Snugglefests and "Seth Sandwiches"

Some people show love with gifts. Others "love" with food. Our family? We show our love with lots of "family snuggles" and a little something called a "Seth sandwich with a little Abbeydog on the side."

The hubby and I have always been pretty affectionate with each other. So when our Abbeydog came into the picture, we'd often spend weekend mornings "loving on Abbeydog." This meant letting her lay in bed with us, preferably (for her) between Marc and me for maximum attention.

When Seth came along, he stole the spot between hubs and me. But by this point, Abbey preferred the foot of the bed anyway. So the weekend family snuggle-fests have continued.

The other maneuver started when Seth was an itty bitty baby. Marc would often hug me while I had Seth in my arms. We called this a "Seth sandwich". Often Abbey would let out a "what about me" bark, walk up to us and nose in between our legs. The "Seth sandwich" was amended to "A Seth sandwich with a little Abbeydog on the side."

How does your family show your love? Parent Bloggers Network wants to know. They've teamed up with Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education. The foundation is hosting a Selfless Love contest. PBN wants to hear about how you and your family show your love toward each other. You have until tonight Sunday, February 8 to post and include links to: http://www.insureyourlove.org as well as http://blog.parentbloggers.com. Go to their site and read a few of the entries. You may find some great ideas or get a giggle. Don't forget to email parentbloggers@gmail.com to let them know you've participated.

This post was written on behalf of Parent Bloggers Network.

Social Media Tips From NSTeens

This past fall, as part of the St. Louis Bloggers Guild, I had the opportunity to moderate a panel on cyberbullying. As I started to research the concept, how kids can protect themselves and what parents can do, I became more and more worried. Seth is only in first grade now but he loves to play games on my computer and at certain sites.

And it sounds like some of the cyberbullying is starting earlier and earlier. Gulp. Over the course of my research I did stumble upon some sites that can help adults, tweens and teens. One of which is Netsmartz.org. And another, brought to you by Netsmartz.org is called NSteens. The site, which is also in Spanish, educates teens and 'tweens on how to be safe and smart on the web.

Much the info is very basic (Don't use your real name or address. Be careful about the photos and stories you post online.) but that's exactly what alot of kids need to know. The basics. Just those few tips can go a long way. The site contains videos, comics, interviews with other kids and a design and layout that's very user friendly.

And it also addresses issues like "if you set your page to private, is it really private?" It also addresses the consequences of posting stories that make you look bad. (These days college admissions people and business will check personal pages. Are they going to get the wrong impression?)

The advice is actually very good for alot of us adults out here in cyberspace. It was fun spending time on the site. And its definitely a great resource for parents of kids who into social media.

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

Monday Giveaway with J&J

The people at Johnson & Johnson have much to celebrate these days. As of 2009, they’ve been helping parents take care of their babies for 50 years. Plus, they’ve also recently launched two new products from the No More Tears line. There’s now a Johnson’s Bubble Bath & Wash as well as a Head-to-Toe Foaming Wash.

Need to stock up on some baby supplies? Or know someone who does? Johnson & Johnson is giving away a gift basket of goodies to one lucky Midwestern Mommy reader. Simply leave a comment on this post. As always, the contest is open to people 18 years and older. Contest ends the evening of February 7. Feel free to pop over to Midwestern Mommy in order to increase your chance of winning.

Green is good (Green Works wipes? Even better!)

A trusty little package from Clorox couldn't have come at a better time. Recently we had some company over. The arrangements were made at the very last minute. The house was a wreck. And when I started thinking about clean up duty? I remembered this marvelous little package of Green Works wipes I'd gotten the day before.

Personally, I use alot of wipe products because they are quick and easy. And since Green Works products started appearing on Target stores, I've been buying more and more of the product lines. So I was happy to try Green Works wipes. Like wipes from some other brands, these are great to clean surfaces like door knobs, light switches, faucets, sinks, and toilet seats.

The Green Works wipes can be used on surfaces you wouldn't traditionally think about as well. Like your leather couch. (You know, when you find your child didn't listen to the "no food in the living room" rule, snuck off to watch tv and accidentally spilled yogurt all over the leather couch.) Or wooden banisters or to even spot clean hardwood floors. There's no bleach so there's no stripping of the material or wood.

Oh, and there's no residue left behind either! So if you want to clean your faucets or remote control? You won't have that dry, icky feeling on your fingertips.

While the wipes don't disinfect, I love that they are biodegradable and free of petrochemicals. Plus they aren't tested on animals.

Green Works products can be found at most stores that sell cleaning supplies. (Like my ole fave, Target.)

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

We have winners!

Remember that Pizza Hut giveaway from last week? Well, we have winners! Congrats to Maria Joy, Stefani and Shania. If a gift card isn’t claimed by this coming Friday, the alternate, Dawn Taylor, will get a card.

As for the Planetjill giveaway held this past week? Heather won. Congrats

And don’t worry. There’s another giveaway scheduled for Monday. Check back then to see what’s in store.

Earn Your Stripes!

"If you build it, they will come."

While reading about Kellogg's Frosted Flakes "Earn Your Stripes" program, I couldn't help but think about that famous line from Field of Dreams.

The gist? Kellogg's is calling upon YOU. During the Superbowl on Sunday, a commercial called "Plant a Seed" will focus on how everyone can make a difference in building stronger communities and enriching a child's life. This call to action is part of the Earn Your Stripes (Tm) program.

The message? Kids are filled with a tremendous amount of promise and potential. And we need to give kids a place to REALIZE this. So, 50 fields across the US are to be renovated. What better way to keep families (kids and parents) active and engaged? The hope is that these fields will once again become places of fun and foster a sense of community. Check out this site for more info. (Am assuming the site will be ready by Sunday. So if you don't see much on it now, check back later.)

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

Giveaway Monday - Planetjill necklace!

Planetjill is offering YOU $10.00 off your purchase. Just enter "mommyblog" when you check out of the site.

Earlier this month, I waxed poetic about how much I love, love, LOVE my Planetjill necklace. Seriously, I wanted to shout that out from the roof top. But being it was cold outside and I'm lazy, I took to my computer instead.

Many people expressed an interested in Planetjill jewelery and well... You've spoken. And Planetjill founder Jill Schiff has heard you!

This week she's giving you a chance to win a Planetjill necklace. This one in fact. How SERIOUSLY AWESOME is that?

A bit about this necklace? Sterling silver charm and chain. The square-frame is about dime-sized. The chain is very durable and can withstand a grabby toddler. You chose your favorite photo to be placed inside. Planetjill will take care of the rest. There is a slight weight to the pieces. This is good because your charm will stay in place. Oh and if you've got more than one child (or grandchild or niece or nephew or cherished pet) you'd love to show off? You can always add more charms! Plus the charms are very well sealed. So if you jump in the shower and forget you're wearing your necklace? No worries.

Planetjill has a host a great gift ideas for Valentine's Day for men and women. (Not just photo charms but monogrammed charms and if you check out the "new collection" you'll see ALOT of really great pieces there too.)

Once you see a Planetjill piece you'll become a big fan. But don't just take my word for it. Julia Roberts, Maria Shriver, Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Reese Witherspoon, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Cher, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, Mariska Hargitay and Joely Fisher are also huge fans too!

TO ENTER: Leave a comment here or at Midwestern Mommy (Or leave a comment in both places to increase your chance of winning.) Anyone 18 years old age and older can enter. Winner will be drawn Feb. 1 and notified via email.

This week Bloggy Giveaways is hosting a Blog Carnival. Go to their site for a gigantic list of cool stuff other bloggers are also giving away.