tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60246296081590194362024-03-05T20:30:00.480-08:00All that other stuff...Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-33311058985779737322010-11-23T20:00:00.001-08:002010-11-23T20:00:36.044-08:00My Name is Mel, and I’m a Photoshop junkie…..<p>“JC, sit down! Honey, put your hands….  Wait… can you guys just look at me….ONCE?!?”</p> <p>The time has come for the dreaded Christmas card photo.  I don’t stress anymore.  I used to obsess about the picture, getting everything just right.  Once I thought I had that shot, I would spend actual hours browsing store’s ready made cards to drop that perfect picture in.  Since I have fallen in love with Photoshop, and learned a few tricks, I will never again agonize over something I now find really fun!!</p> <p><strong>I want to share with you my 5 tips for editing and creating beautiful digital photo projects</strong>.  Specifically, lets talk Christmas cards.</p> <p>1) So you didn’t get the perfect photo.  No prob.  Photoshop to the rescue.  If you are like me, a mama-razzi, you sit the kids down and take a bunch of photos.  You’re bound to get one of each of the kids looking the way you want, probably just not at the same time.  My problem area is the two-year-old.  Now dig out the photo you’re most happy with:</p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TOyNoFgxOII/AAAAAAAADO0/voLkoSYC5oI/s1600-h/IMG_1905a%5B2%5D.jpg"><font color="#333333"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1905a" border="0" alt="IMG_1905a" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TOyNpeXuKXI/AAAAAAAADO4/Txil1d2ScSU/IMG_1905a_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></font></a> <p>Almost what I wanted!  Go find the other photo, the one where Problem #1 is looking at you.  I chose this one…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeeYfL1bxO_61R1GcZqXUDHXtoLE0hqx3AkD9_VOmQUSL8AbiQbS9ZQQpDfCc5-2TDxGXSaIaD4mJr9hxDj6Tx8OhRVUQZjTNtHzECO1ZYBBEHoDdU5iHknyX8Jckv57GVjNkJ7jkV9o/s1600-h/IMG_2127b%5B2%5D.jpg"><font color="#333333"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2127b" border="0" alt="IMG_2127b" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TOyNryfMm8I/AAAAAAAADPA/Oc3a4c3VbDw/IMG_2127b_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></font></a> </p> <p>Get out your cool little lasso selection tool, and select that cute little face.  Don’t worry about grabbing a little of the background, too.  We’ll fix that.  Cut and paste that sweet little face into your new photo.  Use the right-click> Free Transform to make his big head fit that little body.  Use Ctrl to keep the proportions the same as you shrink it!  Grabbing a corner while you are in Free Transform mode will allow you to tilt, too, if your other head isn’t the same.  Once you are happy with the results, Elements has a green check mark to confirm.  I know you all can cut and paste.  My little secret is this…. eraser tool!  Use the eraser tool at about 35-40% opacity to smooth out the edges of the new head and blend it in with the photo behind it.  When you are happy, merge the layers. TA-DA!  Here’s mine:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TOyNuSFSHvI/AAAAAAAADPE/TPU2cliZT9c/s1600-h/IMG_1905ab%5B2%5D.jpg"><font color="#333333"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1905ab" border="0" alt="IMG_1905ab" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TOyNv_SkDzI/AAAAAAAADPI/4qE-eNFimRM/IMG_1905ab_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></font></a> </p> <p>2) Perfect photo complete, but there’s one more thing you need.  Well, <em>I need</em> anyway.  Amp up that color.  It’s an easy little thing to do.  You can see my first photo lacks a little vibrancy.  Use the “Adjust Hue/Saturation” to just give a little bump.  I took the greens and upped the saturation as well as the blue.  I like how a little tweak of color can really liven up the shot.</p> <p>3) Now you’ve <em>really</em> got the perfect photo for your Christmas card.  Oh, you need a card.  You need a card that is all you, not just another drop-in template from the mall.  The very easiest way to start is get yourself a digital scrapbook paper kit.  Have your own scrap book paper?  Scan it in.  You can use your crop tool to make a card size you are happy with (I chose 4x8 here).  Let the fun begin!!  Add your perfect photo (you know, cut and paste!) to the paper you’ve chosen.  Your photo can even have a little shadow behind it.  Just click on the photo in the Layers box and select the effects you want.  Photoshop Elements has them all laid out for you to try.  I chose this polka dot paper:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBoNNt5CjhSTGI2SqowHIoN4ePBhP1uUawtvAEpcOxzRW2YCOhtMgOBWVP6RZ9d3fqEeCtUBPO_YcBkVU3_g913P-5AjchKM15b8aFqqO0X3WZLOqyDA7GGoqvM0WkAo_UljZDMR6gDA/s1600-h/SampleChristmasCard1%5B2%5D.jpg"><font color="#333333"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SampleChristmasCard1" border="0" alt="SampleChristmasCard1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJTfI62LezCSnW3lMfzmUrhcRAQ_uleMuD8Qy-Z9Gvy4p6Vg1Km8FHwNpYVkQHFEvh8I7KzeYQEvS25qCplchZrxEYRefDE9xYf1UJvDrkitCGThh1kDTJH-IgdfbU7tpelbmfkZDP94/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="204" /></font></a> </p> <p>4) Greeting time!  You may have found yourself browsing those templates at the mall.  When you found one you liked, perhaps the greeting was all wrong.  When you make your own card, you can say whatever is right for you.  Make it long, or short and sweet.  No one will charge per line!! You can add everyone’s names, ages, etc! <br />Because my paper is a little busy, I need a box to type in.  You can use the Custom Shape Tool to make a box in any color you choose to sit behind your text.  I went with green, and in the Layers area you can change the opacity.  