New Orleans-based singer/songwriter Johnette Downing’s new album, Dixieland Jazz for Children, featuring Jimmy LaRocca and the Original Dixieland Jazz Band is, as far as I can tell, the very first Dixieland jazz CD for kids. If you’re a fan of Louisiana’s musical stylings, you and your kids will get a real kick out of this unique CD full of New Orleans inspired “can’t sit still” music.

Johnette Downing, dubbed “the Pied Piper for Louisiana music traditions,” has won 18 national awards for her recordings and children’s books. You can hear her passion for the art of Dixieland Jazz as she plays, and neither you or the children you spend your time with will be able to resist dancing.

Being that I have no idea what Dixieland dancing is supposed to look like, this is one time I’m very glad we don’t have a flip video camera.

Win it! We’ve got a Dixieland Jazz for Children up for grabs. To enter, just leave a comment on this post by noon MST on Sunday, July 6/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

Frances England’s newest release, Family Tree, is a welcome addition to the saturated genre of children’s tunes.

The folksy sound is reminiscent of a small town Lilith Fair, with a definite Sarah McLachlan influence and a few little voices interspersed throughout.

Our playgroup kidlets loved the simple lyrics that they could jam to even the first time it played through. I know my son would hop on the Fast Train to Grandma’s if he could, and we’ll certainly be doing our part to help our animal friends.

Since that wonderful morning that he spent dancing with his friends, my son has asked for “da new guitar cd” over and over again. Thankfully, Family Tree is enjoyable enough that I’m happy to oblige.

Win it! We’ve got a copy of Family Tree up for grabs, autographed and written to your child! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon MST on Saturday, July 5/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

Do you get enough fiber? Do your kids? (A quick way to find out…look in the toilet. If your poop doesn’t float, you need more fiber.) How about calcium? Do you know for sure you’re not contributing to your own and possibly your children’s future osteoporosis?

The (US) National Fiber Council reports that 95 percent of people do not get the recommended daily amount of fiber. The same can be said for calcium, as the Journal of the American College of Nutrition states that 80 percent of Americans do not meet the recommended calcium intake either.

To help address the nutritional needs of adults and children, Snacktrition, a new line of great-tasting nut and dried fruit snacks with added calcium and fiber, are now available to provide you with a simple, nutrient-rich cure for the common snack.

Snacktrition offers a tasty way to get you on the right nutritional track for daily fiber and calcium intake. Depending on the Snacktrition item, you will get 12 percent of your recommended daily fiber needs and approximately 10 percent of your daily calcium needs. Compare that to the stash in your cupboard right now and you will find that they provide approximately two times more calcium and three times more fiber per serving. Snacktrition dried fruit and nut snacks are “Health Baked” through a proprietary oven roasting process that adds valuable nutrients such as fiber and calcium, and they come in five delicious varieties - Sea Salt Cashews with Fiber, Sea Salt Almonds with Calcium, Salt & Pepper Cashews with Fiber (Oh my God AMAZING), Smoked Almonds with Calcium, and Fruit & Nut Mix with Fiber and Calcium (which my 2 year old and my husband barely let me taste because it was so delicious.) Snacktrition snacks are available in 3oz Bags ($2.99 each) or 8.5oz Tubs ($6.99 each). I recommend the tubs because the bags, though a better option for a low calorie and portion controlled snack for parents, will be gone in seconds. Spring for the tubs, which are reusable and dishwasher/microwave safe.

I love finding healthy kid snacks that all of us can eat. I’ll be seeking out Snacktrition snackies regularly from now on. Obviously, if you have nut allergies in your family you’ll want to take a pass on this one.

Win it! We’re giving away an 8.5oz tub of Snacktrition smoked almonds with calcium. To enter, just leave a comment on this post before noon MST on Saturday, July 5, 2008.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

We’re taking the day off tomorrow to enjoy Canada Day with our families. In honour of Canada’s birthday we’re featuring a fantastic Canadian business from which you can acquire the wares of many others. Enjoy, and HAPPY CANADA DAY!

You know when you read repeatedly of a shop but don’t take the time to click through and explore? Well, I did that and feel like a moron for not knowing about Apples n’ Oranges sooner.

Owned by Ottawa moms Lara and Vicky, Apples n’ Oranges carries only Canadian brands. I am ashamed to say that I had no idea we Canucks had such amazing style. The selection is fabulous. With 33 brands to choose from, and growing, there’s no need to pay customs fees anymore. My wallet thanks you, ladies!

Apples n’ Oranges is the exclusive online retailer for my newest love, Vancouver based Peekaboo Beans - a functional and fashionable line of playwear that’s perilously close to being too nice to be playwear.

