“He shoots, He scores!”  My husband, Yuji, is an avid hockey fan, and those words never fail to excite him.  Not a week goes by that Yuji doesn’t play, attend a game or watch one on T.V.  So when I learned I was pregnant, it was my hope that my child-to-be would share his dad’s passion.

We wasted no time introducing Koji to the ice rink.  When he was a small infant we pushed him around the ice in his stroller.  As he grew, he was no longer content in his stroller and he wanted to hit the ice himself.  My husband and I were uncomfortable putting a toddler who had just learned to walk on single bladed skates,so we did a little research and my husband found Baby Skates on line.  Thank you to Baby Skates for sending us a custom engraved pair for Koji to try out.

What makes Baby Skates different than other children skates on the market is that each skate is constructed with two stainless steel blades.  They are designed with a rear balance stabilizer which helps reduce backward falls and they have been developed so that they never need to be sharpened.  The boots are excellently crafted using high quality leather.  The leather stretches over time, forming to the foot.  The boot of the skate is insulated, has a comfortable insole, and is easy to clean.  These skates are truly a thing of beauty.

Koji’s new Baby Skates arrived with his name and a logo of a hockey stick and puck exquisitely engraved on them.  He was so excited when I removed them from their package.  He couldn’t wait to put them on.  We have now taken him skating several times and each time he is eager to suit up.  With each step on the ice he gains a little more confidence.  At first he was content to be pushed around the ice, but now he is happy to move his legs back and forth.  He is even able to stand on his own and take a few steps.  As proud parents of our little skating boy we feel Baby Skates provide the appropriate first step for the physical devolvement of a young child learning to skate.  They make for an easy transition to single bladed skates.

Baby Skates are available in toddler sizes two to eight.  They come in a variety of styles and colors and the blades can be custom engraved with writing and logos of your choice.  Baby Skates have a full one year warranty.

And, as if that weren’t enough, Baby Skates make wonderful heirlooms.  Their handsome little two bladed skates can stand on their own.  Years from now, there they will be standing on a den shelf, their blades proudly flashing “Kaneko”.

As well as checking out www.babyskates.com, you can find them on Facebook, and can sign up for their monthly newsletter.

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Thanks to BABY SKATES, one lucky Spilt Milk Moms reader is going to receive a pair of Baby Skates of their choice!

To Enter the contest: Leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which pair of Baby Skates you would like to win. Once you’ve entered by leaving this mandatory comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @BabySkates and @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet “Baby Skates are great #giveaway from @spiltmilkmoms & @BabySkates! http://tinyurl.com/3u265s8“and leave us the link for extra DAILY entries.
• If you ‘Like’ Baby Skates on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry. If you visit their page be sure to let them know Spilt Milk Moms set you!
  
• If you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog and leave us a comment with the link for one extra entry.
• Subscribe to Spilt Milk Moms by RSS or Email Subscription and leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
  

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Thursday, April 28th, and the winners will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents.

Also, Baby Skates has kindly offered free engraving from Thursday, April 14th to Thursday, April 21st, 2011 for all readers who order a pair of Baby Skates. All you have to do is order your skates, and then send an email to information@babyskates.com letting them know that the Spilt Milk Moms sent you for free engraving, and what you would like engraved.

Happy Skating!

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When I was a kid we always had a special pyjama bag to put our pjs in during the day. This meant that (a) they weren’t just lying around and (b) we always knew where they were when it came time for bed. I know it’s been a while since I was a kid, but when I hit up our friend Google to try and find one for Maisie I was at a loss – I came up empty time and time again. I turned to Etsy in hope that someone creative had similar childhood memories, and that’s where I discovered DesignLaboratoire’s PYJ-AMIS.

