Pampers Gifts to Grow Codes (as of August 2010)

Not sure if some might be posted previously. Here are some new Pampers GTG codes. I don't know when they expire, but hurry and enter them before they do. Enjoy! :)

WELCOME2PAMPERS (50 points)
AUG2010FACEBOOK (10 points)
CAREFORNEWBORNS (10 points)
GETSTARTEDNOW10 (10 points)
GTGCOUPONPOINTS (10 points)
GTGFIVEMONTHS10 (10 points)
GTGGETREADYSOON (10 points)
GTGLEARNMORE089 (10 points)
GTGTENMONTHCODE (10 points)
THRIFTYMOMMYGTG (10 points)
WELCOME2GTG2010 (10 points)
XKCMYXFVD96VXVK (10 points)
GTG5FREEPTS0810 (5 points)
GTGSUMMERFUN5PT (5 points)

Have you won any of the sweepstakes or redeemed your points for your favorite items? Share your story in the comments.

CSN Stores Review: Evenflo Big Kid Booster Seat

I mentioned in my previous post about my upcoming review sponsored by CSN Stores. I am happy that I was given the opportunity to work with them. About CSN Stores: They are an online store based in Boston and began in 2002. CSN Stores have grown rapidly into a top 3 online US retailer of home and office goods with 400+ employees and over 200 websites.




I selected from a variety of child carseats and booster seats and found one that I really like. I wanted one that can convert into a backless booster seat for little Brandon as he is growing up. I chose the Evenflo Big Kid Booster Carseat.

I realized that CSN Stores doesn't ship this item into Canada. I was able to have the item shipped to a U.S. address where I could pick up near my location. I live close to the Canada-US border and it was very convenient that there was a US letter/parcel service for just a small fee. I did have a hard time finding the booster carseat at the right style and at the right price at my local stores, but I'm glad I found this particular one.





About the carseat: Evenflo has all types of carseats available. The box came with simple-to-follow instruction manual. The Evenflo Big Kid Booster Seat was really lightweight. The only thing I was having trouble installing was the headrest. It took a bit of effort for me to snap it firmly into the backrest. Other than that, everything else was easy. This is a great additional booster carseat to use for our traveling without having the trouble of removing and installing over and over again from one car to another. The handle at the back is useful for easy carrying as well.


FEATURES:

• Big Kid Booster Seat
• Color: Mercury
• Easily converts from a high-back booster to a no-back booster
• Pivoting arm rests allow for ease of entry and buckling
• Two retractable, extra-large cup holders
• 5-position height adjustment
• One-hand full body adjustment
• Lap belt return
• Removable, washable ComfortTouch padding
• Meets or exceeds all applicable Federal safety standards
• 3-10 yrs old as booster: 30 - 100 lbs child, up to 57' tall
• 4 - 10 yrs old as no back booster: 40 - 100 lbs
• Interior seat dimensions: 26" H x 10.5" W x 13.5" D
• Machine wash pad with mild detergent, cold water, and gentle cycle

What's also great about CSN Stores is that they offer a CSN Rewards Program where you can earn CSN Dollars by shopping at CSN Stores. Every purchase you make, you will earn 3% towards a future purchase. Follow CSN Stores on Twitter @CSNstores and Facebook to keep up-to-date on special promos and new products.



Disclosure: I received the Evenflo Booster Car Seat at no charge from CSN Stores in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Pleasant Journey Super Assembly Track Review

Another new toy for Brandon. We just couldn't resist. We saw the Pleasant Journey Super Assembly Track at the MarketPlace while we were at the PNE fair last weekend. Brandon was excited to see the cars moving about. The Hubby decided to pick up the set.

Brandon loves the track. It provided hours of fun and entertainment for him. The tracks easily snap together and can be arranged in any order of colors and directions. This is great for developing a child's creativity and imagination with planning and layout. The cars (red and blue) both require 1-AA battery to run.





The only bad thing was the quality of the plastics on some of the parts. Brandon already broke some of the pieces just when I was setting it up for him. He snapped the swinging doors, so I had to super-glue that back together. The side mirror of one of the cars chipped off, so I also had to super-glue that back together. Now, I gotta figure out how to get Brandon to stop pulling off the rubber wheels from the cars. It's going to snap and break sooner or later. Oh I know, I'll replace it with rubber bands??




SEE IT IN ACTION

Baby Look-alike Meter

Do your friends tell you that your child resembles more like you or our spouse? Ever wonder who you think your kids look like more? Well, I've recently discovered this fun online gadget called Baby Look-alike Meter, created by the developers of MyHeritage.com.

