What Moms Love {Weekly}

Can you believe the school year is almost over?  We are counting the days in my home!  Today was a taste of that for me since my older 3 kids had orthodontist appointments and I decided to surprise them by keeping them out of school the rest of the day (shhh…don’t tell on us).  I am really enjoying the tween/teen years in spite of the hormones.  It can be rocky but it’s also a lot of fun.

This week I am loving a toddler that is giddy as she rolls in the grass, the last cool breezes before it get’s really hot, random hugs from momma’s boy, seeing results from a workout and taking care of myself, and Mother’s Day celebration secrets whispered between children.

How about you? What makes your list of loves this week?  I’d love to hear them!!

Here are a few finds this week that I am excited about:

1. Din Din Smart™ Stainless Bus Platter– by InnoBaby- This fun platter is made of stainless steel is great for toddlers and kids! You won’t find any BPA here and, with 5 compartments, there’s plenty of room for lots of healthy options.

2. Ele Patemm Pad in Storm White Twill (a Sprout San Fransisco Exclusive)- I think this design is super cute and I’ve heard really good things about the Patemn Pad.  If you’ve ever tried to open a diaper bag, get out a diaper, wipes and unfold a changing pad all one handed, then you will appreciate the Patemn Pad that has no zippers, buttons, or straps.  It unfolds easily and holds your diapers, wipes and a change of clothes.  I love the large round shape that is perfect for the squirmiest of little ones.

3. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips– A friend told me about these nail polish strips and they are great!  If you want a quick manicure with some really cool designs then you should try these.  You can find them at Target or order them online.  They are easy to put on and last for up to 10 days with no drying time.

4. Springfree Trampolines– My family is getting one of these trampolines this coming week.  We went last week to their store in Plano Texas and my kids had a BLAST jumping on these SAFE trampolines.  It sounds strange to call a trampoline safe because of all of the ways there are to get hurt on a trampoline but Springfree trampolines have eliminated the major ways you can get hurt on traditional trampolines.  First of all there are no springs and the sides flex with you if you jump into them. Want to see more? Watch the video here of the safety features.  If your interested in learning more about Springfree trampolines visit their website hereCheck back with Mommy Kudos next week for a more detailed review and to enter to win a Springfree Trampoline for yourself!

 Enjoy your weekend and have a Happy Mother’s Day!

Cravings-The Devotional {Enter to Win One}

You know that feeling you get when you discover something really fantastic?  I felt that little tug in my heart as I opened up Cravings- The Devotional cards and read the first one as I slid it into place on its adorable cupcake shaped holder. “This,” I thought “is just what moms need!”

The adorable cupcake holder sits on your counter top and holds devotional cards that are PERFECT for moms.  They are just what you need to be refreshed and encouraged.  Each time I changed the card I felt like the devotion for that day spoke right to my heart.  They are simple, quick, include Bible verses.  I loved that I could go back to it throughout the day rereading and attempting to memorize the verses.

It would be silly for me to ask you if you are busy.  If you are a mom, of course you are busy.  That is why I love the idea of this devotional.  Finally there is a devotional that will not just sit on your bedside table unread.  Stick this Cravings devotional in a spot you see every day like near the kitchen sink or on your bathroom counter top and you will have a daily reminder to devote moments of your day to what God wants to speak to your heart.

Cravings- The Devotional is so perfect for new moms that are still trying to get a grip on a new reality.  I plan to give Cravings as a shower or baby gifts.  It would also make a great gift for any mom, at any stage, who could use encouragement throughout her day.

About Cravings:

Cravings is a collection of card-size devotionals based on the Psalms. They are written to help mothers develop their relationship with God in the midst of motherhood.
Each card contains a scripture for the day, a “thoughtlet,” and an action idea. As moms crave the sweet morsels from God’s Word, they can draw a card from a delectable Cravings holder—a pink cupcake!—that also displays the daily card for hands-free viewing. Versatile enough to fit with any feminine décor in a dining nook, a prayer closet, a kitchen–wherever you‘d want Scripture at your fingertips. If you find you need Cravings around the home, just one may not be enough!
Cravings can be a mom’s daily devotional, a supplement to her regular quiet time, or even doubled up during the day. The set of 40 cards offers over a month’s worth of Cravings in whatever way serves the spiritual needs of individual moms.

