April « 2008 « The Parent Bloggers Network

Vincent Shoes: We Really Love Them

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008

When our bloggers were afforded the opportunity to check out Vincent Shoes (specifically their new line of pre-walkers), we found ten very happy bloggers across the board. So in regards to Vincent’s new Spring/Summer 2008 line, our bloggers felt exactly the same way.

Our first group raved about everything from their stylish appearance, to their high quality, to their fantastic customer service. And our second group heartily agreed. Even I was particularly pleased with the Antons and Chrissys, both of which my kids wear on a daily basis. My daughter tends to have extremely difficult to fit feet (with even Stride Rites giving her blisters) and the Vincent Shoes have been a dream.

One mom noted the excellent styles for boys, who really tend to be neglected when it comes to US makers. “Since Ben was born, I’ve been complaining that shoe manufacturers discriminate against boys when designing shoes. So many beautiful girls’ shoes, but the boys’ shoes? They’re utilitarian, sure, but generally clunky and unstylish. Except, that is, for European boys’ shoes. Europeans know how to make shoes. Unlike their U.S. competitors, they make them soft, supple, and cuter than cute.” Another mom of boys had this to say as well “I am not a big fan of the loud character sneakers my boys like to pick out because they just don’t look nice with their clothes but Vincent shoes are a pleasant addition to most outfits.”

And if you’ve got kids who like to get down and dirty (I guess that would be all of them), fear not. Vincent shoes clean up easily! “Both pairs of shoes have been worn daily since we received them a month ago and they both still look new. The Orvar clog cleans up easily with a damp cloth and I washed the Rolf pair in the washer after an accidental step in a mud puddle.”

Bloggers also commented on the prices, which might seem pricey at first glance, but when matched with other comparable quality shoes, were actually pretty darn good. “These guys have shown me that buying designer shoes doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg and we can’t wait to see what Vincent Shoes has in store for us, next season.” Another mom had this to say: “While it’s true that European kids’ shoes are pricier than (some) American shoes, I think that the cost differential is well worth it. How many times have you bought sneakers at a big box store only to find, within a week, that part of the sole is peeling, or that the light-up feature has broken? It’s happened to me at least four times.”

If you’re interested in purchasing a pair or two of Vincent Shoes, make sure to use the code “SPRING-DEAL-8” for 20% off your order through April 30 (except sale shoes). And you’ll get free shipping for orders over $75.

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Posted in Clothing | No Comments »

Special Extended Blog Blast - Every Day is Mother’s Day

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Mother’s Day is a traditional time for gift-giving. Don’t get us wrong - we all love bouquets of flowers and breakfast in bed! But is it really about a one day extravaganza or a year full of kindnesses and consideration? Has the holiday become less about the actual recognition and more about the gift? Tell us how you want to be recognized this Mother’s Day!

We’ve teamed up with Johnson’s to bring you this special extended Blog Blast to promote their new charitable giving site, Johnson’s Baby Cause, powered by Global Giving. As part of their responsibility to the global community, Johnson’s has hand-selected dozens of charities around the world that mirror their deep commitment to caring for the health and well-being of mothers and children - not just on Mother’s Day, but every day of the year.

Here’s how to participate:

Write a post on your blog telling us how you want to be recognized this Mother’s Day. Post anytime between now and next Thursday, May 8 and include links to http://www.babycause.com and http://blog.parentbloggers.com.

Make sure to send your blog post link to parentbloggers@gmail.com and we’ll round them up on our blog on Thursday, May 8 - so give your post a creative title!

What can you win?

Both Johnson’s and PBN are chipping in for the prizes. Ten winners will receive a Johnson’s Mom and Baby product gift basket (thanks to Johnson’s) and $25 credit to donate to the charities of their choice at Johnson’s Baby Cause (thanks to PBN).

If you’ve got more than a few bucks to spare (or even if you don’t!), check out the celebrity-sponsored eBay auction benefiting Johnson’s Baby Cause. Bid on baby gear that’s been gently used by celebrities like Julianne Moore and Matt Damon, and their babies.

And by spreading the word about Johnson’s Baby Cause by participating in this Blog Blast, we all win. You can’t beat that!