Many people tell me that Brandon resembles more like me. I kinda thought that myself too. What do you think? I tried this for fun and the online tool gave me the following results: Brandon looks more like mom by 28%. It's pretty neat! You guys should try it out with your own photos and tell me your results in the comments.

Barefoot Books Giveaway Winner

Winner announced for the Barefoot Books Giveaway.

Congratulations to.....

Jessica (#26) with the comment:

liked you on facebook #1
jessica tang
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 10:50:00 PM

I have sent you an email. Thank-you everyone for participating in this giveaway contest.

Zibits Mini R/C Robot Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

When I was younger, I always loved to play with R/C cars. Even now, I still enjoy playing R/C cars. I had the big-sized ones and I also had these mini R/C cars. They were quite popular back then a few years ago.

When I first heard about R/C robots, I wanted to get one of my own. I was given the opportunity to review the cool Zibits mini robot. The package contents include a mini R/C robot, a small handheld remote, and instruction sheet. The packaging overall had a nice design that people can recognize. The robot uses 3 watch batteries (LR44) that are included and installed. The remote requires two (2) AAA batteries which are not included.




Senario is the company that designed and created these collectable Zibits Mini R/C Robots. It's pretty neat and small (about 2" high) and fun for anyone who's into these little gadgets. Kids especially like them. My 2 year-old son, Brandon, was curious about it when he saw the little robot moving on it's own. I showed Brandon the remote control and he wanted to try. He got so excited and giggled. Oh, so cute! It's quite an entertainment for the little guy.




The little neat features are the blinking lights for the eyes and adjustable arms on the mini robot (at least for the one I received) and the remotes of all the R/C robots make sound effects giving them each their own character. The R/C robot can move in several directions and spin a full 360 degree rotation. Too bad the remote only has 2 directions; wish there was a left and right for easy maneuver.


SEE IT IN ACTION



There are 12 collectable miniature robot designs in 3 categories. Each of the mini robots have names and a small description of their own profile. I believe they are available for purchase at Toys-R-Us stores. It's a great little gift at an affordable price (about $10). Just like the mini R/C cars, you can race these little R/C robots with your friends. Look for the new Zibits styles and designs to come out in fall 2010, as well as accessory packs for creating and building the ultimate miniature robotic playground.





WIN IT
Zibits Mini R/C Robot GIVEAWAY
If you like to win it, one lucky reader will have a chance to win a Zibits remote control robot of their own. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Visit their website at http://www.zibits.com and tell me in the comment below which one is your favorite (may not guarantee your choice if win). This is a mandatory entry.

For Additional Optional Entries:
(Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.)
2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
4) Follow Zibits on Twitter @Zibits (1 entry)
5) Join my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
6) Post about this giveaway on your blog and post the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
7) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following line (3 entries):  
Enter to win your very own Senario Zibits Mini R/C Robot @Zibits. Review & Giveaway by @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/c215Cv
 

Contest is open to US & Canadian residents. Contest closes September 15, 2010 11:59pm (PST).



Disclosure: I received the Senario Zibits Mini R/C Robot at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Dittoe PR and Senario LLC. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Boogie Wipes Review & Giveaway (Closed)

Are you a mom who's tired of your little one's stuck on boogies or the dried, crusty snot on their noses? Does your little one occasionally get stuffy nose? It's not a pretty sight, I know.





I was given the opportunity to review the saline wipes provided by Boogie Wipes. I received an assortment of scents of the wipes (fresh, grape, menthol, and unscented). They also come in individually wrapped packets, which are great for travel or on-the-go. What's so special about these wipes? They clean quite well and moisturizes with natural saline to dissolve mucus.

Little Brandon, like most toddlers, always get boogers in their nose because he doesn't know how to clean it out himself properly. Brandon knows how to ask for a tissue when he wants to wipe his nose, but I still have to help him get the booger out. The Boogie Wipes helped wipe it clean with no hard rubbing. It is gentle enough on his delicate nose. At first, Brandon didn''t like the idea of the "wet" tissue. I told him that it will help him get rid of those boogers and yucky stuff. I also described it to him as "little monster" (a.k.a. germs). He soon got used to it. With the scented wipes, he found it interesting and thought there was juice on it or something. I laughed! I think he prefers the unscented wipes.





Boogie Wipes are currently running a special promotion featuring their friend Boogs! You can receive him by simply visiting the website, printing out the form, attaching 3 UPC codes and mailing it in!







BUY IT
Boogie Wipes products are available for purchase directly through their online store, on Amazon.com or at your local stores where available.



