Baby — Page 28

Kids Clothing Swap: How ThreadUp Works

Have you heard of ThreadUp?

I have used ThreadUp a few times now, and I can tell you… It is SUCH a great way to get kids clothes really cheap. Plus, it helps you find a new home for the stuff that your own kids have outgrown. I love trading in stuff that Abby has hardly worn for things that she really needs right now!

Here is how it works:

You get your first box free, to try it out. You browse the “Boxes” that other members have posted. Some include pictures, some link to pics on their Facebook, but all include a detailed description of all of the items included in the box. There are usually about 10-15 items in each box.

You get the box free, but you do pay shipping, about $10. Then the box is sent to you, and you have a bunch of gently worn, but new to you, clothes and accessories!

To continue swapping, you have to participate too! You just click the “request boxes” button, and they’ll send you out a bunch of shipping boxes. You put together a few boxes, and post the details on the site. When someone wants to buy your box (always only $5 a box) THEY pay the shipping, and you simply print out a shipping label, attach it, and have it picked up! Easy peasy. Every box you swap out gives you a credit to pick another new box!

Sounds cool, right?

I love this. My little girl had so many really cute baby outfits that she never even got to wear, so this was a great way to trade them in for stuff that she needs now! Check it out, sign up for a FREE account, and go check out the selection. I think you’ll be a fan too.

Posted by Meagan Paullin on April 22, 2011 Filed Under: Deals and Coupon Codes, Green Living, Freebies | No Comments

Free “Baby on Board” Decal

Most of you already know that I am a big fan of Planning Family…

I love all of the great offers the post for things like FREE diapers, formula, and baby food! They have lots of great coupons, and fun giveaways too. Today I got an email with a great offer, and thought you might want to get it too:

Today at Planning Family you can sign up to get more information about the Gerber Life Grow-Up Plan, which is a really affordable insurance plan you can start now for your baby. When you request some info on it like I did today, they’ll send you a bunch of other goodies including a really cool “Baby on Board” decal for your car window.

I’ve actually been planning to get some info about the Grow-Up Plan for awhile, but to be honest, I really wanted that decal, so it motivated me to finally check it out :)

Posted by Meagan Paullin on April 22, 2011 Filed Under: Freebies | No Comments

Win the ConservingNow Great Green Giveaway! {$50 Value}

Enter to win in the ConservingNow Great Green Giveaway! {$50 Value}

Check out the super amazing Ultra-Sturdy Oversized Cotton Tote bag from ConservingNow that one lucky Sunshine and Sippy Cups fan is going to win…

AND, this awesome bag will be filled to up with a ton of great “Green” goodies…

Here are all of the awesome products that the winner will get to try out:

The simply amazing Ultra-Sturdy Oversized Cotton Tote from ConservingNow, plus a fun window cling to remind you to “Bring Your Own Bag”!
Baby products and coupon from Earth’s Best including a cute baby bib, whole grain rice cereal, feeding guide, diaper and wipe coupons, and 2 FREE baby cereal coupons!
The adorable Baby Banana Brush Combo Pack with Spry Training Tooth Gel. {Not pictured, click the link to see it!}
Natural cleaning products from Ecover including two trial packages of dishwashing tabs, and a mini Grapefruit and Green Tea Dishwashing Liquid, plus coupons!
Freebies from Nasoya! Coupons for one FREE Nasoya Super Hummus, and one FREE product of your choice.
A sample of Sprout Baby Food in my little girls very favorite flavor, Roasted Bananas!
Samples of the natural snack, Chocolate Covered Strawberry thinkThin bars from Think Products!

One lucky fan will win it all, a package of green goodies worth over $50!! What a great way to try out a ton of new natural product companies, right? These are all brands that I use and love, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Now…. How do you enter??

Remember, to be eligible to win any of my giveaways, you MUST be a blog follower. You can subscribe by email, or follow with GFC.

Mandatory Entry:

Leave a comment letting me know how you follow Sunshine and Sippy Cups. Make sure to include your email, so I can contact you if you’re the lucky winner!

