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Time to get mom organized for back to school (Giveaway)

Tiny Prints Back to School

When we think about back-to-school it’s usually about getting the kids ready. But really it’s mom’s time to get ready for back to school. Here’s some quick tips for getting Mom ready for afterschool sports, birthday parties, meal planning and more.

School Zone at Home

  • Pick a spot for backpacks. Have the kids leave them there when they get home and return them there after completing homework so they are ready for the morning.
  • Put together a craft supply basket with scissors, pencils, markers, etc. to be used in a homework zone. Now is the time to stock up with back to school sales.

Meal planning

  • Pick a Sunday afternoon to put together a few freezer meals for when life gets busy and you don’t have time to make dinner.
  • A new notebook and meal planning printables are a great way to stay organized. Make notes of what dinners are favorites and incorporate them into your week’s meal plan.
  • Pinterest is my go-to for meal planning. You can find my meal plan posts here and dinner recipes here. If you need some lunch box inspiration, head over to my Lunch Love board.

Play dates

  • Schedule one or two in advance so you can plan for some free time to check things off your list.
  • Mom contact cards make connecting easy on the playground or in passing at pickup time.

After school activities

  • Pack a bag in advance with sports gear, clean and ready to go. (Pack second small bag for siblings if they will be hanging out waiting)
  • Keep some snacks ready to go and prepackaged so getting out the door is a little easier.

Birthday Parties

  • Buy a few gifts at a time for a certain age group so you are always ready
  • Gift tags are handy to have on hand and personalize a store wrapped gift.

Tiny Prints Labels

 

To help get Moms (and Dads) ready for Back to School season, Tiny Prints is offering a great package of products to get you started! The giveaway is up to a $97 value!

  • 5 sets of 24 gift tag stickers
  • 1 – 5×8 lined notebook
  • 100 – mommy/play date/contact cards

Giveaway is open until August 22nd to US and Canada residents only. (Canada must pay for shipping~ sorry!) Please enter using the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get another chance to win by entering Tiny Prints Back to School contest for another $200 in prizes! Contest is open until August 28th.

I will also be receiving my own customized Tiny Prints back to school package…I can’t wait to pick out some new labels for the kids and I will get new mommy cards with all THREE kids names on them! All opinions shared here are my own. 

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Canon Powershot G15 Giveaway from 42nd Street Photo

 

This year I’ve spent a fair amount of time trying to improve my photography skills. I have a great camera and finally learned how to shoot manual, thanks to a class by the wonderful Kerry Goodwin. I’m excited to partner with other bloggers and 42nd Street Photo on a giveaway for the Canon Powershot G15 digital camera. Life flies by fast, especially when you have kids. Especially young kids. It’s vital to capture our time with them while they are young and be able to share it with them when they are older.

42nd Street Photo is a camera store based in New York City and they have a vast selection of digital cameras and camcorders. They have been in business for over 40 years, established back when we used to capture memories on film! It’s convenient to shop there as they have great deals and sales, a variety of ways to pay, free shipping, and a free cleaning kit with your purchase. 42nd Street Photo is generously sponsoring this giveaway for the Canon Powershot G15, a small camera with big performance. This camera is a great step-up from the average point-and-shoot with a lot of features of more expensive DSLR cameras in a compact package. It also receives raving reviews from users!

Our Favorite Features of the Canon Powershot G15: 
  • Fast 5X zoom lens
  • 12.1 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, enables rapid continuous shooting, no lag!
  • Exceptional low-light performance to ISO 12800, 1.8 to 2.8 aperture
  • 1080p HD Video Capture
  • High speed automatic focus
  • Intelligent image stabilization
  • Bright, high-resolution LCD
  • RAW image capture capability
  • Hot shoe for optional flash in addition to build-in one
Purchase: You can purchase the Canon Powershot G15 digital camera at 42nd Street Photo. 

Win It! 42nd Street Photo is generously blessing one winner with the Canon Powershot G15 digital camera!

