Photo Friday - August 30th, 2013

Intrigued by an old classical music CD, which he promptly scratched up after (it's okay---it wasn't a very good one). 52 weeks.

Announcement: Winner of Woolzies Giveaway!

Thank you to all of you for visiting the blog, reading, and entering the Woolzies giveaway! It was wonderful to be able to work with Woolzies for a review. If you missed it and would like to read it, click here.

If you like the blog and want to continue seeing amazing reviews and giveaways, please take a moment to vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs and Top Mommy Blogs (you can do it by clicking the buttons on the sidebar on the right hand side of the blog). Also make sure that you "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest!

If you didn't win this one, don't worry! I will continue to work hard to bring you amazing giveaways, so you'll have another chance again soon! Be sure to check all of the posts from the last few weeks to view current giveaways.

Unfortunately there can only be one winner. If you didn't win, you can purchase your own box of Woolzies directly from the website, here. Now for the giveaway winner! Drum roll, please!

Congratulations!!! You have 48 hours to respond. So go check your email!

Book Review: "Love No Matter What" by Brenda Garrison

I received a copy of "Love No Matter What" by Brenda Garrison in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

In "Love No Matter What" author Brenda Garrison uses her own experience with her daughter, Katie, as a foundation for observing issues between the differing perspectives between parents and their children in a conflict. In hopes of aiding parents in dealing with their children making decisions they don't agree with, and reminds them that the most important thing is to offer love, no matter what.

Review

Since the day I found out I was pregnant with Baby E back in 2012, I have becoming immensely interested in reading books with a variety of approaches to parenting. Something that continues to be true even now that he's almost a year old. I have read books on the psychology of children, and memoirs of parents experiences raising their children that range from a (somewhat) tradition Chinese upbringing, to being a normal All American family. I was looking forward to reading "Love No Matter What" to broaden my readings further. The title alone sends a strong message, because it is true, that your children do need to know you love them at all times.

To be blunt, I found this book unenlightening, redundant, and without any sources to back up claims made. In the first two chapters alone, the same exact thing was mentioned in exactly the same way three times. While I can understand the importance of repeating a point to make sure that it has been thoroughly made, it almost seems like an attempt to lengthen the book, as examples of this can be found throughout. For another specific, essentially the same words can be read on page 45 as are also found on page 47, "This is not to make you feel shame or demoralize you..."

One neat thing about the book, is that after mentioning her perspective on an issue with her daughter, there is a note written by her daughter afterwards sharing her perspective on the same thing. It's an interesting concept to show both sides of the coin, and may encourage parents reading the book to think about the situation from the perspective of their child. However, even with the addition of her daughter's perspective, when addressing an issue a child may have with a parent's approach to a conflict, the conclusion is always assumptive and indefinite. Such as Katie's comment that a situation "probably wouldn't have happened" (page 57) had the parents acted differently.

I also personally found this book too preachy. Throughout the entire book, it never references studies or anything else concrete. The only references made are to the Bible. While that is beneficial to people who follow the Christian faith, her cases are not prove evidence for her statements with any other source. Individuals who are followers in Christianity may, in fact, immensely appreciate that excerpts from the Bible can be found after almost every single point that is made. But, lack of more relevant sources are likely to be unappreciated by others.

People who follow the Christian faith will probably appreciate her constant references to bible verses, and the constant mention of God. But this book does not have any "wow" moments of substantial, deep, or ground-breaking advice. In fact, the advise provided is so basic, I came away with not a single piece of knowledge I was not already aware of. Personally, it was not the book for me, and I will not be reading it again.

Disclosure: These product was received by myself in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my thoughts that are expressed above. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. All photos are the property of Found Frolicking. Do not copy, use, and/or distribute any of the above content without first acquiring permission from Found Frolicking.

Yummi Pouch Giveaway from The Pierogie Mama!

What is always in my bag when I leave the house with my toddler?

It's not diapers.
 It's not a change of clothes. It's food.
Can I get an 'amen' ?!

Penny's favorite snack lately has been yogurt or applesauce. But she's not to the point of self feeding... how can I put this...cleanly? ;)

Whether at home or on the go we use our Yummi Pouches for filling with gooey goodness like applesauce, different flavors of yogurt, finely milled oatmeal and even mashed potatoes (extra smooth and with extra cream to help make it more squishable). There's tons of other fillings you can try - any pureed fruit or veggie would work perfectly! I sometimes peruse the baby food aisle at the grocery store to get ideas of what to make at home ;)

My favorite part about Yummi Pouches is the rectangular shape. They are easy to clean (the main reason why I ditched other brands) and are easy for Penny to hold.