WIN IT
Boogie Wipes GIVEAWAY
If you like to win it, one lucky reader will receive two (2) packs of 30-count wipes (fresh, grape, menthol, or unscented - combination varies). Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Just tell me in the comment that you want to win. This is a mandatory entry.

For Additional Optional Entries:
(Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.)
2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
4) Follow BoogieWipes on Twitter @boogiemom (1 entry)
5) Join the " Boogie Bunch" (1 entry)
6) Join my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
7) Join BoogieFans on Facebook (3 entries)
8) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
9) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following line (3 entries):  
Win a Gift Pack from Boogie Wipes @BoogieMom. Review & Giveaway by @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/aAZKc8

Contest is open to US & Canadian residents. Contest closes September 15, 2010 11:59pm (PST).








Disclosure: I received the Boogie Wipes at no charge from Boogie Wipes in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Little Busy Bodies, Inc. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Guest Post: Baby Sign Language And Speech Development

How can signing with your child help him/her with their speech development? Here, we have a guest post written by Misty Weaver of Baby Sign Language. She shares with us some tips and how baby sign language works. Thank-you Misty for the great article.

Baby Sign Language And Speech Development

Child development experts have been arguing about Baby Sign Language for years – does it slow down the process of learning to talk or does it actually help? Or, does it have no effect at all? Read on to find out more…

How Do Babies Learn To Talk?
From an early age, babies try to communicate in many different ways – through their facial expressions, by smiling, babbling, crying, trying to move nearer to Mommy, using arm gestures, even by whining. The techniques babies use to communicate their needs are as unique and individual as they are. But there are similarities amongst all babies, and one of these similarities is that they like to use hand gestures before they can actually speak.

How Does Imitation And Repetition Help?
Babies learn by imitation. Through all forms of interaction – play, quiet time, watching and listening, signing or talking – your baby is learning from you and the world around them. Whether they are learning how to talk, how to sign, or just how to interact with others, repetition is one of the ways they learn important messages about how to behave. Baby Sign Language involves both imitation and repetition, which is why it is so much fun for babies to learn.

How Does Baby Signing Help With Communication?
The most important way to communicate with babies is to let them know you have received their message. Nod, or smile, or pick them up. Make sure your response fits whatever your baby is trying to communicate. One of the great things about Baby Sign Language is that it gives both babies and parents another tool for communication. Many studies show that signing does not replace speech, but actually aids its development, by improving a baby’s confidence in its ability to communicate.

Babies who are better able to communicate their needs will develop more confidence than babies who struggle to be understood. This is because every time you respond to your baby in a way which validates his efforts at communication, his confidence in his abilities grows. As your baby’s confidence grows, so will his abilities. It is a positive spiral. But the converse is also true – if a baby does not learn that his efforts at communicating are successful, he may either withdraw, or develop more and more extreme ways of getting your attention!

Can Baby Sign Language And Speech Work Together?
It’s important to remember that talking is only one part of communication – and for most pre-school children it’s a pretty small part. Children communicate with us and each other through touch, facial expressions, tone and volume of voice, by telling stories and through play. They also instinctively communicate by using hand gestures – such as signs. Talking is a natural progression for children as they learn to listen to the world around them, and talking to your children, by reading stories and explaining every day activities, is a great way to encourage speech. If you add sign language into the mix, you are simply giving your child another tool for expressing themselves.

Zellers "Baby Face" Contest

To be eligible, you must be a resident of Canada who has reached the age of majority in your province or territory

The contest begins in Zellers stores at 12:01 AM Eastern Time (“ET”) on August 20, 2010 and ends at 4:59 PM ET on September 30, 2010.

To enter, visit any Zellers store across Canada, fill out an entry form and mail your completed entry with sufficient postage to: Zellers Baby Face Contest, c/o Marketing Activation Department, 8925 Torbram Road, Brampton, Ontario L6T 4G1. Entry forms are also downloadable from the Sponsor’s website at http://www.zellers.com. Please include the child’s full name, age, eye colour and hair colour. Entry must include two (2) recent 4” by 6” photos (taken within 10 days of postage date) of the child and a description in 50 words or less of why the child would be the perfect “Zellers Baby Face”. Of the two (2) photos one (1) must be a headshot and one (1) must be a full body shot