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to 42photo.com and all the fabulous participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends September 3rd at 11:59 pm, open to residents of US and Canada, ages 18+. See detailed terms and conditions on entry form. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!



Disclaimer: AnaB Social and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. I did not rece

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What is a Wummelbox? {Giveaway}

referral_badge-e21a0bf93c2d04d285ba89d2d14d8cb0If I’m not cooking with my kids, you can often find us at the craft table working on some kind of project. Sometimes it’s free play with the supplies we have on hand, and other times we work through specific craft activities. We received Kiwi Crate craft boxes for the past few months and I was ready to see what else is out there. When I was in Philly, I met the Wummelbox, a multi-craft box geared towards kids ages 3-8. My sample box arrived pretty quickly and the kids couldn’t wait to get started.

What is a Wummelbox?

Wummelbox craft

Each craft box arrives at your doorstep with 3-4 creative projects to work on with your kids, all fitting a particular theme. Depending on their age, some need lots of supervision while other projects can be done independently. My kids are 4 and 2 so I sit in between them to work on our little masterpieces.

The first thing that excited me about the Wummelbox is the projects are wrapped separately. The Kiwi Crates are slightly sorted but my kids usually pull one thing out and then it’s all jumbled together. I liked being able to take one project out at a time, depending on how much time I have available to devote to “craft” time.

Madison was happy when she saw a new package with scissors. Although it’s her third pair, she was happy because they were pink. Usually there are more gender neutral colors, we just got lucky with the pink pair!  I appreciate the extra scissors because we now have  more craft supplies for play dates.

Wummelbox Music and Sound

Wummelbox uses eco-friendly materials when appropriate, plus they try to incorporate the packaging into a craft. I like having less waste to deal with during clean-up time. The only negative I found with the first box we reviewed, Music and Sound Box, is the number of small pieces. Not a big deal for the bigger kids, but when I have baby #3 crawling around, I’ll have to be more diligent about keeping the tiny metal balls and mini magnets on the table.

Wummelbox is one of those lovely subscription services where you can sign up for as much or as little as you would like. I think the subscriptions make great gifts, especially from the grandparents.

  • Try a Wummel, 1 month subscription $34.95
  • Little Wummel, 3 month subscription $24.95/month
  • Big Wummel, 12 month subscription $19.95/month

Want to try out the Wummelbox? Enter to win a box that will be delivered to your door. Use the rafflecopter below to enter, giveaway closes on May 20, 2013. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize. US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided a 3 month subscription to Wummelbox to help facilitate my review here. I look forward to testing out these boxes with the kids once the new baby arrives. It will be great to have an activity project ready to go, especially if we have a rainy summer day and we are stuck inside. All opinions shared here are my own.

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Ettitude Bamboo Sheet Set Giveaway

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the events at the Boston Marathon yesterday. I’m so thankful today all of our family and friends are safe, but my heart goes out to those who have a difficult road ahead. Please keep those families in your prayers today.

We are in bedding shopping mode as we rearrange the kid’s sleeping set up to make way for baby in June. I have been reading through information about crib mattresses and crib bedding again to see who makes non-toxic options. Sheets touch your body so much I just feel better knowing they don’t contain pesticides and other toxic materials.

Ettitude Bamboo Bassinet Sheets

These bamboo bassinet sheets are on my wish list for new baby.

Creating a safe sleeping environment for the family can be a challenge today with toxins in nearly all mattresses and bedding. One material that is a great choice for your bedroom is bamboo, it is grown without pesticides and is a rapidly renewable resource. It’s the perfect solution for adults and kids with sensitive skin as it is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Bamboo is basically “naturally organic” as it doesn’t need any pesticides for growing it quickly.
In addition to bamboo sheet sets, Ettitude has a vast selection of bamboo comforters, duvet covers, crib sheets, pillows, mattress protectors, and towels to name a few. Ettitude was founded on the simple idea that all home and family essentials should not only be practical but also be unquestionably safe, Eco friendly, beautiful, and convenient.