Sophie, the designer and creator behind PYJ-AMIS (a play on pyjamies & “amis”,  French for friend) was born in Paris, studied fine jewelry for four years in Lausanne, Switzerland, jewelry design in Geneva, and industrial design in Zurich. To say that PYJ-AMIS are well designed is an understatement! DesignLaboratoire were kind enough to send me a little bunny PYJ-AMIS for Maisie to try and it was an absolute HIT. Not only is the bunny design incredibly cute (its little cross-stitch nose is the epitome of cute), but Sophie added Maisie’s name making it personalized cuteness personified. (Maisie’s full name is very unusual and I’m positive we’re never going to find it alongside regular personalized items, so being able to add it to items like PYJ-AMIS makes them even more special.)

PYJ-AMIS come in seven different designs – Sooree the mouse, Foosh the Frog, Swing the seahorse, Boon the bunny, Pingoo the penguin, Kooky the koala and, the newest member of the PJY-AMIS menagerie, Piggy the pig. Each of the animals are available in six different colours (kiwi, raspberry, ocean, gold, oatmeal, and rich cream) with contrasting features and a hanging ribbon so that the PYJ-AMIS can be hung at the end of the bed or on a hook. They are even cuter in person than I imagined, and as soon as I showed Maisie what it was for she immediately insisted that ALL of her pyjamas go into the bunny. I think this would make an awesome birthday gift and if you are as big of an organization freak as I am, you HAVE to get one.

PYJ-AMIS cost $35 USD – add an additional $5 USD for personalization for that special little one but right now, as an Easter special you can get FREE name printing with any order of a “Boon the Bunny” Pyj-Amis during the whole month of April!

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Sophie from DesignLaboratoire has very kindly provided the opportunity for TWO readers to WIN their choice of personalized PYJ-AMIS (one each).

To Enter: Visit the DesignLaboratoire Etsy store and leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us what your favourite item is. Once you’ve entered by leaving this mandatory comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet ” #WIN 1 of 2 personalized PYJ-AMIS pyjama bags from DesignLaboratoire & @SpiltMilkMoms http://tinyurl.com/4ppu6pl #giveaway #contest “ and leave us the link for extra DAILY entries.
  
• If you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog and leave us a comment with the link for one extra entry.
• Subscribe to Spilt Milk Moms by RSS or Email Subscription and leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
  

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Wednesday, April 6th, and the winners will be selected using Random.org.  Winners will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before other winners are selected.  This giveaway is open to both US and Canadian residents.

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I first came across Look Who’s Growing’s personalized growth charts at a trade show last fall. The gloriously bright colours instantly caught my eye and when I found out that not only were they beautiful decorative pieces for kid’s rooms, but they were also functional growth charts, I knew I had to have one for my son. The charts come in 2 widths (6 or 12 inches), are printed on durable vinyl material and come in the most beautiful colours and designs you can imagine. You can even personalize them with your child’s name, birth date and picture! Fantastic!

Look Who’s Growing was kind enough to send me a sample chart for my son’s room and I chose the beautiful Giraffe design because really, what toddler doesn’t love giraffes!  When I took it out of the box the look on my son’s face when he saw the beautiful image was priceless! Hanging it in his room was a bit of a challenge because he wanted to take it down and play with it. And getting him to stand still long enough for me to take his measurement against it is was whole different story entirely, but once we work the kinks out it will be great!

The best thing about the personalized growth charts from Look Who’s Growing is that they are completely portable! We just moved last week and unlike back in the day when you’d have to leave that closet door frame with all your kid’s growth marks behind, Look Who’s Growing’s charts are completely portable and can be moved from one home to the next as the years pass, serving as a great keepsake for kids and parents alike!  And since this chart measures to over 6 feet tall you can bet that I’ll be doing my best to measure my son for as long as he’ll let me, or until my husband tells me that measuring my 6 foot tall kid against a giraffe chart is getting to be a bit much. We’ll see who wins this one!

Thanks to Look Who’s Growing for sending me the beautiful sample, I’m definitely going to have to get one for my new baby who’s due next month. I’m totally going to place that order once this kid is born. I’m so excited! For both the birth of my second baby and for the new growth chart I get to order! Now the big decision of which design to pick this time….

