CLOSED! BabyBond nursing cover Review & GIVEAWAY

Congrats to our winner,  17sirens!

If you are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed, then you will probably want some sort of cover-up for when you are in public. Using a blanket, like I did, is not always easy to manage. It usually ends up falling down, the baby pulls on it, it gets hot, or you just don't want to cover up your baby's head.

I recently came across a really cool nursing cover called Baby Bond. It's made specifically to cover up mommy, and not baby.  That way you don't have to show the world your business, and at the same time, can have that special bonding time and eye contact with your baby.

Baby Bond comes in 3 different styles, which all are great.  You can choose which style fits your needs best.
Original  is worn like a sash.  It works like a nursing top, and keeps your back and tummy covered with the double panel. 
Flex  is also worn like a sash, and is similiar to the The Original, but is also includes an option to attach a burp cloth.
Couture  is adjustable and can be customized to fit your changing body.  It is great because not only is it a nursing cover, but also can be worn as a belly band.  With Baby Bond Couture, you can nurse from the top or bottom.  No matter what outfit you wear, Couture will work with it.

Each style comes with a pouch to store it in and are all machine washable.  Another thing that is really great is the selection of colors to choose from.  My favorites are a chocolate brown and also the Riviera, which is a really pretty turquiose.  Of course, there are several other colors to choose from, so you are sure to find one that you love.

I was hoping to get a picture of a family member's newest arrival and show her using Baby Bond, but the lil guy has not arrived yet!  So the wait will continue!

Baby Bond is definitely on my list of must-haves for new mommies.  I love how it's versatile, comfy, and easy to take on the go.  And most importantly, how it keeps you covered, but leaves baby's face from covered up.

BUY IT
You can purchase any of the Baby Bond nursing covers for $35 online and at select retailers.  What is even more fabulous, is that Baby Bond has offered all the lovelies that read BeeCute a special discount of 25% off!  Just use code "BEE" at checkout.

In addtion to the special discount offer, one of you lucky BeeCuties will WIN one of your own!

WIN IT

One BeeCute reader will win one Baby Bond nursing cover of your choice.  Retail value of $35.

**Mandatory Entry** You must be a follower of my blog on Google Friend Connect to enter. (Look at the top left corner of the blog and click Join this Site.) Then, go to Baby Bond and tell me Which style AND color that you like best. (1 entry total for mandatory) Leave your entries below in the comments. Note: You must enter the mandatory entry before doing the extra entries, or you will be disqualified. Also, you must leave a valid email address on all entries so I have a way to contact you if you are chosen as the winner. Read the rules below for entering my giveaways.


Extra Entries --Must do the Mandatory Entry first before any Extra Entries are valid.


1) Follow Baby Bond on twitter. Leave your twitter user name. (1 entry)

2) Follow BeeCute (@mandmvaught) on twitter and leave me your twitter name. (1 entry)

3) Like BeeCute on facebook (top right corner of blog, you can click LIKE on the widget, Please leave your facebook user name) (1 entry)

4) Like Baby Bond on facebook. Leave your facebook name. (1 entry)

5) Subscribe to BeeCute email newsletter. (top right corner, and you must confirm it when you get the confirmation email. I will check.) (2 entries)

6) Tweet this giveaway. May be done up to 5 times daily, at least an hour apart. You must leave the url link of your tweet with your entry. (1 entry per each tweet) You may use your own tweet including a link to this site and @BabyBond and @mandmvaught or you can copy/paste the following:


#WIN a nursing cover from @BabyBond & @mandmvaught A mommy must-have! http://www.beecute1.blogspot.com/  Ends 4/30

7) Tell me where you found this giveaway. (1 entry)


8) Share this giveaway on facebook and link @BeeCute and in the post (may be done one time daily). (2 entries per post)

9) Blog about this giveaway. You must include a link to this giveaway in your post and have at least 25 followers. Leave the link to your blog post in the comments with your entry. (3 entries)

10) Add my button to your blog and leave a link telling me where I can find it.  (5 entries)


Contest will end on April 30th, 2011 at midnight CST. Open to the worldwide. Winner will be selected at random, and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.

RULES
BeeCute is simply hosting this giveaway and is not responsible for the prize itself. The sponsors of the giveaway are responsible for shipping out the prize to the winner. BeeCute will relay the winner's information on to the sponsor. If there is any problem with the prize, BeeCute will continue to try to work with the sponsor to correct any problems. BeeCute is not liable or financially responsible for the prizes.