 

Our Favorite Features of the Ettitude Organic Pure Bamboo Sheet Sets: 
  • Available in six beautiful colors (white, sand, coffee, gray, aubergine, blue nights)
  • Equivalent to around 1000 thread count in cotton, luxuriously soft and silky!
  • Naturally antibacterial, great for sensitive skin and allergies
  • Wicks sweat away from body, cool in the summer, warm in the winter
  • Made from bamboo, a pesticide free, sustainable, and rapidly renewable resource
  • 100% biodegradable
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100
  • Easy care – cool wash, line dry
  • Even the packaging is eco-friendly: recycled, recyclable, and non-toxic.
Purchase: You can purchase Ettitude Organic Bamboo sheet sets directly on their website. 

Win It! Ettitude is generously blessing one winner with an Organic Pure Bamboo sheet set in your choice of size (twin, full, queen, king, or California king)!

 

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to Ettitude and all the fabulous participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends May 14th at 11:59 pm, open to residents WORLDWIDE, ages 18+. See detailed terms and conditions on entry form. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!
Disclaimer: Random Recycling and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. I did not receive anything for this giveaway but wanted to share the product with my readers. I think it would be a great prize for someone looking to make the switch to less toxic bedding.

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Eat the Rainbow, Run the Rainbow Giveaway

Eat the Rainbow Fruit Skewers RandomRecycling.com

Start the day with a rainbow of fruit on skewers.

Spring is finally in the air and we are spending lots more time outside. As my kids burn more energy now running and biking, making sure they are eating well is even more important. As a Mom, I talk about what my kids are eating, or not eating, with friends and family a lot. I am lucky to have two kids who are not very picky, they just tend to want to eat all the time. I think snack is JJ’s favorite word, right behind show. Feeding them real food is so important to me and I am happy to partner with New Balance and Chop Chop magazine to help support their campaign to “Eat the Rainbow, Run the Rainbow.”

As a blogger who focuses on kid friendly food recipes, I get to read a lot of cookbooks and nutrition books when they first get released. The recipes that always get the best response are those that are pretty. Pretty to my kids means there are lots of colors on the plate. Eat the Rainbow is such a simple message, but it really drives home what you should be feeding your kids. They may not eat it all, but there have been studies that show the more variety of color that is offered on a plate, the better the overall intake is of food. This is great for parents of picky eaters. Although they may throw it at you, at least you know you are offering them the best chance for a well-balanced meal. If you have young kids, I really like the book, Give Peas a Chance: The Foolproof Guide to Feeding Your Picky Toddler.

New Balance Rainbow Shoes RandomRecycling.com

Now here is the fun part. You get two chances to win some great products from both New Balance and  Chop Chop magazine. Head over to their main contest page to enter to win monthly prizes. Then, enter here to win a pair of New Balance 890v3 Rainbow sneakers and a one year subscription to Chop Chop magazine! The shoes are just adorable. I know this since my daughter gets complimented on her special pair wherever we go. They come in both infant/preschool sizes with velcro and switch to laces at size 10 1/2 and up. It’s Madison’s very first pair of lace up shoes…not great timing for me at 32 weeks pregnant. I tie those shoes a lot!

Rainbow Giveaway RandomRecycling.com

The giveaway is open to US residents until April 21, 2013. The winner will be announced on Earth Day, April 22! Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided a pair of New Balance Rainbow Shoes and subscription to Chop Chop magazine for which I am very excited about. All opinions expressed her are my own. 

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My First Blissdom Trip plus a Giveaway

Blissdom Conference Random Recycling

Blissdom was always the blogging conference I was most curious about as some of my favorite bloggers always attended the event. This year I finally made it and there were wonderful bloggers I got to meet who made the whole event worthwhile and inspiring.