The Look Who’s Growing personalized growth charts come with a wooden dowel at the bottom and two grommets at the top for easy wall mounting. They are available for purchase online starting at $34.99 CDN.

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If you’re in the Toronto, Ontario area, Look Who’s Growing is sponsoring a fantastic mommy’s day out at the Sweet Grass Spa on May 29th! Click here for more information on The Great Mommy Escape and sign up to take advantage of some great spa pampering deals!

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To Enter: Go to the Look Who’s Growing Website and then leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which growth chart design you love most.  Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @lookwhosgrowing and @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet ” WIN a Personalized Growth Chart THX TO @lookwhosgrowing http://tinyurl.com/473zz5l @SpiltMilkMoms #giveaway #contest ” and leave us the link for extra DAILY entries.
• ‘Like’ Look Who’s Growing on Facebook, leave a comment there letting them know that the Spilt Milk Moms sent you for one extra entry.
• ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog and leave us a link in the comments for one extra entry.
• Subscribe to Spilt Milk Moms by RSS or Email Subscription and leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Go to http://www.lookwhosgrowing.ca to sign up for their newsletter for one extra entry.

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Friday April 1st, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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Looking for a unique way of expressing your love?  Feast your eyes on this beautiful Tree of Love metal sculpture by Anvil Island Design of Nanaimo, Canada.

I almost never write about things which I do not own or receive, but I’m going to admit that I do not have a Tree of Love hanging on the wall in my dining room (that’s the spot I have picked out).  However, I came to know about Tree of Love from my co-worker, who bought one at a local fair a few years ago and showed me pictures of it hanging in his house (thanks Paul!).  We’re in the middle of saving for ours, so I figure it’s safe to share with you, dear readers, despite not having my hands on one at the moment.

Tree of Love metal sculptures are created by artist Jack Willoughby and are modeled after Japanese maple trees.  This is what the Anvil Island Design website says about this tree: “Usually the focal point in a garden, the Japanese Maple is loved for its elegant, delicate foliage and bright vibrant fall colour. In legend and lore the tree is also thought to tie humanity to the soul of earth and create connectivity with man to nature. Often the central tree in a bonsai garden, the pruning and care of a bonsai Japanese Maple was said to inspire harmony and creativity and evoke a sense of tranquility and peace.“  Mr. Willoughby takes his version of the Japanese Maple a step further by adding the custom carving of initials and/or dates to help people celebrate their love or a special occasion (as pictured above and below).

Purchasing your Tree of Love is a completely personalized experience and there are a variety of options available to select from in the creation of this unique piece of art.  This metal sculpture is available in only one size, 16 ¾ inches high x 35 ¼ inches wide (42.5 cm high x 89.5 cm wide), but you select both the style and finish.  There are two styles – wall mounted (so it can be hung on a wall), or table standing (which comes with a base so it can be placed onto a window sill or bookcase).  Finishes include steel, matte black, or bronze.  You can then decide whether or not you want to add up to two sets of initials and a date (which appears as Month/Day/Year, with the month abbreviated to the first three letters).

Each customized Tree of Love costs $195 CDN plus shipping and handling ($28 for Canadian orders, $39 for US orders – international orders will receive quotes prior to processing) and can be ordered through the Anvil Island Design website.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

Anvil Island Design is generously offering the readers of Spilt Milk Moms a 15% discount on Tree of Love orders!  To use this promotional code, please contact Anvil Island Design directly (do not use the online order form) by phone or by email referencing Spilt Milk Moms to place your order.  Thanks Jack and Anvil Island Design!

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Starfish Kidz clothing line includes onesies from size three months to t-shirts in XL and also have bottoms for three to 24 months. What really caught my eye was their beanies; you can chose between applique or floral, from newborn to mom size. Their current line of appliques includes All Star, Hush (as seen above), and Skullz, and Starfish Kidz are just about to release a new line of appliques!

