Are Giveaway Blogs Annoying?

Every blog has it's day... And purpose. Mine is to document my journey toward motherhood, and along the way here and there give out some freebies that I happen to come across. But it's come to my attention that some of you HATE giveaways. It's ok, you can admit it, we all feel like we never win right? I won a crib on one so I can't really be a hater.

I try my best to make mine fun, and tie them in to my regular style and not make them too "commercialish" but ya know... You can't win them all.

Last week I mentioned I'd be doing a butt load of giveaways this week only as my virtual baby shower. Some I guessed missed the memo.

I got an email from one of my readers today that inspired this post, and I thought I'd share it, and my reply in case some of you others are wondering the same thing.

Jen,

I read your blog and I really enjoy your personal posts. I must say, though, you have WAAAY too many giveaways. It so frustrating to come to your blog day after day only to see more products and giveaways. You are such a sweet, insightful, and fun writer. I love hearing about your baby journey, but all these giveaways may cause me to quit reading soon. SO SAD!

My reply:

Hey Girl! Thanks so much for writing! I really appreciate knowing that people actually care what I have to say! I feel like I mostly write for myself and sometimes am like "Wow... no one really cares that I have cankles, why am I putting this out there? Someone is going to throw up!" But I definitly enjoy writing no matter who's reading!

To be honest I don't enjoy giveaways as much myself, haha! But since I have a few items that I've been needing to write about for awhile I decided to dedicate JUST THIS WEEK to giveaways as a "virtual baby shower."

Trust me, I'm not wanting to turn into one of those giveaway mommy blogs, and a little while after little girl is born I'm wanting to put an end to them all together! And next week it'll be back to me blabbing about who knows what :)

If you do miss my writing though know that my other blog on Parenting.com has no giveaways, and I'm writing regular posts there this week :)

But until then, I hope you'll stick around, I promise I'll be back!


Jenn

So, what do you think? Love 'em? Hate em? What about on your blog? It's not the reason I started my blog. I like sharing things I find, often times things I even buy, and offer one for free to one of yall. I also like to feature women entrepreneurs and "give back" a little in that way on from time to time on my blog. I do keep them related to my life and what I'm going though.

That said, I usually don't do a lot of them, just once a week for my Full Term of Giveaways, though this week... Especially to people who don't like them, you'll notice a lot, but hey... That's cause it's giveaway week and it's already Thursday so just two more days! Starting Monday (or sooner) I'll be back to my rambles, and like I mentioned in my response to the emailer, my blogging will be a lot different and back to the basics after Spawnie arrives.

I'm flattered that some of you miss my "regular" posts after just a few days, cause quite honestly, I didn't know so many of you cared!

Sleep... I'll Enjoy it While it Lasts

The #1 thing I hear over and over and over and over again from people who have children and know I'm having my first is "Enjoy your sleep now." Like I posted over a year ago before I was even THINKING about having a baby, was the #1 thing I'll miss... Sleep.

I love to sleep, I love naps. I HATE waking up early, and I can get pretty emotional when I don't get enough sleep. I'm not so cranky, but I'm emotional (I'm normally emotional but this magnifies it).

However... I think certain things make loosing sleep worth it: Christmas morning, new puppies, and procrastination on a research paper. When we first got Snoop I'd wake up at every little stir he made, and I was sure to take him out of the bathroom at the slightest appearance he had to go.

This meant getting bundled up in my winter jacket, getting his leash hooked up, and trekking out into the snow while I waited for him to "go potty." Granted, I know this isn't as demanding as waking up to a crying baby every few hours, and staying up while she eats and falls back asleep, but it was a little bit of practice.

Pregnancy... Well that's even more practice. I think you could argue the lack of sleep most women get the months before baby is born are in preparation for what's ahead. I have to pee at least twice a night, which could be worse.

I use to have soreness in my back when I first started to get bigger, so I decided it was time to try out some different sleeping techniques. Putting a pillow between my knees helped a little. Then one of my friends gave me her pregnancy pillow. It's shaped kind of like a worm. I liked it but since I'm so tall (about 5' 11") I had a hard time keeping it between my knees as well as under my head. I also was missing a nice little wedge for my tummy.
I got a Womb for Two and honestly haven't looked back. Based on what I've researched, it's the most comprehensive, and best pregnancy pillow out there. No really, my husband has even tried it an he likes to use it when I get up (not that he's pregnant, he just likes it)!