Our picture with Chris Mann and Amber Riley

Our picture with Chris Mann and Amber Riley

I travelled to Blissdom with my friend Nikki, who writes from the heart and has a totally different blog than I do. Together we are able to get a good feeling for the overall conference, both for the writer/photographer and from the business side of blogging. We made our way through BlogHer NYC last summer and throughout the weekend we made lots of comparisons. As a green blogger, I appreciated the sponsors approach to swag at Blissdom. It was just right and (mostly) relevant items. Plus I know now not to just accept things to be nice; it only makes it into the luggage to come home if I think I can use it.

GoGo Squeeze

They have organic options which I didn’t know about! My kids do love these as a treat.

Here are some of the highlights from the trip…

Photowalk 

Pink flower RandomRecycling

Nikki taught me how to shoot in manual and I learned about what ISO actually controls. I have a lot to learn, but I’m getting there.

DSC_0092

Here I got a lesson in capturing motion.

DSC_0103

 

The weather was freezing in Dallas, just like Boston. Not exactly what we planned for, but it was lovely to enjoy some beautiful flowers inside the atrium at the Gaylord Texas.

Scott Stratten

His opening keynote was so jammed pack with tips that I wrote a whole post about it.

John Michael Morgan

I love talking about branding and being true to your message. As a healthy living blogger, it would be strange for me to partner with McDonald’s. Be consistent with your brand message. John Morgan said, “the only difference between you and your competition is your brand.”

Wendy Scherer

Wendy provided some interesting tools and tips to represent your blog statistics in a creative manner. My big takeaway is to create a page where I share quotes from the brands I have worked with in the past so future brands understand my commitment to providing a quality blogger/brand relationship experience.

Jeff Goins

While I don’t typically consider myself a writer, I guess that really is what I am doing here in this space as I share commentary, recipes and stories. My favorite quote from Jeff, “Just because it happened doesn’t make it interesting.”

Better Life Bags Random Recycling

Handmade Marketplace

This was a wonderful opportunity to help support small businesses, social good business and just enjoy some cool new items. My sister is the lucky one who will get a beautiful gift I found at the market. I liked it so much from Better Life Bags I may just have to order myself one.

Minimalist Parenting Random Recycling

Me and fellow Boston Parent Blogger Christine Koh, co-author of Minimalist Parenting

 

Jon Acuff

Jon’s love for the Blissdom Conference experience is just sweet. He knows how to talk to this audience, which certainly had a Chri

stian influence in it. He was kind enough to share his newest book with us, and I’m going to share it with you!

Two lucky readers will get a copy of Jon’s new book, Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters.

To enter to win, please just leave a comment here sharing your Blissdom experience, comments about a blog conference you have attended or just say hello! Contest will be open until April 5th. US residents only, winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to confirm their address.

Thanks to all my friends, old and new, who made Blissdom a fun and relaxing experience. The pace was much slower than I expected, but at 30 weeks pregnant, it was probably just right for me!

 

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Yes, Summer is Coming. Someday. {Albion $100 Giveaway}

Albion Fit Giveaway RandomRecycling

Who is ready for some spring fashion? I look outside and there are still little pockets of snow on the ground. The forecast is calling for yet more snow and I’m just done. Done looking at grey skies, done with the piles of snowy hats and gloves and done waiting for warmer weather. It’s time to look ahead to spending the summer at the beach, under a brilliant blue sky, while I enjoy my kids running around in the warm sun.

Chevron swimsuit Albion Fit

Chevron is such a huge trend, why not at the beach?

On my list of things to be “greener” about is my choice of clothing. While a lot of my kid’s clothes are either shopped at a local consignment sale or made from organic cotton, I haven’t done a great job myself of finding eco-friendly clothing on a regular basis. Part of the reason is it’s a little confusing. Is it more important to choose eco-friendly fabrics, or choose companies that focus on reducing their carbon footprint through greener manufacturing processes? Recently I was asked to take a look at Albion Fit, a company that combines these two goals.

