I’m thrilled to kick off the new year with a giveaway from Blabla! Two moms and best friends (of 25 years) started a company that has now evolved into something far beyond their wildest dreams!

Florence Wetterwald, designer and co-owner, says this about these knitted creations: “I always think of Blabla products as contemporary objects which reflect the inner life of children in this modern world. I love kids. Their fragility moves me. I like to believe that my designs comfort them and make them smile.”

As a mom, here’s why I’m Ga-Ga over Blabla: 

• The owners of Blabla have created a company that searches for “beauty, authenticity, and laughter.” Who doesn’t aspire to live a life with these? 

• All of the products are made of natural, high-quality fibers that make them “irresistibly soft and cuddly” for children. Prior to our discovery of Blabla, my daughter couldn’t care less about dolls. Now, well, the picture says it all!

• These products make me happy; they are simple, vibrant, and fun! Just look at these finger puppets . . . I know you’re smiling What a great way to encourage open-ended, imaginative play in your home. 

• Blabla takes pride in fair trade ethics and a committment to the Peruvian artisans who knit these products. This global-minded company is based on mutual respect between designers and knitters. 

I could go on forever, but you’ll have to check out the rest! Blabla’s collection also includes rattles, blankets, mobiles, and clothing. They make wonderful baby and shower gifts!

And now . . .for the GIVEAWAY! Susan at Blabla has generously offered my readers the chance to win the adorable Celeste doll pictured above. Here’s how: 

1.  Visit Blabla, and then leave a comment on this post, telling us your TWO favorite knitted products. 

2.  If you’d like to earn extra entries, you can Facebook, twitter, or write about his giveaway on your blog (please use this post’s URL). Then come back and, in a separate comment, tell me how you’ve spread the word! 

On Friday, February 5th, 8 p.m. EST, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org. You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter. I hope it’s your lucky day!

Congratulations, Tina! (And sorry for the delay) You’re going to LOVE this doll

Wild Dill offers a wonderful collection of toys made in the USA, including three of my favorite manufacturers, Green Toys, Maple Landmark, and Roy Toy.

Lately, my daughter has been playing with the ImagiPLAY African Safari.  It is constructed fairly in Asia and is made with plantation grown, chemical free rubberwood (a renewable and sustainable resource), and child safe paints. Just as their name suggests, ImagiPLAY’s toys inspire the imagination. Here’s how:

One of my daughter’s favorite books is Hug, by Jez Alborough. It’s an award-winning picture book about a chimp named Bobo, who is searching throughout the jungle for a hug. What’s so cool is that my daughter has started to act out this story using the African Safari pieces.  It’s so much fun to see her make the literature connections and to engage in dramatic play.

I need to tell you about a couple of other items at Wild Dill that I’m loving, in part because I’m so happy to support the makers of these products:  

Kenana Knitter Critters are hand-knitted by a group of women crafters in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. These items are made from locally grown hand-spun sheep wool and dyed with all natural plants from their garden. When you purchase one of these delightful fair trade animals and dolls, you directly impact the income, status, and life of these Kenyan women and their families.

Pastel Toys are “special toys by special people.” They are made by a non-denominational, non-profit community of developmentally disabled adults in Western Galilee. I have no doubt that you will love these high quality collectible toys made of all natural materials and lead-free, water-based pastel paints. What talent!

Wild Dill also carries bamboo fabric, soy fiber, fair trade and organic clothing, bedding, toys, and gifts. Read HERE about why organic, fair, and natural matters. 

And now . . .for the giveaway! Wild Dill has generously offered one turnitupmom reader a $35 gift certificate for anything in their store! Here’s how to win: 

1.  Visit Wild Dill, and then leave a comment on this post, telling me what you’d like to purchase with your gift certificate. 

2.  If you’d like to earn extra entries, you can Facebook, twitter, or blog about Wild Dill and this giveaway. Then come back and, in a separate comment, tell me how you’ve spread the word!

On Friday, October 30th, 8 p.m. EST, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org. You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter. Good luck!

Congratulations, #8, Amanda! I hope your kids love their new puzzles! 

Happy Monday! Today I’m psyched to share a little bit about the lovely, talented Kristen Sutcliffe of New House Project. Kristen has a passion for crafting, and she’s always making things in her home. (This is not the point where you beat yourself up for not being the crafty-type. I won’t if you won’t.) In fact, her Jumping Cup Handmade Toy was recently featured on Bloesem Kids. 

