direct and use the Eye Try tool to post a pic on the Wall of Frame and when you win you'll already know which you like!-Comment on someone else's photo on the Wall of Frame-Blog about this giveaway and include a link to this post and a link to your pic on the Wall of Frame-Spread the word about this giveaway with blog, myspace, twitter, facebook or email (if you use email you need to cc me robin@lolidots.com)10 entries- Make a purchase from Eye Buy Direct10 entries- Make a purchase from Lollipops and Polka Dots Boutique
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : Accessories
September 20, 2009
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSEDOne reader will win their own Blush Undershirt!It seems that the older I get and the more kids I have, the longer I like my shirts to be. I remember fondly the days of pre-kids when I used to wear those cute little shirts that showed a little stomach. Not any more!! I may be short but I actually have a very long torso so, though I prefer my shirts to be longer, it's sometimes difficult to find tops that are long enough. It's also been nearly impossible for me to wear any of the cute shirts from my former days. The women behind Blush understand my problem and they've solved it. Blush undershirts are stretchy "tube top" type shirts with nor straps that you wear around your waist to create the layered look. I love my Blush undershirt. If I had one of these when I was pregnant there would have been a lot more clothes in my closet that I would have been able to wear. You know how it is. The shirt fits but half of that big pregnant belly hangs out the bottom! Blush undershirts are designed to cover that! 
I really like the softness of these undershirts. It's also very nice that the top of the shirt has elastic that is tight and strong enough to hold the shirt in place but, doesn't irritate the skin or bother me in any way. I really forget it was there. It's more comfortable than even a bra strap. The different colors of the Blush undershirts would be a fantastic way to change up your wardrobe and rediscover some of those tops that have been taken out of rotation!
On top of having several colors to choose from, there are also some undershirts that have lacy at the bottom to add a nice touch to an outfit and there are some really cute patterns. I love the swirl pattern.Blush Topless Undershirts is giving one of my readers their own shirt!Contest is open to US only and will end on September 25th.To Enter: Visit Blush then fill out the entry form below.
Gotta have it now? Use coupon code welovebloggers for 20% off two or more shirts!
Extra Entries:-Enter our other giveaways (listed at the top of this page)-Sign up to follow the Lollipops and Polka Dots Blog (on the sidebar)-Become a fan of Lollipops and Polka Dots on Facebook5 entries- Blog about this 10 entries- Make a purchase from Blush
Posted by Robin Haws.
September 18, 2009
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSEDOne reader will win a PopATot!Before our kids started walking we used to take their walkers, car seats or strollers with us everywhere just to have somewhere to put them down at family get togethers or outings. While those things certainly serve their purposes, they can be bulky and, let's face it, boring for the kids. When I first saw the PopATot I was amazed. "What a cool invention", I thought to myself. When I received one and actually tried it out I was an instant number one fan. The PopATot was created by the parents of 5 kids who enjoy the outdoors. The original sketch was made on a paper sack during a camping trip with their children. Love it! After rigorous testing and several prototypes the product meets the high standards of safety and durability that these parents have for the products they use on their own children. The PopATot is like one of the play saucers that are traditionally used for babies. The difference? It's amazingly portable and takes up a very small amount of space. The PopATot folds up much like camping chairs. Once folded, it slides right into it's carrying bag and you can toss it over your shoulder! It is super lightweight and, easy to move around. Have you ever tried to move on of those play saucers to another room? You may need to call someone to repair your walls when you are done! The PopATot folds up so quickly that there is nothing to keep you from taking it from room to room and outside and back. 
Is it safe? Absolutely! Once you pop it open there are these great snap locks that keep it nice and sturdy. It's also been lead tested and passes all the requirements. To give you an idea of how sturdy it is, both my 2 year old and my 5 year old hopped right in to take their turns. Only took a moment for the novelty to wear off for the 5 year old but, my daughter really enjoyed hanging out in it! So, what do I love about the PopATot? I really like how portable it is. That is a huge plus for me. I like the two cupholders. Genius. I also like all the linkydoo attachments all over the top. Unlike the traditional saucers and walkers and other child holders, the toys are not permanently attached. You use the loops on the PopATot to attach whatever toys your child is playing with at the moment. I love the carrying case that it comes with and the fact that it has a shoulder strap. It's also really neat that you can get attachable umbrellas to go on the PopATot. It's such a perfect item to take with you outdoors and the umbrella just makes it even better! I love the canvas floor. This is something you obviously don't get with a walker but, is perfect for keeping baby's feet clean and cool or keeping the nice carpet under baby's feet clean! This is absolutely a product that I can get behind. I highly recommend it for anyone with or anyone who is ever with small children. We keep ours handy for when people bring non-walking babies to our house and take it with us for family to use at all the get-togethers. I know it will be in constant use when we have another little one. 
I'm thrilled that one of you is going to get a PopATot!Contest is open to US only and will end on September To Enter: Visit PopATot and fill out entry form below. Extra Entries: -Become a fan of PopATot on Facebook-Enter our other giveaways-Sign up to follow our blog here in the friend connect on the sidebar-Get the word out! Blog, Email, Myspace, Twitter, Facebook and tell others about this giveaway. Make sure you leave the link and if you use email then please cc us robin@lolidots.com. Your friends' email addresses will not be added to any lists.
5 entries- Put one of our buttons on your blog (The lolidots.com button or the Halloween Spooktacular button. Both have html above them on the sidebar or you can use the image and link it back) Get 10 entries if you have both buttons!
