The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom...

Handmade Treasures From My Treasure Box

If you're like me, you're often stuck when it comes to gift buying.  Though I'm a master baby gift giver, every Mother's Day I face the same issue.  When it comes time to buy a little something for a friend, I can never come up with anything.  Well, the creator of My Treasure Box, Sarit, has this problem covered.  Offering custom and pre-made scrapbook/albums, you can now give a gift that is thoughtful and personal.

Each scrapbook is a one-of-a kind, and vary in size including 4”x6”, 6”x6” mini scrapbooks, 5” round scrapbook in a tin can; or the sturdier, fabric albums in 8”x8” and 12”x12”.  They are even made from archival safe and non-fading materials in order to preserve your memories reliably.  There are over a dozen categories to suit any occasion from baby photo albums, to one specifically for holiday mementos and even one for your Valentine or pet!  Sarit generously sent me a mini Mother album to check out,  and I must say, I was impressed.  A bit of a crafter myself, I love the idea of having the designated spaces for my pictures all labeled and laid out for me, while I just have to select and adhere them to the double-sided tape provided on the album pages.  It's embellished with adorable details and is just the right size to preserve a special time.  My Treasure Box also offers scrapbooking kits for those do-it-yourself types. 

If you have a gift to buy, now is the perfect time to choose something from this great line.  My Treasure Box is offering 40% off any order over $40.  Just enter promo code "FRIENDS" at checkout.

Win it!  Sarit has generously agreed to give away one scrapbook from the Mother, Father, or mini-album kits valued under $40.  Just check out this e-store and come back here to tell us what your choice is.  Blog it for a 2nd entry!  The contest will run until Friday, July 25th.  Remember comments count!  

A Giveaway at Skimbaco's Blog

Alex Casey Baby is doing a giveaway with Skimbaco Blog - we're giving away a pair of BabyLegs to one lucky reader.  Head over there to enter!

  BTW - I've come up with a new way to use BabyLegs!  I put them on my daughter for naps.  It's summertime which means dresses and onesies.  Rather than changing her clothes, I throw on a pair of BabyLegs to keep her warm.  She loves them too!

A Lady and Her Baby

I'm promoting a baby website this week.  But before you scratch your head and wonder why I would do such a foolish thing when I am the owner of a baby e-boutique myself, consider the age-old philosophy - karma.  I'm a true believer.

That said, I recently ran into an adorable website called A Lady and Her Baby and was proud to be able to say that I have some stiff competition out there in webstore-land!  A Lady and Her Baby, owned by Jennifer, carries everything needed to welcome a new baby, from onesies and blankets to burp cloths and bibs.  A great offering is the preemie size, not a feature found on all baby websites.  Her sizes go all the way up to 2T.  Another cool aspect is her wide array of slings and wraps - perfect for any baby-wearing Mamas!

Jennifer was gracious enough to send an adorable t-shirt and shorts set by Zutano so we could road-test one of her wonderful items.  Suffice to say, Zutano makes fabulous clothing - so soft on baby's precious skin, and cute as can be as well.  Simple and easy to wear, Baby S. loves her new duds!  (Tip: If you're ordering this set, know that Zutano runs big or at least true to size).

Your baby can style in a set by Zutano too!  The Daily Grind is giving away one outfit in your choice of style (Zinnia or Fish) and your choice of size (6-12, 12-18, or 18-24) courtesy of A Lady and Her Baby.  Jennifer has also offered 15% off and free shipping on any of the Pediped shoes for 3 runner-ups - only readers who indicate in their comments that this is of interest to them will qualify for this offer.  To enter, visit A Lady and Her Baby and come back here to tell us which is your favorite item in the store.  Blog it for a 2nd entry!  And remember people, comments count!  Winner will be drawn on Friday, July 11th. 

See something you'd like to buy now?  Get free shipping with promo code TDG7.

       

And The Winner Is...

Congrats to Kristinia on winning the Slide diaper bag by Go Gaga!  With a new little one on the way, it'll definitely come in handy.

For the rest of you, now you know about this great new product so get with it and get yourself one at www.gogagalife.com and coming soon to www.alexcaseybaby.com!

Go Gaga or Go Home!!

 They're the age old questions for parents-to-be everywhere - how many onesies to buy, what brand of stroller to pick, which bouncy seat to choose.  But perhaps the most significant (and personal) choice of all - the ever-important DIAPER BAG. 

Totes, backpacks, shoulder bags.  There are many to choose from.  But none offer the style and functionality of the Slide by Go Gaga.  This bag is COOL!  Designed with a sling-type strap, the Slide takes the weight of those diapers, wipes and everything else you can shove in your bag, off your shoulders and evenly distributes it across your back.  Founder and designer Jill Cartwright believes new parents sacrifice enough for their new little bundles of joy, physical comfort and personal style should not be included. 

Speaking of style, these bags are great looking!  They're rugged, durable and don't SCREAM diaper bag.  Even dads are loving them (Tori Spelling's husband grabbed one in time for the arrival of their new daughter!).  According to Jill, some people even ditch the included changing mat and wipes case and use the Slide as a yoga bag or a laptop tote.  It's easy to see why - this is truly a revolutionary concept.  And at $95.00, it's affordable as well. 

Another very cool thing about Go Gaga is that they understand if you have a bag you already love.  But if that favorite bag weighs you down, get a taste of Go Gaga's technology by buying an Urban Sherpa Strap and attaching it to your fave. 