You must complete your entries as stated. If you do not complete the entries as stated, then it will be deleted. For example, if you do not leave your user name with your facebook entry, then it will not count. You must leave a valid email address on each entry. This is how I will contact you if you win.

Only one person per home/IP address is allowed to enter this giveaway. If I see that you are entering under multiple names, etc then you will be immediately disqualified and banned from entering future giveaways. I do not tolerate cheating, and will be checking to ensure all my giveaways are fair.

The winner will be selected at random. I will contact the winner by email, and you will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be selected.

BeeCute reserves the right to change any rules if deemed necessary without prior notice.




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Friday Follows

I'm so glad it's Friday!  This week has been the longest!  Have a great weekend, and join in Friday Bloghops and make some new friends! Also, I'll be posting some awesome new giveaways in the next day or two, so be sure to check back!


              

Coupon, Sweeps, & New Dollar General Promo to Earn Gift Cards and More!

So how many of you watched the new Extreme Couponing show on TLC?  I certainly did.  I am just amazed at how those frugalistas can get all that stuff for basically nothing.  Although I think it's a bit ridiculous to have the huge stockpiles like they do, I still think it's great to save so much money.  I wish I was that good and knew how to save that much.  But you would never catch me buying 35 bottles of Maalox just because it only was costing around 50 cents each.  Come on....really??

Anyway, my point is, that ever since this economy went to the crapper a couple of years ago, I've had to really get creative with having to cut back expenses and save money.  At the same time, I didn't want our daily lives to radically change either.  So, that's when the couponing came in.  I also hit the department stores sales' racks, search consignment stores for awesome name brand clothes, and even joined a "resale event" for moms to bring in all outgrown clothing and toys, furniture, etc and sell it, and also buy stuff from all the other moms.  It's almost like a high when I can find brand new Justice clothes for Miss Sassy for less than $5, or excellent condition Tommy or Polo shirts for Bubbalicious for just a few bucks.  Craigslist has also been a really great place to find things we need for great prices.  Just an example, to help with my new weight loss adventure, I found a brand new elliptical machine for sale on craigslist for only $50.  Can't beat that with a stick!  Now if I could just get my butt on it everyday, it might be effective.  hehehe!

Another thing I have started over the past year, is started entering sweepstakes and giveaways.  I started out with just blog giveaways, and started winning.  It was the first time in my life that I had ever won anything, and I can't even explain the happiness it gave me.  So, I found more blogs and was entering quite a few, and then winning at least once a week.  I was hooked!  I only enter for things that I actually need or want.  I don't think it would be fair for me to enter for something I wasn't going to use, when I know someone who does need it is also entering.  Now for those of you that are new to giveaways, trust me, there was A LOT of them that I didn't win.  Sometimes I would want something so bad, and try so hard to win it.  I would do every single entry that was available, and then of course, I wouldn't win.  It's a bummer, but it's just part of the game.  I've been very blessed with all the great things I have won from blogs, and am very appreciative to the bloggers who run the giveaways and the sponsors who offer the items.  Entering all those giveaways on blogs is ultimately what got me here, offering all of you lovelies of BeeCute the cool products that I love and think you will, too!

I have also added in regular sweepstakes that I enter on a regular basis.  They are much harder to win, but the prizes usually have much greater value than blog giveaways.  They also have instant win games with a lot of sweepstakes, and those aren't as hard to win.  I've won several instant win games for things such as gift cards, t-shirts, and household products.  I don't win on a lot of these sweeps, but I try to not get frustrated.  Because I have won several smaller ticket items, that keeps my spirits up.  Just last week, I won a swag pack from Nine West which will include shoes and a shirt, and I'm not sure what else.  Of course, I have to brag about my biggest win--a trip to Jamaica!!  I won the trip about 2 months ago from a one-time entry on a twitter contest, and it shocked the hell out of me when they picked me!  I have filled out and returned the affidavit, and still waiting on them to let me know how I actually will book my trip.  It's very special to me, because my hubby and I never got to go on a honeymoon when we got married, so this will more than make up for that.

