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! 

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! 

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!

The most popular item at Autumn Leah Designs is the Personalized Sticker Set (with over 100 design options).  Add your personal touch to invitations, packages, or even baked goods!  These are great for promoting your own business, branding a product, or labeling your kids’ items for school or camp. Any round designs, like the one pictured below, can be made into hang-tags with punched holes. Adorable!

Autumn Leah Designs also offers Party Invite PDFs.  You choose the colors and text on these sweet custom party invitations and matching stickers.  The invitation comes to you in PDF format (4×6″) so you can print at home or wherever you choose. The matching sticker sets ship directly to you.  They are printed on the highest quality matte sticker stock using the highest quality inks.

Are you starting your own business?  Does your website need a facelift? Autumn Leah is currently offering a Custom Designed Business Starter Package.  Let Autumn work with you to design the perfect logo, business card, stickers, banner/avatar.  Cute and affordable! 

GIVEAWAY: Autumn has generously offered to give away a Custom Birthday Invite PDF and a Matching Sticker Set to one lucky turnitupmom reader.  To enter, please visit Autumn Leah Designs and tell us which birthday invite is your favorite.  Be sure to leave an email address where you may be reached.  

On Sunday, August 2, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org. You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good LUCK!

Congratulations, #7 KoolKreativity, winner of the Autumn Leah Designs Giveaway! 

Babydarling also offers stylish and classy nursing covers for the mommy on the go.  The adjustable strap and peek-a-boo space at the top allow you to nurse in public and still be discreet.  

Babydarling features chic and practical bib/burp sets.  These reversible bibs are handcrafted with sweet and sophisticated vintage fabrics. And they have a stylish pearl snap closure, so they won’t scratch or itch your budding eater. Fabrics are 100% cotton, machine-washable.  

Visit babydarling to see all this and more!  And be sure to check out their Summer Specials.  They are currently offering a SUMMER SALE on ready-to-ship pillowcases dresses.  

Babydarling has generously offered to give away a bib/burp set to one lucky turnitupmom reader.  To enter, please visit babydarling and tell us which bib/burp set fabric is your favorite.  Be sure to leave an email address where you may be reached.  

On Friday, July 24, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good LUCK!

Congratulations, #12, Xenia!  You are the babydarling winner!

PeaceLoveMom was started by a trio of women with a common goal- to celebrate motherhood.  This lifestyle brand company creates designs that empower and celebrate mothers everywhere.  

Naturally, I’ve added a few more to my collection.  I can’t help myself.  They are so cute and comfy, and I feel good when I wear them.  I want to shout, “I’m a happy mom!” from the mountaintops and share my smile with the world: 

Check out these sizzling summer tanks with a flattering neckline and a message that’s oh, so fun! 

PeaceLoveMom has generously offered one turnitupmom reader the chance to win a “Lucky Mom” tee, in mint green (size M).   These soft, jersey tees have a stylish cap sleeve, tapered waist, and vintage feel.  

While they are famous for their mom apparel, PeaceLoveMom offers kids apparel, baby items, notepads, accessories, and more!  

And now for the GIVEAWAY: Please visit PeaceLoveMom.  Then, come back and tell us which 2 products are your favorite AND one little thing that makes you a “lucky mom,” or (if you’re not a mom) just a lucky person, in general.  Be sure to leave an email address where you may be reached.  

On Sunday, July 19, one winner will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good LUCK!

Congratulations, #4, Tina!  You are the PeaceLoveMom winner!

Their fun and feminine calling cards can be handed out at play dates, teacher conferences, or soccer games.  They feature chic, modern color combos for today’s sophisticated mom.  Urban Bliss says, “Not a mama?  Not a problem!”  These cards can be used as business cards, or personalized with whatever information you wish.    

Urban Bliss also features wall decor to brighten any room in your home.  These colorful canvases can be personalized with names or inspirational words . . . a perfect addition to any nursery or kids’ room!

Introduce your precious bundle of love in style.  The Birth Bliss collection features adorable announcements printed on premium photo paper and then mounted on cardstock with scalloped edges.  How tweet is this one?  

Urban Bliss has generously offered one turnitupmom reader the chance to win 50 personalized calling cards and a set of non-personalized thank you notecards. To enter this fabulous giveaway, please first visit Urban Bliss Design.  Then, come back and tell us which calling card design and thank you notes are your favorite.  Be sure to leave an email address where you may be reached.  

On Monday, July 6, one lucky winner will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good luck!

Congratulations, Abby (#22), winner of the Urban Bliss Giveaway!

Amy has even designed jewelry Made to Match kids’ clothing lines, like Gymboree (my personal favorite!)  Here, the color palette matches Gymboree’s Palm Springs collection:

You can also find jewelry to celebrate your favorite Holidays, like this sweet necklace and bracelet set for Valentine’s Day:

Our 2 Peas in a Pod offers FREE first class shipping to mailing list customers.  So head on over and introduce yourself!  

And now for the GIVEAWAY: Please visit Our 2 Peas in a Pod. Then, come back and comment about which piece of jewelry (other than the ones pictured above) is your favorite.  Be sure to include an email address where you may be reached.  

This is an extra special giveaway for me, and I sincerely appreciate the loyalty of my subscribers and followers. If this includes you, please indicate so in a separate entry (after you have completed the mandatory first entry) to increase your chances of winning.  

On Sunday, June 21, one lucky winner will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good luck!