Each piece meets a “no fuss dressing” mission and is easy for children to get on and off when potty training or learning to dress themselves. Every piece mixes, matches and layers with the others and they’re more versatile than any line I’ve seen before - pants become capris, tunics become tanks and skirts become dresses to lengthen their lifespan. They’re also reversible for the inevitable spills while on the go. Made with high quality materials and super comfortable fabrics, there’s extra strength and durability built into the construction and the pieces are pre-washed. The pants feature a wide, flat waistband for comfort and all pieces use flat, seamless stitching for itch free wearing. The shirts are A-shaped and are a longer length than standard to accommodate those adorable kid-bellies. Added safety features are included, such as reflective piping, chin guards, and ironed in personal identification labels.

Peekaboo Beans is everything you want in a kids clothing line - perfect for playdate, playground and playtime…but you’ll want to make time for an impromptu photo shoot before you leave the house. This stuff is just that nice.

Save 20% on your first purchase with the code firsttop.

Win it! Apples n’ Oranges is giving away a Peekaboo Beans top AND bottom of the winner’s choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post with your choice of outfit should you be the lucky winner. (Be specific. As always, you can’t win if you’re too lazy to click through to this awesome shop. It’s bad karma.) Contest closes at noon MST on July 5/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I am such a blanket snob since having children. I will admit that I’ve given many brand new blankets gifted to us to the local charity simply because there are better ones out there and why should my child snuggle with anything but the best? (I know, I’m horrible.)

My daughter sleeps under one of the great quilted fleece blankets from Designs by Mimi and Lola that was personalized for her and it surpasses even my blanket snob standards.

Made by a mother and daughter team, the non-pilling double layer premium polar fleece is the plushest of plush and the crafts(wo)manship is second to none. You know when you pick up an item and you can’t help but moan a little? A Mimi and Lola blanket just might make you moan twice.

They’re available in three sizes - baby (27″ x 36″), toddler (38″ x 49″) and kids (51″ x 59″) and they range from a very reasonable $43-$98. They’re machine wash & dry and my daughter’s blanket has yet to show even the slightest sign of wear. To order, see their order page. Matching pillows are also available for just $20-$25.

Save 10% on your order simply by mentioning that you’re a reader of The Opinionated Parent!

Win it! We’ve got a baby size blanket up for grabs, personalized with your child’s name and valued at $48. To enter, leave a comment on this post with your choice of either the awesome pre-designed blankets in their collection or the three colours you’d choose from the palette at the bottom of the collection page. Contest closes at noon MST on July 4/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

With all of the toys and clothes out there posing as child-appropriate, [Bratz...ahem], it’s refreshing to find items that are really, truly childish.

If there’s one thing that’s really reserved just for little girls, it’s butt ruffles.

Parentrepreneur Amber Schaub created Rufflebutts to bring back the ruffled diaper cover of her own childhood. They’re fun, they’re frilly, and there’s no way you’d ever see a prostitute wearing one. (What does it say about our society that my criteria for appropriate children’s clothing has become so low?)

In addition to the most adorable diaper cover, Amber has designed an entire clothing line of 100% cotton tops, pants & dresses that are all priced under $50 and are all absolutely to-die-for cute. Just looking at the images of the Rufflebutts creations makes me smile. If you’re buying for my daughter, she’ll have this one because I just don’t think it gets any cuter.

Check out the Rufflebutts Spring 2008 slideshow here.

Win it! A bloomer in the size and colour of the winner’s choice is up for grabs. To enter, leave a comment on this post with the product colour & size you’d like to arrive in the mail if you’re the winner. Contest closes at noon MST on July 3/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

You’ve likely read in the news, a parenting mag or any number of other places over the last decade that family dinners are on the decrease and, conversely, that regular family dinners contribute to academic success, decrease the risk of our children becoming crack heads and keep families connected in ways that are very necessary. As crazy as they are, I love family dinners.

If you’ve ever sat at a table in silence and wondered how to get the conversation started, you’re not alone. You won’t have to hear “Nothing…Nowhere…Nobody…” from your child anymore with the addition of the new card game, Family Talk, to your dinner table. The concept behind Around the Table Games is simple brilliance. These games should not be necessary, but with the state of family dinners in our society today they really, really are. Available in three versions, Family Talk, Family Talk 2 and Grandparent Talk are inexpensive, portable cards games on carribiners (or available in cool jars) that encourage conversations between parents, children and relatives of all ages.

Around the Table Games aren’t just for dinner at your dining room table. “Our games are like taking the dinner time conversation with you, wherever you go,” explains Around the Table Games founder Beth Daniels, herself a working mom. “Because our games are made to be portable, the proverbial table discussions can now be held at the airport, during carpool, waiting in a long line or wherever people gather in the same place at the same time.” You can clip them to a backpack or purse and use them anywhere you might have a few minutes to chat.

