Thursday, July 26, 2012

SwaddleDesigns SwaddleLite Review & Giveaway! (8/18)

SwaddleDesigns is back again, this time with a product you are not going to want to miss out on! As you know, SwaddleDesigns has been featured on my blog a few different times now, and I have to say that with each review I become more and more impressed with the quality, designs, and versatility of each product. When Swaddle Designs contacted me to review a set of SwaddleLite blankets, I was reaffirmed in what I already knew about them- they have the best selection of designs, and such good pricing for what you get.

It has been over 100 degrees for the past month here in Iowa. I can't even imagine having a newborn in this kind of heat. Lucky for all of those that do have babies, Swaddle Designs have given you the perfect solution to that nasty heat, giving you an option to swaddle new babies, even in the hottest of weather. The light, yet ultra soft breathable cotton blankets are the perfect way to keep baby secure and happy. Made of high quality cotton Marquisette, it is ideal for swaddling in warmer environments and climates. The way the fabric is weaved allows for maximum airflow while being swaddled.

I chose to review the SwaddleLite set in the Jewel Tone- Turquoise. Of course, {B} is now over 2 and clearly not going to be swaddled any time soon, but even he was excited to see the new blankets! I loved that the turquoise wasn't girly or boy-ish, so I could use them for whatever gender baby I have next. There are also SO many different choices to pick from, purples, pinks, to blues, I want them all! When I opened the box, I immediately unfolded them to see how big they were. I was so excited that they were SO BIG! Each blanket it 46x46 inches, giving you unlimited ways to use these! Throw them over your shoulder to use while nursing, or over your stroller on a bright day! Throw them on the ground to use at the park, they wash up nicely, and believe it or not, they also get softer over time. The possibilities are endless.

Maybe you are a first time mom? New to swaddling? Check out www.swaddledesigns.com/how-to-swaddle to get detailed information on how to perfectly swaddle your little one. You can also get more information regarding safe sleeping envorinments and the benefits of swaddling.

 Buy It: Head to the Swaddle Designs website to purchase your set of 3 SwaddleLite blankets, only $40!

Win it! Swaddle Designs has offered one of my readers a set of 3 SwaddleLite blankets in a set of their choice! ($40 value!!)

ENTER TO WIN! There are TWO Mandatory Entries! All other entries are optional, but the more you complete, the better chance you have at winning! Leave one comment per entry.


1) Mandatory: Head on over to Swaddle Designs and tell me which SwaddleLite set you would pick! 

2) Mandatory:Follow n.c. baby blog via GFC (or tell me if you aleady do)

5) Share this link on Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway ( you can do this once daily!)

6) Blog about this giveaway and leave your link so I can find it! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments)

7) Pin any picture from this post to Pinterest! Leave the link to your pin.

8) Enter any other of my CURRENT giveaways ( 1 entry for each giveaway entered)

9) Subscribe to n.c. baby blog via email ( on right side of blog)

10) Add my n.c. baby blog button to your blog! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments!)

GOOD LUCK!!! Giveaway will close 8/18 at 11:59 pm EST. Giveaway is open to U.S. and CANADA residents only. Winner will be picked the following day by Random.org and will be emailed and announced on the blog. Winner has 48 hours to confirm their prize, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to Swaddle Designs for providing review products and the giveaway prize!

Swaddle Design provided samples for my review and the giveaway prizes for my readers. No other compensation was recieved. All opinions are 100 percent my own.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Review: The Party Works

Remember when The Party Works came over to n.c. baby blog for a guest post? Well, I was lucky enough to review their product this time, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

There is nothing like a perfectly planned birthday party. If anyone knows me, I kind of go to the extremes when I plan birthday parties. I like there to be an overall theme, and it has to be perfect, down to the details. It doesn't matter how young or old your child is, you can make their party one to remember. They may not remember every detail, but they will see pictures, and think, "wow, my mom was so awesome that she planned all of that!" So...then comes the planning. So many things to remember. How many guests? Will there be a take home gift for the kids? What about the cake?

This is where The Party Works comes in. They give you the basics, so all you have to remember are the minor details. They make party planning EASY, and thats the only thing us busy mommas want, right? We want it to be easy, but we want it to be good and memorable!

The Party works has pretty much everything you will need to make that party happen. With over 4,000 items in stock that can be delivered straight to your door with the push of a button, you really won't need to go anywhere else! Party packs include decorations, streamers, paper plates, cups, napkins, candles and party favors! You just might not even ever have to leave your house to plan this party! You can also order party packs for baby showers! Themes include Disney Cars, princesses, elmo, Toy Story, Curious George, Strawberry Shortcake and the list goes on.

Since we just moved to Iowa and we are loving all of the big tractors everywhere ( not to mention {B} is totally into tractors and monster trucks these days) we decided to review the John Deere Standard Party Pack for 8. This party pack includes:

8 dinner plates
8 dessert plates
8cups
8 forks and spoons
16 napkins
solid-color tablecover
foil balloon
12 latex balloons (2 colors)
curling ribbons (2 colors)
crepe paper rolls (2 colors)

When I opened the box, {B} was ecstatic! He immediately snagged everything with a tractor on it and ran around the house begging me to open them. All of the items are made with high quality and bright colors. Not to mention, you couldn't buy all of the stuff included in the party pack for the great price you get on the Party Works Website!

This party pack is only $18.19 online, and even better, if you order over $30 worth of items, your order ships FREE! So head on over to the Party Works website today, and get to work ( or lack thereof :) on that party of yours! Save yourself the stress of going to the party store and deciding what to buy. These party packs have everything you need to make your party the success it will be.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

n.c. baby blog's Tip of the Week

I'm going to try and do a tip of the week! Whether its baby related, being money savvy, or just a random thought of mine, Im going to see how it goes! If you have any good tips, email them to me at ncbabyblog@gmail.com

Tip #1: GET OUT YOUR VIDEO CAMERA. TODAY.

When was the last time you got out your REAL video camera? I'm not talking about iphone video cameras, or randomly on your ipad. Im talking the real deal???

When {B} was born, I was really good about taking actual videos of him. I stayed pretty good with filming him the first year of his life. Now slowly, I have definitely taken a slow down on the recording, and when I wanted to make a video of the first 2 years of his life, I had a hard time finding actual good footage of him closer to 2 years! I treasure the videos I have of him when he was teeny tiny, with his big blue eyes and drool running down his chin; but are we getting those silly words on film? What about those funny habits he or she picked up from you? Have you gotten them singing their favorite song? I think when it comes down to it, those are the things we are going to want to hold close to our hearts in the long run.

So I challenge you to get out your video camera today! Are you going swimming? Take the big camera with you! Going to the park? Maybe you will get something funny on camera! You  just never know. And in 10 years from today, you might write me an email, thanking me for the challenge. Because these are the times we don't want to forget!