Not only is Starfish Kidz’s kid’s line ridiculously cute, but the company strives to give back to the community by donating money to various beneficiaries. When I bought Travis his Skullz onesie, the company was having a promotion where they donated $1 from every beanie sold to baby Molly. The reason behind the company’s interest in giving back (as if there needs to be a reason!) is that the founding trio of Starfish Kidz moms had been to visit Children’s Hospital and had met with Dan Mornar, the hospital’s parent/patient advocate. Dan Mornar took these moms through the oncology ward to meet with the children, their parents and the staff. Starfish Kidz graciously donated almost 60 beanies, florals and appliques as well as over 50 t-shirts and onesies to the children! Yeah, it made me tear up too. They missed meeting little Molly by three days, and so they sent her a beanie of her own (so she can feel like part of the group), as well as a cash donation to help out her family.

Starfish Kidz’ clothing is made from a blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton and it is deliciously soft! But aside from the softness, there were many reasons why the company chooses this Eco-friendly fabric. Bamboo can grow to full maturation within seven years and it grows so rapidly that it self-regenerates automatically. Bamboo is grown pesticide-free, and a chemical free process distills the bamboo into cellulose fiber, which is then manufactured according to rigid ISO world standards. Unlike nylon, polyester and other synthetics which cause odors and harbor bacteria, bamboo has natural anti-bacterial properties, and is extremely breathable as it wicks away moisture. It also contains a natural UPF, which helps to protect skin from harmful sun damage.

You too can own a piece of Starfish Kidz clothing for your little monkey by making a purchase through the company’s website. A onesie retails for$26 CAD, short sleeve t-shirts cost $20 CAD, bottoms cost $18 CAD, and beanies range from $20 to $24 CAD. You might want to grab a beanie for yourself while you shop, because trust me, the fabric is so soft that when your child’s clothing arrives, you’ll be jealous!

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I have been looking for a personalized necklace to celebrate Maisie’s birth since before she was even born. I didn’t want anything that screamed “family necklace” or was too cutesy, and it had to go well with my other day-to-day jewellery (a combination of Tiffany & Co, Hot Diamonds & Joy Everley Designs.) (Yes, I’ll be honest – I’m picky!) Shortly before Christmas, I discovered Naomi Gray Designs and fell head over heels in love with the My Little Angel necklace (above) in silver. This beautiful necklace features a hand stamped heart with an initial, a semi-precious birthstone briolette and the charming little angel wing, all on a delicate rope chain – it was the perfect thing to spend some of my Christmas money on.

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with my necklace – it is SO beautiful and I get compliments on it whenever I wear it. It’s definitely become my day-to-day necklace and there’s something about having a memento celebrating my lovely girl so close to my heart that makes me smile every time I see it. I seriously considered purchasing the Birthstone Mini Ring Necklace as well – I’m thinking it might be the perfect gift for my mum’s birthday this year. I’ve also fallen in love with the Big Love Ring and may need to send Husbando some serious hints before my birthday. There are so many beautiful pieces in this collection that you really are spoiled for choice!

Naomi Gray Designs has created some really lovely pieces especially to celebrate the season of love. Just look at the Love Necklace and Love Ring – they’re both available in rose gold too which would be so sweet for Valentine’s Day.

The jewelry isn’t the only thing about this company that sparkles, the customer service was fantastic. I was in a rush to receive my necklace before Christmas and Nicole responded to my emails so quickly and then went above and beyond to get the info I needed. And when she discovered that they didn’t currently have shipping options to Canada she set them up specifically for our Spilt Milk Mom readers – how amazing is that?

I LOVE the beautiful simplicity and charm of all their fabulous designs, so I am super duper excited that the fabulous Nicole from Naomi Gray Designs has very generously provided Spilt Milk Moms with a 25% off promo code for their readers just in time for Valentine’s Day. All you have to do is use the code “SpiltMilk25″ at check out! What a wonderful offer (I know I’ll be taking advantage of it!) Don’t miss out!