Grandparent Talk would make a fantastic gift for your childrens’ grandparents, and it’s just as much a gift for your own childrens. Allowing them and encouraging them to really know their grandparents is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Connecting young people to their family and to their heritage is just one of the things that’s missing from many families today and I, for one, am going to do my damnedest to make sure that my family talks - really talks - and Around the Table Games will sure help!

Save 20% when you buy direct with the code TOPFMT

Win it! One TOP reader will win your choice of the three Around The Table Games! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on July 2/08 with your choice of the three versions of the game and either a suggested question for a future game or a tip for the rest of us to keep our families connected.

Get up to three additional entries into this contest! (Today you get the expanded version…just in case you need a refresher.)

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

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Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your subscription. Current subscriptions count too! Just let us know how you subscribe…Bloglines? Another reader? Email? They all work!

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CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED - Congratulations Jennifer!

Since having children I, like many parents, have drastically reduced my usage of chemicals of all kinds. For me, that includes sunscreen. I do use it on every family member but I prefer to limit the amount of skin it’s on whenever I can and bathe or shower it off as soon as possible once we’re out of the sun’s rays.

Unprotected exposure to the sun in the first 15 years of life more than doubles the chances of getting skin cancer as an adult. Thanks to some fantastic products we’ve been using from Protect-A-Bub, we’ve been able to protect our little people from the risks of sun exposure a lot more naturally this year.

My two year old is perpetually outside (screaming wildly in his “outside boice,” but that’s beside the point) and is often sporting his UPF 50+ swim suit and hat. At less than $30, the Protect-A-Bub suits are comfortable and breathable and have the highest rating available for sun protection products. Available in sizes from 5 months to 5T and in a wide variety of one and two colour designs, there’s something there for everyone. The coordinating hat isn’t just a fashion statement. It looks adorable with the suit and alone and protects the vulnerable skin of the scalp to the same high degree that the suit does.

One often neglected area of little (and big) bodies are the lips. Our usual facial sunscreen applications do nothing for our vulnerable lip skin and non-SPF lip-stuff simply absorbs the sun and makes the problem worse. Now that my son is sporting his SPF 15 Lip Moisturizer we are a little more lenient about the time spent playing with the sun. It comes in three flavours and is only $2.25.

In addition to our enthusiastic un-sun-kissed two year old we’ve also got an amazing little five month old who is never left behind on our outdoor adventures. Being too young to wear any sunscreen at all, she can usually be found under one of the Protect-A-Bub sunshades. We absolutely love the inexpensive compact shade, but rarely use it on our stroller. (Though when we have, it works great as an extension of the canopy that’s already there.) We use the convenient ties to attach it to her bouncy chair on our deck and in our back yard every day. The shade rests on the toy bar and the ties keep it taut - it’s perfect and allows her to join us outside even in the hottest hours of the day.

With the increased awareness of both skin cancer and chemical exposure on the part of (we hope) all parents nowadays, we’re sure that Protect-A-Bub will be a welcome and awesome resource for parents who, you know, want to leave the house this summer.

Win it! Protect-A-Bub is giving away a compact stroller sunshade just like the one we love so much. To enter, visit the Protect-A-Bub site and browse their great selection. Come back and leave a comment on this post mentioning a product you think would be useful in your life before noon MST on July 1/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED - Congrats Lori!

I reviewed Ira Marlowe’s first two CD’s last winter and am pleased to announce that he has released a new CD featuring 11 brand new songs.

Dream Time features the same Molly The Moose as his first CD’s but this time she travels to Mars and displays an aptitude for science never before seen in such a large land mammal. My two year old and his buddies love to dance to this CD and are often found doing the crab walk or acting like dogs along with “Don’t Let the Dog Dig.” My favourite? Soap Opera. It’s a musical hygiene lesson that got the kids washing like I never could.

When I first heard the title Dream Time, I envisioned a lullaby CD but I wasn’t even close. As with all of Ira’s CD’s your child’s imagination will soar as they listen, sing and dance along. Listen and check out the lyrics here.

Dream Time is available for $15 from the Brainy Tunes site.

Win it! We’ve got a copy of Dream Time for one reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 30/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I have one of those babies who is barefoot 90% of the time, both because I love seeing baby feet and because she kicks off anything I put on her feet within minutes.

Or, she did. Until I discovered Buskins™ shoes.

When I am silly enough to cover those gorgeous little toes of hers, her Buskins actually stay on!

Outfitted with a stay-put Velcro closure around the ankle, genuine leather soft-soled Buskins shoes hail from Australia where they are handcrafted. With the strategic placement of the Velcro closure, Buskins are easy to get on and they stay on comfortably without the common rough elastic around the ankles of many shoes that can chafe or be too tight on chubby little ankles. They’re available in six sizes from newborn to 24 months and they retail for $28. There are 40+ styles for both boys and girls, many of which I’d love to add to the collections of my shoe-addicted children. (Oh wait, that’s me isn’t it?)

