Swaddle Designs Review & Giveaway...

Swaddle Designs has a wide variety of products for baby, including blankets, burp cloths and even an adult swaddle wrap!  Seriously.  Take a look around their website!  As much as I know I'd enjoy that adult wrap, I'm so excited that they offered to send me a Swaddle Lite set of 3 Marquisette Blankets and a White Noise CD from The Happiest Baby for BabyD.

It was so hard to decide which adorable print to choose from their line of Swaddle Lites.  I ultimately went with the Jewel Tone Turquoise set.  I love the cute little birds, and turquoise and green are great for boys or girls!

The lightweight fabric of these blankets is awesome!  They would be great for babies born in warmer temps.  Since BabyD is due in November, we'll probably be bundling him/her up, but I still think these will be perfect inside.  I was really impressed with how big they are!  46"  x 46".  And, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that they each have a tag with a 1-2-3 Swaddle instructional label sewn in to help us learn to swaddle correctly!  I know that will come in handy in the early days. 

The Swaddle Designs website also has great information on How To Swaddle.  We'll certainly be referencing that as well. 

The White Noise CD, by Dr. Harvey Karp, Author of the Happiest Baby on the Block promises to add 1-3 hours to baby's sleep cycle.  Um, yes, please!  While some of the sounds seem a little scary to me, I totally believe this just might work!  I actually have a white noise app on my phone that I use when I'm having trouble falling asleep, and it works like a charm every time.  The CD has sounds for soothing fussing.  The "fast & vigorous" one is the one that sounds scary to me.  It's even described as "strange" right on the label, but hey, whatever works!  There are also sounds for increasing sleep.  They're more "womb" sounds, much like what you hear on the doplar at the Dr.'s office.  Of course, my favorite is the rain noise.  We could both nap to that one! I'm excited to give that a try. 

Swaddle Designs has generously offered up a Swaddle Lite set for one of you readers!  Enter to win via the form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out all the great reviews and giveaways that are part of the baby shower event!  Posts have been going up all week!

I was given a Swaddle Lite and White Noise CD in exchange for this review, but all opinions remain my own.
 

Medela Calma Bottle Review & Giveaway...

I plan on breastfeeding whenever possible, but at some point, we will need to be able to feed from a bottle.  I want Jon to be able to participate in feedings, and at some point we'll want to be able to leave the baby with Grammy for the evening, not to mention when I go back to work.  We've all heard how difficult it can be to switch from breast to bottle and back again.  I've never quite understood why.  Until now.

Calma is specifically designed based on research done on how breastfed babies nurse.  The Calma system is made to mimic breastfeeding.  Baby is able to control the flow of milk through creating a vacuum, just like they do at the breast.  The Calma nipple is also designed to fit in the baby's mouth just like your own nipple does.  {which is quite surprising, considering how long it looks!  Who knew your nipple expanded that much? Ha!}

Now, I've never known much about what makes one bottle better than another, but I can see how this one would be great for a breastfed baby.  I'm looking forward to using Calma as our bottle alternative to nursing.  The Calma nipples will work seamlessly with my Medela breast pump.

Medela has a great video that shows exactly how Calma works.  I'd recommend taking a look at it!
You can find retailers for Calma here.

Also of note, Medela let me know about the iBreastfeed App, available in the Apple App Store.  It provides information and resources for breastfeeding along with helping you track your breastfeeding and pumping for up to six babies.  {yikes!}  I've already downloaded it so I can familiarize myself with how it works before BabyD makes his/her arrival.

One lucky jdavissquared reader is going to get a free Calma breastmilk feeding set of their very own!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Be sure to check out all the great reviews and giveaways that are part of the baby shower event!  Posts are going up all week!

I was given a Medela Calma Bottle in exchange for this review, but all opinions remain my own.

Sensible Lines Milk Trays Review & Giveaway....

As a first time mom-to-be, I'm admittedly quite clueless when it comes to breastfeeding, let alone breast pumping and milk storage.  {I'm hoping to feel more confident on the subject come tomorrow evening when we take our breastfeeding class!}  Seems to me that the simpler the solution, the better it would work.

