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!



 

Gnomeo & Juliet Prize Pack

February 3, 2011
There are so many movies coming out this year and next that I'm excited to see. On February 11th a movie hits theaters that I know families all over the country are anticipating. Gnomeo & Juliet looks like it's going to be absolutely hilarious. An off the wall spin-off on the classic Romeo & Juliet story set to the music of Elton John? I'm not sure it gets better than that. Oh, wait, it does. It's in 3D!



To celebrate the release of Gnomeo & Juliet, I've got some goodies! First, here are links to two activity sheets you can print for the kiddos!

Link1
Link2

And, we've got a fun giveaway!

Two winners will each receive a prize pack including a youth-sized t-shirt, beanie and mini-notebook!



US only
ends 2/11

Mandatory to Enter: Tell me who you're excited to take to see Gnomeo & Juliet

Extra Entries are all on the left sidebar. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.



 

Music for Aardvarks

February 3, 2011
Brooklyn-based, multi-faceted independent children’s recording artist David Weinstone, whose music videos are seen daily on the Nick Jr. channel, announces the March 8th release of his newest Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals CD, All I Want! (Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals, $13.98, for ages 0 – 7, run time 41 minutes.) The highly anticipated disc is the first full-length album of new songs in three years from one of the most influential children’s songwriters of our time.
 
David Weinstone is a phenomenon.  A Berklee College of Music-trained ex-punk rocker, Weinstone literally changed the face of children’s music by introducing songs pertinent to lives of contemporary children – songs that weren’t about eensy weensy spiders, but about taxis, subways, bagels, and playdates.   Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals began in 1997 as an “alternative” music class for young children and their caregivers.  Demand was strong not only for the classes, but also for recordings of Weinstone’s original songs, so he began to produce albums, which sold like wildfire.  He eventually formed The Music for Aardvarks Band, started performing live shows, and, ultimately, came to the attention of Nick Jr.  David Weinstone’s music videos are now a steady presence on the Nick Jr. channel, and Music for Aardvarks classes are offered in locations throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Through the years, such notables as Jon Stewart, Philip Glass, John Leguizamo, Helen Hunt, and members of Sonic Youth, the Beastie Boys, and Phish, among many others, have brought their children to Music for Aardvarks classes. Says John Leguizamo, "It's great to be a kid growing up in New York City and David's music shows us why.  I love listening to it as much as my kids do.” Notes eminent contemporary composer Philip Glass, "Music for Aardvarks is a favorite around our house. These are great songs for growing up and staying young, with delightful music and hilarious lyrics." Actress Helen Hunt enthuses, "My daughter loves these songs and they've helped her love New York." Page McConnell, keyboard player and co-song writer for Phish, explains simply, “It’s real music — the songs are so good!”





As a mom, I'm always looking for new children's music that my kids will enjoy without being bored by the same old songs. Honestly, it's also important to me that the music be enjoyable for me. David Weinstone and Music for Aardvarks is both. My kids absolutely adore the All I Want! album and I thoroughly enjoy it right along with them. I definitely wish that there was a David Weinstone music class in our area! I love that he does the classes and think it's such an amazing extension of the music that will most definitely become a favorite in the home of all who listen to it. I love the style of the music on the All I Want! album. It's an awesome mix of folksie blues and modern rock/pop. Putting in the disc brings my kids and me together in a wonderful way, whether we're rockin' in the car or hanging out in the house on a super cold day like today. This cd has definitely become one of our favorites and I absolutely recommend it to all families.






Buy it!
You can get all the Music For Aardvarks albums from their online site, Amazon and cdbaby.com, plus all major digital download sites and retail stores nationwide. And, don't forget to tune into Nick Jr. for more of the great music!

Win it!
One reader will win their own copy of All I Want!

US only
ends 2/14

Mandatory to Enter: Click HERE and check out some of the videos from Music for Aardvarks and tell me your (or your child's) fave!

Extra Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All extra entries are on the left sidebar. You may do any or all of them.


 

Beautifully Baby

February 1, 2011
One of my favorite things to whisper in the ears of my blog readers and friends is where to find absolutely wonderful baby shower gifts. I've always loved giving gifts of any kind but, baby shower gifts are their own brand of special. Every item always warrants a collective "ooh" and "ahh" and with each tiny gift you can imagine the tiny perfect person that will use them. To me, when shopping for baby shower gifts, everything you browse through should invoke those same emotions and reactions.

So, when I stumble on a shop like Beautifully Baby, I know I've hit baby shower gift gold. Not only will you find the quintessential baby shower gifts of burp cloths, bibs and changing pads but, the items you'll find there are absolutely gorgeous.



I'm going to let the wonderful owner, Lori, introduce herself here. In her own words...