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When I was in New York for BlogHer this August, I attended the most wonderful Christmas party hosted by Hallmark. The party included a sneak peek at some of their upcoming products and lines (along with some fabulous Christmas cocktails and a sexy Santa). My absolute, hands down favourite were the recordable Christmas books, and I’m so excited to now be able to share them with you in time for the holidays!

Hallmark has three Christmas-themed Recordable Storybooks – The Night Before Christmas, The First Christmas and Frosty the Snowman. Using their special voice-save technology, you are able to record your own voice reading the story which is saved even if you remove the batteries.

Now while I was at the party they had a video showing with stories from real people about how they used the books. I won’t lie – I shed a tear (or two). Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can be heartbreaking when you’re separated from the ones you love. As someone who has feet strongly planted on two continents, I know all too well that you can’t always be with everyone when you want to be. For Little Miss’ grandparents to be able to record themselves reading her a special Christmas story – and for us to be able to keep it for years to come – is truly priceless.

When my copy of Frosty the Snowman arrived, Husbando insisted that we open and try it out to see how easy it really is. It’s very easy to use (as long as you read the directions, unlike certain husbands!), and you can record each page as many times as you’d like until you’re happy with the results.

I really think Hallmark’s Recordable Storybooks would make a fabulous Christmas gift for young and old alike (I mean what grandparent’s heart wouldn’t be melted by the grandkids reading them Frosty the Snowman?) Hallmark Recordable Storybooks retail for $29.99 and available at your nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store.

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Hallmark has generously supplied us with a copy of their Frosty the Snowman Recordable Storybook for ONE lucky reader to WIN!  Thank you Hallmark!

To Enter: Leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us who you would send this Hallmark recordable storybook to.  Once you’ve entered by leaving this mandatory comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @HallmarkPR & @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet “Lend your voice to Xmas w/a @HallmarkPR Frosty The Snowman recordable book: http://tinyurl.com/2vl5l3w @SpiltMilkMoms #giveaway #contest” and leave us the link for extra DAILY entries.
• If you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Subscribe to Spilt Milk Moms by RSS or by Email and leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog for one extra entry.

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Friday, December 17th, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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With Christmas fast approaching I was in need of some thoughtful and unique gifts.  You know that feeling you get when you buy a gift and you just can’t wait to see the expression on the person’s face when she opens it?  Well, that’s just what I was looking for and what I found when I stumbled across 2unique, a Vancouver company specializing in hand stamped jewelry.  2unique creates one-of-a kind custom sterling silver necklaces, and each piece is handcrafted with one person in mind, making the jewelry a very personal gift. Custom options include choices of a variety of sterling silver shapes and sizes to be stamped.  Once this selection has been made, the silver can be personalized with names, initials, dates, Swarkoski crystal birthstones and pearls.  Chains are available in link or ball styles, and come in various sizes ranging from 16 to 26 inches in length.  The resulting work of art is a meaningful keepsake for a unique mother, bride, newlywed, grandma, grad, a birthday girl, or just to celebrate the wearer!  Jewelry prices vary from $37 to $71 CAD, depending on which style you choose.

Each year I give my husbands hints on what I would like under the tree.  This year on top of the three necklaces I ordered for gifts, I designed one for myself.  Nothing like getting what you really want for Christmas!

2unique is currently running a great Christmas special.  If you buy three necklaces you will receive a free zodiac necklace customized to the person of your choice.  Please allow 1-2 weeks for items to be made and shipped.

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Now that it’s Fall and Winter is approaching quickly, I was packing away Charlotte’s floppy summer hats when I stumbled across BabyBoo’s unique hats at a local boutique.  Olga, the company’s founder, was lovely enough to send me one for Charlotte to try out (it arrived in a beautiful envelope adorned with ribbon and the company’s tag – ready to be gifted).  The Canadian company’s tagline, “bamboo baby toques with style”, describes their hats perfectly.