I've seen the breast milk bags in the nursing section of Target, but those just look messy and expensive!  When I came across Milk Trays by Sensible Lines, I knew they looked like something worth trying. 

I love the idea that the milk gets frozen in perfect one ounce bars, which makes measuring easy and waste free.  Milk can be frozen in the BPA-free, medical grade trays, and then stored in regular freezer bags for up to four months.  When you're ready to use, you can simply take out the quantity you need, thaw and use.  I can't imagine it getting any simpler.  Plus, the versatile shape of the trays means the frozen bars will fit through any bottle opening on the market. Also, the trays are reusable, which will keep costs down....always a bonus!

I know the whole breast feeding thing will take some trial and error, but I'm confident with this system, freezing the milk won't be a cause for worry!

The kind ladies at Sensible Lines have offered up a breast milk freezing system for one lucky jdavissquared reader!  Fill out the form below to enter to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out all the great reviews and giveaways that are part of the baby shower event!  Posts are going up all week!
I was given a set of Milk Trays from Sensible Lines in exchange for this review, but all opinions remain my own.   

Moby Wrap Review & Giveaway...

I've always been intrigued by baby wearing.  I've seen moms out and about with their babies strapped into these wraps and always thought they looked so cozy.  At the same time, I was mesmerized with how on earth the moms were able to tie that wrap!

Since getting pregnant, I've learned a little more about Moby Wraps, and knew I wanted to reach out to them for the baby shower event here on jdavissquared.  I'm thrilled that they were willing to participate, and am so excited to kick off this week of reviews and giveaways with the Moby Wrap!

I chose the Original Wrap in Leaf as shown above.  I love the rich green color, and felt like it will transition well from season to season.  My first impression was of the darling packaging.  The wrap comes perfectly rolled up and in a self fabric bag. 

Jon and I "tested" out tying the wrap using the detailed instruction booklet that came with it.  {There are also great instructions on the website, along with videos!} Honestly, it was slightly intimidating at first.  This wrap is LONG!  Definitely something I'll have to plan ahead to wear.  For instance, I could see myself putting it on before leaving the house if I plan to carry BabyD around the store, and then place them in it when I get there.  Not something you want to be trying to tie in a parking lot.
It didn't take long before we realized it's really quite simple.  I think it will just take a little practice.

I had planned to take pictures of me wearing it, but it was a little awkward with the belly!  I can see how it will fit much better after the baby is born.  

One thing I haven't quite figured out, is how to store it.  I'm not sure I'll ever get it rolled back up like it came.  Any advice for "neat" storage?  You know, other than wadding it into a ball? 

And now for the super fun part....One jdavissquared reader is going to get a Moby Wrap of their very own!  Fill out the form below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out all the great reviews and giveaways that are part of the baby shower event!  Posts are going up all week!

I was given a Moby Wrap in exchange for this review, but all opinions remain my own.
 

2trUe Giveaway

I recently met Maggie from 2trUe on Etsy forums.  

She makes the cutest headbands!  And, let me tell ya, I could use one today here in Kansas.  The wind is blowing like crazy!  One of these would really help keep my locks in check.  

 Like this one.

and, this one.

They're nice and wide, and come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns. 

She even makes matching ones for little girls and their dolls!  How precious is that!?

Well, lucky for you readers, Maggie's offered up two headbands to readers of this blog!  That means there'll be two winners!  

Up for grabs:

Winner #1 will take home the Stenciled Cobalt Blue Floral Headband

Winner #2 will receive the Super Soft Magenta Knit Headband

Not sure which I'm more jealous of!  

Make sure you check out 2trUe on Etsy and all her designs.

Another giveaway by means of Rafflecopter!  I'm really liking it...

Hooknook Giveaway from Flip and Tumble...

Another fun giveaway for you guys this week!  Aren't you lucky?

This week, we're giving away a Hooknook from Flip & Tumble. I've worked with them before and they are one of my favorite companies!  {such super nice people} Best known for their fun shopping bags, they've now started branching out into new products like this one.  The hooknook is a wall hook with built in storage.  It could easily be used at a workspace, but I chose to use the one they sent me as a purse/key holder by the door.  We are horrible at leaving keys strewn about, so I thought it'd be nice to have a centralized place to keep them.