Bonus Entries:

1. “Like” ConservingNow on Facebook and leave me a comment letting you know that you are a fan! And if you’re feeling friendly, stop and say hello and show some love from the Sunshine and Sippy Cups fans!
2. Follow ConservingNow on Twitter, and leave me another new comment letting me know that you did this, and what your Twitter name is.
3. Visit ConservingNow and let me know which bag is your favorite! {So many good ones, I don’t know how you’ll choose!}
4. “Like” Sunshine and Sippy Cups on Facebook, and leave a comment letting me know that you’re a fan!
5. Follow Sunshine and Sippy Cups on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know!
6. One bonus entry EVERY DAY for sharing this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter! {You can share very easily by using the share buttons under each post!} Leave me a comment here EACH DAY that you share the giveaway, to get your daily bonus entry!

Rules:

Contest ends on Sunday, April 30th, 2011 at midnight PST. Winner will be chosen on May 1st, 2011. Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only, 18 and over. Winner will be contacted at the email they provide here, and will have 48 hours to respond before an alternate winner will be drawn.

Woooooo!!!! Let the fun begin!! Check out the ConservingNow site, learn lots of new info, and browse their great products. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter, and share the giveaway. And leave a NEW comment for EVERY action you complete, for lots of entries!

Also, make sure you join the fun during the Natural Parenting Blog Party, and read more about ConservingNow in my review here!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on April 19, 2011 Filed Under: Contests, Green Living | 150 Comments

Welcome to the Natural Parenting Blog Party!

I am joining the fun in the Natural Parenting Blog Party hosted by The Peaceful Housewife. Make sure to stop by and say thanks for hosting an awesome party, check out her uh-MAY-zing line of natural products, and go party it up with some of the other blogs too!

I’m a little late to the party {it seems that ever since I had the baby, I’m ALWAYS late to EVERYTHING, lol} but now that I’m here, lets get rockin’.

To start, I’ll answer some “get to know you” questions posted by our host, The Peaceful Housewife….

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I’m a new mommy to this little cupcake-cheeked cutie pie, Abigail Piper. I had never planned to become a mother. I had two nephews that I adored, and was perfectly happy just being “Auntie Meagan”. But this little girl somehow knew that I needed her, and I got pregnant not long before my 30th birthday. Thank goodness I did. Being a mommy is the greatest thing in my life, and I can’t believe that I almost missed out on this. Raising her is an ovewhelmingly wonderful process.

Do you have a partner, or are you a single parent?

Hmmm…. Relationship status = Complicated. But Abby’s daddy is the a WONDERFUL dad, and I’m very happy that she has him as a big part of her life!

What are your “hot button” parenting issues?

My only concern is the way that so many women are extremely judgemental towards other mothers. Every baby is different, every family is unique, and every mom has different values and priorities. So what works best in one household will not always be whats best for someone else. Sharing tips on what works for you is wonderful. Telling someone that they’re parenting their child “the wrong way” because they do things differently than you is not ok. We’re all moms, all trying to do the best we can. We should be more supportive of each other.

Have you made any parenting choices that you didn’t think you would make before you were a parent, i.e. cloth diapering a child when you had previously thought it was disgusting?

I never thought that I would BE a parent, so I had never given much thought to what type of choices I would make! But I have made lifestyle choices to live cleaner, greener, and healthier. I’m not perfect, but I’m trying to give her the best that I can!

Is there one book or person in particular that’s heavily influenced your parenting choices?

It’s not a parenting book, but “Made from Scratch, Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life” by Jenna Woginrich, made me appreciate a more simple lifestyle. Love it.

If you had to describe each of your children using only one word, what word would you use?

Sunshine. Thats what she brings to my world every single day.

Is there one parenting decision that you regret more than others and wish you could change?

I wish that I had learned more about breastfeeding before having my daughter. My water broke 3 weeks early, so I was kind of unprepared still! She had some problems at first, and spent a few days in NICU, and then a few more in the Pediatrics section. I wasn’t even allowed to hold her until very late on the second day at the hospital, and it was the third day before I was able to get a pump in my room. My lack of knowledge led to me not getting a good start… I started pumping milk late the 3rd day. I allowed the nurses to bottle feed the baby, and give her pacifiers. I tried to breastfeed but was clueless. So I tried desperately to breastfeed her for over a month, but I never got a good milk supply, and she never learned to latch. I really regret not knowing more, and giving us a more successful start. I tried my best, but this was a huge disappointment for me.

Is there an area of your parenting you wish you were better at?

Um, everything?! I always feel like, “When is the REAL mom going to show up and take care of this baby??” It can’t be POSSIBLE that I am a parent??!! But SHE doesn’t know that I don’t know :) So together, we learn a little more every day.