They also feature

• an expandable bottom so that you can stand them up
• a wide ziplock opening at the top
• a 6 oz capacity
• BPA and Phthalate free
• dishwasher and freezer safe

Are you ready to win some Yummi goodness? Yummi Pouch has generously agreed to offer 2 prizes! 

The first prize will be their Little Munchkin Set (shown above)

• Set of 6 Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches
• 16oz filling funnel pitcher
• 10 dishwasher safe name label stickers
• 2 decorative dishwasher safe sticker sheets
• 6 mixed color extra pouch caps

And second place prize is a 6 pack of Yummi Pouches.

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below! US residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure: Thank you, Yummi Pouch, for providing The Pierogie Mama with free product to review.  I received no other compensation and all words and opinions are my own. Participating bloggers Ramblings of Mama and Found Frolicking are not responsible for prize fulfillment. 

Yabbly $300 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Yabbly is an online community of thoughtful people who help each other make great purchasing decisions everyday. They were finalists in SxSW 2013 in the social category and are a top 3 search result in "product reviews" on the iPhone app store. Now we all know how hard it is to get to the top 10 in the eyes of Apple. So that is pretty big news. Get the Yabbly App today. It's free! The Yabbly philosophy is that the best purchasing decisions are made through dialogue with actual people who have made similar decisions recently. They believe that one of the main frustrations about online shopping today is that averaging a bunch of reviews just doesn't cut it, and you're left buying a product and simply hoping for the best. Breakdown on how Yabbly works and you will see why it works for you, you and yes, even you!

How often do you find yourself standing in a store, or sitting at your computer, comparing quality and price of different brands that offer a product you're looking for? If you're like me, it gets very frustrating very fast! At the end of the day, I'd just like to know which product is best. But how can I do that without trying it first, or having a recommendation beforehand from a friend? That's where Yabbly comes in! Personally, I am part of quite a few Facebook groups, and members (myself included) are constantly posting off-topic inquiries that have nothing to do with the group, knowing we are reaching all the members and hoping they'll tell us their thoughts on a product we were thinking about purchasing. After awhile, group admins can tire of that. Now that doesn't have to happen ever again! You can use Yabbly to browse topics and to post a question to get feedback, fast, from real people just like you on any product under the sun! Need to know what types of toys parents find are the greatest for kids in your child's age group? Ask on Yabbly! Want to know which type of mascara is really waterproof? Ask on Yabbly! Absolutely have to know details on your travel destination that only people who have previously been there would know? You guessed it---ask on Yabbly!

What's even better? Unlike posting on forums, Facebook groups, websites such as Quora, or simply asking around: with Yabbly, you are guaranteed to get answers to your need-to-know questions, fast. You can rely on Yabbly to get you an answer within 24 hours, for free!

About Yabbly, Inc. Yabbly is a shopping Q&A community where members provide vital, real-time reviews on choosing products that best fit their needs. Yabbly motivates people to help each other pick the best product for them with its 1:1 karma system and is revolutionizing how we connect through shared product experiences. For more information, please visit yabbly.com.

Grand Prize Winner will receive a $300 Amazon Gift Card and Four Additional Winners will each receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Giveaway ends September 9th at 11:59pm, open US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

Organized by Mom Powered Media: Mom to Bed by 8 and Budget Earth.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure: Found Frolicking did not receive compensation for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway. Prize fulfillment and shipping will be handled by MPM.

Would you like to have your products featured in a similar giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure before the holiday season? See how we can help! Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com to see what Mom Powered Media can do for your company!

Made in Canada: Shi Studio Earrings and Tether Belt (Review + Giveaway)

It's finally here! The final "Made in Canada" series feature. I hope you have been enjoying the series. I've worked with so many amazing people to bring you this series, and I have been so happy that all of them have been willing to team up to bring you these amazing reviews and giveaways! I am absolutely honored to have been able to work with each one of them.

I first came across Shi Studio several years ago, at a local festival. Of all of the vendors, Shi Studio stood apart from the rest. It was yet another amazing, unique Canadian discovery for me. I am happy to bring you a review all about them today.

With Shi Studio, there is certainly plenty to love! From earrings, to belts (for both women and men), cuff links, there's a little (or a lot!) for everyone. You can purchase one of the pieces she has put together already, or use her body of work as inspiration to create your own custom made piece! The leather and jewelry pieces that Shi Studio creates are so gorgeous, they have been incorporated into weddings for both brides and grooms, as well as bridesmaids groomsmen. But these pieces are, by no means, overwhelming, and make a beautiful additional to everyday wear, too! It's easy to add a little flair to a dress, a simple top and a skirt, or even jeans and a cute top with a little bit of "shi."