We have a California King bed in our room, and a Queen bed in the nursery. It takes up about half of the Queen bed but fits AWESOME in the King.
It was developed by Julie, a former prenatal massage therapist. Over 12 years of helping women in her own Pregnancy Massage Center, women would tell her about their sleeping problems, and she's send them home with tips. One day she had an "a-ha" moment for a design, and the idea was born.

She practiced with clients, then tested it herself during her own pregnancy and tweaked a few final details.
Julie has been married since, 2006 and they had Aviva, their little girl, in 2008. Together they've done all kinds of social dancing (contra dance, waltz, tango, swing, etc.) Now their little girl is their favorite preoccupation! They're also very involved in the life of their synagogue, Congregation Beth Shalom.

This mama gave me some great advice to use as I become a mom.

{New Mama Advice}

1. Make sure you have help in the first few weeks, even if you have to hire someone!
2. Give yourself grace as you find your own center as a mom. Read and listen all you can--b/c information is power--and then trust yourself to make the right decisions for your daughter. Adjust as necessary.
3. We found ourselves in the attachment parenting camp in the non-guilt section. Attachment is a priority, and also sometimes you have to take care of yourself first. I recommend that as a happy parenting starting point.

You can learn more about the Womb for Two by checking out their website. You can also follow @Womb4two on Twitter or "Like" Womb for Two on Facebook.

Here's also a quick video of me showing off how it works. A BIG thank you to my husband for being my videographer. He cracks me up.

The pillows inside can be removed and reused after pregnancy as regular pillows. The case is easily washed, and it's all made right here in the USA! The only thing I find as a downside is less snuggling with my hubby. He's not much of a snuggler anyway so he's probably appreciate the break. The few nights I've tried sleeping without support, I'm feeling it the next morning, so I'm picking my battles.
I've been so excited to let my pregnant friends know about this pillow, to feature it and to give one away to one of my virtual baby shower party-goers this week!

If you'd like to WIN a Womb for Two visit their site and tell me one of the benefits you've learned about the pillow in the comments! Leave another comment with a bit of pregnancy advice if you'd like an additional entry. You get 2 more chances to win following their Facebook and Twitter page and letting them know you saw them from my blog! My blog followers also get an extra entry.

You have until June 13th at 11:59pm to enter!
Random.org will choose a winner! Good Luck!

*Thanks Womb for Two for providing the pillow to review and giveaway. No compensation was recieved, opinions are all mine.

Thinking Ahead: Spawnie's 1st Bday Party Themes

I know it's crazy, but I'm already day dreaming about Spawnie's first birthday party. No, she's not born yet and I'm already debating between ladybug theme or butterfly theme, and picturing the cake and what she'll wear. I'm THAT CRAZY.

I'm big into princesses, but I think those parties are best served, and more enjoyed by older girls. I love looking at adorable invites, coordinating napkin holders and cupcake flags, party banners, it's just too much! And moms throwing parties these days seem so much more coordinated. Back when I was young pinatas, party hats, and kazoos weren't uncommon. Now, from photos I've seen from friend's parties, moms have got it together and got it looking cute!

Luckily I know people, people like Jen who design party goodies and decor to use to create a fun party theme. I think I'll be chatting with her when it's time for me to narrow down a theme.

I'm not crafty, I'm good at pretending like I am but really, it's all an act.

Jen, however, fell into my craft when she was planning her August 2008 wedding. She's been involved with art her entire life, starting with drawing and painting when she was 5 years old. After she graduated college, she got a freelance job with a local rape crisis clinic and started designing all of their marketing materials, including their annual report. She designed these gorgeous monograms.

After she got engaged, it was a "no-brainer" to her that she could DIY a lot of their stationery items. Other brides started asking her to design wedding stationery for them, and it blossomed from there. She designed monograms, wedding programs, invitations... you name it, she did it! From there, she grew into designing baby stationery, and then party decor. Blush Printables was literally a three year work in progress!

Jen is 26, she had a Norwegian Forest cat named Bella for about five years, but she sadly passed away from cancer this past February. They adopted Maya in March 2009 so Bella would have a friend, and they just loved each other so very much so in March 2010, they welcomed Bailey!