Buskins President and CEO Winnie Liu (also the owner of Jazzy Toes) took over the company in 2007 and has focused on not only great styles and designs but also on the packaging, which is perfect for gift giving.

Win it! Buskins is giving away a pair of their great shoes to one randomly selected winner. To enter, simply visit the Buskins site to choose your fave and leave a comment on this post letting us know the style and size you’d want if you win. Contest closes at noon MST on Friday, June 27/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I am often asked what inspired me to start The Opinionated Parent (mostly by people who don’t know what a blog is) and here’s the answer:

I am opinionated. Very, very opinionated. I always have been. When my firstborn arrived, I realized that I also had strong opinions about all of the “stuff” that comes along with parenthood. When I received the nursing pillow to end all nursing pillows (after having tried every one that’s available in local stores, so I do know what I’m talking about) I told everyone who would listen about how great it was. When I couldn’t find anyone else to listen, I started a blog.

And there you have it.

If you won’t listen, somebody else will. I will be heard.

(And I’m always right. Just ask my husband.)

My first ever post at the site now known as The Opinionated Parent was about The Baby Buddy Nursing Pillow. I encourage you to go back and read this post about just how fantastic it is and all of the reasons why I love it. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, holding a baby, are pregnant (in my second pregnancy my Baby Buddy was a lifesaver and the only reason I was comfortable enough to sleep many nights!) or are simply cuddled up with a good book, I have no doubt that you will love The Baby Buddy too.

TOP readers always save 10% on their orders from TheBabyBuddy.ca with the code top10.

Win it! As the newest addition to our premium sponsors in the right sidebar and an exclusive “TOP Pick” of The Opinionated Parent, The Baby Buddy Nursing Pillow is giving away one of these great pillows with the flannel or cotton pillowcase of the winner’s choice! To enter, visit TheBabyBuddy.ca to choose your favourite pillowcase fabric. Then come back and leave a comment on this post letting us know which one you’d choose if you’re the lucky winner. Contest closes at noon MST on June 26/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

It seems there’s always something out there that is going to hurt the health of our babies. All the additives in foods, BPA in bottles, pesticides in our veggies, and even formula or sweet liquids will cause damage. Baby tooth decay is a common problem that can be prevented, but as a parent I understand how difficult it is to always follow “what’s best.” By that I mean that I don’t always brush my baby’s gums or my son’s teeth after eating or drinking. Why? Well, they don’t particularly like me coming at them with the tooth brush.

Tooth Tissues may very well be the best idea since sliced bread. They’re simply little disposable tissues that you can use to wipe your young one’s teeth or gums to keep them healthy! The simplicity of it makes it easy to carry in your diaper bag, in the vehicle, picnic basket, over night bag, or really anywhere! All you do is wrap the wipe around your finger and rub your baby’s gums or teeth, and if they’ve fallen asleep with a bottle or boob in their mouth it makes it way easier to soak up the left over liquid. Good luck trying to brush in babies’ mouths while they’re sleeping, but with Tooth Tissues there is hope!

Aside from the initial intention for Tooth Tissues, I’m pretty sure they’d be great for adults too! I don’t carry a toothbrush around with me so I can brush after meals while on the go, but I would carry Tooth Tissues. Just wipe and toss. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Created by a couple that are dentists as well as parents, the priorities of both the medical world and the family world were addressed with the invention of Tooth Tissues. The tissues are 99% natural (check out their website to find out why they’re not 100%) and available in stores and online for a very reasonable price. What a great find. Buy yours online for just $6.99/pack or $4.00 for a dozen single packets.

Win it! We’re giving away a package of tooth tissues and a couple of single packets to one randomly selected reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 25/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

My two and a bit year old son is an incredible risk taker. Since he learned to log roll repeatedly and quickly at the way-too-early age of four months, much of my time has been spent keeping him from harm. Harm that he is inexplicably attracted to. Now that he is feeling the urge to be more than arms-length from me, it’s becoming more important to teach him listening skills, boundaries and to start a healthy fear of danger.

The Safety Tots software gift pack ($32) from Tick-A-Too is a great help in our quest to teach him what’s safe and what’s not. It’s intended for children 3-8 but my son is old enough to enjoy it with a lot of guidance. He knows the meaning of the words “danger” and “safe” and that’s really all he needs to begin the learning process. In this program, the cute little SafetyTots invite your child to join them as they learn how to safely react to situations that they may encounter. With the help of their “guardian angel”, Betsy The Butterfly, will squeal with delight as they explore the 35 scenarios which are fun and completely non-threatening. The software addresses many safety issues such as drowning prevention, poison control, stranger awareness, firearms safety, drug and alcohol prevention and fire prevention. Though I don’t want my children to go through life afraid, I think a healthy dose of safety education and a guidance toward listening to their conscience can only be good.