The Grand Prize package includes:
• round trip economy airfare for the Grand Prize winner and two (2) guests departing from the Canadian international airport nearest the Grand Prize winner’s residence to Toronto, Ontario (departure and destination airports, carrier and airline ticket class to be chosen by the Sponsor in its sole discretion) including ground transportation for the Grand Prize winner and guests to and from the airport and the Grand Prize winner’s hotel in the City of Toronto. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event that a Grand Prize winner’s residence is within driving distance of Toronto, Ontario (that is, 100 km or less from Toronto), only car transportation for the winner and guests to and from the winner’s place of residence and Toronto, Ontario will be provided; • Two (2) night’s hotel accommodations for three (3) (standard room; triple occupancy) for the Grand Prize winner and guests in Toronto, Ontario, at a hotel to be selected by the Sponsor; • Professional photo shoot for the Grand Prize winner’s child in Toronto, Ontario provided by the Sponsor to be enjoyed in November or December of 2011 (exact date to be determined by the Sponsor). The photos of the child will appear on the cover of the Sponsor’s “Baby Event!” flyer in January, 2011; • one (1) $10,000 Registered Educational Savings Plan (RESP) (terms and conditions of the RESP will be determined by the RESP provider/distributor); • one (1) $1,000 Zellers Shopping Spree awarded in the form of an Hbc Gift Card; and • $500 CDN spending money.

The Grand Prize winner will also receive a selection of movies from Disney Home Video. Total approximate value of the Grand Prize is $15,200 CDN

There are four (4) Secondary Prizes available to be won as follows:

A) There is one (1) Pampers Prize Pack (awarded in the form of coupons from Procter & Gamble for Pampers Swaddlers, Baby Dry and Cruisers diapers) available to be won. Approximate retail value of the Pampers Prize Pack is $5,000 CDN.

B) There is one (1) Johnson’s® Shopping Spree Prize awarded in the form of a $1,000 CDN Zellers gift card.

C) There is one (1) Zellers Restaurant Prize Pack available to be won. The Zellers Restaurant Prize Pack will consist of twelve (12) Zellers gift cards each valued at $160 CDN. The winner will receive one (1) Zellers gift card each month for twelve (12) consecutive months. The winner will be sent a new Zellers gift card by the Sponsor on the first Monday of each month for 12 consecutive months. If the first Monday of any given month is a statutory holiday in the Province of Ontario, the Sponsor will send the winner’s Zellers gift card on the next business day. The gift cards will cover taxes but not gratuities and are not valid for alcoholic beverages. Total approximate retail value of the Zellers Restaurant Prize Pack is $1,920 CDN.

D) There is one (1) Hbc Rewards Prize consisting of five million (5,000,000) Hbc Rewards points available to be won.

Fisher-Price® Best Little Laugh Contest

CLICK HERE to vote for Brandon at bestlittlelaugh.ca

Contest is open to all legal residents of Canada who: (i) have reached the age of majority in their province/territory of residence.

Contest begins on August 18th, 2010 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and ends on December 31st, 2010 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET

There is a limit of one (1) Entry per person/email address, per Child per day

You will then be required to upload one (1) video (the “Video”), which depicts the laugh of your Child between the ages of 0 and 5 at the time of entry.

The baby's laugh with the most votes WINS! If your video gets the most votes, you win the Grand Prize...

Grand Prize: There will be one (1) Grand Prize available to be won consisting of $2,500.00 of Fisher Price Toys at regular retail pricing, “Ultimate Toy Closet” to be selected by the Sponsor from the 2010 Fisher-Price catalogue (Canadian Version).

Secondary Prizes: There will be fifty (50) Secondary Prizes available to be won, each consisting of 1 Kodak Playsport ZX3 Digital Video Camera, with an approximate retail prize value of $159.95 each

Kidorable Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

Little Brandon loves to play outside, whether it is rainy or sunny. Especially on rainy days, I make sure he is dressed up for the weather. I was given the opportunity to review the rain jacket and umbrella from Kidorable. They have really adorable products for babies and kids; and pretty clever name for the company. Brandon and I were looking through the Kidorable website and the first thing he yells out is "frog" (with his little kid-ish, high-pitched tone). Brandon has a matching theme of the green frog that I am reviewing. The rain jacket came with the matching froggy hanger and features pockets with zipper, which is really nice.






Kidorable carry other styles such as Butterfly, Lucky Cat, Fairy, Ladybug, and more. What I like about the styles is the nice, vibrant colors. I also like that it is unique and stands out from the others. I could easily spot Brandon if he ran off into a big crowd. If I ever find anything this cute for adults, that would be interesting.

Kids can expand their imagination of pretend play while dressed up in their favorite characters. Brandon was eager to try on the rain jacket and loves the umbrella so much that he didn't want to put it down. I was amazed with the quality and the details on both the product. Kidorable makes wearing rain gear fun with their character designs. The idea of the designs are brilliant. Kids will love them!