Human kids are on their radar too! "We have babies on the brain and have planned to start a family within the next six months -- so your blog is absolutely incredible and such a wonderful resource of information for me. I just love it!"

{New Mama Advice}

1. "This is probably a no-brainer, but always make sure that you make time for your family! Sometimes it's easy to get overextended and have anxiety over trying to balance time between work and play. My fondest childhood memories are my dad teaching me how to play softball, going on California vacations with just my mom, and my grandparents pushing me on the swing. Both of my parents are entrepreneurs and even though they were both busy running their own businesses, neither of them ever missed an art show, a softball game, taking pictures at homecoming or prom, or being there for any other milestone in my life. My mother is an excellent example of balancing work and home life, and so is my father. I am forever grateful for the life they gave me and the sacrifices that they made."

2. "Be assertive for what you need. Don't be afraid to tell friends and family what you really need -- let them know how helpful it would be to take on household chores [maybe someone can unload that dishwasher for you!] or help out with grocery shopping. Even help with laundry would be fantastic! Have a list of to-do items so that you don't have to remember what you need."

3. "Celebrate, and make new traditions! I bet if you look back to your own childhood, you have a slew of warm memories of being surrounded by your friends and family during birthdays and holidays. Carry on those same traditions, but start new ones that are unique to your new family."

If you have Twitter be sure to check Jen out at @ohsoglam and Blush Printables on Facebook. Her new adorable behind-the-scenes blog is Blush Printables and of course here's her Etsy Shop.

My Mini Virtual Baby Shower Week is coming to a close but Jen has offered one of my party-goers a $75 gift certificate to her shop! Anyone can enter and put it towards buying something that is ready-made or to contact her with a fully customized order.! Just visit her shop and let me know what you like in the comments! Leave a comment with new mommy advice for another entry! Or a birthday party theme idea!

You have until June 3rd 11:59pm to enter!

Random.org will choose the winner! Good luck!

I Can't Make Things This Cute: Mimi's Babies Giveaway

I shop too much. I went from being an Etsy browser to an avid Etsy shopper with a serious addiction. Luckily I had some money saved in my Paypal account to help with my constant splurging but sadly that money is near depletion and it won't be much longer that I'll be able to hide my addition from my husband. ... Transactions and the fact that I've become very good friends with our UPS delivery man... Blake, may give him a hunch I have a problem.
What am I ordering? Everything from diapers on sale, room decor for the nursery, clothes, oh my!

Mostly things I can't make myself, cause I have a new love for making things, especially when it ends up costing me way less.

One thing I can't do that I want to learn is how to crochet cute little hats and shoes and things. I think I'd officially feel like a nesting mom with my little ball of yarn in my rocking chair.

But until then, I'll leave it up to the pros. Like Mimi's Babies.I LOVE this picture. I can't believe I'm going to have one of these in a matter of weeks. I'm so excited, thrilled, terrified, and in doubt! Oooh, I can't wait!!

The bow on that little girl's head is from an Etsy shop run my Charissa and her mother in law, Mimi. Mimi makes all the sewn and monogrammed items in their Etsy shop including the cutest monogrammed birthday shirts.Crocheting and knitting are Charissa's things. Her Mom to taught her to crochet and for the past 20 years, she's collected, used, and created with yarn. "Now I have so much fun making crochet flower hair-clips, beanies, and baby shoes" she said.
I love these shoes she makes for little ones, she says it's the most time consuming to make, but they're so cute and worth it when they make it on little feet!

Charissa has been married for 9 years to Josh and they have three sons (now all proudly potty trained) ages from 8 to 3."Spending time with family and going to my son's baseballs games are my favorite things to do. My youngest son gets really excited when it is time to put on his 'bay-ball' shirt. This year my oldest two are playing baseball and the games are so much fun!" She said.

{New Mama Advice}

"The best piece of advice I can offer is to relax and enjoy every stage. When I was in a prenatal class before my oldest was born, one of the instructors said 'Remember everything is a stage. It might be a good stage or it might be a bad stage, but they will grow out of it either way.' If it a good stage, enjoy and cherish it. If it is a trying stage, remember this too shall pass."

Great advice!