At first we kinda struggled with where to put it.  This was by no fault of the Hooknook itself, just a challenge due to the layout of our entry from the garage.  {which is the entry we use most}  Once I decided on a spot, Jon had it installed within minutes.  {It comes with all the hardware you need, and well, he's a handyman stud!} 

It has worked great.  When we remember to put the keys in there, of course.  It's sleek style and modern look is definitely an eye catcher.  Friends notice it immediately and want to know, "What is that?"  "Oh, that's cool!"

Yep, simple, useful, cute.  Hooknook.

Okay, who wants one?  I've got a Hooknook with somebody's name on it!  Winner will be drawn 2/28.  US residents only, please. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fair Ivy Giveaway!

I recently came across this company, and I knew I had to share it with you guys. You're gonna LOVE this!

Fair Ivy is all about surprises. Who doesn't like surprises?  I mean, I've heard of people not liking them, but that's just silly.  Especially when they come in pretty little boxes!

Originally, the founder, Lucy Fairweather, intended it to function as a way for people to buy themselves surprise gifts. {love that!} But, of course it's great for buying surprise gifts for others too. They have packages for girls, ladies, and guys in your life, and even your pets! You can sign up for 1-4 months and can choose from mini or regular. {Super for Valentines Day, yes?}  Each package is full of handmade gifts made by small businesses and individuals.  Nothing mass produced here.  I think this is such a cute idea. Don't you guys think this is awesome?

Well, to make it even better, Fair Ivy has offered up a one month mini surprise package to one of you! {Um, totally jealous!} I'm trying out rafflecopter for the first time with this giveaway. I'd love to see how you all like it. I've heard mixed reviews, but it seems like it could be super efficient and easy for all of us. If you have any issues with the form, please let me know! Winner will be drawn on 2/14. That's right. It'll be my Valentines Day gift to you. Cause I la-la-la-love you guys!  Good Luck!

You'll notice on the form, this giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only.  

A few fun finds, and the Ruby Snap Giveaway Winner...

Tickling me this week...

These prints and many more hilarious ones from tinyconfessions on Etsy.

Amazing masks by SundriesAndPlunder on Etsy.  So many beautiful ones to choose from too!

 I first saw these super cool rings from SmilingSilverSmith on Etsy, and then...

A PIGGY BANK NECKLACE!  OMG!  :)

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!


And, guess what?  We have a winner for the Ruby Snap giveaway!  Congratulations to commenter #5, Pookie Creations!  

I'll be emailing you shortly!  :)


Hope you all have a fabulous day.  OH, and please make sure you go answer my questions on yesterday's post so I can get to know you all better!  

Ruby Snap Giveaway...

Holy smokes, this weekend flew by!  It was fantastic, but way. too. short.  We spent the evening hangin' with the neighbors on Friday, and let me just say, I HAVE to limit myself to one Caipirinha from now on.   Two is just no bueno for me.....I mean, I enjoy them, but I pay for it the next day!

The rest of the weekend included a first birthday party for one of our favorite little dudes, and a trip to the pumpkin patch!  {recap coming soon!}

Okay, now for the real topic of the day....

1. Today is the last day to enter to win a fabulous Fabric & Handle Tote .  Do not miss out on this opportunity...these bags are the bomb-diggity.  {Does anyone still say that?}

2. I have another sweet giveaway to announce today.  One lucky reader will win a box of one dozen assorted cookies courtesy Ruby Snap!
If you win, you might go out of your mind with excitement when the box arrives on your doorstep.  I mean, look at it, how cute is that!?

Then, you'll probably have a hard time deciding which beautiful cookie to sink your teeth into first....
Oh, and you'll want to make sure you have lots of ice cold milk on hand to wash these babies down with.

