CELEBRATE MOM Mother's Day Event - Exes and Ohs Designs Giveaway

Welcome to Day #7 of our CELEBRATE MOMS Review & Giveaway Event!

Wow, it's hard to believe this week of amazing reviews and giveaways geared toward CELEBRATING MOMS is just about over! :( 

If you have missed any of our wonderful Sponsors or Giveaways just click here ---> CELEBRATE MOMS Event for all the posts and info! GIVEAWAYS are ENDING this WEEK so be sure to join in one fun & enter THEM ALL! Even if you aren't a Mom or don't need the product - they would make awesome gifts for any Moms in your life! Spread the love & goodness!

Today's Amazing Giveaway is brought to you by the wonderful Exes and Ohs Designs Etsy Shop. If you missed my initial sponsor highlight post you can click here ---> Exes and Ohs Sponsor Highlight.

Exes and Ohs Designs Etsy Shop specializes in amazing handcrafted picture frames, wooden block letters, tutus and more. The frames are customized by YOU and made to match your decor! You just send a picture and she will work with you to create the perfect look - ideal for nurseries, wedding and/or baby showers, holidays, birthdays, seasonal decor, home decor and more.

All frames are handcrafted and customized using a variety of means such as paint, scrapbook paper, decorative trim and embellishments and finished with decoupage gloss for a unique look.

Here's a peek at some of their items:

Buy It: You can visit Exes and Ohs Designs Etsy Shop directly to make a purchase.

Win It: I am very excited to announce that Exes and Ohs Designs Etsy Shop is graciously giving away Two (2) custom frames to Two (2) lucky Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas followers!

Remember that the frames are customized so what is pictured below is just so you can see the sizing and basic frame layout. You will be directly involved in the choosing of colors, etc to ensure the frame matches your decor! How exciting!

Giveaway # 1:  Large 12"x12" Custom Frame (face has an opening for a 6 1/2 by 4 1/2 picture)

Giveaway #2: Small 9"x7" Frame (face has an opening for a 3 1/2 by 5 1/2 picture) you will have choice of an angeled face opening for picture (like the example below):

or a straight face opening (like the example below):

**Ends 5/7/11**

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Exes and Ohs Designs Etsy Shop and let me know which of the two frames being given away you'd like to win and tell me at least one other of her products that you like!

**This must be completed in order for any extra entries to count**

Extra Entries (Optional)
Please leave a seperate comment

for each entry &

please include your e-mail

so I can get back to you if you win! 

*If you are already a follower leave a comment and let me know as that will count as an entry*

1. Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Publicly via Google Friend Connect 


2. Like Exes and Ohs Designs Facebook and tell them I sent you!  


3. Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas on Twitter 


4. Subscribe to Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas emails 


5. Make a comment on any non-giveaway post on Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Blog and leave a link.  You can do this for up to 3 posts but please note that comment must be dated after the start date of this post - not valid on previous comments.


6. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link - can be done once a day
   
   Tweet:  #Win a #custom Exes and Ohs Designs Picture Frame @Momto2PoshDivas ends 5/7 http://goo.gl/fb/g67qk #giveaway #CelebrateMom

Giveaway Rules:
Giveaway ends 5/7/2011 at 11:59 (PDT)

Winner will be chosen via random.org. 

Winner will be announced on 5/8/11
through a post on the blog

& contacted via email if an email is given .

Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Please note any entries that can not be verified will be disqualified.

*****************

Disclaimer: this review is my 100% honest opinion - I  am not paid for my reviews or optinions! They are 100% mine! Please remember that your opinions and tastes might differ from mine. 

Good Luck,

Bern

Kindergarten - Why is it so Stressful?

I posted before about my Kindergarten Woes for my Oldest Diva (click here ---> Public, Charter or Homeschool?) but absolutely nothing is resolved and I am feeling panicked! :(

We did not make it into the lottery for the 1st Charter School - they put us on the dreaded WAITING LIST!

I was really hoping the 2nd Charter School would work out - this is the one I actually like & would want her to attend! Then horror of horrors - we get a letter in the mail that it has been puhed back to May 9th and will (GASP!) now also be a LOTTERY! Insert Manical Shriek HERE!

The stress is killing me - I haven't been sleeping well and my thoughts are seriously consumed with all these horrible scenarios about my poor Lil Diva not being able to go to school and the thing is - she really wants to!