The gift pack also comes with 30 colourful accompanying flash cards that are an ideal visual aid for this or any safety related program. Perfect for at home or in the classroom, they depict potentially challenging situations for the SafetyTots (as seen in the software but there’s no need to have used the game to use the cards.) On the back of each card are questions for the adult to ask to help stimulate further discussion about the issue addressed, and like the software there are a wide variety of safety topics covered.

Tick-A-Too is a mom-run shop that guarantees the lowest total price. (Wow!) If you find an item cheaper elsewhere, just let Molly know and she’ll match or beat the price. She also offers free shipping or cheap shipping, which is a huge bonus for me!

Win it! Tick-A-Too is giving away a Safety Tots gift pack including the software and cards to one reader. To enter, visit the Tick-A-Too site and then come back and leave a comment on this post indicating what other items you think are cool. Contest closes at noon MST on June 24/08.

Get up to three additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

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CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED (Congrats Melanie!)

Life is defined by distinct moments pieced together to create a collage of memories. With my son’s first birthday rapidly approaching, my husband and I have reflected on how we want to commemorate the joy he has brought to us over the last year. Even before those closest to us arrive at the historic railroad car where we’ll celebrate, they’ll get a glimpse of how our little boy has developed over the last year thanks to Myra at Moon and Back Studios. She custom designed our son’s birthday invitations, and to say I’m impressed is an understatement. Her flair for the elegant and modern is prominent in her stylish designs.

From trendy to classic, hip to retro, you’ll find a motif to match your every mood at Moon and Back Studios. Myra’s attention to detail and style is evident every step of the way. We chose the “silly animals riding a birthday train” design for our son’s birthday invitations. They were printed on UV gloss card stock (which I highly suggest!). With this option your design is continued on the back and you have the freedom to include additional pictures. What made our son’s invitations so special was a personal note we included on the back highlighting our son’s first year. The finished product is truly a high-quality, artistic, professional piece that we will archive in our son’s scrapbook.

front

back

Of note, Myra’s custom photo enhancement process sets her apart from other design companies. She will digitally enhance, crop, and even change the color schematic on your photograph. The best part is that it is included in your package. Check out what she did with our son’s photo.

Prices vary and depend on your choice of paper for printing. You’ll receive a gift-boxed set of 25 announcements, invitations, or holiday cards for $45 - $57. Ordering is easy and usually takes about 2-3 days for a proof and 4-6 days to print and arrive in hand. How do you share your most memorable moments? Check out Moon and Back Studios for distinct, inspired creations! -Caryn

Win it! Myra is giving one lucky TOP reader a set of UV coated (premium) photo cards valued at $57. To enter, visit Moon and Back Studios to choose your favourite(s) and let us know what you’d order if you win. Closes June 23/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED - WINNER EMAILED

My daughter and I bake and cook together all the time. Getting all sticky and gooey with a three year old is so much fun. I was searching for a cute matching apron set when I came across YouCanMakeThis.com.

The website is packed with great looking patterns for all kinds of projects. Spending less time searching for patterns at my local fabric store with two kids in tow was very appealing. Being an eco-mom, knowing that I could download the pattern and simply keep my laptop handy while crafting totally sold me on the concept.

Once I had the pattern I read through it and set out to the fabric store for my supplies. I have to admit here that I am not an expert seamstress. Having taken classes in high school many years ago, I have just recently started to sew again. The pattern could have been formatted slightly better making lists easier to read. I totally missed buying the lining fabric. I like things easy and appreciate when things are quick to understand so I can get started. This was not always the case with this pattern, and I got quite frustrated trying to decipher what the pattern was calling for while my baby hung on my leg and I had to explain why it rains for the fourth time to my preschooler.

The end result, however, is so cute. My daughter adores her apron that matches Mommy’s. The second apron turned out much better than the first, mostly due to my understanding of the project. It was great to be able to work on a quick sewing project. I wouldn’t hesitate to use another pattern from their site, as long as I knew I would have some quiet time to figure it out. -Chelle

Save 15% with the code PARENT15 until June 25. One time use per customer.

Win it! We’re giving away ANY pattern of your choice from YouCanMakeThis.com! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 20/08 indicating which pattern you’d choose should you be the lucky winner.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Although there are many great reasons to have children, I have to admit one reason for me was having the opportunity to decorate a creative childrens’ space! My inner artist looked forward to painting beautiful murals that my children would gaze upon in awe and wonder.

I have moved four times since my not quite four year old was born. No beautiful paintings on the walls, no murals - just the basics that could be easily moved as we traveled the world. Add another kid into the mix and my days of painting murals have long passed - at least for now.

We have seen some cute wall decorations but when I saw WallaBabies, I squealed with delight! The designs are so retro adorable and NOT a licensed character from a television show! Just looking at the designs makes me (oh, and my kids) so happy. My daughter adores the bugs and my one year old keeps pointing at the bees … b…b…b. The designs are totally a hit!