The main reason I enter giveaways and sweeps is because that's the only way that I can "provide" all these awesome goodies and extras for my family.  We just can't afford to go out and buy Flip cameras, or video games whenever we want to.  We definitely can't afford to go on vacations, so that is exactly why I enter.  I hope to win a family vacation some day, so my kids can also experience it.  I know it's possible, and just keep hope that one day we will get blessed with something amazing for the whole family to enjoy.

So, do you like to enter sweeps or giveaways?  What not-so-conventional things do you do to save money or get those extras for your family?  I want to hear about your experiences, thoughts, and comments.

Speaking of saving money, Dollar General just started a new promotion called Rhythm & Race Rewards that I think is really cool.  It's based on a point system, and you earn points in exchange for gift cards, Nascar items, or Grand Ole Opry merchandise.  They have created a list of certain items that will will earn one point per item purchased.  I looked at the list, and I was pretty happy with the items on it.  It has things that I would normally buy, like Hellmans' mayo, Hamburger Helper, Betty Crocker fruit snacks, lotions, shampoo, and so on.  It's a big list, and they also have monthly bonus item, such as Huggies wipes or Pull-Ups. The list can be printed off from their Rhythm & Race website.

When you purchase the participating products, they will give you a code on your receipt.  After you sign up for the program, which began April 1st and goes thru July 31st, you will enter your code online or you can even text it with your cell phone.  All it takes is 10 points to start earning prizes.  The more points you get, the better prize you earn.

In addition to that, they are also doing an optional contest based on teams.  Up to 4 people can be on a team, and when you enter your points, those same points will also go towards your team's balance.  At the end of the promotion period, the team with the most points wins a really nice prize.  Each member of the team will have their choice of a trip for 2 to a Nascar event, a trip to Grand Ole Opry, or a check made out to you!  Pretty sweet, right?  I know what I would choose already!

Ok, so here's the deal.  I want to start a team.  I go to the Dollar store a lot, because it's very close to my house.  I know I can rack up some points quick!  So I need 3 more people who want to be on my team.  If you shop at the Dollar General and want to join in on this contest, send me an email to savvylissa@gmail.com and be sure to include your full name and email address.  Also, if you want to be on my team, please don't sign up yet and wait for my team invitation to sign up.  I'll get them sent out quickly, so you can begin earning points.  Of course, you can still shop and just hold onto your code til we are all set.

I hope to hear from some of you fellow DG shoppers and create a Divalicious team.  I don't know that Dollar Store and Divalicious should really be in the same sentence, but hey, we can bring sexy back to being frugal, right.  Oh, and by the way, they do take coupons there, and I heard they have a new revised coupon policy on their main website.  I'm off to check it out, and will be anxiously awaiting to hear from you!

Follow Me Back Tuesday!

It's Tuesday again, and been awhile since I've joined this bloghop, so I thought I better get back in the game and join up with some of my fave blogs!  Join up with these hostesses and make some new friends at the
Follow Me Back Tuesday Bloghop!  You can also find their button over on my right sidebar, right under my facebook box.  Have a great week, and excited to meet new peeps!

Boobies, Babies, & A Blog
Survey Junkie
Little YaYa's

Are we wrong as parents??

Parenting is not easy.  We all know that.  But some things arise that seem silly at first, but then later on make you wonder if you did the right thing. 

Here's the deal:  As I'm in Bubblicious's room hanging up laundry one night, he informs me that he wants me to buy him some skinny jeans.  (Note:  Bubbalicious is one of many names I have for my almost 9-year-old son.)  (Another note:  I HATE skinny jeans on the male gender.)  So, I just mumbled something like "Oh, really.  Wow!" and he started talking about something else.  End of discussion, right?  I couldn't get that lucky.

So, a few nights later, my lovely mommy and step-dad were over visiting, and I had walked out of the room, but everyone else, including hubby and kids, were all chit-chatting.  Bubbalicious once again brought up these not-so-fabulous skinny jeans that he wants.  I think he did it at that moment because "Ma" is always buying her favorite (and only) grandkids new clothes and goodies.  I'm pretty sure he thought he could say that he wanted them, and next time Ma came over, she would bring them.

Lucky for me, and unlucky for Bubbs, Hubby was there when the skinny jeans convo came up.  As soon as the words came out of Bubbs' mouth, Hubby exclaimed "NO WAY!  You are not going to be wearing skinny jeans!"  Since I wasn't in the room, I didn't hear if there was ever a reason given to him as to why he cannot wear skinny jeans, but in a way, I think it may be better to not have a reason. 