In all seriousness, though, I was super impressed with Ruby Snap's unique flavor combinations.  We're talking lemon sugar cookies with lemonheads and lemon glaze {the Lilly....and my mouth just started watering thinking of all that tart lemon...yum!} and mangos and dark chocolate {the Vivianna...I lik-a the mango!}

I do sort of wish the box had come with a list of what was included, but Jon and I had fun trying to figure out what each cookie was made of.

We each ended up with our favorite, mine being the Suzie, cherries and milk chocolate with pink bling.  Tasted just like a cherry cordial!  Jon's favorite was the peanut butter dipped in chocolate. {Which I'm not finding on the website, so I don't know it's name....we'll just call it the Jon.}  No surprise there.  The boy loves everything peanut butter and chocolate, and this was no exception!

Ruby Snap is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, but will ship these yummy creations right to your doorstep!  You can order baked cookies like you see here, or just the dough so you can bake 'em yourself.  They'd make a great gift for sending to your sweetheart for their birthday, don't you think?

One reader is going to get a complimentary dozen!  Who's it gonna be?

Become a follower of jdavissquared, then hop over to Ruby Snap's website , and tell me which flavor you'd most like to try.

For additional entries, you can do the following...{please leave separate comments for each.}

• "Like" Ruby Snap on Facebook .  
• "Like" jdavissquared on Facebook .
  
• Follow Ruby Snap on Twitter .
• Follow jdavissquared on Twitter.
  
• Tweet about this giveaway.  {be sure to mention @jdavissquared and @RubySnap}   

Feel free to copy and paste this tweet:

I want @RubySnap's cookies! Giveaway @jdavissquared  http://ow.ly/6LLnk  

Giveaway is open to followers in the continental U.S., and will run through Monday October 10th.  Winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 11th.  Good luck!  

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED***find out who won here.

*Fine print:  I was given a box of free cookies for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Fabric & Handle Tote Bag Giveaway...

Boy, do I have a treat for you all this morning!   How would you like a chance at winning one of these gorgeous new tote bags by Fabric & Handle?  

I'm sure you've seen this great brand around, but in case you haven't, I can attest to the quality you'll find from Fabric & Handle.  I own one of the shopping bags....the Delmare .   It is so great!  Even though it was designed as a shopping bag, I use mine as a purse.   I'm super jealous that one of you is taking home one of the brand new tote bags!  {Although, I don't envy your having to decide on one!  They're all so fabulous....oh, who am I kidding?  Of course I envy that, too.}   

Let's keep this super simple and cut to the chase.  How do you get your name in the hat?  Well, simple....

Become a follower of jdavissquared, then hop over to Fabric & Handle's website , and tell me your favorite bag.  

Easy-peasy.

For additional entries, you can do the following...{please leave separate comments for each.}

• "Like" Fabric & Handle on Facebook .  {BONUS!  This will automatically give you a 10% off code for your next order!}
• "Like" jdavissquared on Facebook .
  
• Follow jdavissquared on Twitter.
  
• Tweet about this giveaway.  {be sure to mention @jdavissquared for tracking purposes!}   

Feel free to copy and paste this tweet:

I just entered to win one of Fabric & Handle's awesome new totes on @jdavissquared  http://tinyurl.com/625fz3m

Giveaway is open to all followers, and will run through Monday October 3rd.  Winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 4th.  Good luck!  

Hip-T Winner...

Happy Monday morning, friends! Ugh. I know...Monday. Maybe I can lessen the blow for you? Well, one of you at least! The handy-dandy Random Number Generator has chosen:

Isn't that crazy? I've never seen it chose the last number! I guess it really is random.  So, who was the last to enter? 

That would be none other than Tinamarie R.!  Sneaking into the competition at 11:13 last night!  Congrats, Tinamarie!  I'll email you shortly. 

Thanks to everyone for playing!  I'll be back later today with another {yummy} giveaway!  ;)

NEW, NEW, NEW....And a Giveaway!

Hi all!  I hope you had a lovely weekend.  I spent a good portion of Saturday adding all sorts of new cuteness to the shop.  {Plus, new designs will be popping up over the next week or two!}

I'm excited to announce the addition of Personalized Growth Charts, Pink and Blue Piggy Banks and two new sizes of our white piggy bank:  JUMBO and mini.  :)

Our growth charts are hand stitched and hand painted.  Of course, I can paint the name in any color you like! I love how cute they are rolled up to give as a gift.  Child's height can be tracked using a sharpie...totally adorable, no?