Putting the wall graphics up was a snap, and took no time at all. In fact I did it myself. No need for my husband this time! The website has a great How To, that walks you through each step with no room for error. We have the Secret Garden Pack which consists of five 13″ x 14″ decal sheets. The perfect amount to decorate one wall beautifully or spread a little more sparsely throughout a whole room.

Now as my kids fall to sleep they are surrounded by clouds, flowers, insects and mushrooms and I can feel guilt-free for not painting them a mural! -Chelle

Win it! We’re giving away the same Secret Garden set that Chelle used and loved. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 19/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

We’re deep in the midst of a summer cold that’s ravaging it’s way through our house. It came seemingly out of nowhere and quickly spread to every member of our family. I thought we were out of the snotty woods with the end of winter, but I was wrong. I’m thanking my lucky stars I discovered Boogie Wipes before this latest infestation and had some at the ready.

With the snot that abounds, it doesn’t take long before little noses become red and raw and little people become crabby and run from the tissues. Thanks to Boogie Wipes, I’ve now got a two year old that simply shouts “Need a Boogie Wipe - got boogers!”

Perhaps the saddest part of this family cold is our almost-newborn who doesn’t understand why I’m constantly smothering her - or so it seems - in order to rid her precious face of the elevens (a teacher term for the double snots) or why she can’t breathe and breastfeed at the same time. While it doesn’t make it any less sad, I do feel a little less mean because with Boogie Wipes at least I know it doesn’t hurt (they’re alcohol free) and the leftover crusties are super easy to get off. Even in the morning after ten hours of boogeying in bed!

Boogie Wipes contain saline and moisturize while they clean with added chamomile, vitamin E and aloe.

Save 20% on your online order with the code “Boogie Time”

Win it! We’ve got a Boogie Mom’s gift basket to give away! You’ll get several full packs of Boogie Wipes, a ton of individual packets for your pockets and purses and a Boogie Mom tee. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 19/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Why are children so fascinated with marbles? There’s just something about them that never gets old. Mine all love to watch them roll!

My children currently have a wooden set of blocks that they often set up for a marble run, but they’re going in the donation bin after finding the Q-BA-MAZE Marble Run! This really sets the imagination into orbit!

Founded by architect Andrew Comfort, Q-BA-MAZE is a toy but so much more - it’s right-brained and left-brained, part art and part science. There are literally thousands of options for making marble runs. Children can build any shape their mind can fathom with these cool interlocking, durable polycarbonate pieces, or they can go online and choose a plan to build. Come up with a cool design of your own? You can submit it online to the guys at Q-BA-MAZE to see if it makes the cut to be added to their site. (Here’s the plan for the pictured design made with Q50 in red.)

Q-BA-MAZE sets come in 20 or 50 packs, and you can choose from Cool Colors (blue, green and clear) or Hot Colors (red, orange and clear). They also have a new Fish Five Set and a Dino One Set that comes with enough cubes and instructions to complete the chosen kit. Check out these cool videos of the Q-BA-MAZE in action.

Q-BA-MAZE is available online or in seleceted retail locations. Have fun designing and watching those marbles meander throughout your creation!
- Gina

Win it! We’re giving away a red 50 pack Q-BA-MAZE valued at $50 to one lucky winner. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 16/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Those darn soothers…either you love them or you hate them.

No matter where you stand, if your kid is a sucky kid you just might be stuck with one.

If you are, there’s no better way to keep it off the floor and easily accessible than with Monkey Tails from mom-run Blue Zoo Boutique.

They start at just $10.95 and are 8-9″ in length 7/8″ wide. They’re just the perfect size for your baby or toddler. Monkey Tails attach to clothing with a silver mitten clip that has a plastic jaw to prevent clothing from tearing.

With all of the soother clips out there, you may be wondering what makes Monkey Tails unique from all the other soother holders on the market? Aside from the high quality construction, it’s the personalization option. Your child’s name (or the saying of your choice up to 8 letters) is added in silver alpha-blocks to a ring sewn right into the ribbon. The pictures on the site don’t do them justice - they are incredibly cute! With three pages of designs to choose from, there’s one for everyone on your new baby gift list.

Win it! We’re giving away a black toile monkey tail personalized with “I (heart) Mommy.” To enter, visit BlueZoo Boutique and leave a comment on this post listing one or more of the 453 products available at Blue Zoo Boutique that you’d love to have. One winner will be drawn at random after closing at noon MST on June 13/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

Check out the new BlueZoo ad in our sidebar!