To find out more about them be sure to check out their Mimi's Babies Facebook Page, follow @Mimisbabiesetsy on twitter and take a peek at their blog Mimi's Babies Gifts.

This is my second to last virtual baby shower giveaway and she's offering a $15 gift certificate to her shop! You can get all of the things I've pictured for under $15!

To enter just leave a comment letting me know your favorite item in her shop. Leave a piece of new mama advice for another entry, or tell me if you're as excited about mail as I am or if you just think I'm weird.

Contest ends May 30th at 11:59pm.
Random.org will choose the winner, good luck!

My next post will be the CLOSE OUT of my Virtual Baby Shower! I hope you've enjoyed it, don't miss my next post tonight, I'll be revealing Spawnie's nursery and having a $155 giveaway!

Virtual Baby Shower Finalie: Baby Girl's Nursery

The room isn't COMPLETELY done yet, but I'd say about 90% is. I still want to get some vinyl lettering (I'm such a Mormon) for above her bedroom and bathroom doors. I'm not big on "Princess" but I found one I LOVE that says "Princess: Daughter of a Heavenly King" and I think that would be PERFECT! Just gotta find the right size, and once again make a plaque for it.

I need to lower the mobile so she can actually see it, I hope to do that in the next few weeks.
I'm also working on finishing the decorations that go up on this ledge but I've made good progress. I'm making a mini-mobile to go in a white birdcage I got to go up there, I'm stringing some more paper butterflies inside it to make it a "butterfly cage."
I didn't show it off yet cause I was waiting to get it set up right but finally, here's the crib bedding I ordered from ArtisticSensations.com.
What do you think? I said if I was having a girl I wouldn't settle on bedding and I didn't!

I added the big satin bows to the bumpers because they came with smaller ones than I wanted, but I think the ones I put on look nice! I'm going to sew them on once Baby Girl gets big enough to crawl around and tries to pull them off but for now they'll do tied on!

I got some extra pink and green fitted sheets at Ikea, four for $16, so I'll use those when she pukes/pees/poops on these and it's in the wash. She will be sleeping in a bassinet for a while before she moves to her crib though so they'll be able to stay nice and clean.
Kim, the owner of Artistic Sensations was way cool in working with me on ordering my bedding. I was very picky and only had one picture for her to go by as far as what I wanted it to look like and they did a good job. It wasn't free, I saved for this baby, but it's so worth it!

Now she's helping me spice up the nursery in adding some artwork to the room to match her bedding! There's three choices and whatever you vote for is what I get! So help me pick the cutest one! Oh, and if you vote, you'll also be entered to win a set for your own room! If you have a boy or different taste it's ok, there's TONS of choices on their site to choose from, it's a $155 value!

Here's the choices for Spawnie's room.

(Choice 1)

(Choice 2 below)

(Choice 3 below)I really don't have a preference, and if you've been reading awhile you know how indecicive I am! It's impossible to choose, so since I like them all, and narrowed it down to these, I'll let you choose!

And to get a more up-close look at the nursery bedding, here's a video!

Kim, the woman behind Artistic Sensations has always wanted to have her own business with a creative twist and the perfect fit is in the home décor and design arena. "What could be more fun than getting to pick products for your customers that you would pick for yourself or your child’s room and marketing them with passion," she said. "In addition, I wanted a business where I would be available to my children for their activities, to be there when they woke up and went to sleep. Selling custom bedding, furniture, room décor and furnishings from baby to college age on the Internet is exciting and different every day. Its pretty fulfilling to create children’s dream rooms with unique, customized, high quality products that I would use for my own children."

She has two sons, two yellow labs (which are also boys) and her husband therefore the "queen of the castle." She and her family always look forward to the weekends and they try to do a fun activity or dinner together.

You can learn more about her by following @Kidsroomdecor on twitter or by checking out their Artistic Sensations Facebook Store.

{New Mama Advice}

"Smile. Breathe. Take time for yourself too. Everyday is a gift. My kids teach me to view the world with open eyes and treat every day with gratitude and happiness. There is nothing better than loving on your new baby and hugging on them as they get older. Enjoy every minute. Remember how they smell. Smother them with kisses. I know it sounds cliché, but its all so precious. Every single day of it."