10 entries- Make a purchase from PopATot
10 entries- Make a purchase from the Lollipops and Polka Dots Boutique
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : Baby Gear
September 18, 2009
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
My regular readers know that one of the things I'm crazy for is cool tshirts. I recently came across Snorg Tees and have spent a lot of time browsing through their tees and laughing my butt off. There are a lot of tshirt companies and websites out there and sure, you're going to find some of the same designs among the competition. Snorg Tees has some unique shirts that absolutely crack me up. I love pop culture references on tees. Whether it's a direct quote or a total spoof, the tees that commemorate movies and tvshows are definitely a favorite of mine. Snorg Tees sent me the Chillin' OutTee. Being a child of the 80s, I spent my tween years watching shows like Saved by the Bell and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And for some reason, I can sing you any theme song. Oh yes. I can. On the playground is where I spent most of my days.Chillin out, maxin, relaxin, all cool and all shootin some b-ball outside of the school. When a couple of guys that were up to no good,started makin trouble in my neighborhood.I got in one little fight and my momma got scaredShe said "You're movin with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air"I could go on.
Don't worry.
I won't.
I will show you this shirt that makes me laugh every time I wear it! 
On top of how much enjoyment I get from the design, the tee is incredibly soft and comfortable. It was also very true to size which is always nice when ordering clothing online. I like my tees to be longer and this one was perfect.Of course, I have to show you some of my other faves!Also from one of my favorite shows of all time...
Such a great shirt for any fan of that show and, I'll admit, I like it because I definitely still have a crush on Alex P. Keaton. (shhhh!)This poke at a classic horror movie absolutely makes me laugh out loud.
There are so many other great tees at Snorg Tees. It's really hard to even pick some out to show off! Here's one more that I really like.
Hilarious!Snorg Tees would like one winner to pick a tee of their choice!Contest is open WORLDWIDE and will end on September 23rd.To Enter: Visit http://snorgtees.com and fill out the entry form below.Extra Entries: -Enter our other giveaways (they are all listed at the top of this page)-Sign up to follow the Lollipops and Polka Dots blog in the friend connect box on our sidebar-Become a fan of Lollipops and Polka Dots on Facebook (link on sidebar)
5 entries-Put our Halloween Spooktacular button on your sidebar (html is above the button)10 entries- Make a purchase from Snorg Tees
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : Clothing
September 18, 2009
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSEDWhether your kids have a nanny, babysitter, grandma or any other type of caregiver and no matter how much or how little time they spend watching them, you will have to leave them a note or two at some point. More than likely, a ton of notes at all points. Chances are good, they'll also have notes for you. Personally, I always feel a little like I'm nagging when asking the dozens of questions that accompany picking up the kids and all the orders that are required when dropping them off. In the famous words of every single infomercial: "There's got to be an easier way!" By the Book: How to Take Care of My Kids was born from the minds of two busy moms with a genuine need to organize all the info that their caregivers needed for their children. "Karen and Melissa began working on the book in November of 2005. By the summer of 2006 they formed Karmel Publishing, LLC. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Karen and Melissa are pursuing the dream of making things easier for other parents by providing quality products to organize it all." 
The book is broken up into 5 main sections.1)The Basics2)The Caregiver's Note3)Help! It's an Emergency!4)All Things Medical5)Parents OnlyEach section is broken down into every possible detail and scenario that the caregiver could ever have to know or plan for. I love the Household Odds and Ends page in the first section. Things like how to use the remote control or how to work the sprinkler system are important items of information but, often overlooked. There are nice little quick notes for babysitters to include info on where you'll be and what needs to happen while you are gone. The Nanny News section is wonderful. I am definitely a mom that feels the need to know the specifics on everything that went on during the day. If I was to leave my kids with someone for an extended period of time, this is the form that would make me feel better about not being there to actually witness these things happening. It's got places for everything from food to naps, potty info to outdoor playtime. There's no such thing as TMI when you are a parent!I like the places in the emergency section for talking about the things that we don't like to think about but, need to know. There are places to put fingerprints and identifying information. There's also a page about having a family password. There might be a time that you need to send someone else to pick up your kids. Having the sitter check their ID and ask for a password is definitely not too much to ask!
There are some super hepful pages in the back that can be put into a separate book for your own personal reference. These pages help keep track of the babysitter or caregiver's info. They also have some really beneficial pages for using while interviewing these caregivers and babysitters as well. I really think that any parent would find this book incredibly useful. Whether you leave your child with a caregiver on a daily basis or once a year for your anniversary, this book will come in handy! By the Book: How to Take Care of My Kids is available for purchase in hardback and eBook formats. You can also purchase refills for the different sections. I like that. You could have several copies of things in different areas of the house or have one with you if need be. Karmel Publishing would like to offer one of my readers their own copy of the eBook! I have this and I love it.
Would you like your own copy? Use the coupon code BTBK7757 and get 25% off your hardback copy! That is an awesome deal. These books are incredibly affordable already!Contest is open worldwide and will end on September 23rd.To Enter: Visit By the Book Kids and fill out the entry form below.Extra Entries:-Enter our other giveaway contests-Sign up to follow the Lollipops and Polka Dots blog-Become a fan of Lollipops and Polka Dots on Facebook10 entries-Purchase a copy of By the Book
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : Baby Gear