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Posted in Blog Blasts | 6 Comments »

Kibbles Rockin’ Clubhouse and Skill Building Buddies DVDs for Kids on the Autistic Spectrum - Final Campaign Round-Up

Monday, April 28th, 2008

Five of our bloggers reviewed two different social-skills DVDs aimed at children on the autistic spectrum. Skill Building Buddies: Handling Transitions and Change focuses on coping with routine changes and other unexpected disappointments. Kibbles Rockin’ Clubhouse, Volume One: Expressing Yourself teaches greetings, “using your words,” identifying emotions, and saying goodbye. Both DVDs emphasized the need to stay calm. This is reassuring to our reviewers, as one of the challenges for parents of children on the spectrum is finding ways to cope with tantrums, funny noises, and other outlets of frustration that are considered inappropriate in standard social circles.

One blogger notes of her daughter, “She loses her cool most, most often.” Another blogger outlined how her son was asked to leave a preschool and was later expelled from Kindergarten. Preventing these tantrums - especially preventing them from becoming large problems - by training the children in coping with potentially nerve-wracking situations is vital.

Skill-Building Buddies: Handling Transitions and Change from Mazzarella Media focuses on unexpected schedule changes, handling disappointment, and the introduction of an unfamiliar activity. Project consultants for this DVD include psychologists, educational professionals, and speech & language pathologists.

Skill Building Buddies has several live-action scenarios that cartoon hosts then explain. Viewers are taught to “Look” “Listen” and “Stay Calm.” These segments are then broken up by an upbeat song about changes. One blogger noted the irony; “After two live-action segments, there’s a song break. This pattern can be comforting to children, especially when they are children who prefer patterns and dislike change!” And so, a DVD about learning to cope with change in routine has its own predictable pattern. But this will improve the ability for the viewers to feel comfortable with the material.

The live-action segments caused a bit of skepticism. One blogger focused on the adults: The adult actors model the “proper” way to address change to the child. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that “real world” activities will involve a soft-spoken adult who carefully explains why the change needs to occur. And another mentioned the calm cooperation of the kids: “I really didn’t find this to be realistic - a child not on the Spectrum wouldn’t handle this type of disappointment nearly as well as the kids on the show did. I did like how the concept of “Look at the person, Stay calm, and try to work it out” was repeated over and over.”

One blogger notes “Each live-action character’s change is a day-to-day issue, something that isn’t life-shattering, but children can relate to as a source of frustration/anger/sadness.” Another comments that perhaps more major changes should be addressed: “…there are medium-lasting but not permanent changes that can happen…Aunt Bonnie is still the same person she was before she bleached her hair blonde and Cousin Matt isn’t going to have braces forever. But for a kid on the spectrum, these changes in appearance can be traumatic.”

Our bloggers felt that their kids enjoyed Skill Building Buddies. Although one mother wasn’t sure if her daughter paid attention to the DVD, ““ …then I saw her playing with her little sister one day, and I overheard her saying, ‘…use your ears to listen, and stay calm,’ while she modeled the hand motions. Apparently she understood more than I thought she did.” Each little bit helps: Watching the DVD multiple times will help reinforce a positive coping strategy for dealing with change.

Kibbles Rockin’ Clubhouse from NoteAbilities is a series developed by parents and experts in speech and music therapy. Our Bloggers reviewed Volume One: Expressing Yourself. This DVD covers common greetings, eye-contact, identifying emotions, and appropriate physical contact.

The first section of the DVD involves common greetings. “A scene involving different ways to say “hello!” - it felt juvenile and contrived, and yet, she loved it.” says one mother.

Several bloggers liked the use of a posted schedule to help identify what comes next. This technique was used in both DVDs. “I liked the fact that they use an activity schedule - a kind of chart on the wall. My daughter loves to know what’s going on and thrives on a schedule, and it was gratifying to see that others find that important.”

A mother of a three year old explains, “It’s hard for many autistic kids to “read” emotions on the faces of others, just like it’s hard for them to express their own feelings. [My daughter] loved watching them practice each emotion, laughing at the silly faces, and trying to pick out the right emotion each time. (For the record, she still can’t recognize angry, frustrated or sad faces.)” Another mom also noted that her daughter didn’t quite understand the emotions section yet: “The section on reading body cues and faces was a bit over her head. She really didn’t understand what an angry face was - although she could correctly show me one, she had difficulty picking one out. She’s four, so this might be a section more suited to an older child.” A reviewer with a seven-year old son remarked that the emotions section was easy for him; “He easily got the “quiz” portion correct… he can understand different emotions when quizzed about them (spontaneous real-world application may not be as easy, although he’s gotten better,) but this DVD was still a good reminder of “using your words” and how to deal with anger, frustration, and disappointment.”

It can be difficult to try to explain to a child on the spectrum something that seems so “obvious” to other children or to us. Yet the way the DVD is created and the information provided in an interview with a speech pathologist reassures parents that their child is not alone and that the DVD has taken these quirks into consideration. One blogger notes, “…while some of it seems SO SIMPLISTIC, you have to remind yourself that what comes so easily to you is an enigma to these children. Another concurs, “I really liked the reassurances that a typical ASD kid can’t always reason and sometimes can have an adverse reaction; for example, fit throwing. I know those things in my head, but in my heart, sometimes it’s difficult to remember.” The DVD acknowledges these difficulties, and seeks to help overcome them.

One of our parents explained, “the extras on this DVD are just as valuable as the actual program. The speech therapist and the two music therapists who helped design Kibbles Rockin’ Clubhouse talk about the theory behind the therapy and give parent strategies for incorporating music and speech therapies all day long.” This support for parents is valuable.

Our bloggers felt this DVD was realistic, too. One parent noted, “There were examples of “good” and “bad” ways of dealing with anger, meeting people, and coping with strong emotions. Some DVDs only show the “good” way of dealing with a situation, which doesn’t feel realistic to me or my kids.” She also noted that “[the techniques] helped recently when my oldest daughter got frustrated at the beach. We were able to work through her anger, and get to the root of the trouble rather than just patching up the surface issue.”

This DVD is not just enjoyable for kids on the spectrum. Siblings enjoyed the video too. One blogger explained, “Sometimes I forget that having a sibling on the spectrum deprives them of regular interaction, that their relationship is based on a different sort of understanding and that it occasionally can cause confusion when dealing with other neurotypical kids.” Another noted, ““[My neurotypical 3.5 year old] was interested, too, although after the first several rounds decided that he wasn’t as excited as [my pdd-nos seven year old.]“ But, she acknowledges, “I hope [My neurotypical 3.5 year old] picks up on the bits about anger. Many little kids need to learn about appropriate responses to disappointment, not just those on the spectrum.”

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Congratulations to Jen G, winner of these two DVDs!

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Posted in Autism, Baby, Elementary School, Kids, Media, Pre-school | 3 Comments »

Rockabye: From Wild to Child — Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Sunday, April 27th, 2008

We’ve all been anxiously awaiting the release of blogger and mom Rebecca Woolf’s memoir Rockabye: From Wild to Child. And it’s not just because many of us were already huge fans of Rebecca’s well-known (and well written) blog [this]Girl’s Gone Child. I think that many us saw Rebecca as a cross-over star — a blogger (with a great deal of published work, don’t get us wrong) that was able to cross over to the world of books.

And from the reviews thus far, she’s done a fantastic job. In fact, one blogger compared Rebecca’s book to another well-liked memoir. “The book reminded me most of Anne Lamott’s Operating Instructions, and that, my friends, is a high compliment.

The book is described in different ways by different bloggers. One mom wrote the following:

“This is a love story, but it’s not quite the love story that we’re used to hearing. It’s not romanticized or filled with gauzy clouds and sleeping babies. Instead, it’s a raw, honest story of what it means to fall in love with your husband, to go through childbirth with a sense of humor and a bit of fear, and to transform yourself into a mother-creature that is still true to the woman that lives inside.”

Our reviewers noted that you didn’t need to be the wild singleton turned mom to relate to this book. “And somehow, I found myself identifying with Rebecca. Not because I have tattoos (I don’t) or because I was a big party girl who got pregnant unexpectedly (I wasn’t), but because I’m a mother.”

Another added this: “In some ways — OK, LOTS of ways — my life couldn’t be more different than Rebecca’s, but I connected with her writing instantly. It didn’t matter that she was a 20-something and I was a 40-something. It didn’t matter that she had been a “wild child” and I never was (though I always wanted to be!). Her stories about her motherhood and life experiences resonated with something in me — she touched a place in me that was strong yet hesitant, opinionated yet ambivalent, a mother struggling to still be myself.”

Additionally, they noted the gorgeous simplicity of her writing. “Rebecca has a way with a sentence that at first glance seems simple. But the word “simple” doesn’t do her work justice. She has an ease with a sentence just as she seems to be at ease with herself. She says what she means and she doesn’t mince words.” This mom added, “But the most compelling thing about the book is, of course, Rebecca’s writing. She has a gift with word pictures. She brought me into her life and, even though we have very little in common on the surface, I found myself strongly identifying with her turbulent emotions as she passed through early motherhood.”

Bloggers honed in on a strong core message, as one mom wrote:

What Rebecca has to say is something that, really, we all need to hear. There is more than one way to be a mother. There is my way, there is your way, there is her way.

Another echoed those sentiments:

I was also inspired by her courage and ability to do things her way, which for her was, in her words, “backward and inside out and upside down.” But really, it was the perfect way for it all to happen. For their family.

As did this mom:

So when you’re tempted to worry about whether you should look at yet another parenting magazine for motherhood advice, take a little advice from the pages of Rockabye, and look to your inner self.

Check out the rest of the reviews, and join me as I talk to Rebecca LIVE on Wednesday from 9-9:30pm EST on my podcast.

Mon 4/28 - Her Bad Mother , mothergoosemouse
Tues 4/29 - Metro Mama
Wed 4/30 - Letters to My Daughters
Thurs 5/1 - Mother Bumper
Fri 5/2 - 24/7, Motherhood Uncensored
Sat 5/3 - Round-Up Review

If you’re reading/reviewing Rebecca’s book, let us know. We’d be happy to link your review on this post or our final round up. And if you don’t have a copy yet, you can purchase it via Amazon!

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A couple of announcements:

* You still have time to submit your entry for our Blog Blast! Last week’s lucky winner of a $250 Spa Gift Certificate (selected at random with random.org) is Ebony Mommy! And stay tuned — we’ve got a blog blast every Friday through the end of May. WOO!

* Check out Mamazine’s 2nd Annual MAMA FOCUS contest. Lots of great prizes!

* Congrats to PBN blogger and now mom of two Binky on the birth of her beautiful son.

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Posted in Books | 1 Comment »

Blog Blast - Microsoft’s “Portraits of Mom”

Friday, April 25th, 2008

Perhaps you’ve envisioned yourself as a mother ever since you dressed and cuddled your dolls. Or maybe you never really pictured motherhood until you got that positive test result or received word that your baby would finally be coming home to you. Even if you’re not a mother yet, or you never will be, you’ve had a mother of your own or a motherly figure in your life. Paint for us your portrait of a mother.

Microsoft is celebrating motherhood and Mother’s Day with a “Portraits of Mom” campaign that runs from April 19-May 11, 2008, and we’re helping them spread the word.

Not only can you visit a neighborhood Windows Live Portrait Studio in San Francisco or Brooklyn where you’ll be treated to a free professional family photo that you can edit and share with your friends and family, there are lots of fun activities for moms and children happening live in the studios throughout the promotion. Stop by the photo studio or send an email to learn more details - sfstudio@portraitsofmom.com or nystudio@portraitsofmom.com

If you can’t make it to the studio in person, you can still honor your mom by submitting a photo from your Windows Live Space and invite your friends to vote for it and win prizes that every mom will enjoy! It’s simple and fun way to show your mom some love and appreciation.

For more info you can check out all the details at www.portraitsofmom.com.

Here’s how to participate:

Write a post on your blog describing your portrait of a mother. Post anytime this weekend - Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27 and include links to http://www.portraitsofmom.com and http://blog.parentbloggers.com.

Make sure to send your blog post link to parentbloggers@gmail.com and we’ll round them up right here all weekend long - so give your post a creative title!

What can you win?

A $250 gift certificate to your local photography studio of choice! Just tell us where you want to go, and we’ll get you set up.

And of course we encourage you to enter “Portraits of Mom” yourself!

Check out all of these Portraits of Mom!

A Mommy Forever

A Mother of a Pie

A Portrait I Do Not Want

A Portrait of a Mother as Hero

A Real Mom

The Birth of a Mother

Crackberry Portrait of a Mother

I Want to Be a Mommy When I Grow Up

Lesson from Mom: Don’t Like Your Portrait? Re-paint It!

Love Snapshot

Meeting My Mother in the Middle

Mommies R Us

Motherhood Is Like This…

Motherhood Paints a Messy Picture

My Mother, Your Mother, His Mother, Hers

Oceans Apart - For the Sake of the Call

Peas & Carrots

Portrait of a Mother

Portrait of a Mother…Specifically, My Mother

Portrait of Mom

The Scent of a Mother

Suffering in Paradise

Three Little Letters, So Much Meaning M-O-M

What Is a Mom?

What Is a Mother?

Worry Is the Misuse of Imagination

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Posted in Blog Blasts | 5 Comments »

Raised By Wolves - Campaign Launch

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

Go check your bed. Is it unmade?

Yes?

Then you may have been Raised by Wolves, or at least by a mother or father who has chosen to tidy up behind you because they love you. But now that you are a Big Boy or Big Girl, their love would probably be best served telling you to clean up after yourself. That crazy work-related dilemma? Figure it out for yourself. It is time to cut the parents a break, especially if you are a parent now. Rise to the challenge!

Fortunately, Christie Mellor of The Three-Martini Playdate fame has written an instruction manual for newly-crowned adults (or those of us who act as though our last moment of teenagerdom was yesterday, even if we are already past thirty.) Many of our parentbloggers are a tad older than fresh out of high-school or college, but something told us we’d better delve into Ms. Mellor’s advice.

Were You Raised by Wolves?: Clues to the Mysteries of Adulthood is filled with practical tips about such topics as how to keep your living space clean and well-decorated, how to act at work, and how to be money-smart. But this isn’t a dry textbook: adulthood doesn’t have to be boring.

Intrigued? Then visit our bloggers as they reveal whether this book helped them grow up:

Mon 4/28 - Cheese Party and Mom to the Screaming Masses
Tues 4/29 - Creature Bug and Formula Fed and Flexible Parenting
Wed 4/30 - Mama Drama Stephanie and Slouching Mom
Thurs 5/1 - Mummy’s Product Reviews
Fri 5/2 - Mommy’s Must Haves and Toddler Planet
Mon 5/5 - Surrender Dorothy and Tales from the Dad Side
Tues 5/6 - Builder Mama and Lawyer Mama
Wed 5/7 - Halushki and Mayberry Mom
Thurs 5/8 - My Family Loves It and Radioactive Girl
Fri 5/9 - Chaos Theory and Letters to My Daughters
Mon 5/12 - Mid-Campaign post on PBN, Gunfighter’s View, and Mom Reviews
Tues 5/13 - Cootie Chronicles and Mrs Dub Reviews
Wed 5/14 - Pundit Mom and mothergoosemouse
Thurs 5/15 - Domestic Diva and Mama Maven
Fri 5/16 - Girl Con Queso and Her Bad Mother
Mon 5/19 - Island Review and Taste Like Crazy
Tues 5/20 - Karianna and Midwestern Mommy
Wed 5/21 - Mommy Needs Coffee and This Full House
Mon 5/26 - Round-Up review on PBN

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Posted in Books | 1 Comment »

Your Baby Can Read! Final Campaign Round-up

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008

Today, childcare experts know that a youngster’s brain is a lot like a sponge. Experts have also learned that children thrive in a learning environment where they are actively engaged. And parents have taken those findings to heart. But many parents who wish to give their offspring a head start often feel overwhelmed by the plethora of products available. How do you choose what’s the best fit?

Your Baby Can Read! is an award-winning program that assists parents in teaching their children, (from babies to five years of age) how to read via dvd’s, slidecards, and picture cards. The approach is one of sight, sound, and interaction amongst caregiver and child.

The system includes lots of neat stuff. Each dvd contains many fun activities and engaging dialogue, and shows words that correspond with the spoken word and a picture. The dvds are full of songs, with the words shown karaoke style, so the child will associate the words sung with the spoken word. A series of flashcards are included, as well, each showing a picture to match the word.

The program was created by Dr. Robert Tizer, an infant researcher, father, and professor. He began creating his program in 1991, when his daughter Aleka was a baby. The program, which focuses on teaching reading through whole word recognition, was refined over time. According to one blogger, the program does incorporate some elements of sounding the word out, which is good. There is a lot of repetition, which is exactly what children need in order to recognize words.

So what did our reviewers think? How did their children respond?

Once the DVD got into full swing, my normally very active toddler sat down on her butt and watched the entire video. I liked the fact that the entire thing is short and bright and rather engaging. There were plenty of opportunities for me to interact with her while she was watching the video and she remained interested throughout the whole thing.

While some bloggers and their children enjoyed the quickly paced word presentations, others felt it too fast. One blogger’s daughter would try to read the word, but either the answer was given too quickly, or the screen would move to a new word too fast, and it would frustrate her. Sometimes I would help her out by pausing the video so she could see the word–I suspect her vision issues were a factor in not seeing the word right away–and this helped.

The flashcards were a big hit among the crowd. One blogger noted: What I will RAVE about, though, are the flash cards that came with the set. These sliding word cards with a word on front and another on the back, open up to reveal the word’s image in real life photos. They are so wonderful that for Easter my girls grandmother bought them the entire set. Another added, the blank card was a good idea, too. I wrote each boy’s name on one side and they liked flipping it back and forth.

One writer loved the program so much, she wished she’d found out about it sooner. This DVD set could have made things easier with the two boys had I had it back 4 years ago. The same writer enthuses that now the younger children (ages 3, 2, and 18 months) have the opportunity to use this DVD program. I can’t wait to see the progress they will be making. Just after a few viewings, they are saying words I hadn’t heard them say before. Look out early reader groups, here we come!

To learn more about the program or to purchase, visit the Your Baby Can Read! program or visit Amazon.

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Posted in Baby, Kids, Media, Toddler | No Comments »

Vincent Spring & Summer 2008: Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

With Spring finally here and Summer clearly knocking at our door, it’s time for parents to take their kids summer shoe shopping. For kids who have to wear uniforms all year, it can be a pretty exciting undertaking. And when it happens to be Vincent Shoes, even better.

If you’ve never heard of Vincent Shoes, here’s a brief synopsis:

Vincent shoes were created by Swedish designers Patrick Österman and Thomas Elbaum, after their personal disappointment with the lack of high quality, stylish children’s shoes. The inspiration for the shoe’s designs come from what the pair’s creative eyes see on the runways of Paris, Milan, London and New York.

Parents certainly tend to gravitate to their widely distributed stand-bys when it comes to kid’s shoes. However, our parents definitely put the shoes to the test. Decide whether you should branch out and change your mind.

As far as the specific shoes went, here’s what parents had to say about their picks:

- The Steves are the perfect warm-weather shoe to take Dylan through the summer. A closed-toe sandal, these also have rubber that extends over the toe for extra protection, and an adjustable velcro strap. Both styles are very well made and offer a buttery-soft cushioned interior for comfort.

- I love both pairs of boots. They are adorable and sturdy and definitely keep my kids’ feet dry. My daughter, at least, is a huge fan of her Blommas, slipping them on at the slightest sign of precip.

- (In reference to the Bettys) Bethany loves these shoes. She calls them her “Wow-wa” shoes. That’s Bethy-speak for “flower” shoes, but they do have a “wow” factor to them: she gets complements on them everywhere she goes. All the daycare teachers have complemented her, and random people in the parks and the grocery stores have stopped to admire them.

- The second pair that we have is the Svante. Oh my! Holy Cuteness! This shoe is delightful! I so wish that I had gotten two pairs of this shoe… I adore it!

- The Emilias are fabulously sparkly, comfortable, and easy to get in and out of independently. Essentially, Laurel can feel like a princess (yes, we’re in full blown, peer-inspired princess mode) without clomping around in sure-to-break-an-ankle princess dress up heels.

Our parents commented honestly about the pricing, keeping in mind the quality, fit, and overall appeal of the shoes. “Yes, these shoes are a slightly higher price point that shoes you will find in most mass-merchandise retail outlets. Keep in mind, though, these shoes are real leather, including a leather foot bed. The leather will stretch and give with your child’s foot over the summer, unlike that cheap vinyl that digs into their precious little porcelain skin.”

Also, a few parents ordered the wrong size. Aside from suggesting the online shoe fitter, the parents mentioned the great and super fast customer service. “In fact, I did get the size wrong, which meant I got to experience Vincent’s famed customer service. Exchanging the boots for a smaller size was super-simple — I just slapped on an emailed return label and that was it. The new size fit perfectly.” Another mom added the following: “While I was on the phone, she had already e-mailed me a return authorization, and a UPS mailing label to send the big pair of shoes back. (Although, it did take some negotiating to get these shoes off my four-year-old’s feet.) The new pair of shoes arrived Tuesday (that fast!).”

Check out what the rest of our parents have to say, and make sure to snatch up a pair or two for your own kids with the special discount code: SPRING-DEAL-8 for 20% off (sale shoes not included).

Today! My Family Loves It
Wed 4/23 - This Full House
Thurs 4/24 - Slouching Mom
Fri 4/25 - Lipstick to Crayons
Mon 4/28 - Motherhood Uncensored
Tues 4/29 - FINAL ROUND UP

Photo courtesy of SusieJ

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Posted in Clothing, Kids | 1 Comment »

Rock and Rule! Campaign Launch of Mama Rock’s Rules

Monday, April 21st, 2008

She has raised 10 children and has helped to care for another 17 foster children. In her neighborhood, her house was THE place to hang. Oh, and don’t forget, she’s also got years of teaching experience under her belt. In short, Mama Rock (mother to comedian Chris Rock) knows children. Now the tough yet tender matriarch has parlayed her many years’ experience into a little something called “Mama Rock’s Rules: Ten Lessons for Raising a House Full of Successful Children.”

Twenty of our bloggers read about her no-nonsense approach. She doesn’t claim parenting is easy, nor promises to make it so. But she delivers sage advice and offers readers a glimpse inside the house of Rock.

Tues 4/22 - SusieJ
Wed 4/23 - Rookie Moms
Thurs 4/24 - Builder Mama
Fri 4/25 - Growing Your Baby
Mon 4/28 - Girl Con Queso
Tues 4/29 - My Family Loves It
Wed 4/30 - Karianna
Thurs 5/1 - Domestic Diva
Fri 5/2 - PunditMom
Mon 5/5 - Letters to My Daughters
Tues 5/6 - Suburban Oblivion and Mid-Campaign Post on PBN
Wed 5/7 - Ebony Mommy
Thurs 5/8 - Cheese Party
Fri 5/9 - Mom to the Screaming Masses
Mon 5/12 - Slouching Mom , Temporarily Me
Tues 5/13 - Binkytown
Wed 5/14 - Mummy’s Product Reviews
Thurs 5/15 - Life With Heathens
Fri 5/16 - Mommy’s Must Haves
Tues 5/20 - Round-Up Review on PBN

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Posted in Books, Kids | No Comments »

Rockabye - From Wild to Child: Campaign Launch of Rebecca Woolf Memoir

Sunday, April 20th, 2008

With a slew of momoirs hitting the book shelves (YAY!), it can be hard to navigate through which one would be of great interest to you. Most of us have little time, if any, to enjoy a good read, and so any recommendations that can be passed on from mom to mom, or parent to parent are most appreciated.

Well, if you happen to pass by Rebecca Woolf’s new memoir Rockabye: From Wild to Child, I strongly encourage you to pick it up. Having finished it on one plane ride to New York City a few weeks ago, I can honestly say it’s a definite must-read. Of course, you’ll read the rest of my review as part of our Parent Bloggers Network book tour, but suffice it to say that Rebecca’s writing, made popular on her blog Girls Gone Child, is beautifully uncomplicated — no running to the dictionary to look up words or no brain twists to try to figure out what she’s saying. Her story of surprise pregnancy in her early twenties, becoming a mother, and her struggles with the transition are something that all moms, regardless of how “wild” your past was, can relate to.

Check out the reviews of Rockabye, and catch Rebecca on the Motherhood Uncensored Podcast on 5/14 from 9-9:30pm EST. And if you’re lucky enough to live on the West Coast, please stop by and support Rebecca at one of her many live and in person book tour stops!

Mon 4/21 - Chicky Chicky Baby, Surrender Dorothy
Tues 4/22 - Toddler Planet
Wed 4/23 - Mommy Off the Record
Thurs 4/24 - PunditMom
Fri 4/25 - Lawyer Mama
Sun 4/27 - Mid-Campaign Post
Mon 4/28 - Her Bad Mother , mothergoosemouse
Tues 4/29 - Metro Mama
Wed 4/30 - Letters to My Daughters
Thurs 5/1 - Mother Bumper
Fri 5/2 - 24/7, Motherhood Uncensored
Sat 5/3 - Round-Up Review

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The Parent Bloggers Network

Archive for April, 2008

Vincent Shoes: We Really Love Them

Special Extended Blog Blast - Every Day is Mother’s Day

Kibbles Rockin’ Clubhouse and Skill Building Buddies DVDs for Kids on the Autistic Spectrum - Final Campaign Round-Up

Rockabye: From Wild to Child — Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Blog Blast - Microsoft’s “Portraits of Mom”

Raised By Wolves - Campaign Launch

Your Baby Can Read! Final Campaign Round-up

Vincent Spring & Summer 2008: Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Rock and Rule! Campaign Launch of Mama Rock’s Rules

Rockabye - From Wild to Child: Campaign Launch of Rebecca Woolf Memoir

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