I honestly don't think she'd be happy if we had to homeschool :( She is so looking forward to that Big Girl Rite of Passage that is Kindergarten! They are making a big deal of it at her preschool and of course she hears Mommy talking about it & well, it is a big deal!

So what do I do if she doesn't get in to the Charter School? We CAN NOT afford Private School and I really do not like our zoned for Public School at all. I am going to try to apply for a reassignment but you need a valid reason & well - being a high strung mom who knows what she doesn't want or like for her kids apparently does NOT count! What is wrong with these people? :)

I really wish we had more of a choice in the public school system - these are our kids and we should have more say in how and where they are schooled.

If we could afford it for the long term - I really would be a Homeschooling Mom. There's just no better way to do things - than to do them yourself! But, the reality is I will be returning to work within the next 2 years and so I feel like the Lil Diva should get her start in a brick and mortar school since that is where she will end up the following year anyway.

Who knew getting you child registered for Kindergarten would be so HARD and STRESSFUL?

Bern

Spotlight Saturday - PetCakes Series 2 Toys Review & Giveaway

A while ago the Lil Divas and I got to review some adorable PetCakes Toys. You can catch up on that post here ---> PetCakes Toys Review & Giveaway.

The Lil Divas loved these adorable plush puppies hidden in cupcake holders so we jumped at the opportunity to review some new brand new friends from Well Made Toys & PetCakes Toys! This time around they sent us four (4) plush animals from the PetCakes Series 2 Limited Collection!

Here are the 4 adorable  PetCakes Toys that we received:

 Bamboo Berry - a panda who eats fresh bamboo but dreams of vanilla cupcakes with berry frosting



 Honey Cakes - a bear who spends his time lookinf for hives and making friends with bees for their honey

 Nutty Nicky - a squirrel that likes to run up trees, eats nuts and hide cupcakes for the winter

Roco Coco - a raccoon who comes out at night to Party with his friends

Petcakes are suggested for ages 3 and up and both children and adults of all ages would love these cute plush toys. They make great birthday presents, holiday gifts, rewards, etc...

The Lil Divas certainly enjoyed playing with their PetCakes Series 2 animals and once again there were lots of hugs, smiles and giggles involved every step of the way! The Lil Divas of course each have their favorites -

but overall they both enjoy playing and being silly with their plush PetCakes Toys!



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Buy It: You can purchase PetCakes Toys at the PetCakes Toys Site

Win It:  One (1) lucky Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Reader will win One (1) PetCakes Series 2 Plush Toy

**Contest ends on 5/14/11**

 ONE lucky Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas reader

(US Residents Only!) is going to receive:

(1) PetCake Series 2 Plush (to be randomly chosen by Well Made Toys)

Mandatory Entry:

Visit PetCakes Toys and tell me which PetCake Plush you would like to win!

**This must be completed in order for any extra entries to count**

Extra Entries (Optional)Please leave a seperate comment for each entry! 
If you are already a follower be sure to leave a comment and let me know as that will count as your entry

1. Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Publicly via Google Friend Connect 


2. Follow PetCakes on Facebook  & tell them I sent you


3. Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas on Twitter 


4. Follow PetCakesToys on Twitter


5. Subscribe to Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas emails 


6. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link (2 entries)


7. Make a comment on any non-giveaway post on Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Blog and leave a link, You can do this for up to 3 posts (for 3 comments). Please note that comment must be dated after the start date of this post - not valid on previous comments.


8. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link - can be done once a day (1 comment - 1 entry)
   
   Tweet:  #Win a Deliciously Cute @PetCakesToy w/ @Momto2PoshDivas Ends 5/14 http://goo.gl/fb/yoLFT  #Giveaway

Giveaway Rules:
Giveaway ends 5/14/2011 at 11:59 (PDT)

Winners will be chosen via random.org on 5/15/11 and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Winner will be posted on blog & contacted via email if an email is given

Disclaimer:I received 4 PetCakes Plush Toys for the purpose of trying them out for this review. That being said, this review is my 100% honest opinion of this product - I  am not paid for my reviews or optinions! They are 100% mine! Please remember that your opinions and tastes might differ from mine. 

Good Luck,

Bern

CELEBRATE MOMS Mother's Day Review & Giveaway Event - StephieMc Designs

Welcome to Day #6 of our fabulous CELEBRATE MOMS Mother's Day Review & Giveaway Event!