These Pink and Blue Piggy Banks have stolen my heart!  I cannot wait to paint one.  Aren't they adorable!?

And, now I have a whole family of white Piggy Banks too!  JUMBO, Large {our original}, and mini.

With prices ranging from $16 to $70 painted, there's something for every budget!

Wheeee!  Can you see why I was excited!?

In fact, I'm so excited, that I wanted to share with you, my dear readers.  This week, I'm giving away one of our new mini Piggy Banks!  I'll paint it up with whatever the winner likes, for you or a friend.  How does that sound?

To enter, you must be a follower of this blog and a U.S. resident.  {I so appreciate my international readers, but I have to keep this one domestic.}

Winner will be drawn randomly Thursday evening and announced on Friday 8/5.

Here's how to enter {please leave one comment for each entry}:

1. Be a follower of jdavissquared {mandatory}

2. Follow jdavissquared on twitter.

3. "Like" jdavissquared on Facebook.

4. "Heart" jdavissquared on Etsy.

5. Blog about this giveaway, and leave me a link to your post.

6. Tweet about this giveaway.  make sure to mention @jdavissquared and leave a link to this post.

Good luck everyone!  I can't wait to see who wins!  Hope you all have a wonderful week.  Thanks for being so awesome.

***This giveaway is now closed!  Go here to see who won.***

Catching Fireflies Giveaway...

Good morning!  How is everyone today?  I'm exhausted from a full weekend.  We had Fathers Day celebrations Saturday and Sunday complete with water skiing, burgers, pickled cucumbers, more burgers, three rum gimlets a banana cream pie and an ice cream cake.  OMG.  Feeling a little overindulged and tired!  There were also some pretty adorable ducklings at the farm too...I have video I'll share later this week.  ;)

I've noticed lots of new faces around these parts recently.  Just wanted to take a moment to welcome you all!  Looking forward to getting to know you.

I have more planned for this week than I can possibly fit in, so why not just kick off the week with the good stuff?  How about a giveaway!?

Up for grabs today is a set of four Aromatherapy Shower Bursts courtesy Catching Fireflies!
{Remember the adorable snail tape dispenser from a couple weeks ago?  That's from their shop too!}

These bursts are one of their most popular items, and make for a great in-home summer spa treatment.  Sounds pretty amazing, huh?

***This giveaway is now closed.****

Helliemae's Salt Caramels Giveaway Winner Announced...

Thanks to everyone for entering this week's giveaway, and thank you to Ellen of Helliemae's Salt Caramels for offering up her delicious creations to the jdavissquared faithful!

The moment you've all been wainting for...

Congratulations Domestic Diva!  We'll be contacting you shortly to arrange to get you your prize!

For those of you who didn't win {I wish everyone could win!}:
visit Helliemae's, make a purchase, or bookmark it for later.
follow @helliemaes on twitter
like Helliemae's on Facebook.

Helliemae's Salt Caramels Review and Giveaway...

dGood morning, friends!  I hope you all had a delightful weekend.  Mine was full and busy, but in the best kind of way.
I thought it would be fun to kick off this week with a review and giveaway!  How does that sound? {insert collective cheers here.}

I recently had the pleasure of trying Helliemae's Salt Caramels.  While reading the website, I found myself drooling over the description of the classic salt caramels:  "traditional deep, rich, buttery caramels accented with flaky, crunchy sea salt on top"...um, yes please!  Well, let me tell you, they did not disappoint!  These treats are the real deal.  I've had some other salt caramels that were quite frankly, too salty and not very good.  Helliemae's on the other hand capture that perfect balance of salty & sweet.  This is no doubt due to the quality ingredients and homemade attention that goes into each batch.  Helliemae's owner, Ellen, makes each 4 pound batch  by hand.  Ellen prides herself in sourcing ingredients locally in her hometown of Denver.  She uses organic and hormone free ingredients, and her packaging is 100% recycled. She even stamps each box by hand.