Now for the fun questions – is there one particular food or type of food that you could eat every day?

Cupcakes. With sprinkles.

Vanilla ice cream or chocolate?

Rainbow Sherbet.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I don’t seem to have much time for those anymore! But if I do get the chance for a few minutes to do something I want to do, you can bet I don’t feel guilty!! :)

If you could be part of any television show, which show would it be?

I hardly watch any tv at all, so this is tough. But I’d love to be on the Colbert Report! I love shows that are funny, but smart. There is so much hypocrisy and negativity in the media, and he does a great job of exposing that, and showing how silly and irrelevant much of it is. Love him.

Now that you guys know more about me, and what type of parent I am, share some of your own answers to these questions in the comments, so I can get to know you guys too! Plus, stay tuned for more this week… Enter to win the ConservingNow Great Green Giveaway {$50 Value} by reading the post here, plus I’ll be sharing a bunch of fun up-cycling craft projects for Easter, some fun Earth Day freebies, and more! So check back, and check out the fun at all of the other blogs this week too!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on April 19, 2011 Filed Under: Green Living | 4 Comments

Spring Cleaning for New Mommys

I love Planning Family!! If you’re not signed up with them yet, you should check them out. They have links to lots of free offers for moms and babies, and so many helpful articles.

I wanted to share this one that came in todays daily email. Love it. Great tips!

The following article is from Planning Family, not written by me:

Spring cleaning! It’s the time of year when as everything starts to blossom and grow again many of us feel the urge to also tidy up. As a new mama, the thought of cleaning may be far down on the list. The first priorities are your baby, and of course you. Those two things can take up much of the day!

With a newborn in the home, you may feel like there is more clutter than ever. Did you ever think one little being could utilize so much gear?

If you are feeling the urge to get organized, but are feeling low on time and energy, there are still some things you can do. Remember, it all doesn’t have to be done today. It may take you more than one (or two) days to even figure out where to start. Baby steps are a good thing!

So, where to start? To get a jump on getting organized for spring, start with the basics:

Make a list. You have to start somewhere. Where will it be? What will be your priority? Your tasks can be as simple as cleaning off the kitchen counter, a basket by the couch, or the utility closet that hasn’t been touched since you moved in.
Conquer one task at a time. Although you may have great ambitions, start and succeed small. Remember, you may get limited amounts of time to work on a task and may have to start and stop working at a moment’s (or your newborn’s) notice. Go into a task remembering that even a small area may take you several times attempts (possibly over multiple days) to complete.
When you do work in an area, clear everything out. Make piles, sort items, and de-clutter!
Be prepared to downsize. Do you really need something? Consider donating unused items or put them away for a garage or yard sale to come (a big undertaking – don’t plan on tackling that one alone, especially as a new mama!).
Ask for and get help when you need it. Most folks are more than happy to help out a new mama. Your need may simply be for someone to hold your baby for a few minutes so that you have a little time to take on a task. Or, you may need a professional who can help tackle a task (there are even such things out there as professional organizers, if your budget allows!).
Celebrate your success. With each step you take, enjoy a moment to savor your accomplishment. A little step each day will equal a major spring-cleaning success in no time.

I know that all moms feel super busy, and it can be hard to find time to get spring cleaning tasks done. ESPECIALLY if you have a baby at home. But I also know that if you just MAKE the time to get things cleaned up and cleared out, it makes your days so much easier to manage! I hope these tips help you guys out too….

And for more, check out the Planning Family website here:

Formula Samples, Baby Magazines, Daipers Coupons and more! Click Here to sign up and check them out!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on April 19, 2011 Filed Under: Freebies | No Comments

{Part 4} “How to Get FREE Stuff”

Welcome to {Part 4} of my series, “How to Get FREE Stuff”…

Todays Topic: The best trusted FREEBIE sites to use!

Every morning, I get a huge mug of coffee (you don’t want to see me without coffee), and sit down to check my email. These days, that takes a LONG time, but before I had this blog, it wasn’t so bad. I’d usually spend about 20-30 minutes in the morning on the computer, going through the updates from all of my favorite freebie sites, and clicking on the offers I wanted. By the time my coffee had worked it’s magic, and I was finally semi-awake, I had a boatload of free stuff on it’s way to my freebie lovin’ home. Easy, right?

Why would I want to sign up with these FREE STUFF sites?

Well, thats about the only way that you’re going to be able to get lots of free stuff without spending a ton of time! Even I don’t have enough time to go and search out all of these freebies on my own… I rely on a network of sites that I have signed up with, and their daily email updates. Then I can quickly skim through them, pick the offers I want, and delete the rest.

Don’t you get a ton of spam by using these sites?

These sites won’t spam you, (at least none of the ones that I do!) but you will end up getting a lot more emails once you start requesting freebies. Many places are sending you something free in exchange for being able to send you their advertising.

To solve this problem, you have a couple of options. You can set up a seperate email account that you use only for free sample requests, that way you don’t have to deal with any ads.

Or, if you’re like me, and you actually do WANT to get many of those sale and promotion emails, you can just hit the little unsubscribe link when you get an email from a company that you’re not interested in. Then they won’t send you anything else. If I’m requesting a free product, it’s probably because it is something I like, so I’m usually ok with getting their emails. So many awesome deals and special offers are ONLY promoted in their emails, so I love getting these!

How do these sites work?

Some of these sites are approached by companies that will pay to have their samples listed, because they want to get their products into the hands of some new potential customers. Plus, when there is a great sample out there, it gets A LOT of buzz going for that company.

Other sites get paid a “pay-per-click” type compensation, for sharing those offers with their followers. Again, it’s because the company wants to get their name out in front of some new fans. To me, theres nothing wrong with that! If you want people to really promote that you are offering a free sample of your awesome product, the best way to do that is to offer a little reward, right?

Also, most of these sites have tons of people working for them, always out there trying to find new freebies. Some of them even have an option for YOU to post any cool new freebies you find too!

What to beware of when getting freebies:

Even the legit sites sometimes end up posting offers that aren’t “really” free. Some may do it on purpose, others by accident of not checking out the offer well enough first. The easiest way to spot a scam offer is the “with participation” disclaimer. Boooo. This means that they will expect you to complete a bunch of OTHER offers, some requiring payments, just to get to the darn fabric softener sample, or whatever they’re offering. If you see “with participation”, delete it. You can try it, no harm done, but I’ve never seen one of these where I actually got to request the product.

And NEVER enter your credit card info on an offer that is supposed to be free. This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people do this! If it asks for you info, it’s usually because you are signing up for an automated shipment, or a service, for a “free trial”, and if you don’t cancel by a certain time they will charge you big bucks. Don’t do it.

So, give me some sites to check out! I want to get some FREE STUFF right now!!

I know that’s what you’re thinking :) And I love it. I’m going to give you a list of websites and blogs that I use and have had good luck with. Not all of them have great freebies every day, which is why I sign up for lots of them… that way I have a better chance at finding the really good stuff! This is also how I find the great deals and freebies that I post in big lists for you guys too. I broke it down into regular sites, and sites to get free baby stuff. I used these baby sites SO much while I was pregnant, and still find lots of stuff we can use.

My Favorite TRUSTED Freebie Sites:

MySavings: This is one of my very favorite sites! They send out a great daily list of freebies and giveaways, plus you can find even more deals on their site! MySavings.com Sign Up.
The Deal Scoop: Cute site “giving you the scoop” on daily deals and freebies! Sign up for her email updates or follow her on Facebook so you don’t miss any goodies. Click Here.
Deal Crown: This one is brand new for me, but I’ve found some awesome stuff! Get signed up to check out their freebies! Up to the minute updated free sample and deals Click Here.
Freeflys: This is a big site, with tons of free samples and coupons. To sign up, it does make you click through a couple of offer screens, but just skip ’em if you want. Then you can get to the samples. Freeflys sign up.
Frugal Freelancer: A blog with a really random assortment of stuff… Deals, coupons, freebies and tips. Frugal Freelancer Sign Up.
Vocalpoint: I’ve mentioned this site before, because its awesome. Their newsletter always has tons of fun info, and they send out lots of really generous samples too. Click Here.
Women Freebies: Free samples, giveaways, and special offers chosen just for women and moms! Sign up for Women Freebies!.
TradePub: This is a site for FREE magazines. You may notice in my freebie pics that I mention how I NEVER pay for magazine subscriptions. This is one of the ways I do it. They feature mostly business magazines, but if you sign up, you’ll get notices when they have new ones like Cosmo or Womens Day too. Click Here.
Go Freebies: You have a chance at winning an Amazon gift card each day just be being an email subscriber. Sign up at Go Freebies.
Freebie Fanatics: “Your guide to finding quality freebies on the internet”. Sign up here.
Sweeties Freebies: Love this site, and the partner site Sweeties Sweeps too! Always good stuff. Sign up here. You can also stay updated by “liking” her on Facebook.
Hey, It’s Free!: Great resource of new stuff each day. Sign up here.
Sample A Day: Check them out and sign up for daily deals and free stuff. Click Here.
Free Snatcher: Tons of new coupons, free samples, and deals! Sign up here.
All You Magazine: This link will take you to a page where you can sign up for their daily free sample newsletter, plus you can check out their giveaways and other great stuff! Click Here.
Free Sample Freak: Loads of new stuff each day! Sign up for updates here.
Free Sample Momma: Fun new freebies and deals, great stuff! Click Here.
The Daily Goodie Bag: Awesome ladies posting tons of awesome deals, freebies, and giveaways all day! Check out their site, and follow them on Facebook too! Click Here.
The Frugal Free Gal: Coupons, samples, how-to’s and more! Check it out.
Freebies4Mom: Spoils you with freebies each day! Check her out here.
I Love Free Things: Check them out because, well, you love free things too! Click Here.
Coupons and Freebies Mom: A mom of two boys who posts all of the best deals and freebies for you every day! Click Here.
Mommy Wants Freebies: Another great site to check out for fun new deals, coupons, and free stuff! Check it out by clicking here.

Best Safe Sites for FREE Baby Stuff:

Baby to Bee: I’ve posted about this one before. Love it. Tons of giveaways, helpful tips, and free samples. Get FREE baby stuff: Click Here.
Planning Family: Another one I’ve talked about. I got so many great freebies while I was pregnant from this site! “Tons of free baby stuff from the brands you know and trust.” Click Here.

Plus, for more baby samples, see {Part 2} Newsletters, for bunches of baby company newsletters to sign up for to get free samples, high-value coupons, and exclusive offers. Having a baby is darn expensive, and getting all of these freebies help a lot! I was able to stock a whole diaper bag with samples not long ago for a baby shower! Diapers in different sizes, tons of free formula, diaper cream, bibs, and tons of coupons for mom. Great gift.

What do you think? Ready to go freebie hunting?

Every single one of these sites were taken right out of my own personal email this morning! I use all of them, so I can promise that they are all safe, with great offers and freebies. Let me know which ones you decide to sign up with.

I’d love you guys to add your own favorites in the comments too!

And, if you’ve missed the earlier parts of the series, you can check out {Part 1} Survey Sites, {Part 2} on Newsletter Freebies, {Part 3} Shopping Rewards. Plus, you can see a ton of sweet pics of my goodies on the {Intro} post and see the best coupon resource right here. I really hope this set of posts helps you guys!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on April 14, 2011 Filed Under: Freebies | 3 Comments

{Awesome} Skip Hop Sale, up to 50% off!!

Check out the big sale on Skip Hop products… Up to 50% off!!

I am a HUGE fan of Skip Hop… They have great modern designs, so you can find a bag that doesn’t look so “baby” for toting around the massive amount of stuff that a little one needs to leave the house. And I had a hard time finding Skip Hop stuff on sale when I was pregnant, so this is an AMAZING sale, check it out here!

Plus, they are just a great company. Read more: “Based in New York City, Skip Hop is a company that’s all about details and safety. They fall in love with products before releasing them to the world. They’re parents themselves, after all. For every Skip Hop product sold, a percentage of profits support causes including The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and Baby Buggy.” I love a company that truly cares, and takes action to give back. This is a great company to support!

This is the diaper bag that I have, and we love it! It has an open top, so you can just kinda toss stuff in easily when you’re in a hurry, and it has a great magnetic closure to hide the mess :) I’ve used it for over 8 months, and it still looks brand new. Really great quality and amazing detail. You can buy cheaper diaper bags, but you’ll find out quickly just WHY they were so cheap. If you buy a bag from Skip Hop, it is the ONLY one that you’ll need. Seriously.

Here is another one I think is pretty great. I love that the style makes it look like more of a purse. If I needed a bag right now, I’d totally snag this, especially at this sale price! In fact, I’m kind of tempted to buy it anyway….