I’d like to invite you to visit Kristen’s Etsy shop, where she uses local and re-purposed materials for many of her shop items. Her latest addition to the shop is a collection of soft and sweet 6″ x 6″ art pieces with vintage fabric appliqued and hand-stitched onto thick canvas. Kristen recently hung a small collection of wall art in her daughter’s bedroom. What I love is that this simple decorative collage adds warmth and happiness to the home.  

You can also find some beautiful vintage ribbon in her shop, like the pink and green floral embroidered ones pictured below. 

And now for my favorite part: Kristen is sharing her talent right here with us today! She has generously offered to give away a toddler apron to one lucky turnitupmom reader. Kristen’s aprons are handmade from vintage re-purposed fabric. If you have a toddler who likes to paint, cook, or make a mess (I think that covers all of them), then this one’s for you! Here’s how to win: 

1.  Explore Kristen’s Etsy shop, New House Project, and then leave a comment on this post, telling me which apron you would like to win.  

2.  If you’d like to earn extra entries, you can Facebook, twitter, or blog about New House Project and this giveaway. Then come back and, in a separate comment, tell me how you’ve spread the word!

On Monday, October 19th, 8 p.m. EST, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org. You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter. Good luck!

Congratulations to #50, Sarah C! 

I am so excited to share a fabulous line of modern wall decor from Petit Collage with you!  Founder Lorena Siminovich is a San Fransisco based artist, designer, and illustrator.  Lorena’s extensive career as an art director has earned her international praise from clients like Anthropologie, Pottery Barn Kids, and Habitat UK. Each of Petit Collage’s modern goods is handcrafted in America and produced in a sustainable manner.

If you love modern with a vintage flair, then you’ve come to the right place!  I couldn’t help but smile when I spotted these whimsical home accents.  You absolutely must check out the limited edition, one-of-a-kind paper collages created on eco-friendly maple plywood.  Each collage is designed with found, vintage, and painted papers from around the world.  They are guaranteed to add a touch of fresh and fun to any room in your home.

Petit Collage has been highlighted in the press for stylish, green nursery decor. If you are looking to go organic and to design a space for your baby with a clean, modern look, then you will love these bamboo mobiles. This Bird Trio would add natural beauty to a kitchen or bedroom as well.  

Petit Collage is the source for modern, decorative wall art, including affordable prints on wood, growth charts, canvas prints, and posters.  And Lorena has generously offered to give away an alphabet poster (valued at $50) to one turnitupmom reader!  They are available in three different color schemes and are printed on 100% recycled paper.  Here’s how to enter: 

1. Visit Petit Collage and choose your favorite alphabet poster. 

2. Sign up for their mailing list.  This will allow you to receive updates about new products or collage styles. (This list is private and will never be shared.) Send an email to: orders(at)petitcollage(dot)com.  

3. In the subject line write, “turnitup giveaway”.  In the message, choose your favorite poster! 

4. Cross your fingers that YOU were the 15th person to sign up for their mailing list!  The 15th person wins!!

This giveaway will continue until we have a winner, but I have an inkling that it won’t take long.  Good luck!

This Labor Day, I thought I’d celebrate stay-at-home moms, women whose jobs are a labor of love and devotion.  In this tough economy, I am amazed by how many talented stay-at-home moms have begun their own businesses or have taken Etsy by storm.  This delicate juggling act comes naturally for Christina at La Bella Jewels, who, in moments between playing with dolls and folding laundry, creates beautiful hand-stamped jewelry.  

Each of the personalized La Bella pieces is hand-crafted with attention to detail and with the best sterling and fine silver findings available. Christina uses thicker sterling, fine silver, gold-filled stamping charms, and a variety of quality chains and clasps.  Many pieces include complimentary Swarovski crystals or freshwater pearls.   While the silver pieces are my favorite, Christina also specializes in gold and copper jewelry as well as soldered glass photo jewelry and accessories.  

To be honest, I’m not really a jewelry person; I wear the same cross necklace every day.  In general, I prefer plants and gardening tools over bling. I do, however, appreciate the occasional piece of jewelry that’s simple, personal, and versatile. Christina’s affordable jewelry is right up my alley.  You can wear it with jeans and a tee or with fancier date-night attire.  This is jewelry with minivan-driving, multiple-hat-wearing moms in mind!  