Upon receiving my salt caramels in the mail, I was immediately impressed with the presentation.  The kraft paper box with the stamped top presented these homemade delights so well.  Once you open the box, you get whiffs of the treat that lies inside.  Each caramel is individually wrapped in parchment paper, and has a wonderful old-fashioned vibe to it.  I was blown away with the size of each piece as well.  Measuring about 1 1/2 inches square, they make for the perfect, satisfying treat!

{Helliemae's Caramels also come in Coffee, Cardamom and seasonal flavors like Caramel Apple and Candy Cane.  Yum!} 

If you're a Denver resident, you can find a list of local establishments that carry Helliemae's Salt Caramels here.  The rest of us can buy the treats online here.

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Okay, now for the part you've all been waiting for.  Ellen has offered up a box of Classic Salt Caramels to one lucky jdavissquared reader!  {Thanks, Ellen!}

{This giveaway is now closed.  Go here to see who won! }

Elliven Studio Giveaway Winner...

Congratulations Jessica!  I will pass your email on to Julie from Elliven!   She will contact you shortly to get your prize out to you!

{Add:   I just now made the connection.  Jessica and I go waaay back...we went to kindergarten together!  I knew her as Jessica N.  How fun is that!?}

Thanks everyone for entering.  Don't you just love giveaways?

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If you have a product you'd like to see reviewed here on jdavissquared, or if you'd like to sponsor a giveaway, email me.  Let's chat!

Elliven Studio Giveaway...

I'm super excited to announce this next giveaway!

I've been following Julie's blog, Elliven for a few months, and have absolutely fallen in love with her designs!  Julie has a fantastic eye for color and making things fun and girlie without crossing over into that obnoxious place.  {you know what I'm talking about.}  Not to mention she's a total sweetie! 

I've showcased my favorite designs in the collage above.  That green hounds tooth sequin clutch makes my heart go pitter-patter! 

I highly, highly recommend you hop over and check out her shop. 

The best part:

Julie is offering one small zipper pouch to one luck jdavissquared reader!
If chosen as the winner, you'll get to pick any item from this section of her shop.

aaaand, right now Julie has a fantastic promotion going.  She's fast approaching 100 sales, and to celebrate she's offering 20% off with coupon code: ONEHUNDRED

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This giveaway is now closed!  See this post to find out who the winner was!

OPI Giveaway Winners...

And the winners are....

Melody D., Andrea P. and Susan B. 

Congrats ladies!  I'll send out an email this evening to get your shipping addresses from you. 

OPI Review and Giveaway...

Until recently, I've only ever owned one bottle of OPI polish. {Gasp!}  Lucky for you {and me} the kind folks at OPI sent me some polish to review, and share!  HOORAY!

Now, this polish definitely lived up to it's reputation!  Great colors {fun names}, great coverage, quick drying and long lasting.

The glitter polish was especially fun!  I even played around with layering the glitter as tips over the solid shades as a twist on a french manicure.  {Shame on me for not taking pictures of that!  It was pretty fabulous.}

I'd definitely recommend OPI.  It's a little pricey, if you're frugal like me, but splurge on a great shade for the season!  It will be totally worth it!

I could drone on and on about how awesome it is, but I bet you guys would rather get to the giveaway!  Without further ado, here's what's up for grabs:

There will be three, yes THREE winners!  Each will receive two bottles of OPI polish, one shimmer, and one glitter. 

{for this giveaway, I'm trying out a google docs form. I think this will be easier, not only for me, but for you to enter.  No pesky commenting over and over, just fill out the form, and you're entered, including bonus entries!}

****This give away is now closed.  Winner to be announced shortly!****

Shutterfly Holiday Cards Giveaway Winner...

The winner of this week's fabulous giveaway is...

none other than...


amandanbo!!!

{I swear it wasn't rigged!  The random generator chose lucky #12.  I tried to take a picture of it for you, but I'm working on a pc, and I don't know how!  Why does everything on a pc have to be so complicated?}

Congrats Amanda!  We'll be in touch!