Perfect for the chillier weather on the way, BabyBoo’s hats are functional, funky, and stylish, too!  BabyBoo carries a variety of different designer styles to match your child’s unique personal style and these hats make FABULOUS gifts.  If you want to be involved in the creation of a hat for someone special, the company is also happy to make a one-of-a-kind hat designed just for you.

BabyBoo carries hats for both boys and girls, and fit children aged zero to 12 years (LittleBoo fits 0-6 months, MiddleBoo 6-12 months, and BiggerBoo 2-12 years).  The hats in the Boys line are more edgy, and include mohawks and nifty appliques and fun names like Return to Neverland, Mo-Style, and my favourite Top Gear. The Girls line is whimsical, pretty, and feminine, adorned with beautiful flowers in various sizes and colours as well as a touch of bling.  My favourites include Ballet (pictured above), Happily Ever After, and Blackberry Jam.  There is a hat for every season and occasion!

After looking at all of the choices available in the Girls line I couldn’t make a decision about which hat would suit Charlotte best, so I sent Olga an email describing my little Miss and basically leaving it up to her.  When the hat arrived about a week later, Olga had nailed it!  Her grey bamboo toque with a single flower and a vintage button in the middle is absolutely stunning against Charlotte’s dark hair, pale skin, and blue eyes.  She’s been wearing the hat everywhere, and we are often stopped on the street by strangers exclaiming how cute she is in her beautiful toque.  Her BabyBoo hat gives her a sophisticated, classy, and feminine touch (which is nice given that she hardly has any hair and I’m sure most people think she’s a boy).

BabyBoo baby toques are made out of Eco-friendly bamboo and are handmade in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada.  Charlotte’s hat is incredibly soft and I’m thrilled that its bamboo content makes it antibacterial and hypoallergenic, especially because she has such sensitive skin.  If you’re looking for a unique and stylish gift or simply a unique hat for your child made to your specifications, take some time to browse the BabyBoo website.  And be prepared for plenty of smiles and comments from strangers about how cute your child when wearing his or her hat!

BabyBoo’s bamboo toques with style cost a reasonable $25 to $27 CDN (depending on the size of the hat) and are available for purchase through the company’s website.

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BabyBoo is generously giving away hats to TWO lucky Spilt Milk Moms readers in the style and size of his/her choice!  Thanks BabyBoo!

To Enter: Go to the BabyBoo website and then leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which of these stylish toques you would choose for your child if you win. Once you’ve entered by leaving this comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @shopBabyBoo and @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet ” #WIN 1/2 stylish and warm @shopBabyBoo bamboo toques for your baby, toddler or child! http://tinyurl.com/27e8wm4 @SpiltMilkMoms #giveaway “ and leave us the link for extra DAILY entries.
• If you ‘Like’ BabyBoo on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• If you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog for one extra entry.
• Subscribe to Spilt Milk Moms by RSS or Email Subscription and leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
  

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Tuesday,  November 16th, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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I was a little skeptical about the Tag-a-Tag clothing labels (I mean labels that stay on in the LAUNDRY?), but they’ve already survived several washes with no sign of giving up their stickiness anytime soon. I also love the size of the slim labels – they’re subtle and their small size means they can fit on items other name labels can’t.

I absolutely love everything about these Emily Press labels, from the designs to the size to the cute little booklet they come in. I may have also fallen in love with their EP Chic Baby Labels and can totally see using the très magnifique Parisian (belle) labels for myself. (Seriously how cool would it be to have chic labels for all us grown ups?) The First Class school label pack costs $40.95 (for 93 labels!), but is only available until September 30th so don’t hesitate!

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Just in time for Back-to-School, Emily Press Labels has generously offered up a First Class School Label Pack for one lucky reader to WIN!  Thanks Emily Press!

To Enter:  Go to the Emily Press website and then leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which icon best suits your child.  Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @EmilyPress and @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet ” WIN a limited edition First Class Label pack w/@EmilyPress & @SpiltMilkMoms http://tinyurl.com/236g8wj #giveaway #contest “and leave us the link for extra daily entries.
• If you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog for one extra entry.