I hope you can sit back and look through all our wonderful posts for our giveaways because they are all for you! :)

Today's review comes from the fabulous Etsy Shop StephieMc Designs!

They sent me the amazing Small Version of their My Cup Runneth Over Cupped Necklace . It is hand stamped with the Lil Divas names and filled with their birthstones! Let me just say - It was love at first sight! Honestly, what is there not to love about this:

It is AMAZING! I have gotten so many compliments on it whenever I wear it. I find it to be the perfect length and size. You can wear it daily with ease or dress it up - either way it looks fabulous.

The necklace arrived quickly, carefully wrapped and in an adorable bag including detailed care instructions (greatly appreciated!). Not only do I honestly love the necklace but the service from StephieMc Designs was stellar!

They have so many wonderful items - there is something (more like 3 or 4 things) for everyone in your life. I love personalized gifts and these are definitely brag worthy.

If you missed my previous post highlighting some of my fave designs you can click here --> StephieMc Highlight Post for a peek!

Even better you can visit StephieMc Designs Etsy Shop, Twitter and Facebook! It pays to be a "fan" because there are coupons and deals for followers.

**********

I am thrilled to announce that StephieMc Designs is offering a 25% off coupon code for all Mom to 2 Posh Lil Diva followers during our CELEBRATE MOMS Event! :)

All you have to do is visit StephieMc Designs, find the pieces you simply can't live without (trust me it's not hard, lol!) and at checkout mention code DIVA25 and tell them I sent you to receive your 25% off!

Here a few of the items on my personal wish list - just in case anyone is wondering :)

What were your faves?

Bern

**********

Disclaimer:I received the above pictured necklace for the pruposes of trying it out for this review. That being said, this review is my 100% honest opinion of this product - I  am not paid for my reviews or optinions! They are 100% mine! Please remember that your opinions and tastes might differ from mine. 

master blaster.

Our Very First Vegetable Garden

The Lil Divas and I are having lots of fun with our Garden Theme! :)

I must confess I was hesitant about this one. I have a black thumb - every plant and seed that has come into our home has barely survived the week. The Lil Divas were begging me for a garden but 1. we have no room and 2. as I said above I am a verified plant killer :(

Then the other day I came across the Miracle-Gro Kids Mod Pots Ready, Set, Grow Vegetable Garden Kit  while shopping at Walmart! Key the symphony & lights please - I was SAVED! :)

This is a no fuss, barely a mess, easy way to begin a garden (and it was less than $10)! It is made specifically with kids in mind & quite obviously those of us with black thumbs :). They have a few different kits and I am seriously on the hunt for more because this kind of garden, I can handle (I hope)!

We will have to see in a few weeks time how it does but I really think it will work and the Lil Divas had so much fun putting it all together and are super excited to see it grow!

Here's how it worked:
Everything you need comes in the kit (except the water) - see above pic

All you have to do is prepare the soil mix by adding 3 tablespoons of water & mixing

Then you poke a hole & add a few seeds

Cover it up w/a light layer of the soil mixture, add a pick and add to the pots

It was that simple! Plus, it doesn't have to be watered everyday! The soil keeps moist & has to be watered when it appears light brown instead of dark brown!

I can totally do this! :)

I made a little "My Vegetable Garden Book" printable to go along with our garden:

We had extra seeds so we used them in the book but you couls also draw what your seeds look like.

We will keep track of when we see the first sprout and the Lil Divas will draw what it looks like and then they will draw the final result as well which will hopefully be a vegetable!

You are welcome to use our printable ---> My Vegetable Garden Book

We worked on a Fruit or Vegetable File Folder Game I found on FileFolderFun.com

and I had the Lil Divas work independently on a fruit or vegetable cut & paste sheet I found on TLSBooks.com.

We worked a bit on recognizing and writing the Letter Vv:

The Lil Divas loved this veggie sticker activity -

I found a V is for Vegetable Handwriting Sheet on First-School.ws

and we used the Letter Vv Hunt Printable from BeginningReading.com

Do-A-Dot V - from Confessions of a Homeschooler

V Word Hunt - printable made by me & you can download here --> Vv Word Hunt

I also made some foam Vv for the Lil Divas to put together like a mini puzzle (they love these)

Finally, we did a lil vegetable art! Yes, we painted/stamped with veggies and the Lil Divas got such a kick out of it! Warning - it was messy but it was fun & definitely worth the mess! :)

Books We Read:

Have you started a garden?