"I am the owner of Beautifully Baby, an online boutique which specializes in creating distinctive lines of essentials for modern moms. My designs cater to moms who prefer style AND function (no need to tote around ducks, bunnies, and bears), and want to show off their individuality. I started the business when my first child (now 3 years old) was under 6 months old. Every time we went out to shop or eat, I was concerned with the cleanliness of the public restroom changing tables. The travel changing pads that were given to me were just too small, and I had to decide whether I preferred to have my daughter’s head or bottom touch the plastic, potentially unsanitary, tables in the public restrooms. This was unsettling for me, a new mom who was so concerned (and still is now that I have second baby, son, Colin) with keeping my child safe and away from germs. Being an avid sewer since the 8th grade, I went to a quilt shop and bought various fabrics and went to work creating what is now what I consider to be an exceptional changing pad. I am delighted to report that my customers consistently tell me that they are stopped by friends and strangers who remark on my products - they love the designs and the fact that the fabrics are so trendy, not what you'd expect from traditional baby gear."

Once you see the beautiful styles available in Lori's online shop, it's easy to see why even strangers would comment to someone using these items. The changing pads at Beautifully Baby are a really nice size that give you peace of mind in a public restroom but, are also phenomenal at home. With a chenille side for comfort and several different patterns to choose from for the stylish side, these changing pads are unique and perfect for today's mom on-the-go. Like other changing pads, these from Beautifully Baby roll up quickly and easily for swift storage in a diaper bag.



Beautifully Baby's burp cloths and bibs are just as adorable as the changing pads. Plus, with so many styles to choose from, you can get a completely coordinating set for the ultimate baby shower gift! The thing I adore about the bibs is that they use pearl snaps. Stylish and not going to get ripped off by baby at the most inopportune times. The burp cloths aren't your average burp rag. With a chenille side and a pure cotton decorative side, these will easily be the softest burp cloths baby will receive.





It seems that there's always another baby shower to go to and it's incredibly nice to have somewhere like Beautifully Baby that can be a go-to shop when the shower invitations arrive. I highly recommend their products, as a mom and as a gift giver.

Buy it!

You can get all these Beautifully Baby products from the online shopping site.

Win it!
One reader will win a Persimmon Trellis Bib and coordinating Espresso Bough Burp Cloth from Beautifully Baby!

US only
ends 2/10

Mandatory to Enter: Visit Beautifully Baby and tell me your favorite item on the site (specific item, not just "burp cloth")

Extra Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

- Like Beautifully Baby on Facebook

All other extra entries are on the left sidebar. You may do any or all of them.



 

Wubbzy Be Mine DVD

February 1, 2011
Valentine's Day is just around the corner. While this special day may seem to get more expensive and extravagant as we get older, for children it's still a day of fun, love and simple gifts. Our cute little friend, Wow Wow Wubbzy, is here to celebrate Valentine's Day in a way that only he can. The lovable characters Wubbzy, Widget, Walden and Daizy are back in an all new DVD to spread some love and fun to the kids that adore them so much.



My daughter has already been mesmerized by the fun offered by all of the Wow Wow Wubbzy movies and this newest addition is no different. In Wubbzy Be Mine, kids are whisked along on three new adventures with their friends that celebrate friendship and love. The first episode, "Mr. Valentine", has Wubbzy helping his ill friend who is the town mailman and ends with all of Wubbyzy's friends surprising him with Valentines. The second episode, my daughter's favorite, has Wubbzy as a bubble-blowing cupid. The third episode in this new DVD finds Wubbzy and his friends making their own valentines.

Like all the other fun-filled Wow Wow Wubbzy movies, Wubbzy Be Mine really focuses on friendship and teaches sweet lessons through the total silliness that oozes from these characters and cartoons. Wubbzy is truly a loved character in our home. Both of my children, ages 3 and 6, absolutely adore the movies. For a day like Valentine's Day, the love and friendship found in a Wubbzy movie is absolutely perfect. At under $15, this new Wubbzy movie makes a perfect little gift that will put a smile on the face of your littlest Valentines.

Buy it!
You can get Wubbzy Be Mine in retail stores nationwide and online at places like Amazon.

Win it!
One reader will win their own copy of Wubbzy Be Mine and some special Wubbzy candy hearts packages for even more "wuv"!




US only
ends 2/7

Mandatory to Enter: Tell me who you'd give this DVD to for Valentine's Day

Extra Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All extra entries are on the left sidebar. You may do any or all of them.



 

Boiron Homeopathic Medicines

January 27, 2011
We are a family that has always preferred a homeopathic approach to treating illness. Some homeopathy is simply tried and true "home remedies" like apple cider vinegar to treat things like colds and allergies or ginger for an upset stomach. The actual definition of homeopathic medicines is therapeutically active micro-doses of mineral, botanical and biological substances. Homeopathy has been used for more than 200 years by millions of patients in more than 65 countries and is recommended by more than 400,000 healthcare providers. Homeopathic drugs are generally considered a very safe alternative to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They rarely contain side effects and don't have drug interaction problems.

We've used homeopathic drugs with our children for everything from teething to colds, ear aches to pink eye, stomach aches to coughs and we've always had immense success with all the homeopathy we've used. There are several trusted brands that we use but, one company that we are absolutely loyal to is Boiron.