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Friday, September 17th, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.

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One thing that makes a lovely and useful gift is a utensil set, especially if it is engraved. I still have a baby spoon of my own with my inital on it. I starting thinking that this would make a good shower gift to keep on hand, because it is gender neutral, useful, and works with any parents’ personal style. I came across the sweet Fabler stainless steel fork, nice and spoon set for only $4.99 at Ikea. You just can’t beat that price!! They are nicely sized, not too tiny, and have a good weight. I stocked up on a few boxes while I was there, just to have on hand for future gift giving.

Now here is the extra special part: I took the cutlery set into my local mall and had it engraved with the baby’s initials, which cost me about the same as the set, but this is what elevates the gift to heirloom quality! Prices will vary depending on the engraving store, but I think this makes such a perfect gift for any baby boy or girl.

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Yes, it’s still July, and yes, the beginning of the school year is still five or so weeks away.  But time flies when you’re having fun, and for some reason it moves especially quickly when it’s summer.  Darn.

For those of you already thinking about Back-to-School season, Mabel’s Labels is sponsoring a fabulous giveaway with the Spilt Milk Moms!  Up for grabs is a set of their Colourful Ultimate Back-to-School Combo!

The Colourful Ultimate Back-to-School Combo comes equipped with:

• 50 Tag Mates;
• 40 Skinny-Minis;
• 16 Shoe Labels;
• and 2 Teeny Tags.

Available through Mabel’s website for a limited time until September 24th, 2010, the Ultimate Back-to-School Combo pack retails for $44 CDN with six awesome design motifs to choose from.  Oliver has the Rainforest one on the way thanks to Mabel’s, and we can wait to get stickin’ and tagin’ for daycare!

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Mabel’s Labels has generously supplied us with one Colourful Ultimate Back-to-School Combo for one lucky winner!  Thanks, Mabel’s Labels!

To Enter:  Go to the Mabel’s Labels website and leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which of the Colourful Ultimate Back-to-School design motifs you would choose if you were to win this giveaway.  Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @Mabelhood and @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet ” WIN an Ultimate Back-to-School Combo pack of labels and tags from @Mabelhood @SpiltMilkMoms http://tinyurl.com/2afgpr3 #giveaway #contest “ and leave us the link for extra daily entries.
• Leave us a comment if you ‘Like’ Mabel’s Labels on Facebook for one extra entry.
• Leave us a comment if you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog and leave us the link for one extra entry.

This giveaway ends just in time to get organized for Back-to-School at 12:01am PST on Tuesday, August 10th.  The winner will be selected using Random.org and will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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I know that you’re thinking “Ewww! Germs!” but just think of all the tasks you use disposable tissues for and then ask yourself if any of those tissues could be replaced with a hanky.  I was surprised at how easy it was to incorporate hankies into our daily routine, and I think you might be too!  Hank&Cheefs are the perfect alternative for most of your facial tasks, including light sniffles, make-up smudges, biking in the rain, hot flashes, allergies, toddler tantrums, really sad movies, and sweat.  That being said, I would suggest you keep a supply of disposable tissues (preferably made from recycled paper) on hand for when your little angel wakes up with one of those snot-pouring-out-of-both-nostrils colds so that you can save your Hank&Cheefs for your less snotty tasks!

Besides being so much lovelier than a wad of used tissue in my jacket pocket, Hank&Cheefs also offer environmental, sustainable, and ethical benefits.  As per the Hank&Cheef website, the use of toilet paper and facial tissue amounts to over 700,000 tonnes of disposable tissue products thrown away in Canada every year.  Although I’m not prepared to give up toilet paper altogether (yikes), between switching to toilet paper made from recycled paper, using Norwex cloths in place of paper towels, and using Hank&Cheefs instead of disposable tissues when possible, I feel like our family is making a small dent in that frightening number.