Albion Fit is a small, family owned company from Utah that makes women’s fitness and swimwear. For someone like me who basically lives in a swimsuit for the month of July, I loved the idea of finding a more eco-friendly swimsuit. I was in luck as I had trouble deciding which bathing suit I wanted to check out myself.

Blousy Navy swim top Albion Fit

My swimsuit choice, since July will be just 4 weeks post-partum for me!

The clothes are made in Guatemala, in a fair-trade, family owned manufacturing facility that provides scholarship opportunities and fair compensation for all workers and their families. Things you can feel good about when you shop here, either online or in their new flagship store in Salt Lake City. There are tops and bottoms perfect for a yoga class, or for lounging around on a Sunday. If you are a tennis player, the skirts are adorable.

graphite capri pant Albion Fit

The yoga wear assortment is beautiful, either for a class or for lounging at home.

I’m excited to offer one of my readers a $100 gift card to pick out their own swimsuit or fitness outfit from Albion Fit. Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. Contest will be open until 3/30. If you just can’t wait for the giveaway to end, you can get $15 off any order of $50 or more. Use code: randomrecycling15

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided product samples to help facilitate this review. This in no way influenced my opinions shared here.

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123Print.com $250 Giveaway! Perfect for Blog Conferences

Customized Mini Business Cards

In two weeks I’ll be enjoying some time away from home at Blissdom, one of the bigger blogger conferences of the year.  It kicks off blogger conference season for many people and one of the few things on the “must-pack” list is business cards. Whether you are a new blogger or a veteran, business cards are key for handing out to new contacts and businesses.  Today I’m partnering with 123Print.com to offer you $250 worth of products, including business cards, to get you ready for a blog conference. Not a blogger? Use the giveaway to order fun product labels for food gifts, order baby announcements, office organization supplies and more. And yes, 123Print has recycled business cards to choose from.

Customized Food Labels

 

If you are creating your blogging business cards for the first time, what you should include?  Here is my list of what to include and what is optional.

  • Your Name
  • Blog Name/Tagline
  • Email Address
  • Blog Website Address (skip the http:// part, and make an effort to ditch the “blogspot.com or wordpress.com portion)
  • Blog Facebook Page Address
  • Twitter Handle
  • Pinterest, Google +, Instagram address are all optional
  • Phone number is optional
  • Personal Photo is optional, but helpful for others when they meet hundreds of people at a conference
  • QR code with a link to your media kit is optional.

It’s important for your card to highlight your personal brand and what makes you unique. However, you don’t want it to be cluttered. White space is golden so people can make notes on the card to refer back to when they are at home sorting through their collection. Also, skip the swirly lettering that is challenging to read. Make the card creative, but user-friendly.

Organize Business Cards

In terms of organizing business cards, I had success with packing small snack size zippered bags for each day of the conference. At the end of each day, I added the cards to a bag. When I wanted to go back and find a card it was easier for me to remember when and where I met them, and then refer back to that day’s bag. Second, people I know pack a large binder ring and a hole punch. They punch the cards daily and add them to a ring. For more blogging tips, you can follow my Pinterest board here.

Business Card Giveaway

Giveaway time! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Contest is open until 3/12. US residents only. Winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to claim their prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I did not receive anything for this giveaway, just wanted to share with my readers as it’s a great value!

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Onya Baby Carrier Giveaway!

This summer, I’m going to spend a lot of time with my baby carriers. With baby #3 arriving in June, and a summer vacation planned for July, those baby carriers are a must have. We don’t need much for the next baby, but I am interested in the Onya Baby Outback carrier. It’s good for hot weather so I think it may be perfect for the beach. I’ll need my hands free while my other two fishes play in the water!