I received the tether belt in black, and a pair of leather "feather" earrings for review. Let's start with the belt. The tether belt is two pieces of leather---a thick strip, and a thin braided one---featuring a "shi" piece in the middle. This piece displays a beautiful piece of fabric in a glass frame. It is multi-functional, as it can be worn as either a cuff or a belt! I have to admit, I've been enjoying it so much as a belt that I can't bring myself to wear it as a cuff at all. It has become one of my most-used accessories in the household, as I've been using it constantly to transform a dress or top from loose to curve-hugging.

The "fleather" earrings have quickly become my favorite. Unlike real feather earrings, they are flexible and durable. My earrings have a combination of 3 different leather pieces and a little piece of "shi." One piece of leather is gold flecked, and another is silver flecked. These different components come together to create a stunning piece of art, and I wore it with a dressy top and a pair of jeans for a rare night out. Because of the different colors that come together to make this pair of stunning earrings, I find they match everything! I've worn them with all of the dresses, and the majority of tops in my wardrobe paired with jeans. They also compliment my hair whichever way I wear it. I've worn it done up, braided, in a ponytail, or natural---they always look amazing. I am definitely wearing them more often than not! I look forward to enjoying them for many years to come.

Can't get enough? Check out all of their amazing products on their website, by clicking here. You can also check them out and stay in touch with Shi Studio through their Facebook page and their Twitter account!

And that's not all! Shi Studio has partnered up with Found Frolicking for a giveaway!  One very lucky winner will win a custom cuff!!! That is up to a $75 value. Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form. Be sure to read the fine print for the giveaway, and read and completely all entries as directed, as incomplete entries will not be counted. Good luck!

Disclosure: These products were received by myself in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my thoughts that are expressed above. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources.

Fine Print for Giveaway: Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada. Please make sure your email address is correct, so that you can be reached if you win. If the email bounces back, winner forfeits the prize and a new winner will be selected. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email sent out to them, and should a response not be received within that time, they forfeit the prize. Please follow the instructions for each entry, as you have to have done what was instructed for your entry to count. All entries will be verified. Found Frolicking is in no way responsible for recipient receiving their prize, but will work with the sponsor in all ways possible to ensure the winner receives their prize.
 

Entry-Form

Made in Canada: Cinder & Sage Large Leaf Hair Comb Review

Everyone has those days. I know you know what I'm talking about. Where you wake up, and you can tell it's going to be a long morning. You lost sleep, your hair isn't cooperating, and you can't even remember to properly make your morning cup of coffee (or tea!). I think as a mom, we have more of those days than some. Although certainly childless individuals are no exemption from these occasional (or maybe not so occasional) catastrophes.

Well, Cinder & Sage, another amazing Canadian treasure, can cure one of those things that goes wrong when you're having an "off day." You can tame your uncooperative locks with one of their beautiful hair combs! Even on days where your hair is actually agreeing with you and you look amazing, it's easy to add the perfect finishing touch with this gorgeous hair comb that you're bound to end up wanting to wear every single day.

There is something timeless about the pieces at Cinder & Sage, which find inspiration from older times to create modern pieces. The result is certainly that all of the jewelry in their line have the best of both worlds---with a classic look, and a modern edge. And I'm not just talking about the hair combs! You can find a wide variety of stunning accessories such as the Fire Starter bottle necklace, Fresh Leaves earrings, Feather Wrap ring, Lace bangles, and their unique one-of-a-kind photo and map lockets!

I received the Large Leaf Hair Comb in silver for review. Each piece from Cinder & Sage comes in a cute reusable cloth pouch, which you can repurpose for other uses, or store your Cinder & Sage pieces in while they aren't in use. I will confess to being a bit intimidated by it at first, as someone who has never, ever worn a hair comb or hair clips (except maybe when I was very little---but I don't remember, so it doesn't count!). But my fears eased completely when I realized how effortless this hair comb was to use. I was also delighted when it became apparent this beautiful piece could be thrown together with almost any piece in my wardrobe for a great look. I even converted my friend B into a hair comb lover, after asking her to model the hair comb for me (see how gorgeous she looks in the pictures below!). You'll be sure to attract attention and compliments with this one!

You can learn more about Cinder & Sage by checking out their collection on their website. Love this particular piece of jewelry? It is available in silver and gold! You can purchase one (or both!) of them directly from Cinder & Sage, here. Cinder & Sage also makes hair combs in various colors featuring oak leaves, feathers, and more. Be sure to check out all of them in their shop on their website in the link above. You can also find them on their Facebook page, and follow them on Twitter.