Hank&Cheefs are made right here in Canada from 100% organic cotton and water-based dyes.  At 8.5″ x 8.5″, they fold nicely into pockets and are the perfect size for both mommy faces and little faces too.  Hank&Cheef also offers handkerchiefs in a manly 12″ x 12″ size for that special man in your life.  Custom orders for weddings, graduations, births, or pretty much any occasion are available too!

Visit Hank&Cheef’s online store to purchase your hankies – $5.25CAD for singles and $9.75CAD for the 12″x12″ sizes) or $15.75CAD for three-packs.

Hank&Cheef is offering the readers of Spilt Milk Moms 10% off of their large single 12″x12″ Hank&Cheefs and 15% off of their 3-pack Hank&Cheefs.  Please email the company at hankandcheef (at) hankandcheef (dot) com following your online purchase with the subject SPILTMILK, and Hank&Cheef will apply the applicable discounts to your total and refund the difference to your account (note: these discounts are not available for items already on sale).

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Hank&Cheef wants to share the love and has generously supplied us with a set of seven Hank&Cheefs in the Camel print for one lucky reader to WIN!  Thank you Hank&Cheef!

To Enter: Leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which Hank&Cheef design you like the most OR one thing you could use a Hank&Cheef for instead of a tissue.  Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet this giveaway for extra daily entries.
• If you are a fan of Hank&Cheef on Facebook, let us know for one extra entry.
• If you are a fan of Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, let us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog for one extra entry.

In order for your additional entries to count, you must come back HERE and leave us SEPARATE COMMENTS to let us know you follow us, are/became a fan, and if you tweeted or blogged please provide us with the link.

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Friday, July 9th, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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We simply LOVE Canadian company Mabel’s Labels here at Spilt Milk Moms and can personally attest to the durability and stylishness of their personalized labels and stationary.

Are your kids headed to camp this summer?  If they are, it’s time to consider investing in one of Mabel’s Labels Camp Packs.  By labelling your children’s gear using Mabel’s labels, you’ll make sure that (a) their stuff makes it home after camp is over, and/or (b) you’ll be positive that the boots you saw on that bear standing by the side of the road belonged to your Sarah (which also makes a good campfire story).

Mabel’s Labels Camp Packs are available in three colour combinations and include the following items to identify ALL of the stuff accompanying your child to camp:

• 15 Sticky Labels
• 40 Iron-Ons OR 50 Tag Mates
• 8 Shoe Labels
• 2 Bag Tags

Mabel’s Camp Pack costs $34 CAD (a great combo pack deal), and all the labels are dishwasher and microwave-safe as well as UV resistant, while the clothing labels are laundry safe.

Even if your kids aren’t headed to camp, summer is a busy time for most families and yours probably includes water parks, picnics, amusement parks, family reunions, birthday parties, fireworks, day camps, and I’m exhausted now so I’ll stop here.  “My 411 Wristbands” are Mabel’s solution to not being able to keep your eyes on your kids all.the.time. at whatever party or function your children (with or without you) are headed to this summer.  These disposable wristbands include the information you feel is pertinent such as your child’s first name, your first name and emergency contact information, and any health concerns or special needs your child may have.

“My 411 Wristbands” are resistant to water, sunscreen, chlorine, and perspiration and are available in five funky designs.  30 disposable wristbands cost $21 CAD through the Mabel’s Labels website.

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Mabel’s Labels has generously supplied us with one Camp Pack AND one set of “My 411 Wristbands” for a GIVEAWAY with the Spilt Milk Moms – one lucky winner will win both sets!  Thanks for your generosity, Mabel’s Labels!

To Enter: Leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which Mabel’s Labels product interests you the most.  Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @Mabelhood on Twitter and tweet this giveaway for extra daily entries.
• Follow @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet this giveaway for extra daily entries.
• Become a fan of Mabel’s Labels on Facebook for one extra entry.
• Become a fan of Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog for one extra entry.

In order for your additional entries to count you MUST come back HERE and let us know by providing the link (please leave a separate comment for each additional entry)!

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Thursday, June 17th, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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