You could see your ad there too!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Frozen peas, cabbage leaves, bags of lumpy ice cubes, warm washcloths or untimely hot showers? I have used most of these at one time for relief from engorgement or plugged milk ducts. And although they (sort of!) worked, they were not comfortable or convenient. Just one week ago our precious baby girl was born and now I am right in the middle of that plugged duct/engorgement stage. I think breastfeeding is wonderful, however, mastitis, plugged ducts, etc. are not quite so wonderful. But this time I have a solution.

Blossumz soothing breast therapy packs! These are warm/cool gel packs which provide relief and comfort for breastfeeding mothers and also for those who have undergone breast surgery. I have found the Blossumz gel packs extremely useful already and I have only been breastfeeding for one week. I’m sure they will get a lot more use throughout the next year as I continue to breastfeed our baby girl.

These are not just any gel packs though. They have some great features, such as: they provide generous coverage; they are light weight, the gel can be distributed in or out of the gel packs center (nipple area) according to personal preference, and of course the best part - they can be used over and over again. Blossumz also has 100% cotton covers available for the gel packs, and I found that the cover provided a nice, soft layer between the gel pack and my skin.

I found Blossumz gel packs very easy to use, extremely comfortable, and I give them a double thumbs up! - Andrea

Save 15% with the cide OPPROMO until July 31, 2008.

Win it! Blossumz is giving away a set of gel packs valued at $34.99. To enter, leave a comment on this post - one winner will be drawn at random after noon MST on June 12/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

As much as I see kiddie backpacks around the malls and big box stores, I still haven’t seen anything there that I’d want to buy for my kids. The choices are generally licensed characters or…ugly. They’re also either too small, too large or the wrong shape.

I finally found exactly what I wanted in the dino little kid backpack ($35) from new TOP find GemGem. Designed by Dante Beatrix, this backpack is just the perfect size and shape for little backs. The dinosaur is awesome but not too cutesie, and I love that he (she? I’m totally not biased), along with the rest of the backpack, isn’t plastic. The handles and the back panel are padded for comfort, and the whole thing is easy to clean. (It might not be recommended, but I tossed my son’s in the washer and it was perfectly fine.)

Save 10% on your order at GemGem with the code OPIPARENT until 6/31/08.

Win it! GemGem is giving away the same great dino backpack my son has and loves! To enter, go check out the GemGem shop and leave a comment on this post listing a thing or two you’d like to have that are NOT mentioned in this post. Contest closes at noon MST on June 11/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Learning to eat is a messy stage for even the most perfect child. No matter how anal retentive you are about cleanliness, you’re going to have a mess much of the time. When your child is ready to try his or her hand at utensils, you’ll want to check out My Plate-Mate. It helps a toddler learn how to successfully eat with a utensil and plate (or bowl if it’s the right size - 8″-9 1/2″…) while minimizing much of the mess.

My Plate-Mate is super Easy to use and is made of food grade plastic which is lead-free, BPA-free, PVC-free, latex-free and phthalate-free. They’re also dishwasher & microwave safe. It’s essentially a c-shaped piece of plastic that slips onto the edge of your child’s plate and helps your child successfully learn to use a utensil while preventing messy spills on the table.

We’re using a My Plate-Mate with our two year old and I love that he is showing increased confidence and independence with his utensils simply because I’m more relaxed and not chasing him around with a cloth.

They’re only $7.95 each and can be purchased from the My Plate-Mate website.

Save 10% with the code MESSFREE

Win it! We’re giving away a white My Plate-Mate to one lucky reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post by noon MST on Jun 9, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

We reviewed Stuk On U velcro sleepers just last week.

I know what you were thinking…

What? No giveaway?

I can read your mind.

Are you scared now?

Well, you can relax.

About the giveaway thing, I mean. I still might be able to read your mind - I’m not telling.

Jeanine has offered to give one of you the sleeper of your choice!

(Oh yeah, I’m supposed to type Win it! for all you skimmers, right?)

To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 8/08 stating which of the seven styles and five sizes you’d like from the Stuk On U shop. (And remember what I said about the sizing.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

Remember those things that everyone in grade five could fold except you? (Oh wait, was that just me?) You know the ones…I think we called them fortune tellers. I believe I was supposed to marry Shawn Smith and live in a green house with 13 children or something. Whew. I dodged that bullet! As an elementary school child I played fortune teller so often that I can still recall the feeling of muscle strain in my thumbs from opening and closing them for hours on end.

It might be an old fashioned game in that it doesn’t blink or re-charge, but Chicago based Green Rock Entertainment has created Cahootie - fortune tellers with a modern twist.

Each game features 40 re-positionable fortune stickers allowing for kids to create a new game any time and rip-resistant laminated paper. Check out the fabulous interactive website, www.cahootie.com, to see the six great designs and some awesome downloads, or join Club Cahootie! Perhaps best of all, Cahootie retails for just $5.95 so kids can use their own money to buy them. We’ve got some large stockings to fill at Christmas and I’m thinking these are just the thing! They’d also be a great addition to a birthday gift, a cool Giftventure gift or just because!