Disclosure: This product was received by myself in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my thoughts that are expressed above. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources.

Rockin' Green Giveaway from The Nurse Mommy!

I'm delighted to be able to bring to you today the great Rockin' Green dish detergent review and giveaway from my friend Michelle who is a contributing blogger over at The Nurse Mommy! Take a look and enter to win yourself some rockin' product!

Welcome to the Rockin' Green Giveaway! I'm excited to share that we have a giveaway for our readers for a package of Rockin' Green Automatic Dishwasher Detergent.


Check out Michelle's Rockin' Green Auto Dish Detergent Review over at The Nurse Mommy. 

 

What's special about Rockin' Green Dish Detergent?

• Dye free
• No Fillers
• Cleans and protects
• Eliminates unsightly water spots
• No need to pre-rinse
• Natural scrubbing agents
• Non Toxic
• Tackles burnt on food
• Phosphate free
• Easy rinsing formula
• Recyclable packaging
• Prevents mineral buildup
• No cloudy film
• Etch protection
• Vegan & Gluten Free
• Biodegradable
• Naturally scented
• Excellent in hard water - no need for boosters or rinse aids!

Wanna win it? Enter below! Wanna buy it? Buy Rockin' Green on Amazon!

Please use Giveaway Tools form below to enter

Limited to US residents only, 18yrs+
Winner will be selected using random.org
ALL WINNING ENTRIES ARE VERIFIED
Winner will be notified via email and has 48 hours to respond.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Michelle from The Nurse Mommy received the above mentioned item for free in order to facilitate this review. No additional compensation was received for this post. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlets and released of any liability. Please note that The Nurse Mommy and Found Frolicking are not responsible for prize fulfillment. If you have any questions or would like your product featured on The Nurse Mommy, please contact Michelle from The Nurse Mommy at babagrlshell {at} gmail [dot] com

Blogger Opp: Action Baby Carriers

Action Baby Carrier SSC

Dates: TBD

Hosted by: The Nurse Mommy

This event will be limited to 15-20 bloggers.

Free Twitter

Announcement Post: FOUND HERE

Paid Options available, extra links $2, votes $3

********************SIGN UP HERE********************

Photo Friday - August 23rd, 2013

Playing with his Playskool twist and pop toy. Finally has discovered how to do a few of them, and is quite pleased with himself about it! 51 weeks.

Announcement: Winner of Baby Mama Naturals Giveaway!

Thank you to all of you for visiting the blog, reading, and entering the Baby Mama Naturals giveaway! It was certainly lovely to work with Baby Mama Naturals for a review. If you missed it and would like to read it, click here.

If you like the blog and want to continue seeing amazing reviews and giveaways, please take a moment to vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs and Top Mommy Blogs (you can do it by clicking the buttons on the sidebar on the right hand side of the blog). Also make sure that you "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest!

If you didn't win this one, don't fret! There are still two reviews and giveaways still coming to wrap up the "Made in Canada" series!

Unfortunately there can only be one winner. If you didn't win, you can purchase your own skincare products direct from the Baby Mama Naturals website, here. Be sure to keep coming back to follow the rest of the "Made in Canada" series to try your luck at winning another one of our other giveaways. Now for the giveaway winner! Drum roll, please!

Congratulations!!! You have 48 hours to respond. So go check your email!

Mommy Guilt Mantra: Keep Calm and Carry On

It shouldn't be surprising. Most, if not all of us, are our own worst critics. Naturally, it would then carry into parenthood. Even amplify it. Because suddenly, here is a little person in our lives that we love more than ourselves, and to attempt to be the person they need us to be, we hold ourselves at an impossible standard.

A lot of people also do that to other parents. We judge other people around us constantly, parents or not. Sometimes, it's within reason. When you see a parent spanking their kids in a store, or a parent yelling at their child, or a couple having an argument in public where one of them is being obviously cruel to another. But often times, it goes way too far, to all the little things. Sometimes even holding others up to an impossible standard we don't even hold ourselves to: expecting other people to be perfect. Even worse, expecting people to be just like us. Judging a mom for formula feeding, or for breastfeeding in public, or for not breastfeeding in public... for not having the nicest things, or spoiling their kids too much by giving them whatever they want when they throw a tantrum... the list goes on and on. But the truth is, when we do this, we sometimes need to stop and think. This might not be an everyday thing for them, maybe there's a special circumstance, we just don't know. Maybe they're just having a bad day. Hey, I've had some of those, myself. I'll just cut them some slack, like I wish other parents would do for me. And even if not, every parent has the right to do what they think is best for their children, and what works for them and their kids (again, within reason---extreme or illegal things obviously don't count).