Like it or not, we parents are role models.  Some better than others.  And, as the older I get, I can really notice how the majority of kids grow up to be similar to their parents.  None of us actually want to admit that we are like our parents, but the truth is, well....the truth hurts!  hahaha!

So, what got me to thinking about this whole skinny jeans situation, is are we wrong for telling him no, just because we don't like skinny jeans?  It's not that we are trying to mold him to be just like us, because that is sooo not what we intend.

Hubby and I talked privately about why we both, at separate times, discouraged the skinny jeans.  In our opinions, we think that style of jeans look great.  On GIRLS.  And girls only.  Now, I know that is being totally judgemental.  But that is the truth of how I feel.  I know that skinny jeans are wildly popular with dudes, just as much as it is with the ladies, so please don't send me hate mail.  It's just my opinion and I'm entitled to that. 

I want my kids to have their opinions, their own style, and their own way of doing things.  In a way, I feel bad for not letting Bubbs wear the pants he wants, but where do we draw the line?  If he wanted to wear a dress, I would not let him.  Thank the Lord that was not what he asked for.  But if he asked for a neon-green pair of Nike shoes, I'd probably be okay with that.  It's just a matter of what type of clothing it is.

I think the main reason we don't agree on the skinny jeans, is because as parents, we don't want our children to have to deal with any negative attention.  I know that going to school is rough, without any extra attention on what the kids wear.  I know there would be some kids that would make fun of boys wearing skinny jeans.  But then again, obviously he has seen someone wearing them, or why else would he ask for them?

Maybe I am over-analyzing this way too much.  He has not said anything else about them since Hubby said no.  So, what do you think?  Would you let your 3rd grade son wear skinny jeans, and why or why not?

New BLOGHOP to lower Alexa Ratings!

Thanks a ton to Real Mom Reviews for this linky.  As you know, I'm still new to blogging and trying hard to start out the right way, instead of having to add in a bunch of stuff later.  That is why this linky will be very useful, especially to new bloggers.

This is from her post, to give you the info you need and how to use this linky since it's a bit different
:
                                                           Please Read..
                                                     I'm BEGGING you!

 This hop works a bit differently than most!
IMPORTANT Please make sure you have the ALEXA TOOLBAR installed.

Why do you need the Alexa Toolbar? "Alexa computes traffic rankings by analyzing the Web usage of millions of Alexa Toolbar users and data obtained from other, diverse traffic data sources." Now in english... When someone with the Alexa Toolbar visits your site, it helps lower your Alexa!


Now that you know the basics, hop on over by clicking on the button above, and join in on this awesome linky!  I'll definitely be joining this one, cuz I need all the help I can get!!

She also has a Tuesday Twitter Hop going on, but for some reason I can't get the button to link up, so just click HERE and get some new twitter friends, too!

CLOSED! Richard Solo iPhone backup battery Review & Headphones GIVEAWAY

Congrats to #6, WinitMama!!

I love finding technology devices that are super cool.  Especially little gadgets that not everybody has.  I love having something that not many people have ever even seen before. 

One of my newest gadgets I have is the 1800 for iPhone from RichardSolo.  It's a back-up battery pack that clicks on to your iPhone or iPod (except for shuffle).  If you have an iPhone, then you know how quickly the battery can run out.  You can easily carry around the 1800 in your bag, or car, or even your pocket, and just click it on your phone and you have a full charge again.  You will never have to deal with a dead battery again!  In addition to the extra battery power you get, it also has a flashlight and laser pointer on it.  Uber cool, right?  It comes with a USB car charger, AC wall charger, and retractable USB cable all included.  I absolutely love this device, and use it all the time!

If you aren't familar with RichardSolo, you definitely need to check it out.  It is created by Richard Thalheimer, who is the founder of The Sharper Image.  It's an online store that strives on great customer satisfaction.  They have so many interesting products, such as electric corkscrews, mini speakers to hook into your cell phone, powerdocks, high end watches, and remote control cars.  And if you ever need a 7 foot tall Superman statue, RichardSolo is your place! hahaha!

Here are a few other items that I think are pretty cool and would love to try:

Flameless Timer candles--The candles have LED lights instead of having to worry about the flames of real candles.  You can also set the timer so they come on whenever you want them to.  They also have a soft vanilla scent.