About the author:

Carey Bailey is a recovering perfectionist, wife, proud mama and Family Life director for her church in Surprise, Ariz. On the side she loves party planning, crafting, and pursuing her dream of writing. She has a degree in religion from Westminster College and writes at her blog at www.carebaileyonline.com.

“When I became a mom I lost my God time,” says Carey Bailey. “I couldn’t figure out how to fit it in, since everything but that time was a priority. So I made note cards that I set around my house with scriptures written on them. Even when my arms were too full of babies, laundry, and diapers to pick up a Bible, I could easily read God’s words of encouragement that I was starving for”

And Cravings–The Devotional was born. Celebrate with Carey by entering her Minute-for-Mom Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • $50 gift card to Erin Condren Shop (Your one-stop-shop for all things awesome!)
  • $50 gift card to Victoria’s Secret® (For something pretty.)
  • $25 gift card to Bath & Body Works® (For a little spa treatment.)
  • 2 Sets of Cravings – The Devotional (For you and a friend.)
  • Scentsy Plug In and 2 Bars (A lovely scent for your space.)

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/12/12. The winner will be announced 5/14/12 on Carey’s blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Carey’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
Want to find out what others are saying about Cravings- The Devotional? Check out the Blog Tour to read more about it!
Disclosure: I received Cravings- The Devotional for free to review. The opinions shared are my own.

Lego Cleanup Genius! Loving the Lay-N-Go!

Okay, so if you have kids I am guessing you have Legos (assuming your kids are old enough)?  Don’t we all have a love/hate relationship with Legos?  We love them because our kids build incredibly imaginative things with them.  We hate them because they never stay in one place and you can find a Lego just about anywhere (dryer anyone?!).  Enter the Lay-n-go.  This amazing bag lays flat as a play surface and then when you are done you just pull the zip cord to close up the bag with all of the Legos inside. There’s even a pocket to tuck away the string.

When I came across the Lay-n-Go online I could not believe how brilliant it is!  This is truly a mom and dad invention that parents with kids that play with toys needs (um, that’s pretty much all of us isn’t it?).  The Lay-n-Go doesn’t just work for Legos but just about any toy with multiple pieces that you can imagine.  Imagine cleaning up your toy room or living room in less than 20 seconds!

The Lay-n-Go comes in two sizes, a 5 foot size and the lite version which is 18″.  The larger size is perfect to use in rooms where you want easy cleanup.  We loved the smaller size for in the car travel and for bringing legos from the bedroom to the kitchen table for play time.

These would be fantastic for classrooms (in school or at home)!  Bring out the blocks and put them away in a snap.  Kids will love the quick clean up too!

Watch this video here of how easy it is to set up, close and take with you.

To Purchase either the Lay-n-Go or the Lay-n-Go Lite you can find them at the Lay-n-Go store.

You can stay up to date with Lay-n-Go by Liking them on Facebook or Following them on Twitter.

So what do you think?  Would the Lay-n-Go be a lifesaver for you and your kids?

Disclosure: I was sent a Lay-n-Go Lite to test out.  As always, my opinions are my own.

 




Welcome to the New & Improved Mommy Kudos

Whew! The transfer of Mommy Kudos from Blogger to WordPress is finally complete! It was more than I bargained for and a LOT of work but so very worth it! I think I am going to enjoy it here on WordPress.

I must share with you the designer of Mommy Kudos who did an amazing job!  Casey is the woman behind the beautiful and creative designs of Sugar Studios.  She was great to work with!  If you find yourself needing a new and improved blogging space check her out!

I’m still tweaking and adding things around here so pardon the dust for a bit.  I have quite a few giveaways going on and a few more to come in celebration of the new blog launch.  Also, features like “What moms love weekly’ will return this week after a couple weeks break for the transfer.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the new look and design!

Update on the Move and New Design

 Just wanted to give you a heads up that the move and new design are almost complete.  Some links on/to Mommy Kudos may not work great until we get everything converted.  So please bear with me and stay tuned for the new design!