Christina has generously offered one turnitupmom reader a $45 gift certificate towards any item in her store (this amount will cover the cost of most items).  Here’s how to win: 

1.  Explore Christina’s Etsy shop, bellabuttondesigns, and then leave a comment on this post, telling me which item you would purchase with your gift certificate.  

2.  If you’d like to earn extra entries, you can Facebook, twitter, or blog about La Bella Jewels and this giveaway.   Then come back and, in a separate comment, tell me how you’ve spread the word!

On Tuesday, September 22, 8 p.m. EST, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good luck!  I hope you win!

Congratulations to #8, Kitty!  I hope you love this jewelry! 

We’ve chatted about how to pack lunches but not about the actual food that goes into our stomachs everyday. Well, I’ve done my research, and I’m here to bring you some yummy, creative recipes from Kathy Patalsky, an author, artist, self-taught chef, kids health advocate, and creator of the healthy kids brand, The Lunchbox Bunch. Kathy specializes in cuisine that is vegan, organic, and seasonal. Her blog Healthy. Happy. Life. is choc full of recipes, wellness tips, super foods, and more!

Kathy’s latest month-long series, “Back to School” Series: Eats for Kids (of all ages), offers delicious recipes for the whole family. Here are a few of my favorite brain-boosters:

1. Honor Roll Breakfasts

• Pop Quiz Toast Ups
• Pluot and Plum Perfect Parfait
• Kiwi Cherry Almond Oatmeal
• Oatmeal Bake Tiki Squares

2. Study and After School Snacks

• Kitchen Sink Granola Bars
• Micro Veggie Cream Cheese
• Snack Smoothies
• Tomato-Free Mango Bruschetta

3. Lunchbox Showstoppers

• Bullseye Spiral Wraps
• Vegan Chick’n Pesto
• Superfruit Spread: ABC Sandwich
• Lemon-Peppered California Pasta Salad

4. Kids in the Kitchen

• Rainbow Wraps
• Trail Mix Sprinkle Cracker Snack
• Giant Soft Sidewalk Pretzels
• Creature Creations

5. Sweet Treats for Grade A Kids

• Just Almond and Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chai-Berry Short Cup
• Peanut Brown Butter Cookies
• Zesty Lemon Custard Bars

There is MORE to this series!  Visit Healthy. Happy. Life. on September 1st, 3rd, & 7th for Sports Snacks, Study Time Sippers, and Labor Day Pizza Party ideas.

And now, it’s Giveaway time!  Here’s how to win a toddler tee, bag, and book from The Lunchbox Bunch, a wacky crew of fruits and veggies with unique personalities:

1.  Explore Kathy’s blog, Healthy. Happy. Life., and then leave a comment on this post, telling me one thing you’ve learned from her site or one recipe you’d like to try.  

2.  If you’d like to earn extra entries, you can Facebook, twitter, or blog about The Lunchbox Bunch and this giveaway.   Then come back and, in a separate comment, tell me how you’ve spread the word!

On Monday, September 14, 8 p.m. EST, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good luck!

Congratulations, #47, Charlotte! You are our winner!

I love getting mail.  Not inbox mail.  The old-fashioned kind.  I love finding that hand-written note or card hidden between catalogs, coupon packs, and advertisements; it’s the gem amidst the junk.  I have a few friends who send cards for every occasion. They don’t miss a thing: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, you name it.  Sometimes I wish they weren’t so super-organized and together. These women make me look bad.  

It’s not that I’m thoughtless (trust me, I think way too much).  I regularly think about the important people in my life; they just don’t always know it. I have been known to let cards sit on the kitchen counter for days, weeks, even years. That’s no exaggeration. It seems that these good intentions require stamps.

If you’re like me, then today’s giveaway from Creatively Spun is for you! I hope this handmade stationery will inspire you to drop someone a note.  It feels good not only to receive a little love, but to send it too.  You can’t have a bad day when you’ve made someone else’s.  

Creatively Spun is an independent graphic design studio specializing in print, stationery, and web.  The studio specializes in creative and affordable solutions for small businesses, including logos, business cards, and brand identity.  Wedding invites, announcements, brochures and beyond- there is nothing they can’t do!  How cute is this logo?

At Creatively Spun, all of the paper goodies are either hand printed using a gocco, in house printed, or professionally printed using the highest quality ink and card stock.  There are happy birthday cards, thank you cards, personalized stationery, and more! Below is a picture of one of my favorites, inspired by nature. 

