From the monthly archives:

May 2009

Kohl’s Cares for Kids Giveaway

by Stacy on May 28, 2009

Kohl’s has cooked up a great way to keep kids reading through the summer months. Now through the end of June, Kohl’s is offering “Duck at the Door” and “Duck Soup” by New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Jackie Urbanovic along with coordinating plush toys.

Max the duck and Brody the dog, along with the coordinating books, are available for only $5 each at all Kohl’s stores and online at Kohls.com as part of the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program.

Through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program, 100 percent of the net profits from sales of the Duck books and plush toys will benefit children’s health and education initiatives nationwide. Since the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program’s inception in 2000, Kohl’s has turned $5 merchandise into more than $126 million that has made a positive impact on the lives of children across the country.

In addition to the merchandise program, Kohl’s Cares for Kids features the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program, which will recognize more than 2,000 young volunteers in 2009 with a total of nearly $350,000 planned in scholarships and prizes; the A-Team Program, which encourages associate volunteerism and provided more than $5.6 million in grants to youth-focused nonprofit organizations; and fundraising gift cards for schools and youth-serving organizations. For more information, visit http://www.kohlscorporation.com/.

This year, KSW is helping Kohl’s spread the word about the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program by giving away 5 sets of Max the Duck plush toys and coordinating books. That’s right, there will be 5 lucky winners!

Enter to win this outstanding prize package by leaving a comment stating one of the following: your child’s favorite book, your favorite book to read with your child, or an interesting way you’ve incorporated reading into your family’s lifestyle.

Contest Ends Saturday, 6 June at 11PM CST

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Rock A Bye Dreams

by Stacy on May 20, 2009

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a Mom. Not just any mom ~ but a GREAT mom. The kind of mother who always knows just what to say, just what to do, and just how to make each of her children feel special and loved in their own unique way. My unique version of myself as Super Mom, always included an image of me rocking my children in my arms and singing sweet lullabies they would grow to remember always. My version of a family heirloom, they would hopefully remember these songs and pass them along to their own children someday. In reality, when the time in my life came for lullabyes – I found I was seriously lacking in this department. Unable to come up with any sweet melodies on my own, and not knowing where to find any great recorded versions – I reverted to classics like Twinkle, Twinkle and Rock a Bye Baby – sometimes even soft versions of songs playing on the radio. Not quite the motherly image I had imagined.

Fast forward three years and three children later, and I am proud to announce I have finally found the album I’ve been looking for. Better yet, this album found me. Nancy Falkow of Sunflow, first contacted me in February of this year and asked if I would like to review her album, Under the Stars, here on Kids Stuff World. Thrilled with the prospect, I listened to the disc many times, it melodies capturing me a little more each time. Still, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago, when I brought my newborn home from the hospital that I could truly appreciate the absolute treasure I’d received.

sunflow

You see, Nancy’s songs are my lullabies come to life. It’s as if she has found a way to take all of my thoughts and feelings, and put them into words ~ words that became music. Beautiful music. Still, the album is only part Nancy. Sunflow is actually a duo – one part Nancy, one part Fran King. Not only have I found a compilation of treasured lullabies with Sunflow, but Fran also sings hauntingly beautiful songs reminiscent of classics such as the Beatles. It’s almost like getting two albums in one.

I highly suggest you take a listen to the entire album, Under the Stars, and find a few family classics of your own. Here’s a few of my favorites, that I’m sure will be in my family for years to come:

A huge Thank You to Nancy Falkow for capturing what it is to be a Mother so beautifully and for sharing that feeling with all of us.

Now that you’ve had a chance to hear these soon to be classics, I’m anxious to know which ones you love? Can you see yourself singing these to your little ones anytime soon?

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Reasons to Love Speesees

by Stacy on May 15, 2009

Sweet Charity Dress ~ $40
Hanky Gift Set ~ $30
Lamb Jacket ~ $30
Blossom Kimono ~ $18

Looking for a fun, natural children’s clothing store to love? Well, here’s are just a few reason you should try Speesees. In addition to these fantastically creative finds, Speesees is graciously offering KSW readers a 20% discount on all of their products from now until the end of June. Be sure to take advantage of this great offer while you can, use the code: thankyou when you checkout.

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EcoStore USA Review and Giveaway

by Stacy on May 12, 2009

Some reviews are hard to write, you are either not that impressed with the product or drastically uninspired to write anything eloquent. That is certainly not the case when it comes to reviewing Eco Store USA. In fact, the reviews were practically written by the second day we started using their products. Hesitant it could be that easy, I have waited a few weeks (make that a month) to make sure none of my feelings about the products have changed. Let me assure you, they have not.

Product #1: Ecostore USA Baby Moisturizer $8
This moisturizer could not have arrived in my household at a more perfect time. We had just moved from a harsh winter in Germany to a dry warm climate in Texas, with record breaking hard water. Almost immediately my family’s skin started to dry out and crack. My husband and I had purchased two different moisturizers – neither of which was helping our condition. When the EcoStore Moisturizer arrived I quickly rubbed a bit on my hands and was pleasantly surprised. The smell is a citrusy, clean scent perfect for my daughter and my perfume sensitivities. The moisturizer goes on smoothly and instantly traps moisture into your skin. Since this moisturizer is made for babies, it does have a bit of a greasy feel that lingers (just what a little one needs). My daughter giggles in delight each morning when I massage this moisturizer into her skin. My husband’s cracked hands are healing and the tight skin around my expanding belly feels a little more like its old self. I would definitely recommend this moisturizer to others and would love to gift it to my friends.

Why KSW loves it: The clean, citrusy smell and moisture trapping consistency. Once we started putting it on our hands, we could not stop. Also, I love the way it makes my toddler’s legs feel baby soft all over again.

Tip: We found this moisturizer works better as an all-day lotion, than an after bath lotion. You just won’t feel all the yumminess of this lotion if your skin was recently wet.

Product #2: Eco Baby Body Wash $10
If you knew my husband, you would really get an understanding of how terrific this baby wash is. To say he is a bit of a naysayer is an understatement. He also believes that all things “green” are a hoax. He judges all things to the same standards – HIS, and I assure you they are always high. Who better to evaluate a bath product for kids, right? Opportunity struck one weekend while my kids were in the tub and I was in the shower. Hubby popped in to see if he could lend a hand with the bathing process, so I asked him to soap up the kiddies. By the way, I mentioned, let me know what you think of the bath wash, I’m doing a review on it for the website. “Great”, his enthusiastic reply in an oh-so-condescending tone. Bath time came and went without squeals, obsessive crying or any toddler meltdowns. “So, what did you think of the bath wash”, I called out from the shower? This might be the greatest stuff ever, he replied just out of my line of sight. I stuck my head out assuming he was mocking me. “Really?” I said? Yeah, it’s great.

Why KSW loves it: Unlike most baby washes, this one is ultra thin. This makes it perfect for rinsing off toddlers and infants who do not like getting water in their eyes, ears, nose or mouth. They rinse clear in just seconds and smell delicious.

Product #3: Eco All Purpose Spray
I put this All-Purpose spray on the same level as the Clorox Anywhere Spray. It is green, mild and can be sprayed just about anywhere. I’ve used this a few times around the house so far, but I admit I am saving this for when the new baby comes. It will be great for wiping up the endless spills associated with newborns (spit-up, drool, and more)

Why KSW loves it: I am not afraid to spray my baby play-mats with it and then let my baby crawl around afterwards.

And now for the part you’ve all been waiting for … Melissa of EcoStore USA was gracious enough to give us a $25 Gift Card for one lucky KSW reader. If you’d like to try $25 in fantastic eco-friendly products then just follow theses steps

Ways to Enter to Win a $25 EcoStore USA Gift Card

1. Leave a comment on this post stating how you’d spend your EcoStore USA Gift Card (Required – 1 Entry)

2. Tell your friends about this giveaway, if they mention your name in their comment you’ll get an extra entry (Optional – 1 Additional Entry per mention)

3. Tweet about this giveaway, be sure to add @steet to your tweet so I’ll be able to see it (Optional – 1 Additional Entry)

** Be sure to enter your email address so we’ll be able to contact you if you win **