Bern

** linking this to Childhood 101 - We Play!, Sharing Time,  Get Crafty,  Read, Explore, Learn , For the Kids Friday, and Preschool Corner, Feed Me Books Friday   It's Playtime **

The Beat Bee Toy Nominated!!!

Wow!!! The Beat Bee Toy was nominated for "Best Toy From A Comic" by the Designer Toy Awards! Super sweet. More HERE.

TOY BOX THURSDAY GIVEAWAY WINNER - Hot Dots Jr. & Ace Talking, Teaching Dog Set

Thank you to all of you that entered this amazing learning toy giveaway from Educational Insights!

Our winner is: Comment #6 : NW Homesteader said GFC follower!

Congrats! I am emailing the winner now & she has 48 hrs to reply! :)

Bern

P.S. I have another Awesome Toy Box Thursday Review coming later today - stay tuned! :)

CELEBRATE MOMS Mother's Day Review & Giveaway Event - Cathy's Designs

Welcome to Day#5 of our CELEBRATE MOMS Mother's Day Review & Giveaway Event.

Today's giveaway is brought to you by Cathy's Designs Etsy Shop. I previously introduced you to Cathy's fabulous handmade designs here ---> Cathy's Designs Sponsor Highlight Post.

Cathy is a self-taught artist whose creations are original, handcrafted and one-of-a-kind! She has amazing watercolors, totes, iPad/Kindle covers, cell phone/ipod/iphone cases, diaper bags & more in her shop.

Cathy was also phenomenal to work with. She was quick to reply to any inquiries and was very sweet. I was expecting to review a bag and when I received her box in the mail it was full of goodies - including extra things for the Lil Divas and more to giveaway! :)

The Oldest Diva got this amazing horse tote which is what I had originally chosen to review:

She loves it and has been using it everyday for school. It is roomy, easy to use and easy to carry even for a 5 year old. This could definitely be used for library books, a quick overnight stay, as a diaper bag, a purse/tote or even small shopping trips.

The quality is phenomenal - not one loose seam or stray thread to be found and it has held up to Lil Diva wear and tear.

The Littlest Diva saw this adorable lil bag & snatched it right up:

She has been toting her treasures in there since it arrived. Sometimes she carries a small notebook and crayons, other times small toys. It's the perfect size for lil hands and little treasures. It would be great to lave in the car with a small coloring book and crayons/mini markers for long drives or trips to restaurants, the doctor's office, etc.

Overall, I highly recommend Cathy's Designs both for her level of service and the quality/craftsmanship of her handmade items. Stop by Cathy's Designs Etsy Shop and see all she has to offer.

***************

Buy It: You can purchase an array of Cathy's wonderful handmade and one of a kind products at Cathy's Designs Etsy Shop.

Win It: Cathy is giving away One (1) Black & Pink Polka Dot Tote Bag to one (1) lucky Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Reader (pictured below)

She is also giving away One (1) Blue Floral Print Wallet/Coupon Holder to one (1) lucky Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Reader (pictured below)

**Ends 5/5/11**

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Cathy's Designs and let me know which of the two items being given away you'd like to win and tell me at least one other of her products that you like!

**This must be completed in order for any extra entries to count**

Extra Entries (Optional)
Please leave a seperate comment

for each entry &

please include your e-mail

so I can get back to you if you win! 

*If you are already a follower leave a comment and let me know as that will count as an entry*

1. Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Publicly via Google Friend Connect 


2. Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas on Twitter 


3. Subscribe to Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas emails 


4. Make a comment on any non-giveaway post on Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Blog and leave a link.  You can do this for up to 3 posts but please note that comment must be dated after the start date of this post - not valid on previous comments.


5. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link - can be done once a day
   
   Tweet:  #Win a #handmade Cathy's Designs Tote Bag or wallet @Momto2PoshDivas ends 5/5 http://goo.gl/fb/3WycM #giveaway #CelebrateMom

Giveaway Rules:
Giveaway ends 5/5/2011 at 11:59 (PDT)

Winner will be chosen via random.org. 

Winner will be announced on 5/6/11
through a post on the blog

& contacted via email if an email is given .

Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Please note any entries that can not be verified will be disqualified.

*****************

Disclaimer: this review is my 100% honest opinion - I  am not paid for my reviews or optinions! They are 100% mine! Please remember that your opinions and tastes might differ from mine. 

Good Luck,

Bern