Brittany at Creatively Spun has generously offered to give away a set of personalized stationery. To enter, please leave a comment below with the name (first name only) of one person in your life who is important to you and who would love to receive a little old-fashioned mailbox love.  You’ll have to provide the stamps!

If you’d like to earn extra entries, you can Facebook, twitter, or blog about Creatively Spun and this giveaway.   Then come back, and in a separate comment, tell me how you’ve spread the word!

On Tuesday, September 8, 8 p.m. EST, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good luck!

Do you remember those McDonald’s styrofoam packages?  The ones that kept the lettuce and tomato cold and the burger and cheese hot on your McDLT?  Though my husband insists they did away with styrofoam in the early 80s, it took McD’s until 1990 to begin phasing out their styrofoam packaging (after activists spent three years bombarding mailboxes at corporate headquarters with used packaging).

During the anti-styrofoam movement, I remember writing letters to this fast food giant, pleading with them to choose biodegradeable packaging.  There was an urgency in my tone; we were destroying the ozone layer, and styrofoam was, in part, to blame. 

At the same, I slid into my seat at the lunch table every day with a Hawaiian Punch juice box, an Italian hoagie wrapped in aluminum foil, a Frito-Lay chip snack pack, individually-wrapped Halloween or Easter candy, and maybe a piece of fruit.  My brown lunch bag was so choc full of c-r-a-p that my mom double-bagged it with a plastic baggie and a twist tie. (We should have owned stock in Reynolds and Glad.)  I was the envy of the lunch table. I also generated a shameful amount of trash.  But, at least it wasn’t “bad” trash. 

I took me a while before I started to realize that trash is trash.  And in truth, it’s taken me thirty years to feel uneasy about tossing Ziploc baggies.  I truly believe that many Americans have good intentions to protect our earth and go “green,” although I use this term loosely.  If we take an honest inventory of our actions, there’s an incongruity between what we say and believe (or say we believe) and what we actually do.  I’m just as guilty as my neighbor.  

Every year, parents send their kids off to school with brown-bag lunches and snack packs, individually-wrapped meals and desserts, juice boxes, disposable silverware, straws, and napkins, baggies, etc. According to the EPA, each child who brings a brown-bag lunch to school every day will generate 67 pounds of waste by the end of the school year – that’s 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for an average-sized school.

We, as parents, have the perfect opportunity to model environmental consciousness by packing waste-free lunches (or at least taking a step in that direction).  According to Sandra Ann Harris, Founder and CEO of ECOlunchbox, an eco-friendly company based in the San Francisco Bay Area, here is what you need to pack a waste-free lunch:

1. A Reusable Fabric Lunch Bag. While most major retail stores carry plastic/vinyl lunchboxes, studies suggest that their manufacturing threatens our health and environment.  ECOlunchbags are a beautiful back-to-basics solution for kids ages 3 to 103 who would like adopt sustainable, healthy, waste-free lunch habits.  

ECOlunchbags are 100% cotton, machine washable bags, which can be converted from shoulder bag to sling bag to backpack to hip pack.  Each fully-reversible lunchbag is sewn from fabrics that are hand block printed by artisans in India.  This company is directly connected with the artisans and the sewing shop in Bombay that makes the bags.  This is a fair trade project. 

2. Cloth Napkins. Each ECOlunchbag comes with 3 matching napkins, measuring 16 inches by 12 inches. They are designed for use as placemats or napkins. 

3. Reusable Containers. ECOlunchbox believes that non-leaching, stainless steel food containers are best. They come in two styles and are lead free and dishwasher safe. First, the oval lunchbox measures 6 1/2 inches long by 5 inches wide and 2 inches tall. It fits two halves of a sandwich stacked with room for sides.  It also contains a stainless steel cup (3 1/2″ diameter) with a no-leak, BPA-free plastic lid for wet items. 

Second, the retangular 3-in-1 lunchbox is great for packing a child’s lunch, which typically contains three items: a sandwich and two side dishes. Most children prefer their foods served separately, so this 2-layer stainless steel food container with upstairs inner box is a perfect fit. When closed, the lunchbox measures 4 inches wide, 5 1/2 inches long and 2 3/4 inches high. The small inner box, which contains 1/2 cup of wet foods, is good for applesauce, cut fruit and salads. (Please note: ECOlunchbox has chosen not to use any plastic or other gaskets in the pressure-fitting lid of these boxes, so they are not 100% leak proof.)