So, want to win some art for you own room? You can win 3-4 Pieces of art like Spawnie's worth $155! Just vote for Spawnie's (right sidebar) AND let me know what you like from Artistic Sensations in the comments! Here's some more of the imagination square art choices.

For an extra entry leave a piece of new mommy advice or let me know what you think of Spawnie's nursery so far!

The poll and giveaway ends June 11th at 11:59pm.
Random.org will choose a winner! Good Luck!

*I was not compensated for writing the bedding review. The giveaway and contest for Spawnie's art is sponsored by Artistic Sensations.*

Dear Ladybug, I Made You Something

Dear Daughter,

I'm writing this on a big milestone day... We are 35 weeks today and have 35 days to go! I was so excited when I counted and realized that and wanted to tell everyone how cool it was, then I realized that it's not just MY pregnancy and due date that happens to have that coincidence... But everyone who makes it to 35 weeks has the same milestone. So much for thinking we were unique! I can be a ditz sometimes.
I'm so excited to meet you in about a month but at the same time I'm like "woah! slow down!" I really don't mind being pregnant and sometimes I think about how fast it's going and wish I could just put it on "pause" for a little while so I can finish preparing for you.

There's still so much to do with work before I leave, and many things I'm trying to get organized and cleaned around the house. Nothing is as important as you are but I just know things may be a little chaotic for awhile when you first get here so I'd like to feel settled before if I can so I can devote all of my time and energy to you without stressing about other things... If that's even possible.

I know it's silly but I've been making a lot of things still. Crafting and putting things together for your room is my new favorite hobby. You daddy says if I spent this much time with the rest of the house our place would look really nice. That may be true but I'd much rather just have your area be the cute spot.

I never use to like decorating before but now I'm beginning to, maybe I'll get more into it now that I've gotten a taste.

This week I made you three things, and a fourth thing or you room.
I made this piggy bank for you. I painted your name on one side and painted ladybugs all around it. It sorta looks like a 5 year old made it but oh well, one day maybe you'll appreciate it. I'll start collecting change for you and teach you how to save with it when you're old enough.

I also made you a toybox. You don't have many toys yet but we'll work on that. Books can go in here too, you have LOTS of books already. Here's how the toybox started...
Not pretty. It had crayon marks on it and it was pretty yucky looking, but only $20 on Craigslist. So I cleaned it, added primer, and lots and lots of white paint and some gloss!It got to looking pretty but what REALLY made it come together is this vinyl I got from the Etsy shop Jazzy Graphics.They were so nice and sent me your name and extra butterflies when I told them I was making a toybox for you. I'm so excited with how it turned out and I think you'll love it! Your daddy really likes what I did with it. He's impressed with my skills.

I still need to make it safe so you don't squish your fingers. I'll add a hinge so it'll close slowly, then some padding in the corners to keep it from shutting too tight.

I also made these pillows for your room this week, they match your bedding and curtains.And I made these baskets to go up on the ledge in your room!
And finally... I made this paper chain.Some would say it's a little childish but I love making paper chains to count down to things I'm excited for. I had one for my wedding, for when your dad and I were going to be reunited when we spent a summer apart, and now for your arrival! I must say this is my prettiest one yet!

It's not like I need a reminder that you're coming, I think about that all of the time, but it's a fun way to count down the days.
You're about 5 and 1/4 pounds now, and about 18 inches, which is crazy to think you're like a full-sized baby! Your kidneys are fully developed, you're mostly just getting chubber and chubbier now, which is good. I want some chubby cheeks to kiss! It's weird looking at these baby drawings. I remember when it depicted you as a little worm-looking thing. The nickname "Spawnie" was much more appropriate then.

I feel like I can feel you from all sides at once at times! Other times I get paranoid when you're napping, but you nap a lot more now, and there's less room for you, so I'm not feeling as many hard kicks as I do just you squirming around. I'm trying to pay special attention since we're on the home stretch now and I want to get you here safely! Just two more weeks until you're full term and can come out any time!

We had a doctor's appointment this week though and oh how you were moving! Our doctor just sat and stared at you moving around your... She said knee, but I would have guessed foot or something.

Oh, you really like Beyonce. Especially that song "Single Ladies" I'm not sure what it is with babies and that song. I think you're going to be a little dancer!

I hope you're having fun in there. Keep cooking a little longer baby girl. Just 5 more weeks and we can play all you want!

Love,

Mommy

***

Check out Pregnancy Corner to learn more about being 35 weeks pregnant.

Torn Between Career and Child... Already

There's something about feeling secure in your job and responsibilities that makes you feel confidant, and good about yourself. Knowing I'm going to be stepping away from that for 12 weeks sometimes scares the living daylights out of me. I've been working a lot, and posting a little less, this should explain some.

I shared that today on my Project Pregnancy blog on Parenting.com:

It was after midnight. My last coworker left the building over an hour before, I was alone and tired. Exhausted from finishing my regular shift, and on to other tasks... Tasks that go beyond my normal daily duties. Tasks I hope will secure my job when I return from maternity leave.

I'm not worried about having A job. I have a contract, and there are these things called "laws" which protect women who have children from loosing their jobs for that reason alone, but those laws don't necessarily guarantee you the same duties and responsibilities.

My late nights aren't a rarity right now. It's the only thing I know to do to better my odds at keeping the same assignments I adore.

I've been in my career for about six years. I loved my job as a journalist and have been enriched by the people I've encountered in the process of sharing their stories over the years. It wasn't until recently that I fell into what feels like a perfect combination of roles. No day feels monotonous because nearly every day I'm wearing a different hat and working on an important project. Whether it be covering an important education meeting, helping a foster child to get adopted, or delivering the news, I'm responsible for specific areas of interest and I LOVE it. I can honestly say I love my job. But the more you love something, the harder it is to loose.

Before a woman goes on maternity leave you hear whispering and questions: "How long is she going to be gone?" "Do you think she'll come back?" It seems as though it's no secret some women can't bear the thought of returning to work after setting eyes on this new beautiful being they've created. I've seen it, and I've heard about it countless times. "I just knew I couldn't leave her," women have told me, recounting their experiences before they decided to trade in their brief case for diaper bags.

I've always known my situation would be different. I'm not in the position, not now, to retire early from my career to raise my child from home. And I'm ok with that. Luckily my husband and I won't need to use daycare facilities and we have our childcare situation figured out already... Him. But stay at home dads is a whole nother topic which I'll delve into later.

In the weeks leading up to my temporary departure from work I find myself in a constant panic. What is she comes early and I'm not ready? Oh I'm ready when it comes to things at home. The crib is up, diapers are on standby. We have the necessities we need and the excitement, confidence, courage and faith to raise a new baby. The fear lies with securing the job I love.

There's a special segment I produce weekly, and I'll continue to work on until I leave. When the question arose if I'd still be doing it when I got back I didn't know how to answer. Of course I want to, it's quite possibly the best part of my job. I know I'm doing a good job, but would they remember the good job I've done after 12 weeks of my absence? I couldn't take a chance.

So I've been putting in overtime to produce 12 extra segments before my momentary migration. Twelve segments to fill the 12 weeks I'm gone.

I thought that would be where my work-obsessed antics ceased but unfortunately it's not.

Months ago I proposed an in-depth report on a topic I've been very passionate about. I was recently informed I could pursue it myself... Pending maternity leave. Those three words crushed me. It was like a giant asterisk beside my name screaming "MAYBE." Yea, well, maybe isn't good enough. I want to do it, I can't pass it on to someone else.

I counted backwards from the day they want it to air to my due date then forward 12 weeks. It's cutting it close. And now I'm finding myself considering something I never saw my self deliberating... Cutting my FMLA time short. All so I can have my cake and eat it too... Or so I think.

Would 10 weeks instead of 12 really make a big difference? It doesn't seem like it now but I have a feeling I'll think quite differently in about a month. Is this already happening to me? Already I'm being faced with difficult work-family decisions yanking me between career accomplishments and family. The answer may seem much more simple than it is. I know this now, but I also know I've only gotten a taste for what's to come. Soon, I'll be feasting in this unobtainable balance.

So will the dangling carrot get me back to work sooner than I had hoped? I don't know. Luckily that's not a decision I have to make today. I'm going to wait until I've met my daughter and get to know her a little better.

Until then, I'll be working on racing the clock to secure other elements of my job I want to keep, even if that means working past midnight a couple days a week.

This post was originally written for my Parenting.com blog, you can read more of my stories and motherhood debates here.