 

It is amazing how popular babywearing has become today and rightfully so. It keeps everyone happy – baby, mom, siblings. The convenience of having your hands free and your baby content makes the daily tasks of mothering much more manageable. I am excited to have partnered with Thanks Mama to give away the Onya Baby Carrier to one reader so that you and your little one can savor the joy and convenience of babywearing as well! In addition you will get $50 to spend on anything you please – cloth diapers, potty training pants, wooden toys, bedding, baby care items, or nursing essentials, to name a few. Thanks Mama online baby store features a selection of twelve baby carrier brands, among them the versatile Onya Baby Carrier. The unique feature is that it doubles as a baby carrier and a baby seat for when you are out and about. It comes in beautiful, modern colors and two different materials. The soft cotton is suitable for most situations and climates and the rip-stop nylon with mesh lining is perfect for hot weather, hiking, and active outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Our Favorite Features of the Onya Baby Carrier: 
  • Can be used as a baby carrier and chair harness, perfect for travel
  • Padding at the leg openings for baby’s comfort
  • Can be worn on the front or back
  • Attached sleeping hood that can be tucked away
  • Available in either soft cotton or rip-stop nylon depending on your lifestyle and needs
  • Fits babies from 15 to 45 pounds
Our Favorite Features of the Thanks Mama Store: 
  • Large selection of 28 brands of cloth diapers
  • Over 15 options of reusable potty training pants
  • Eco-friendly and non-toxic baby care solutions
  • Classic and modern wooden toys
  • Non-toxic mattresses for the whole family
  • Eco-friendly furniture for baby and kids made of rubberwood
  • Free shipping on all U.S. orders over $60 and Worldwide shipping rates available
  • Earn rewards dollars with every purchase

Purchase: You can purchase the Onya Baby Carrier at Thanks Mama. Use code CARRIER for 15% off!

Win It! Thanks Mama is generously giving away the Onya Baby Carrier (winner’s choice based on availability) and a $50 gift card to Thanks Mama store to one winner.

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to Thanks Mama and all participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends March 13th at 12:01 am, open WORLDWIDE, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!





Disclaimer: AnaB Social, Eco-Babyz, and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. All opinions shared here are my own, this is not a sponsored post. 

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Sopora Perfect Crib Mattress Giveaway

We haven’t bought a crib mattress since we set up my daughter’s nursery over four years ago. I remember there was just one organic option at the local big box store so we went with that product. Now there are so many more non-toxic mattresses available in crib size so you can sleep easy knowing your little one is sleeping in a healthy environment. A lot of conventional crib mattresses are covered with toxic fire retardants and other chemicals. The mattresses from Sopora are non-toxic and are available at an affordable price point. We are in the market for a new one since my two monkeys have a love affair with jumping in the crib lately.
Normally the caveat with Eco-friendly mattresses is that they are expensive, especially those that are made in the USA. Now, a safe sleeping surface is affordable with Sopora, the prices start at just $167 for a Classic Crib Mattress! Why buy a conventional, imported mattress when you can get one for a comparable price that’s made right in the U.S. and will let you sleep easy knowing your baby is safe?
Features of the Sopora Perfect Crib Mattress: 
  • Greenguard: Children & Schools certified for emissions and off-gassing
  • Vinyl, PVC, lead, and phthaltes free
  • Eco-friendly ultra firm high density foam is 100% renewable
  • Fireproof Chemical Additive FREE
  • Features new Celliant biologically responsive cover for optimum health, clinically proven to increase oxygen levels in the body
  • Advanced CoolGel foam regulates body temperature
  • Dust mite and bed bug proof
  • Stain and Odor Resistant
  • Medical Grade Nylon Fabric Cover, Waterproof

Purchase: You can purchase the Sopora Perfect Crib Mattress directly from the brand. They have many other options available, including changing pads and bassinet/cradle mattresses. A few Sopora crib mattresses are also available on Amazon.

 

Win It! Sopora is blessing one of you with the Perfect Crib Mattress.

Giveaway ends March 6th at 12:01 am, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!

Disclaimer: AnaB Social, Eco-Babyz, and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to all participating bloggers as well! I did not receive anything for this giveaway, just thought it was a cool product to share!

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