Best part of all - Go Gaga is offering a Slide bag in crimson to one of our very lucky readers.  All you have to do is visit Go Gaga's website and come back here to tell us which is your favorite color Slide.  Next (because this is SUCH a great prize there's a bit of a catch!), just blog about our giveaway here at The Daily Grind (leave a link in your comments please).  A winner will be chosen on Friday, June 27th.  Contest is open to US residents only, duplicate entries will be disqualified.

A Giveaway at A Bookworm's Diary

Time to pay our  dues!  Rashmi over at A Bookworm's Diary is gracious enough to help promote reviews and giveaways over here so I've agreed to reciprocate.  See below for deets:

Blog - A Bookworm's Diary
Giveaway URL - Bamboosa Gift Certificate Giveaway
URL - http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/2008/06/review-giveaway-bamboosa.html
Prize - Bamboosa has generously offered a $50 gift certificate towards their store!
Ends -  5 AM CST, June 25
Eligibility - US only

Check it out!

Are you a Yummy Mummy?

Remember a few months back when I wrote about brownies that were too good to keep to myself?  Well, I STILL think these brownies were too good to keep to myself so after a few more (ahem) brushes with these treats, I asked Melissa, owner of Yummy Mummy Brownies, if she'd care to share her goodies with The Daily Grind readers.  Too sweet herself, Melissa obliged.    

A yummy mummy herself - to TRIPLETS!!! - Melissa comes from a long line of bakers.  So she knows one good treat from the next.  From a long line of non-bakers myself, I know a good treat from the next as well and that's why I say if you treat yourself to nothing else today, get yourself some mint patty brownies.  Yummy Mummy Brownies are baked to order and are sold 6 to a box (they are HUGE) for $15.00.  Throw in some cute apparel(I ordered a tee for my toddler that says "Got Chocolate") and you can even call it a gift for a new mummy! 

What are you waiting for - visit Yummy MummyNOW and get yourself some treats!!   

Want to win it?  Check out Melissa's web-store and come back here to let us know what your favorite flavor is.  Blog it for a second entry.  We'll announce a lucky winner on Friday, June 20^th.

And the winner is...

Congrats to Deanna on winning the Hip-T giveaway.  She chose a white with lace.  If you didn't win, be sure to visit Hip-T's website and buy one!

Are You "Hip" Enough? Win it!

We've all been there.  You get dressed and find yourself feeling sorta hot after sliding into your favorite jeans and throwing on a little tee.  You're even sporting that sexy new thong you picked up at yesterday's sale.  You sit down to throw on some shoes before heading out and glimpse yourself in the mirror.  ACK!!  PLUMBER BUTT!!!  Like I said, we've all been there.

Two smart ladies have come up with a solution.  They invented Hip-T, a band of material you layer under your tee and wear on your hips to "cover your assets."  How smart is that?

The Hip-T is a fashion statement, since the layered look is in.  Not only that, but the garment comes in a bunch of different colors and sizes.  You can get a basic solid color or spice it up with lace trim.  Either way, you'll avoid any wardrobe malfunctions while also sucking in the dreaded muffin top so many of us ('specially Mommy's!) unfortunately sport. 

I'm also thinking these might be helpful for those early stages of pregnancy when your shirts are becoming that wee bit short over a bulging belly.  A Hip-T would definitely help make your regular tee's last a bit longer before making the switch.

You can buy this great accessory for $19.95 each at Hip-T.  Want to win one?  Go check out Hip-T's shop, and let us know which color, style and size you'd choose should you be the lucky winner.  We'll announce it on Friday, June 13^th.  Blog it for a second entry!!

Go!

PSSST!  These are the same ladies you saw on The Big Idea a few weeks ago!!

Giveaway - Charming Party & Goblet Charms!

Picture this - it's Saturday night and you're having a fabu time at a friend's party.  Food's great, the music is churning and the drinks are flowing.  You're deep in convo with somebody or other. He tells a joke, you laugh and think that another sip of that drink might help you build up the nerve to ask for his number.  You reach down for your glass, only to realize that you don't know which is yours!  What do you do? 

Maggie Kunesh, owner of Burning At Both Ends, has helped party-goers far and wide avoid this situation by creating beautiful Goblet Charms, meant to embellish any glass as well as help drinkers identify their own.  Made from pewter and finished in either silver or gold, Goblet Charms feature beads from the Czech Republic as well as your choice of theme.  At the The Daily Grind we were treated not only to Goblet Charms, but to Party Charms as well, stainless steel picks meant to dress up your party table, both in the Wine theme.  I think we might use the Party Charms to spear fruit or cheese.  So fancy!

And it doesn't end there!  Check out Burning's Jewelry Charms - we especially love the wrist charms.  What a cute gift!  The Accessories are unique too with cell phone charms, flip flop charms and zipper charms among the many to choose from.  These would make the most perfect hostess gifts! 

The Daily Grind hearts work-at-home-moms and mommy-owner Maggie fits the bill.  "I started Burning At Both Ends by accident, when my daughter was 7 months old and my son was 3 1/2. Time was (and still is) a precious commodity. I felt like I was "burning at both ends", thus the unusual name.
We specialize in products made with pewter charms. All products are handmade, high quality and come with the promise of customer satisfaction."

Though Burning At Both Ends is not yet set-up to accept orders online, you can call, email or fax your order.  Save 20% off your entire order.  Use code: The Daily Grind 20% when ordering. 

WIN IT!!  Burning At Both Ends is giving away Goblet & Party Charms to two lucky readers!  Just check out the site, and return here to comment on your fave item.  Link to this giveaway on your blog for a second entry.  Winner will be announced on Friday, June 6th.