RichardSolo Micro Edge 5-piece Knife set--These high quality stainless steel knives have serrated blades and are designed for years of use.  They never need sharpening.  They are so sharp, they can cut through frozen meat.  Need I say more??

Lamborghini Superleggera Remote Control Set--My son would love this!  You get 2 of the sweet rides, so you can compete with friends.  They even run fast on carpet.  Every little boy's dream, and probably some men's dream, too!  The price is great at only around $40!

That's just a sample of all the neato things you will find at RichardSolo.  I was so happy with my 1800 for my iPhone, that I asked the great people at RichardSolo if they would like to offer one of their products for  a giveaway to my lovely readers.  And they agreed!  How awesome is that!  I must give a huge THANK YOU to RichardSolo!

They are offering their Noise Canceling Headphones to one of you!  They can plug right into your phone, laptop, MP3, or just about any of your devices.  They have extra large ear-cups padded with memory foam.  The thing I think is the best, is the adjustable headband can collapse down and fold up to fit into a travel pouch.

BUY IT!

You can purchase the 1800 for iPhone from RichardSolo for $29.95.

The Noise Canceling Headphones are also available for only $59.95, and are on sale currently for $35.95.


WIN IT!



**Mandatory Entry** You must be a follower of my blog on Google Friend Connect to enter. (Look at the top left corner of the blog and click Join this Site.) Then, go to RichardSolo and tell me which product is your favorite or something new you learned that I did not write about. (1 entry total for mandatory) Leave your entries below in the comments. Note: You must enter the mandatory entry before doing the extra entries, or you will be disqualified. Also, you must leave a valid email address on all entries so I have a way to contact you if you are chosen as the winner. Read the rules below for entering my giveaways.


Extra Entries

1. Like RichardSolo on Facebook and write on their wall that @BeeCute sent you! (1 entry, please leave your first name and last initial)


2. Follow RichardSolo on twitter. (1 entry, please leave @username)

3. Follow BeeCute (@mandmvaught) on twitter and leave me your twitter name. (1 entry)

4. Like BeeCute on facebook (top right corner of blog, you can click LIKE on the widget) and tell me on my wall you are entering this giveaway. (1 entry)

5. Subscribe to BeeCute email newsletter. (top right corner, and you must confirm it when you get the confirmation email. I will check.) (2 entries)

6. Tweet this giveaway. May be done up to 5 times daily, at least an hour apart. You must leave the url link of your tweet with your entry. (1 entry per each tweet) You may use your own tweet including a link to this site and @richard_solo and @mandmvaught or you can copy/paste the following:


#Win Noise canceling Headphones from @richard_solo & @mandmvaught at http://www.beecute1.blogspot.com/  Ends 4/10

7. Tell me where you found this giveaway. (1 entry)

8. Share this giveaway on facebook and link @BeeCute and @RichardSolo in the post (may be done one time daily). (2 entries per post)

9. Blog about this giveaway. You must include a link to this giveaway in your post and have at least 25 followers. Leave the link to your blog post in the comments with your entry. (3 entries)

Contest will end on April 10th, 2011 at midnight CST. Open to the US only. Winner will be selected at random, and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.

 
RULES:


BeeCute is simply hosting this giveaway and is not responsible for the prize itself. The sponsors of the giveaway are responsible for shipping out the prize to the winner. BeeCute will relay the winner's information on to the sponsor. If there is any problem with the prize, BeeCute will continue to try to work with the sponsor to correct any problems. BeeCute is not liable or financially responsible for the prizes.

You must complete your entries as stated. If you do not complete the entries as stated, then it will be deleted. For example, if you do not leave your user name with your facebook entry, then it will not count. You must leave a valid email address on each entry. This is how I will contact you if you win.

Only one person per home/IP address is allowed to enter this giveaway. If I see that you are entering under multiple names, etc then you will be immediately disqualified and banned from entering future giveaways. I do not tolerate cheating, and will be checking to ensure all my giveaways are fair.

The winner will be selected at random. I will contact the winner by email, and you will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be selected.

BeeCute reserves the right to change any rules if deemed necessary without prior notice.


Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I did receive the featured product for the review. All opinions stated are completely honest and 100% mine based on trying out the product. Please use your own judgement when choosing products for your family.