Boiron manufactures more than 800 homeopathic medicines that are approved by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United States. Eighty of their medicines are available through most health food stores and specialized pharmacies like Walgreens. Others can be ordered through a pharmacist or health food store specialist.

One of our most loved medicines from Boiron is their Chestal Honey Cough Syrup. The active ingredients in this honey tasting syrup (which the kids love) are natural ingredients that help loosen mucus, relieve dry cough, barking cough, tickling cough, wet cough, croupy cough and hacking cough. I love that this is a natural product that will relieve so many different kinds of cough. I love that my kids don't mind taking it when they need it. I love the safety and knowing that I'm not giving my kids dangerous otc medicine. I also love that it absolutely works.



We've recently tried two new medicines from Boiron that we'd never tried before. Coldcalm and Oscillococcinum are both such amazing products that we've permanently added them to our arsenal of homeopathic treatments. Coldcalm dissolvable tablets are for minor colds and relieve sneezing, runny nose, congestion, sinus pain, headaches associated with colds, nasal discharge, sore throat associated with colds and the loss of taste and smell associated with colds. During the month of December, I let myself get very rundown doing all the holiday brewhaha. Our weather was constantly changing and my allergies were going haywire. I took Coldcalm one night, along with my regular dosage of apple cider vinegar and was blown away with how much better I felt, both immediately and the next day.



Oscillococcinum is Boiron's treatment for flu-like symptoms. Like the other products from Boiron, it's manufactured according to the highest standards, complying with specifications of the HPUS, as well as drug Good Manufacturing Practices. The active ingredients greatly reduce flu-like symptoms. And, like the other products, it really works.



When illness strikes, whether mild or severe, my first recommendation for myself, my family, my friends and everyone else is to reach for a tried and true homeopathic treatment. Not only do they work, the comfort of knowing how safe they are helps to de-stress which, in my opinion, promotes healing. Homeopathic medicines do not mask symptoms, like many otc medicines. Boiron is a trusted name in homeopathic medicines and, based on their company and what my family has experienced with their products, I would absolutely recommend them to anyone.

Buy it

Check the Boiron USA website for where to buy online and in store and get homeopathic medicines for treating illnesses and ailments from indigestion to menstrual cramps, flu symptoms to burns, sleeplessness to teething and so many things in between. You'll also find valuable information regarding homeopathic medicine.

Win it!
One reader will win a Homeopathic Value Pack including Chestal Cough Syrup, Oscillococcinum and Coldcalm!

US only
ends 2/4

Mandatory to Enter: Does your family use homeopathic remedies? Tell me a little about it and what you like to use.

Extra Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

- Like Boiron on Facebook
- Follow Boiron on Twitter

All other extra entries are on the left sidebar. You may do any or all of them.


*I am not a medical professional. These are my opinions and based on information from the Boiron USA website. Not intended to be medical advice.



 

365Hangers Gift Certificate

January 23, 2011
I love designer clothes. I really do. But, I don't own many. I generally just can't justify the expense. Alas, designer clothing is usually limited to the independently wealthy, celebrities and those with large credit card balances. Guess what! Now there's a way that the rest of us, those without oscars and american express cards, can get awesome designer clothes for department store prices!

365Hangers is an online shopping site that offers discount sample sales on women's designer labels. Their brand names include designers like DKNY, Marc Jacobs and French Connection. Their clothing is separated by size and uses true-to-size models so you can see how the clothing would actually look on you. I seriously love that. Their promise to customers is a guarantee of 70% off, ALWAYS, on every designer label on their website. That is amazing!

I adore browsing their site. I love how simple it is to browse through my size and not have to fall in love with something only to realize it's not my size. I love the variety that is offered as well. There are very few occasions throughout the year where I need a really nice dress so, I rarely shop for things like that. Now that I've found 365Hangers, I know I'll be able to find a to-die-for dress that can be a go-to item for those rare occasions. I'm actually thinking about something like this for a special date night with the hubby that is coming up in the near future...



That dress by Susan Monaco, normally over $250, is a steal at $79! Simple enough that I could change the look with so many different accessories and basic enough to go from casual to formal. Love!

365Hangers is full of tons of items like this, normally high end prices marked down to the very affordable end.

I love this dress by Tahari, normally $178, marked down to $53.



This dress by Lauren by Ralph is an absolutely perfect "Little Black Dress" and priced at $39 makes it even more perfect!



If you love designer clothing but, scoff at the prices, you'll adore 365Hangers. Because their items are samples, their selection is something that rotates, making every shopping experience a new one!

Buy it!
Get designer clothes at affordable prices now at 365Hangers!

Win it!
One reader will win a $25 gift certificate to 365Hangers!

US and Canada only
ends 2/2

Mandatory to Enter: Visit 365Hangers and tell me something you love.

Extra Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

- Become a fan of 365Hangers on Facebook
- Follow 365Hangers on Twitter

All other extra entries are on the left sidebar. You may do any or all of them.