Motherhood Uncensored

Swear-Bys, and an April Giveaway

So is it just me or are you curious to know people's favorite stuff? I could care less if Angelina wore it or used it or tattooed it on her ass.

But my fellow mamas? I'm all over it.

Now I know it's a bit presumptuous to assume that you give two flying craps about what I love, but hell, when did that ever stop me? So, I've compiled a bunch of my favorites, along with the awesome giveaway from one of my April sponsors, mom-run business Itty Bitty Lady Bug Boutique (coincidentally, Cecilia reads my blog and is extremely friendly and generous, so on that alone you should go visit her site. But she's giving something away too, you know, if you're motivated by free stuff).

So here goes (and I was not paid to say I like these things. I just like them. The end):

Maternity: Bumpstyle. You say $79 for a shirt, and I say, emphatically YES. I wore it from DAY ONE of my pregnancy through the 4th trimester. It's a one size shirt that is long so it covers the damn maternity pants even when you're gihugic, it's super soft and comfy, and seriously, you will get MORE than your average use out of it.

Sling/Carrier: If you saw me at BlogHer, or sadly, in EVERY single picture of me at BlogHer, I was either wearing Drew in a Rockin' Baby Sling or a Baby Hawk. They are by far my favorites for a few reasons. Rockin' Baby (the pouches) are sized but they have zippers on the shoulder so you can size it up or down. And it's a thinner shoulder strap -- way more comfy. The Baby Hawk is sturdy and comfortable and hands down (or off) the best. I have heard from my BFF that Baby Bisou rocks too. Again, you'll get your money's worth.

Jewelry: If only my son wasn't so grabby (magnetic closure), I'd wear my Blend Creations necklace every day. I purchase an ox bone one that has a graphic inscription with the same meaning as my middle name (Chinese), but I love her washi pendants too. They are simply gorgeous and you'll wear it all the time.

Not So Common Toddler Board Books: The Kit Allen Seasons series of four books is my daughter's fave and now my son's too. She could "read" it since each page is just one word (great for quick bedtimes too!). Adorable.

Baby Flat Ware: Since Drew insists on feeding himself, I'm loving the Boon Benders. They rock. Now I realize they didn't get great Amazon reviews, but let me tell you, they work for him. I bend, he scoops, no food on shirt. And they are BPA-free.

Diaper Cream: I was recently introduced to Diaper Goop thanks to that feature of mine in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. He's a local Little Rock guy that made this very goopy stuff. Now, it's not sweet smelling (better than Desitin, mind you), but it works. Anytime Drew's butt was red, I slopped it on there (it's like hair cream stuff) and he was fine the next day. It feels very natural which is good because I loathe the smell of Desitin. (ew). Plus, it has no zinc oxide so I'm betting it's good for cloth dipes. Seriously, go check it out!

Feel free to share your swear-bys with me in the comments. Links are welcome.

And now, if you want to win a $50 to Itty Bitty Lady Bug Boutique, just peruse her shop and tell me what you are coveting in the comments. I'll pick one winner at random on April 30. You may enter only once. And congrats to March Giveaway Winner, Karianna!

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If you want to chat with some of your favorite bloggers tonight (woo!), then hop onto my radio podcast and listen OR call (646) 915-8634. Plus, I've got a slew of great guests lined up for April.

And pssssssssst I forgot to mention, the names? Yeah, those were Quinlan's picks. April Fool's :)

We're Talking About a Revolution: March Giveaway

So, my one pledge to myself was that if I was going to give that huge space in my left side bar to someone, it needed to be a cool small business that you'd actually find me at.

Well, you know, if they had an actual store front. Otherwise, I'd just be sitting in their family room and that's pretty weird.

But, with Tiny Revolutionary, it might actually be possible, since I recently discovered she lives about 30 minutes away (hello, Atlanta traffic) from me.

We've featured her creative shirts over at Cool Mom Picks (ps. why aren't you reading Cool Mom Picks?), and she's a popular of many, not just because the shirts are super cool, but the messages are ones that deserve being shouted from the rooftops.

Or, at least worn on a really awesome shirt.

So, she's kindly giving away a shirt to a lucky reader. Or to two readers. Maybe even to three. We'll keep that a mystery. But all you need to do to enter is hop over to her site, peruse her offerings, and tell me which one is your favorite.

Now look. I know you can just go over there, look at the first shirt on the page, and then be done with it. But BreeAnne would really like to know which one tickles your fancy. Sort of like a mini-focus group, if you will. And if you love them, tell your friends, or hell, buy one. She's offering 15% off with code REALMOM.

The contest is open through March 31 and you may only enter once! You need to make sure to leave which shirt is your favorite in order to be entered!

And congrats to Monica B. from Mommy Moments, our February Julian & Co winner!

(Psssssst. If you have a small business and you want to get the word out, email me!)

The House of Puke and Snot, Now with a little less puke, but way more snot

Well, we made it through the night without puking, only to be greeted this morning with mini-puke (which is way better than frequent-puke -- her evil twin from yesterday). And her little brother snot-man. And their father, now the snot-master.

I feel like "one of these things does not belong here." Or maybe Ashton Kucher is going to walk in and tell me that I'm "Punk'd" because well, I'm not sure I can take another day of this, people.

But I can't go back to my germ-filled environs without offering up a fantastic prize, courtesy of the gorgeous and talented Tania, owner of Julian & Co. When her son was born at 29 weeks and the ID bracelet she had purchased was too big, she decided to figure out how to make one of her very own.

No kidding.

And what she does is pretty dang fantastic. So lucky you! She's giving away a lovely birth necklace to a lucky Motherhood Uncensored reader. All you have to do is go over to her site and tell me what your favorite piece is over there in my comments, you know, other than the birth necklace.

Speaking of which, I have one, and as you all know, I'm not the sentimental one, but when I wear it, I get compliments all the time. I'm not saying you should want it to boost your self-esteem, but it's always nice to get attention for something other than your tantruming three-year-old.

And Valentine's Day is coming up. So send the hint to the hubster. Or get him something.

Contest ends 2/29/08. One entry per person, per url, per email (you get my drift). I'll pick one winner at random.