4. Bamboo Reusable Utensils.  The EcoKidSpork is made out of sustainably grown bamboo and is designed for small hands. The utensil is 5 inches long, sized ideally for children age 5 and younger.  The EcoSpork is a fun and healthy 3.5 inch alternative to disposables.  You can toss it in your lunchbag, backpack, purse, or wherever.

We can’t do everything, but we can all do something to green our world. Sandra has generously offered to give away an ECOlunchbag (with matching napkins) to one turnitupmom reader.  It is 100% plastic free, waste free, lead free, BPA free, PVC free, vinyl free, and sweatshop free.  All you need to do is supply the lunch!  

To enter, please leave a comment below with one thing that your family is doing to reduce mealtime waste.

If you’d like to earn extra entries, you can Facebook, twitter, or blog about ECOlunchbox and this giveaway.   Then come back, and in a separate comment, tell me how you’ve spread the word!

On Monday, August 31, 8 p.m. EST, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good luck!  

Congratulations, #54, Mandy! You’re our ECOlunchbag winner!

With August quickly approaching, and school just around the corner, check out Frecklebox’s personalized school supplies.  Kids can make a statement- this is who I am!- with personalized lunch boxes or coordinating folders and notebooks.   Personalized notebooks and journals foster literacy and creativity by encouraging kids to dream, wonder, create, and design.  

Frecklebox is also a great party favor resource, with affordable personalized favors for kids.  You can choose from a selection of coloring books, placemats, stickers, and more! The coloring book below is the ultimate, featuring the child’s name on every page.  What a great idea for teaching a child how to spell his/her name without it feeling like work. 

Frecklebox is one-stop shopping for personalized gifts!  Stop by to see their puzzles for a rainy day, or growth charts for a child’s bedroom.  Visit Frecklebox to celebrate a milestone or to brighten an ordinary day!

I am super-excited to share the Frecklebox GIVEAWAY with you!  One lucky winner will receive ANY PERSONALIZED GIFT of his/her choice!  To enter, please visit Frecklebox and tell me which item you would like to win.  Be sure to leave a valid email address where you may be reached.

On Friday, August 7, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org. You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good Luck!

Congratulations to Eve @ Confessions of a Housewife!  You are the Frecklebox winner!  

I love watching children create and use their imagination.  In fact, when it comes to kids projects, I enjoy flexing my creative muscles too.  Cheryl Marchek, mom and owner of Bigfoot and Pickle Face Creations has designed the perfect rubber stamp kits for rainy day fun. Sit alongside your child or any little person and create homemade cards, invitations, illustrated stories, or artwork together.  

Each stamp starter kit includes a clear rubber stamp set, acrylic blocks and a childsafe/washable ink pad. Stamps are clear so they can be lined up and placed easily- brilliant idea!  The images are big enough that kids can color them in with a crayon, marker, or paints, or stamp it on their hand as a cool tattoo.  All three clear rubber stamp starter kits were awarded the 2009 Preferred Choice Award in the “Creative Craft” Category.

Once your child gets started, he/she can collect all the stamps in each collection.  The stamps come in three themes: Circus Act, Fun with Fish, and Farm Friends.  Stamp sets make great birthday gifts or stocking stuffers!  

Why do moms love this kids craft?  Moms want materials that are fun and easy to use, easy to clean up, and easy to store.  The starter stamp kits come in a clear storage container that stacks nicely for easy access and organization. These kid-friendly, easy-to-carry containers are perfect boredom busters for the doctor or dentist’s office.  All inkpads are non-toxic, kid-safe, and made in the USA.  And everything washes out with soap and water!  

For Bigfoot and Pickle Face’s Kids Craft Ideas, please visit Cheryl’s blog. Cheryl always welcomes new project and craft ideas for kids and the kid at heart!  

GIVEAWAY: Cheryl has generously offered to give away a stamp starker kit to 3 LUCKY WINNERS!  To enter, please visit Bigfoot and Pickle Face Creations and tell me which starter kit is your favorite.  Be sure to leave a valid email address where you may be reached.

On Tuesday, August 4, three winners will be randomly selected by Random.org. You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good LUCK!

Congratulations to our three winners, #10, #26, #8!