I'm going to go out on a limb here, and say that most parents are like me in being the opposite of the above description. We cut all the slack for your friends, family, or even people we just see on the street or in the mall---without ever giving ourselves a break. Parenthood can naturally have that affect on people, considering so many of us (if not all of us) realize how very helpless and clueless we are when our little ones come into the world. From then on, all of our time is spent worrying that we've made some irreversible mistake that will change our children for the worst. Forever. It becomes like this with everything. I'm inclined to believe this is not the case for some or many Europeans, but it is a tiresome reality for many of us who are parents here in North America.

I had one of those moments a few days ago. My son had a little fall yesterday while under my watch, and I felt absolutely dreadful. I felt that it was inexcusable. He was in pain, and it was all my fault. I was still feeling awful about it the next morning, and asked my mother if a similar accident had happened with me or any of my four siblings when we were little. She told me of a few examples, and I felt much better. I had to remind myself: To err is human, and I am human.

There will be (metaphorical and literal) bumps along the road. You can set preventative measures in place, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, things will still happen. When they do, give yourself a minute to worry yourself sick to get it out of your system. Then take a deep breath, and remember that it has already happened, and freakout out doesn't help the situation. The best thing you can do is calm down, so that your little one can tell you are calm and that they shouldn't worry themselves either. Keep it in mind for all of the little bumps in the road the future will bring. Keep calm and carry on.

Made in Canada: Sublime Design Pearl Bracelet Review + Giveaway

Most reviews introduce the reviewer to a brand they are not already familiar with. But today's review for Sublime Design, I am delighted to say is a brand who's products I have been a huge fan of for some time! I first discovered Sublime Design and her incredible creations about 3 years ago, at Make It! Edmonton in November. Sublime Design uses natural semi-precious stones and frames them simply, but gorgeously using cord.

Back in 2011 I immediately loved what I saw from Sublime Design, and I purchased one of her necklaces for my mother as a Christmas gift. She loved it! What's another thing to love? Sublime Design stands behind the integrity of their products, if the cord breaks, or even needs adjustments, all you have to do is mail it back to her, and she'll fix it free of charge! Much to my dismay, Make It! Edmonton is very popular, and very hard to get into. Sublime Design never came back for another Make it! show. I took matters into my own hands, and when my husband and I went to Vancouver and Vancouver Island in 2012, I seized my opportunity. We actually extended our stay on Vancouver Island by a day, just so we could drive into Victoria on a market day, and I could get my hands on some Sublime Design pieces for myself! I fell in love with a teardrop-shaped Labradorite pendant, and an oval-shaped Labradorite braided cord bracelet. Finally, I had some Sublime Design of my own!

I love Sublime Design so much, that naturally I had to get in touch with the maker and mind behind Sublime Design to be a part of this series, so I could share it with you! I was given one of her latest creations, a pretty little thing that will go with almost everything: a gorgeous pearl bracelet. Easy on the eyes, isn't it? After wearing it almost every day for several weeks, I would label this a wardrobe essential! There's not a single outfit I've worn that this bracelet doesn't go with. The cord is beautifully braided around the pearl, and then splits off into strands that tie at the back. All Sublime Design jewelry pieces use a coconut shell closure, which is sturdy and eco-friendly (it's natural, after all!). It's honestly as addictive as every other piece of Sublime Design I'm lucky enough to own!

To read all about Sublime Design, and purchase a few of these amazing pieces for yourself, go to their website by clicking here! "Like" their Facebook page here to stay informed on updates for events, new products (she also has giveaways on her Facebook page!!!). Enter to win one of these beautiful pearl bracelets for yourself, or as a gift for someone you know! Open to Canada only (sorry!). Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form. Be sure to also read the fine print prior to entering. Good luck!

Disclosure: This product was received by myself in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my thoughts that are expressed above. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources.

Fine Print for Giveaway: Giveaway open to residents of Canada only. Please make sure your email address is correct, so that you can be reached if you win. If the email bounces back, winner forfeits the prize and a new winner will be selected. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email sent out to them, and should a response not be received within that time, they forfeit the prize. Please follow the instructions for each entry, as you have to have done what was instructed for your entry to count. All entries will be verified. Found Frolicking is in no way responsible for recipient receiving their prize, but will work with the sponsor in all ways possible to ensure the winner receives their prize.
 

Entry-Form

Photo Friday - August 16th, 2013

Laying down on my dress in the grass, with a full belly and lots of laughs after the 2013 Heritage Festival! 50 weeks.