Milestones happen every day when you have children. All of those little things you never want to forget. Everything is a celebration when you’re new to this world, and there’s really nothing like it. When my first child started speaking “Mama!,” at his first food (homemade mashed sweet potatoes…inhaled what didn’t cover his grandpa!), stood on his own, started reading…they’re all engrained forever in my mind. Parenting is magical, and seeing everything through the eyes of a child is such a gift.

Many families use Cheerios as one of their child’s first finger foods. They’re whole grain, melt easily in puddles of drool and have a hole in the middle to reduce the risk of choking. It’s with this in mind that they launched their “Cheerios Milestones” contest. You can visit the Cheerios website where you’ll be able to upload a favourite picture and be entered for a chance to be one of 20 finalists to appear on a special edition Cheerios Box and win Cheerios for a year! PLUS one lucky grand prize winner will walk away with $10,000 towards an RESP from TD Canada Trust!

The Cheerioscontest closes December 15, 2010.

But…

I’m having my own “mini-milestones” giveaway right here right now courtesy of Mom Central! Simply leave me a comment sharing a story about one of your child’s milestones for an entry. One lucky reader will receive a Cheerios playbook, perfect for learning and fun! Contest closes October 29 at noon mst.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Cheerios Milestones program by Mom Central on behalf of General Mills. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

When there’s a lot of time-outs happening at your place, I suggest an alternative to losing your patience.

Take Time Out To Rock!

The Not Its are an up-tempo power-pop kiddie band out of Seattle and their new CD “Time Out To Rock” is perfect for the preschool & early school years set (aka, the kids I live with and the kids I teach, so yay!) It’s the type of CD that both the kids and I loved right away, and the kids at home and at school all start tapping their feet & hands just waiting for a chance to dance when they hear it.

Remember, a time out to rock is a time out for everyone – even the overworked, underpaid parents!

Win it! Leave a comment below before noon mst on October 31, 2010 to enter to win your own Time Out To Rock!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

It’s been a singy & dancy kind of week in the Opinionated household! We tore open the packages on a whole pile of CD’s that have been sitting on our counter for an embarrassingly long time, and we hit on some real winners. The Flannery Brothers: The New Explorers Club is one that we’ve added to our regular rotation. They are two real life brothers – Flannery brothers, actually – who create tunes that are absolutely ridiculously awesome. They’re hilarious, up beat and kids love them – sounds like a perfect CD to me! Check out the track listing to see what I’m talking about – what kid can’t related to these titles?

1. Big Kite
2. Swallowed a Bug
3. Hi 5 Dance
4. In The Middle
5. Pirate or Parrot?
6. Green Submarine
7. Sea Glass
8. Quiet Place
9. Kitchen Floor
10. Boots
11.Let’s Go!
12. The Elements
13. Best Adventures

The CD is due to be released mid-October and you can listen and pre-order it from their website.

Win it! Want a copy? Comment below before noon mst on October 31, 2010 to enter.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Frances England may have a mind of her own, but she’s got a heck of a lot of musical talent behind her in the production of her new album, Mind of My Own. She’s backed by a full band and a bunch of guest musicians make an appearance, including Doug Snyder from the Jellydots and the Mates of State. Even with all of that, the music still much resembles her individual sound from her first album and I love that it’s its still her own hand-cut artwork on the cover. Cute.

Mind of My Own is set to be released November 9th. You and your kids will love it.

Win it! We’ve got a copy ready to ship to one lucky T.O.P. reader. To enter, comment below before noon mst on October 31, 2010.

Matt Clark of Matt Clark Music recently sent our family his new CD, Funnier Little Fellas. It arrived just a few short days ago and I have the song “Tickle Bees” memorized word for word because my kids made me put it on repeat for a three hour drive. While my husband wanted to shoot himself after the fifth time (he’s not a kiddie tunes fan) I still like the song and played tickle bee with my kids after the trip

All of the songs are really good, though. Each one is like a little snippet of life with kids, and whether it deals with current dilemmas (to swing or to slide?) or things of the past like learning to use utensils & explore solid food, parents and children both can relate to each one.

A band-aid solves everything.
When nothing else works, tantrum.
All truths of childhood. And if you can sing along to them, it makes everything – including the tantrums – less painful.

Win it! We’ve got THREE copies of Funnier Little Fellas to give away! Comment below before noon mst on October 31, 2010 to enter.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERs EMAILED

How many young girls have you met who dream of clothes, who live to shop. Fashion divas and little princesses alike are sure to love Creativity for Kids new “Designed by You Special Occasion Fashions” ($39.99 – ages 9-99). From ball gowns to wedding gowns, this kit has it all and everything your little lady needs to design her own masterpieces is included in the kit.

* Mannequin and Satin Dress
* Assorted Fabrics
* Assorted Trims
* Spools of Thread
* Sewing Needles and Threader
* Thimble
* Pins
* Pin Cushion
* Scissors
* Tape Measure
* Fabric Swatches
* Sketch Book
* Pencils and Sharpener
* Iridescent Sparkle Accent
* Silver Sparkle Accent
* Satin Roses
* Satin Bows
* Tiaras
* Accessories Storage Bag
* Instructions and Ideas

Featuring even more supplies than the original award-winning Designed By You Fashion Studio, this deluxe version includes exceptional quality essentials that every couture fashion designer needs to inspire one-of-a-kind originals.

Check out the product trailer on YouTube to see it in action. It almost makes me wish I was a pre-teen again. Almost.

Win it! Three winners will each receive a Designed by You Special Occasion Fashions Activity Kit valued at $39.99. To enter, simply comment below before noon mst on October 16, 2010. Get your extra entries too!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED