Fun Felt

This contest has ended, thank you so much for your participation!
Winner: Gina Stratos

If you’re looking for a unique and fun product that offers story telling, entertainment and learning in one easy package, look no further.  Also very great for gifts, Fun Felt offers a large variety of items for many needs and age groups!

I was so excited to have the opportunity to try out their “My Animals of the Ark Book” and the “Transportation Activity Book” with my three younger guys!  It arrived with perfect timing as we were heading out the door for a long afternoon of transporting boys from one athletic event to another and long waits in between.  So as we waited for a couple of hours here and there I was so happy to be able to hand each of them activities to do with the felts.  The ark book offers lots of bits to keep the children entertained, and the transportation book has so many pieces and different “scenes” they really can simply imagine for hours if they want.  I enjoy using particularly the transportation book for telling stories and talking to the little ones about the different scenes and pieces that make up the set.

I had the opportunity to ask Karen what her favorite things about having a Fun Felt business are:

10 years ago this month (wow!) I was at a mother’s club gathering and someone passed around party invitations. I was unavailable the date of that party but when I saw the pictures of the product I knew I had to have some, so I told the hostess I’d book a party of my own. Between that day and the day of my party I became obsessed with this company! A friend of mine and I both agreed to join as consultants and turn my party into our starter party. We had a full house and got so many bookings for new parties that we were both well on our way – easily – to starting our new businesses.

The reason I was drawn to this product is having been a teacher I was always seeking unique educational items for my children, who were 1 and 4 at the time. I immediately saw the value of using felt with kids and was excited to share them with other mothers and saw it as a fun way to use my teaching background while still staying home with my kids. At that time I had no idea I would really make it into a “business” as I was painfully shy and had never sold a thing in my life. But when I saw the response of all our friends, and the success of the other home parties we booked, I started seeing this as a real income maker. Better still were all the like-minded mothers and educators I met through selling this product – people who, like me, wanted to enhance children’s imaginations and encourage learning through play. It was really an ideal match for me and I’ve gained so much by being part of this company.

I also asked her what products were generally the favorites both for her and her customers:

My personal favorite is one of our best selling felt board story sets, the Castle Tales with CD. It is a larger felt board with a castle scene background, and it includes felt story figures for 6 fairy tales, as well as a CD that narrates each story and then puts it to music. It also comes with lessons, activity ideas, and reproducible coloring sheets so it is really educational. This is a set that has truly grown with my children. When I started, my 4 year old could listen to the CD on road trips and then come home and re-enact the stories through the felt. As she got older she would begin experimenting with the stories, changing the endings or making up new fairy tales all together. As an older elementary student we used the felt board as a spring board to her writing, teaching her the elements of a good story and the common themes in fairy tales.

Another best seller are our Photo Felt Paper Dolls. Imagine paper dolls like we used to have – it is so much fun to dress up dolls! But these are made of our thick washable felt AND we take your child’s photo and make it into the face of the doll. These have become treasured keepsakes for so many children, and are unlike anything you can get anywhere else so it makes a unique personalized gift. It comes with a little carrying case, the doll and all the outfits, so it is portable. They come in boys, girls, and toddlers. I’d have to say the dolls are my best sellers overall because of the play value and portability.

I am also a big fan of our Felt Activity Books. These are also known as “quiet books” because they have pages made of felt, with pockets between them to store the pieces, and each page has some activity to do. We have them for stories, preschool skills, science and social studies. I love them because they are so educational, quiet and portable. My kids bring them on road trips and they keep them entertained!

Their doll sets are on sale for the month of September and NOW is the time to start thinking about getting started on your Holiday gift shopping. So be sure to head on over there and take a look around.  Karen will graciously extend free shipping to anyone of you who mentions this post in the comments section of the shopping cart.

Karen has offered one lucky commenter the opportunity to win their choice of any 1 precut Felt Activity Book. These books can be found by clicking on this link.

To enter visit Fun Felt and take a look at their products. Then come back here leaving a comment telling us what your favorite product is!

This contest is open to US addresses only and you can enter to win through September 23rd.

Drama Queen Book Series

This contest has ended, thank you all for your participation!!! The winner is kritta22.

Last week I told you all about a book I’d reviewed: That’s (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman.  This book is the third in the Drama Queen Series.  The first two books are Catch a Rising Star and You Had Me At Goodbye. All three books follow the lives and struggles of three thirty something women who are roommates in New York.

In the first book Catch a Rising Star we follow Tabby, a struggling actress who learns a lot about life and love in the process.  Book two (You Had Me At Goodbye) follows Dancy an editor and writer who has a few struggles all her own mainly a man who took over her department at work and fired her.  In the desire to get revenge life takes an interesting turn.  Book Three (link to my review above) features the last of the roommates, Laini, who is struggling with her chosen profession and loves to bake.  As the story unfolds she must follow her heart and choose between two men.

All of these are great modern novels that are just plain fun to read!  If you would like to win a set of all three books just leave a comment here and let me know!  This contest will run through September 23rd.  If you’d like to purchase these books, simply click on the “Read With Me!” link at the top of the page for easy ordering.

FBFF#3 – Noah’s Ark – Still Available!

For all of you who are fans of Noah’s Ark, this is a very fun design that I just cooked up! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by clicking on the link at the top of the screen.  

 

Remember this is offered on a first come first served basis and the ONLY change I will make is to replace the words in the header with your title and tagline (if wanted).

If you are interested in this design, be sure to read through the guidelines here: http://froggyreviews.com/free-designs/ and if you agree to them you are welcome to fill out and submit the form on that page to claim the design. Here are the details:

Platform: Blogger
Use: Commercial or Personal is fine
Designed by Sweet ‘n Simple Design using art from Trina Clark

Work At Home Family Talk Radio

You’re probably wondering what in the world I’m reviewing a Talk Radio site for LOL. Well, as the title says, this isn’t just any talk radio show, it features Work At Home Families in particular (I’ll be featured there next month by the way, so more to come on that). As many of you know one of my favorite things to do here is feature mom based businesses and products, and what better than to feature another site, run by another mom, that does the same thing!!!

Work At Home Family Talk Radio is designed to let individuals who work at home talk about their business, what they offer and how they got there. They feature people who offer services as well as products on the show. They feature only one guest each week and the great part is that once you’ve been featured, even when your week is up, the interview is archived with it’s permanent link making it available for others to hear, even later on.

I asked Sandra Weber, mom of way too many behind the site why she offers this site and interviews and this is what she had to say:

I worked for a radio station back in Texas and I always wanted my own show. so I found a way to do what I do best, which is to talk to people and make it all work. We also do commercials for people at an affordable rates, since advertising helps people sell their products. Also as a small business owner, I realize that if we all work together as a community we get much farther.

I also asked Sandra to share some of the interviews they have featured as well as some they have coming up:

We have been so fortunate: We have Pat Weber coming up who is a coach for those who have issues with sales. We also have an accountant coming up who specializes in small business Letreeka Williams and of course we have you coming up soon. We did a two week program on Autism and its effects on the family. We have looked at Avon, Home Made Gourmet, Two Sisters Gourmet, Tupperware, and a few scrapbooking companies. We try to cover the whole spectrum of life from home.

If you would like to be featured or place an advertisement at Work At Home Family Talk Radio, be sure to visit the Advertising page. There you will find Sandra’s contact information as well as advertising rates.

Sandra has offered one lucky reader some great advertising … a free 30 second commercial and 60 second commercial for one reader. This commercial comes with one month of play at Work At Home Family Talk Radio. Plus the winner will get an MP3 Copy to do with as they please.

If you are interested in this great prize be sure to visit Work At Home Family Talk Radio and listen to one or two of their features. Then come back here and leave a comment letting us know what feature you like most as a business owner. 

Enter by September 4th.

Thirty-One

Thirty-One offers a beautiful selection of gifts and accessories that are stylish, useful and affordable. From well-designed monogrammed handbags and elegant scented candles to personalized stationery, you’ll always find something unique and different for your family, friends and yourself!

I spoke with Ami Beery the Thirty-One Consultant that contacted me about the company and she shared with me that her she has a couple of favorites:

My personal favorite is the Bath wrap. Relax in our super soft terry cloth Bath Wrap. One size fits most and features adjustable velcro closure. Measures 28”L and extends to 42”W. Don’t forget to add FREE embroidery. (3” embroidery). $36.00.

I also love our new purse organizer! Never make a mess again when changing purses! Our Nylon Organizer Insert is a great way to transfer your belongings from one handbag to another. You save time and you won’t leave anything behind. $16.50

I found out that her best seller is the Thermal Tote. These versatile totes can be used for just about anything and they’re budget friendly costing only $18. Perfect for vacations, school, camping, boating, sporting events and more! Features thermal insulation, zipper closure and 3” handles.

Ami wanted to point out their new Skirt Purse, this is a very clever item! This one purse can match your different moods! It is interchangeable, so it can take on a new personality just by changing the detachable skirts. Measures 15.5”L x 7”H x 3”D and features snap closure, 2 internal pockets (cell phone and zipper) and 9.5” handles. Order basic Black or Brown and choose one FREE skirt. Add embroidery or a Silver Letter Hang Off for free to make it uniquely yours. I personally like the Julie Stripe or the Black Messy Circle and think that the Kids Skirt Purse is adorable (check out the one with white fur).

She has generously offered one lucky commenter a Thermal Tote mentioned above. In order to enter, please visit the site and take a look around, then come back here and leave a comment letting us know what your favorite product is.

This contest will end August 18th and is only open to shipping addresses in the US.

If you want to go shopping right away, Check out their August Special. Personalize your home this Fall with our new exclusive Home Decor Items. Purchase a new Fabric Letter in Brown Polka Dot, brown Damask or Animal Print and get one at 50% off or Buy a new Metal Letter Hanger and get one at 50% off!

Whisper Lane Designs

This contest has ended, please click on our contests category link to view all the latest contests.

This contest has ended, be sure to click on our contests category for all the latest offers!

I’m very excited to introduce all of you to Whisper Lane Designs!  Whisper Lane Designs a sweet children’s and baby boutique offering a stylish selection of handmade and designer gifts, clothing and accessories. Their e-boutique is designed with the modern parents in mind.

We are committed to supporting WAHM so you will find that most of our products have been designed by Mommy Entrepreneurs. We feature whimsical wall art, baby shower gifts, our own line of baby bibs, burp cloths and blankets, just a little bit of everything!

I asked them what their most popular product is and they say that it is their own cute taggie security blanket design. It has been a big hit with their customers and sells very well.

Our security blanket have four knotted tags and customer feedback tells us the little ones love chewing on them! My favorite product is the store surely, is the Baby Bouquets. They are beautiful, practical and a perfect gift for the new mom-to-be, such a great idea.

This really is an amazing and adorable product! The security blanket reverses to a soft silky backing. They top stitch their blanket to hold up against wear and tear. The four knotted tails will provide your little ones tactile enjoyment. Great for traveling, and perfect for little hands. Also, the matching chocolate and pink bow baby bib is a great seller.

One last word from the owner:

Customer service is of utmost importance to us. Nothing give us as much pleasure than to make our customers feel special and enjoy helping them select and put together the perfect gift or nursery for that special someone. Satisfaction guarantee is our number one priority.

They have offered a wonderful 10% discount to our readers on your first order. Use the code Froggie10 at checkout to take advantage of this offer. This offer expires on October 2008.

They have also offered my readers the opportunity to win a $25.00 gift certificate. You can enter to win this gift certificate by visiting Whisper Lane Designs and taking a look around, then come back here and leave a comment telling us what your favorite product is and what you’d like to see offered at the store.

This contest is only available to US addresses. Be sure to enter by August 13th!

SNS Blog Design

Announcing the launch of SNS Blog Design, a new division of Sweet ‘n Simple Design that offers affordable premade designs for moms. The passion and firm motto that I create all my designs with is the same … each and every blog design should be as unique as the mommy blog that will wear it.

With the launch of the new site though, you’ll notice that it offers an entirely different way of featuring the designs.  They are a lot less expensive than custom designs and since they are still OOAK (One Of A Kind) designs they are available on a first come first served basis. 

I have a lot of designs that I’m working on getting added to the site, so if you’re on the lookout for a new design you may want to sign up for the blog’s feed so that you can get updates whenever I add a design.  It takes a little time to get each design setup on a site of it’s own, but I’m adding one or two a day at the moment!

Want a sneak peek for the designs currently being offered or being added this week???? Here you go:

Over the next two weeks I’m asking all my readers to please visit SNS Blog Design and take a look around.  When you get a chance to do that I would appreciate any feedback you have, especially for a favorite design you see or designs you’d like to see added.   Everyone who leaves a comment on this post by August 7th giving me feedback and saying that they’d like to win a design will be entered to win one! 

If you want to wait a week, (I guarantee that there will be another 5 to 10 designs on the site) I totally understand   Designs are available for Wordpress and Blogger, but can also be modified for Typepad users!  So bring on the feedback!  

Oh, and anyone who requests a design through the end of this contest will get an extra 15% off of the premade designs, just be sure to mention that you heard about it at Froggy Reviews and the discount will be reflected in the invoice I send!

Princess Linens

Today I’d like to introduce all of you to a very fun shop called Princess Linens.  Don’t let the name fool you though, they have plenty of products for the little prince in your life as well.  Princess Linens® makes quality personalized clothing for boys and girls as well as clever toddler gifts designed to inspire creativity whether at home or on-the-go. 

Their clothing collections include rick rack trimmed sundresses, summer shortalls, corduroy dresses with diaper covers, john johns, bibs and burp pads.  Doodlebugz™ Crayola™, a division of Princess Linens®, creates a terrific line of crayon keepers, aprons, purses, toolbelts, and doodlebags that include Crayola® crayons and chalk.  The Doodlebugz Crayola gift line and the high end clothing groups are available in fine boutiques, online, in several catalogs, and at many retailers across the country.

Another very popular product they offer is My First Scrubs™, which are tiny versions of the ones that doctors and nurses wear everyday.  Each top and pant set has a faux drawstring for authenticity and a snap shoulder closure for easy changing.  Available in Lab Green, Candystriper Pink and “No More Blues” Blue, there is a  color for everyone.  These are the perfect shower or new baby gift for the expecting doctor but perhaps our favorite stories about these are when the big brother or big sister wear to the hospital to pick up the new baby!

They really do have a lot of VERY fun products to offer, so be sure to stop by their online store and check them out!

Princess Linens has offered my readers a discount of 15% off your order by entering the code FROGGY before checking out! 

They have also offered a set of My First Scrubs™ for one lucky winner!  Here’s how to enter …

Visit Princess Linens and take a look around.
Come back here and leave a comment telling us what your favorite product is.

Be sure to enter by August 4th.  Open to US Addresses only.

Balloon Time

I find it incredibly amazing what a difference Balloons can make when decorating for a party.  What is it about them that makes it so incredibly festive????  Recently Balloon Time contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying out their product (and offering one for you as well … but we’ll get to that in a little bit).  I have never had a chance to try one of these great kits out for myself before, so I was very excited.

It comes perfectly packaged in this great box that is super easy to open.  Complete with a variety of both latex and mylar balloons, this kit can be used for one or several occasions.  I can think of a ton of uses for these balloons, but I’ll let you tell me what you think instead.

You can find Balloon Time kits on their website at www.balloontime.com.  You are highly encouraged to sign up for their Balloon Time Party Club. Party Club members have access to advice and ideas from their party planning expert, Penny Warner, as well as receiving the Celebrations e-newsletter.  Their website can help you locate Balloon Time kits in a store near you.

They also have a very fun contest going on nationwide right now, it’s their second “Put a Face on Fun” contest, which is a child’s chance to be featured on millions of Balloon Time Helium Balloon Kits across the country. The winner will also receive a $1,500 toward his or her education. Balloon Time also has a mobile tour that will stop at various places throughout the country to register kids.

Balloon Time has offered you the opportunity to win one of their Combo Kits (includes 20 latex balloons and 5 foil balloons).   All you have to do to enter is visit www.balloontime.com (and maybe even the contest site at www.putafaceonfun.com) and see what they have to offer.   When you’re done come back here and leave a comment telling all of us some great ways that balloons can help brighten a day or make a party more festive.

Be sure to enter this contest by July 28th. 

Wiggle, Giggle, Learn

This contest has ended. Remember to take advantage of the great discount they are offering! For more great contests be sure to subscribe for Froggy Reviews updates and check back often!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to a very fun, brand new company that offers a unique and diverse learning system for toddlers and preschoolers.  Wiggle, Giggle, Learn is owned by Tracey Stuckey and when shey contacted me and asked if I would try out some of the products with my little ones, I was very excited! 

Tracey (she’ll introduce herself and her company a little later) compiled product specifically to meet the needs of my children.  She breaks down activity plans for specific ages … and I mean SPECIFIC!  If your child is 2 years and 2 months old, there is a specific activity plan for that month.  There’s also some great finger plays, nursery rhymes, coloring pages and much more! 

How about setting up a weekly family field trip?  She offers great ideas of how to make those fun and very educational for your preschooler.  I found that it was encouraging and even empowering as a parent to have such detailed information that I knew was age appropriate for my children.  Keeping twin toddlers entertained and getting them to participate can be nearly impossible, and I had never found a program that helped me acheive those goals.

A little bit about Tracey:

I am a National Board Certified teacher (the highest certification a teacher can earn – much like board certified physicians, lawyers and accountants) who has taught kindergarten for 15 years. I continue to work with teachers through facilitating workshops on accelerated learning, developing instruction for the 21st century and developmentally appropriate practice for pre-k through high school teachers. My twin sister Stacey, the entrepreneur and business mind of the family, encouraged me to share my talents and knowledge with more parents by starting Wiggle Giggle Learn.

Wiggle Giggle Learn’s mission is to advance the intellectual and social abilities of all children by empowering parents with the knowledge and tools necessary for teaching their children to learn to flourish from birth… and to work in our communities to promote learning as we seek to improve education. The passage of the No Child Left Behind Law left states’ scrambling to increase the rigor of their academic standards. This affects pre-k and kindergarten by pushing curriculum down that once belonged exclusively in first grade. Children are reading and writing paragraphs at the end of kindergarten in many states today. Parents are shocked at what their children must learn in only 180 days in kindergarten.

As a master teacher, I know that the right preparation and home learning environment from birth will make the transition into this academic kindergarten less traumatic and schools will be able to teach at a higher level when students come prepared. It is for this reason that I wrote the Wiggle Giggle Learn program that consists of weekly activity plans from birth to age four. When a child turns four, our project plans help the little one engage in deeper critical thinking, problem solving and vocabulary-based studies. 

Wiggle Giggle Learn was named as a top ten finalist in the Seeds for Success: Empowering women entrepreneurs grant, given by Yahoo! Small business and Carolyn Kepcher’s (formerly Donald Trump’s assistant) new firm, Finding What Matters. Their products are being used in homes, daycares and by nannies across the US and Australia.

Click here to get great sample plans and resources. You can also visit their blog where they answer parent’s questions about child development as well as offering advice and activities from Wiggle Giggle Learn!  Tracey also has a personal blog where she shares even more information about early childhood education and how schools must reform for the 21st century.

Whew, I know that’s a lot of information, but I have honestly NEVER seen anything as dynamic and all encompassing as this program! 

Tracey is offering a 25% discount for my readers!!  So hop over to their site and enter the code baby by August 30, 2008!

She has also offered a giveaway!!!!  TWO OF YOU WILL win a Starter CD package {created for the appropriate ages of your child(ren)} worth $139.95 (see the details here)!!!  I am so very excited to offer this!  Here’s how to enter ….

• Visit Wiggle Giggle Learn, read their tips and advice, look at the samples and resources they offer and the great packages they have available for families (hey it’s a huge prize … totally worth a few extra minutes right?).
• Come back here and leave a comment telling us what you would love about having a program like this in your home!

Just be sure to enter by July 21st for your chance to win!

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