Win it! We’re giving away ALL of the six Cahootie games! Six readers will each win one Cahootie. To enter, leave a comment on this post stating which of the six you’d like to be entered for. Contest closes at noon MST on June 6/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

When I heard the title of this book, I knew we’d love it.

Child of Wonder: Nurturing Creative and Naturally Curious Children by Ginger Carlson is designed to nurture children who think, wonder, and love to learn. It’s a well-organized, easy-to-read collection of inspiring ideas and techniques to guide children’s creative development. A thoughtful, engaging resource for parents and educators seeking to understand creativity and to encourage it in practical ways, this guide illustrates multiple intelligences and learning styles and provides tools to develop a creatively supported environment that cultivates family participation. An array of complementary hands-on activities explore topics such as imaginative play, math, movement, music, cooking, science, storytelling, visual arts, questioning, cooperative games, media, and nature.

TOP Contributing Writer Grace reviews this book for you all the way from Dubai, UAE.

I have to admit, I felt a little guilty while reading this book because I realized how much my child is missing in the creativity department. My four year old is creative in her own way but I think it is the product of creative stimulation she gets mostly in school, and not at home. With the limited time I have because of working full time, 6 days a week, I lack the time to research for fun activities to do with her. I know, that should not be a reason for not coming up with fun and creative things to do with her; I do buy books and we read a lot at home because we have no television but sometimes I do wish to find some other ways to nurture her natural creative spirit. The book reading and coloring books can become a monotonous routine.

Thanks to this book, I can now plan things to do with my daughter every chance we have.

The book provides a rich resource of ideas, creative things to do line by line! With this one copy, I know my activity planner will be filled until she is old enough to do things on her own! I like the part where it explains that we should not prevent kids from exploring and experimenting things, no matter how messy or how different the outcome from our adult point of view. I know so many parents are guilty with this one, including myself. Now I know better. This is one book each mom and dad should have. - Grace

Order your autographed copy here. Check out Ginger’s blogs for more of her wonder-ful writing.

Win it! We’re giving away a signed copy of Child of Wonder to one randomly selected winner. To enter, leave a comment on this post. Any comment is fine, but we’d love to hear your own thoughts on childhood creativity, childrens’ sense of wonder or ideas for creative and wondrous activities. Contest closes at noon MST on June 5, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

We love the Little Capers company (see our review here) so we were super excited to hear that they’ve released a line of Big Capes.

They’re available in five peaceful hero designs and are made of the same shiny way-cool fabric as the capes on their fabulous tees. Which, incidentally, my son adores. The big capes are sized for kids aged four and up and retail for $23.

Get 10% off at Little Capers with the code MAY10 until the end of May. You have just two days to take advantage of this special!

Win it! Enter to win a Little Capers Big Cape of your choice by leaving a comment on this post stating which of the five designs you’d like. Contest closes at noon MST on June 4/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I am a rather frequent hand-washer and am intensely disgusted at people who slack in general hygiene - particularly when there is food or children involved. However, I have drawn the line at alcohol-based hand sanitizers anywhere but in a hospital. They dry my skin, they stink and they’re toxic - nothing I’d ever allow in my home. (Unless it’s in the beer fridge - that would be perfectly okay. Preferably a good cabernet.)

I’ve been gifted with some Cleanwell (not yet available in Canada, sadly, but they’re working on the approval process) and have resolved to never leave home without it. Made with Ingenium - a Thyme product - Cleanwell kills 99.5% of germs on contact, including staph, E.Coli and salmonella. It’s poison-free and totally safe for kids, 100% biodegradable and never tested on animals.

The hand sanitizer is available in spray or wipe form and both certainly have their place. A bottle in each purse and the diaper bag as well as in change areas at home, a wipe in the lunch kit and the glove compartment…it’s all about being prepared.

The hand soap smells good enough to eat and has all of the same great benefits as the hand sanitizer with the exception of being portable. Because, you know…it’s soap. Unfortunately, it contains sodium laurel sulphate, which is a deal breaker at my house, but if you use regular soap with SLS in it regularly, this one is much better than any I’ve seen.

I’m very glad I live so close to the Canada-USA border and can get there in less than an hour. I’ll be popping down to Target to pick up some more Cleanwell soon!

Win it! Thanks to Cleanwell, we’re giving away 25 coupons valued at $5 each redeemable at any store that carries CleanWell (Target, anyone?) You choose… a free hand wash or hand sanitizer product. Unfortunately, this contest is only open to US residents. To enter, simply email theopinionatedparent AT gmail DOT com with CLEANWELL in the subject line and your full name and mailing address in the body of the email. Twenty five qualifying emails will be drawn at random and the coupons will be shipped out asap. Contest closes on June 5/08 at noon MST.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED