Have you heard of Jingles the Elf? Well today I’m going to introduce you to him and to Doodle Dots, a fun mom-owned company with inspired books and products for children.

Jingles comes in a box with his very own book. He is a very curious little elf and when playing with “Magical Copying Machine” in the workshop he created thousands of Jingles.  So Santa has come up with a great plan.

He assigned each Jingle to a special child and gave each one a magical bell to report back to the North Pole with.  Jingles is sent out every December 1st to their chosen child. Every night the elf hides somewhere new, waiting to be discovered by their child.  This fun hide and seek adventure continues each night until Santa picks Jingles up on his way back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

This delightful little package is such a fun idea for children during the holidays.  I think that it makes for a fun family activity.

Also available from DooDots is The Giving Jar.  A beautifully illustrated story about an 11 year old boys visit to his grandparents’ farm and a lesson on giving.

Doodle Dots is offering A Frog In My Soup readers 10% off when you use the code HOLIDAY10OFF at checkout through December 15th (so hurry).

She has also offered one lucky winner a signed copy of both Jingles the Elf and The Giving Jar.  To enter to win please visit their website, take a look around then come back here and tell me why you’d like this prize.

There are some great extra entry opportunities as well of course, feel free to take advantage of all of the entries for as many chances to win as possible.…Just be sure to leave a NEW comment with each entry…:

• Become a Facebook Fan of A Frog In My Soup!!!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by December 12th.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure: I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like.  I received both items presented in order to review them and present them to you.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

If you have a girlie girl princessy type in your life, this is such a wonderful gift!  As Christmas is upon us, gift buying and choosing is definitely in full swing for us.  I was so excited when I learned about this wonderful company, Fairy-Gram.

A Fairy-Gram is a Fairy outfit in a Box that is delivered gift wrapped and ready to go.  Offered in 8 different colors you can choose your recipient’s favorite!  Each box includes: a Fairy tutu, wings, ribbon wand, halo and butterfly clips.  Saying that these sets are super cute does NOT do them justice.

Shona is the owner and mom behind this very fun company and I asked her to tell me a bit about her inspiration for the product line:

My 5 year old daughter has been my inspiration. She’s been dressing in costumes since age 2 and just loves it. She puts a smile on my face everyday I see her in one. Fairies are her favorite. While looking for gifts for her friends birthdays, I realized that it’s hard to find a costume in the form of a gift. That’s how Fairy-Gram was born. I saw a need for fairy outfits to be easily purchased as gifts and delivered to little girls. I see the joy on my daughters face when she opens something “pretty”. I want that for other little girls too. When a little girl receives a Fairy-Gram, it’s beautifully packaged with tissue paper, a note and beautiful clips. There’s no plastic commercial wrapping that can be a hassle for little girls.

These adorable sets will definitely provide any little girl with hours upon hours of endless fun and imagination.  These are great for little girls from age 2 to age 10!

Now through December 31, 2009 you can get 15% off by using the code: MOMSREVIEW.  Be sure to take advantage of this offer when doing your Christmas shopping.

One very lucky reader can enter to win a Fairy-Gram! Just visit the website and check out what they have to offer. Once you are done, come back here and leave a comment telling me which color you will choose if you win and what little girl in your life will enjoy it!

There are some great extra entry opportunities as well of course, feel free to take advantage of all of the entries for as many chances to win as possible.…Just be sure to leave a NEW comment with each entry…:

• Become a Facebook Fan of A Frog In My Soup!!!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by December 3rd, 2009.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure: I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like.  I received a Fairy-Gram to review and present this information to you.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Moments made up of fun times in everyday life are some of the things that will become your children’s greatest memories.  Having fun games around the house is one of the ways to make just such memories.  Recently I was contacted about Elefun and Friends and some of their great games.

Their games truly are fun.  They are creative, and would even make great party games, primarily for preschoolers.  Giraffalaffe Limbo is a fun musical game that they really get into and Scatterpillar Scramble also keeps them hopping…and balancing.

Here’s a few more details:

GIRAFFALAFF LIMBO is the crazy new game of “how low can you go?” Spin the dial to try one of the 6 limbo styles: classic limbo, crab walk, crawl, giraffe walk, bend forward or backward. The game´s built-in sound will play an encouraging song as preschoolers try not to bump into Giraffalaff. If he´s knocked over, he´ll roll on the floor in laughter. The player that passes under Giraffalaff at the lowest level wins.

In SCATTERPILLAR SCRAMBLE kids will do their best to balance marbles in the hands of one very wiggly caterpillar. Kids will have fun dancing along to the music with Scatterpillar in this fast-paced marble game. The first player to securely place all 8 marbles in Scatterpillar´s hands wins. SCATTERPILLAR SCRAMBLE was named the 2009 Preschool Game of the Year by Creative Child Magazine.

You can even visit their website for more fun and creativity.  When you enter the special code inside each Elefun and Friends game box your child gains access to a fun animated short.

One very lucky reader has an opportunity to win both of these games.  To enter, visit the site and check out the games.  Then come back here and leave a comment telling me what your favorite game or memory while playing is.

I have some extra entry opportunities as well of course, feel free to take advantage of all of the entries for as many chances to win as possible.…Just be sure to leave a NEW comment with each entry…:

• Become a Facebook Fan of A Frog In My Soup!!!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by November 18, 2009.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure: I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like.  I received the two games mentioned to review with my family and present the review.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

JumpStart and Preschool are 2 names that definitely go hand in hand.  JumpStart has been around for such a long time and I have always enjoyed using their products with my children.  Their new 3D and online versions are so adaptable for various family needs.

I got to try out their PreK 2 cd set and we love it.  Teaching preschoolers all the basic concepts in a very visually appealing way is one of the things I love about JumpStart.  The kids love it as well, giving them access to a world that they control and characters that are very fun.

The first CD is for Preschoolers and they will enjoy 12 activities to help them get ready for school.  On CD 2, Kindergarten children will enjoy the 35 activities created just for them.  One of the most fun activities is creating their avatar and setting up their house.  The kids love these activities, but well, I guess in the end it’s hard to pick any one thing they loved more!

With this 2-CD set, kids can:

• Design an unique avatar and decorate a house
• Choose from over 15 pets to adopt and nurture: groom, feed and buy accessories for the pet to wear
• Complete missions to unlock storybooks
• Rack up gems and then trade them in for pets, accessories or other great prizes to decorate the world
• Get creative by adding personal photos and artwork

Their new JumpStart Online program is another great option.  Even parents have great tools at their fingertips!  This is a monthly membership program that offers similar features to the cd, but even more depth.  Three to ten year olds have tons of educational (yet very fun) resources available every time they login.

With a wonderful 3D landscape, the online world offers so many features.  Be sure to hop over to the site and check it out.  The parents section really is amazing as well, totally worth checking out when you can.

The great thing is that they have offered one of you a 3 month membership to their online world!  To enter, be sure to visit the website, then come back here and leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this.

There are some great extra entry opportunities as well of course, feel free to take advantage of all of the entries for as many chances to win as possible.…Just be sure to leave a NEW comment with each entry…:

• Become a Facebook Fan of A Frog In My Soup!!!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by November 12, 2009.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure: I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like.  I received a copy of the More Beautiful You CD in order to listen to it and present the review.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

The Eccentric Racing Network offers not only a great site for your family, but also has a very fun shop.  I had an opportunity to review their book RV the Aardvark who is an incredible creature who has overcome much in life. Although he was born without feet, he has not only learned how to function well, he has also become an amazing racer despite his adversities.

Children, especially boys, love this story and are definitely drawn in. My 11 year old was fascinated by all the characters, though he did mention that the story started out a little slow, it didn’t take long for him to really get involved in the story.

They also carry great apparel and you can enter to win two shirts of your choice from Eccentric Racing Network!  Just click here to read the rest and enter to win!!!

About a month or so ago I began hearing a song on the radio that not only stood out to me but brought me to tears.  In case you were wondering, that doesn’t happen often.  The song is More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz.

Even though the song talks about younger girls, through my conversations with many moms I have come to realize that so many of us are quite possibly more uncomfortable with how we look and/or fit in now than when we were teens.

The changes in our lives physically and every other way are so profound as a mom.  I think that many of you will easily relate to this song…and maybe, just maybe you will be brought to tears as well.  I encourage you to watch the video…

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

The last verse is so profound for those who feel that they have simply have reached the end of their rope trying to fit into our society’s version of beautiful and “complete”!  I encourage you to let that part wash over you!

So turn around, you’re not too far
To back away, be who you are
To change your path, go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights, hope to forgets
Can disappear, they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong, can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears, dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

A couple of weeks ago, I penned this post for all of you as I sat in the car waiting for my 13 year old to finish football practice.  When I returned home, I noticed that I had an email with the same title as this song…I kid you not, my mouth fell open and I said “NO way!!!”.

It was a PR representative asking if I would like to offer copies of this CD for my readers to enter to win.  It was absolutely one of those moments!  Timing truly is everything, and His timing is perfect isn’t it?  Well, He knows it is even when we don’t. (more…)

In our digital society, most families have multiple cell phones.  One for dad, another for mom and even one for a few of the kids.  It is not only a way to communicate, but highly recommended for safety reasons.  But we all know that we aren’t supposed to be talking on the phone when we drive unless we are using something to keep us hands free.

As a parent, this is especially important when you see the accident statistics involving distracted drivers, especially those who are trying to talk on the phone, make a call, etc. without using a hands free device.  In fact, many cities and states have made it illegal to do so and we are definitely among them.  When I was asked to try out the Blackberry Visor Mount Speakerphone, my initial concern was that I have an iPhone…are they compatible?  The answer is definitely YES!

This Blackberry speakerphone is compatible with all Bluetooth enabled phones, so you don’t have to have a Blackberry to use it for yourself.  I have to say that I truly am impressed with this little device!

Here’s a few more details:

The BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone is the latest in innovative BlackBerry technology. It wirelessly streams calls from any Bluetooth enabled phone through your car’s stereo system. This slim, ultra light product attaches to your car visor and is very easy to set up – just turn it on and press a button to pair it with your cell phone. You’ll then be able to answer calls with one touch and receive verbal caller IDs. The Visor Mount Speakerphone also keeps you and the kids entertained by streaming music from your BlackBerry over the car stereo.

Here’s what I loved…

• Setup is a snap – make sure you read the instructions on connecting, charging, answering, using it to voice dial (for voice dialing enabled phones), etc.  The instruction “book” is super short and quick.
• Very easy to use – the instructions are simple and once you are setup, you just tap the speakerphone to answer calls…then tap again to hang up, no need to take your eyes off the road.
• Conveniently mounted on the visor above my head and easy to reach.
• Battery life is GREAT!

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of reading through the little instruction booklet before you use this device.  Once you have, you’re good to go.  For instance, the battery doesn’t really show you a full looking battery when it is charged.  It simply goes from red to green.  I didn’t know this and drove around for three days with the cord attached (which isn’t super convenient) LOL.

I’m really enjoying our Blackberry Visor Mount Speakerphone and I’m very excited to be able to offer one of these (retail value $99.99) to a lucky commenter. Entering is simple, just visit the website and when you’re done looking around, come back here and leave a comment telling me why you’d like to win this speakerphone.!

There are some great extra entry opportunities as well of course, feel free to take advantage of all of the entries for as many chances to win as possible. …Just be sure to leave a NEW comment with each entry…(hint, when you are looking at this as an individual post, below you will see some little icons, to easily submit this post to a variety of sites):

• Become a Facebook Fan of A Frog In My Soup!!!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.
• Fave at Technorati!  Just fave this post or A Frog In My Soup at Technorati.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by October 20th, 2009.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure:  I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like.  I received the Blackberry Visor Mount Speakerphone in order to use it myself to present the review.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

This week I have a very ScrapHappy Giveaway surprise for all of you! If you have been longing to get that first baby book done of your precious little one and maybe even make some fun gifts for Grandparents for Christmas, I have an amazing offer for you.

I’m not going to post one of my own layouts because this one is all about you! If you have just had a baby, grandbaby or know someone who has, I’m sure you have some amazing photos! I’m also sure that most of you are finding that although it would be fabulous to have those photos magically appear in a book, the time required to really get that first baby book completed is overwhelming.  Let alone all the relatives that want their own copies.

Enter, Camie Designs‘ Your Birth Story Photobooks (one for boys and one for girls)!  Here, check it out for yourselves…

Since the last two weeks have been all about great food and home products, the promotion of this fantastic sweepstakes couldn’t have come at a better time.  Right now the Food Network and Kia are offering the What’s Your Forte? Sweepstakes where you can win a $10,000 Kitchen Aid kitchen makeover.  Yay!

In addition to that grand prize, there are also other great prizes from Kitchen Aid and iRobot.  Be sure to visit the sweepstakes’ site for all the details and to enter!

One of the sponsors of this event is Kia Motors and of course the namesake behind the sweepstakes is their cute Forte.

“There have been many firsts throughout time. Like the invention of the engine, the first vehicle to be incredibly safe, the first vehicle to be incredibly powerful. There have been many designers that mastered their craft. There have been plenty of technological innovations such as satellite radio, MP3 devices and Bluetooth. As an automotive company, we weren’t the first at any of these. But when it comes to putting all of this into a compact car, we are pioneers. The Forte. The first of its kind.”

This is such a great car in so many ways, and like all Kia’s I’m sure that the price is great too!  Now, if only my family was a little smaller…  You can even follow them on Facebook!

Just for checking out this sweepstakes, I am excited to be able to offer a fantastic prize for one very lucky reader!   Just visit the sweepstakes site and check it out…enter if you want while you’re there.  Then come back here and leave a comment and you will be entered to win a $25 Fandango gift card and $30 worth of Crate and Barrel Gift Cards!

Extra ways to enter…(be sure to leave a NEW comment for EACH extra entry!):

• Become a Facebook Fan of Kia Forte!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by October 13th, 2009.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure:  I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like. I will receive a gift card as well for presenting this opportunity to you.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

When I was contacted about this fabulous product, I was totally in love with the idea of a product that easily helps me in my effort to make workouts more effective. The Motiva Petite is easy to use and very small and fashionable.

The directions were so easy to follow, and it was so attractive to wear. I use it whenever I’m working out and it is brilliant. Why you ask…the features are absolutely amazing!

• ECG accurate heart rate, without a chest strap
• Smallest heart rate monitor on the market
• Visual indicator of exertion level based on heart rate and personal data
• Percent of maximum heart rate display based on age and gender
• Multiple timers (5)
• Patented calorie management system allowing users to track calorie intake throughout the day and calories burned during exercise, against a daily calorie target
• Can be used for MIO’s 3500 Calorie Countdown Program
• Full-featured sports watch including alarm, exercise timer, date and backlit display
• Water resistant to 30 meters
• MIO’s signature interchangeable Petite watch band (other colors sold separately)
• BONUS: One extra signature interchangeable Petite watch band!
• BONUS: MioSENSE Guide to Healthy Living

With all the different functions available in the Motiva Stride Petite, you’ll want to wear it all the time for whatever you’re doing. I especially love that it tracks daily caloric intake as well as heart rate, basic time/date, etc.

You can find out more about this great Mio product and more on their website, their Facebook page, through Twitter and on YouTube.

They have offered one very lucky reader your choice of product from their site. Be sure to visit and choose something, then come back here and leave a comment with a link to the product you would like to win in order to enter.

There are lots of great ways to get extra entries!

(be sure to leave a NEW comment for EACH extra entry!):

• Special Extra entries for this giveaway! One each for becoming a fan on their facebook page and/or following them on Twitter.
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here. Be sure to enter by October 5th, 2009. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian addresses!

Disclosure: I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like. I was sent the Motiva Stride Petit watch to try for myself in order to present you with an informed review. You can read my full disclosure policy here.