It rained during this middle of the weekend so we had a chance to try out the rain jacket and umbrella. We were on our way to the Frog Hollow Family Drop-In Programs. I love how the rain and water just slides right off the jacket; same with the umbrella. It's very waterproof. The snap-on buttons on the rain jacket makes it quick and easy to put on or take off. While we were out, it was interesting how Brandon's outfit got everyone's attention, even with the other kids. With any Kidorable's adorable kids clothing line, it can make any rainy or gloomy day a happy one. It just put smiles on anyone's face. Who doesn't like cute stuff?






Even when it's not raining, the umbrella is also great to use as a sun shade, at the park or picnic.






BUY IT
For all your child's rainy day needs visit www.kidorable.com

Kidorable products are available for purchase directly through their online store or at your local stores.








WIN IT
Kidorable Umbrella GIVEAWAY
If you like to win it, one (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a Kidorable umbrella of their choice. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Visit their website at http://www.kidorable.com and tell me in the comment below which design you like. This is a mandatory entry.

For Additional Optional Entries:
(Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.)
2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
4) Follow Kidorable on Twitter @Kidorable (1 entry)
5) Join my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
6) Join Kidorable on Facebook (3 entries)
7) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
8) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following line (3 entries):  
Win a kid's umbrella from @Kidorable. Review & Giveaway by @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/dhUG3q
 

Contest is open to US & Canadian residents. Contest closes September 18, 2010 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received the frog raincoat and umbrella at no charge from Kidorable in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

OshKosh B'Gosh Boy's Shoes Review

It was time for Brandon to get new shoes and he should be now at size 8. His old shoe was a size 6, but we should've got him new shoes sooner. Those poor delicate little toes! Say good-bye to those Nike shoes. The new shoes I got for Brandon is the OshKosh B'gosh boy's brown shoes.




So this is a change for a different color and style of shoe that Brandon will be wearing. I love the new shoes I bought because it felt comfy and roomy (width-wise), light-weight, and nice color. Noticing the front toe part of the shoe, the rubber is extended a little higher. I think it is designed to prevent scuffing that part and to protect toes and make the shoe more durable. Kids sometimes tend to kick at things on the ground.


Brandon showing off his new shoes!

Baby Prodigy DVD Review & Giveaway (Closed)

If you've heard about Barbara Candiano-Marcus, she is the author of the book called Baby Prodigy: A Guide to Raising A Smarter, Happier Baby and also the founder of The Baby Prodigy Company. I've received the "30 Minutes to a Quiet Baby" and "Baby's First Words 2". I was given the opportunity to review these DVD videos.



BABY'S FIRST WORDS

This DVD introduces simple words, letters, and objects, as well as puppet animations and sounds. Little Brandon, who is 2-years-old (22-months to be exact), loved watching the videos and engaged in the activities. He likes this and I think it has taught him to recognize objects and repeat back what it is. He's actually learned quite fast. It's a great educational video to expand a child's vocabulary and develop their memory.





30 MINUTES TO A QUIET BABY

This DVD plays calming scenes and provide background music of popular nursery rhymes. I don't usually let Brandon watch TV before bedtime, but he sat quietly watching the colorful animations and puppets. I have a portable DVD player that I put on bed for him to watch. He soon fell fast asleep. As described, the gentle music and delightful animations soothe and relaxes your baby.











If you and your baby enjoy learning new things and watching videos like this, I would recommend to any parent. These DVDs help your child to learn and stimulate their mind and spark their imaginations. They are also entertaining and educational.

BUY IT
If you like to purchase Baby Prodigy DVD series, they are available at your local Toys-R-Us Stores. The DVDs can also be purchased from Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, or directly from Baby Prodigy's online store.

WIN IT
Baby Prodigy DVD Video GIVEAWAY
If you like to win it, one lucky reader will have a chance to win BOTH of the DVDs discussed. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Visit their website at http://www.babyprodigy.com and tell me in the comment below which OTHER titles are available (other than the above). This is a mandatory entry.

For Additional Optional Entries:
(Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.)
2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
4) Follow Baby Prodigy on Twitter @BarbCandiano (1 entry)
5) Join my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
6) Join Baby Prodigy on Facebook (3 entries)
7) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
8) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following line (3 entries):  
Win a DVD Gift Set from Baby Prodigy @BarbCandiano. Review & Giveaway by @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/amrv75
 


Contest is open to US & Canadian residents. Contest closes September 3, 2010 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received the DVDs at no charge from Baby Prodigy in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.