This one is at 85%.  I love to play with the fonts and colors of the text, too.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TOyN0hxEKCI/AAAAAAAADPU/QjsBSJmsevY/s1600-h/SampleChristmasCard2%5B2%5D.jpg"><font color="#333333"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SampleChristmasCard2" border="0" alt="SampleChristmasCard2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TOyN1ri8orI/AAAAAAAADPY/J43aHqxXk1M/SampleChristmasCard2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="204" /></font></a> </p> <p>5) Last, but probably most fun, embellishments!  If you purchased a digital scrap book pack, chances are it came with some fun little pieces to add to your card.  Snowmen, snow flakes, christmas trees, candles, etc.  If not, don’t worry!  Elements has a cute selection of shapes from the Custom Shape menu.  Choose colors, choose shapes.  You’ll have a lot of fun coming up with a few last touches for your card:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4ik8jfpku1xhXyDBjlxu0S6EV6UJE7pt1EAeimYcAEaMd3zr1Ji-J7e6Cm79l0uemBA6F-HUp-pJzuEDQuNva1PdOuAbvy3Iad2iNx8az9sQ84Lfcp_oiipd5BEusqQvFzAXa_BIVbE/s1600-h/SampleChristmasCard3%5B2%5D.jpg"><font color="#333333"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SampleChristmasCard3" border="0" alt="SampleChristmasCard3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTYxV0S_5eHXFPzy2Wzhcqgk_0Xvxb_cklCx7ycEu7XcK-uiMvwxXrSBnrUvgH7i8Pw5XXturV2FfHBf3sEo0FDWDbDylUxDcwp1qKXa4AvQ-OjeJCLeNlJMkg4gqR8rlI0g2UyWNomg/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="204" /></font></a> </p> <p>That was fun, right!?  I love making our cards each year.  No longer is it the dreaded task it once was! I’d love to see what you come up with!!</p> <p><em><font size="1">I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Adobe blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, </font></em><a href="http://photoshopelements.twittermoms.com/about"><em><font size="1">click here</font></em></a><em><font size="1">.</font></em></p> Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-11266536432157032762010-08-24T15:21:00.001-07:002010-08-24T15:21:58.527-07:005 Favorite Family Time Ideas<p><font size="3">Everyone should have some family time that includes the kids and adults doing something together.  Often we segregate ourselves and let the kids do one thing while we adults to others.  Its hard sometimes to find activities that keep both adults and kids entertained.  Here are a few of our favorites:</font></p> <p><font size="3">1) <strong>Family Movie Night</strong>:  This one is a no-brainer.  Pop some popcorn, clear the floor and spread out sleeping bags.  Choose a movie that the adults can handle and the kids will enjoy.  Sometimes its live action, sometimes cartoon.  Either way its one we all enjoy for some reason or another.  We usually reserve some special treat for the occasion, like soda or a special snack.  The kids even get a special later bedtime.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/THRF-Pt7qII/AAAAAAAAC7k/fGFQqQ0uw8I/s1600-h/IMG_8390%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_8390" border="0" alt="IMG_8390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5bgH2i1s5Z6KMtCQq_b6olhyphenhyphen-JM-pSMQB-Nd3LNKjpvMJOQlMdf-wxgCSh7o5sxzTnRGx0wFXqP3dZXRoSNuw_NnI_Safmw20kEDxbkNMGoZTon-yOW6E79JMg2y1_8ZKYurjnL2HZQ/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3">2) <strong>Family Game Time:</strong>  This is one we don’t get to do as often, but really fun when we can.  The kids are finally at an age where we can play games like Uno, Sorry, or even Pictionary.  They love interaction with the “big people” and the feeling of you being on their team while they test their skills or knowledge.  Game time is also a great time to be sneaky and work on learning.  Our kindergartener had just learned to read, by the end of the year we were able to use the Scrabble time pieces to make words.  That's all we did.  Who says you have to follow the rules?  Make up your own!</font></p> <p><font size="3">3)<strong> Family Drawing Time</strong>:  Ok, so we’re not all baseball players.  Daddy and I are avid artist and we encourage our kids to draw, paint and color as often as possible.  We love to sit around the table or living room drawing and coloring.  We have even purchased drawing sketch pads for the kids to draw on the go.  Take a look at each other’s are and encourage the best from your budding artists!!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubccOnpr2p9sl8lDgVfOb2O-NJTVOpLV49v5E0nUdQUzrWaFPOmYI7ykuWo9oZYMUnoWO1700WShscEG7-uQFOZf5kJXVEmYKrIamd39EQSyTq8h8Cvw2E_naEWMnRY1tOQfkOtvgeao/s1600-h/IMG_8511a%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_8511a" border="0" alt="IMG_8511a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNUaR8f-uWfXIuSi2vxFFavqVea9dtPDGu1_bZ4NtzzDL4ouBaTKDptq4Mt3Wub4ChkDD_a1AyHt9oOK-6T7yuWUCYsxDXY4J9nAWP9kRsMOeyHCM05uC6ALxDVKipcKw94vEIOZaEPI/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3">4)<strong> Visit a Bookstore</strong>:  This for us is big time fun.  Each child is allowed a book and we have just as much fun choosing the books.  We wander, we sit, we read bits of books, when one has made a selection we help the next person.  Even a shopping trip can be family time as long as you do it together.</font></p> <p><font size="3">5)<strong> Family Dinner</strong>:  I know this one seems a bit silly, but there are plenty of families (including us at times!) that don’t really eat together.  Sit, eat, talk, laugh.  Its really an easy way to find out how everyone’s day went and talk about your upcoming plans.  Oh, and shut off the TV!  It’s difficult to talk over the sound of sitcoms and commercials!</font></p> <p><font size="3">There are tons of ways to have a bit of family time!  What are some of your family time favorites</font><font size="1">?</font></p> <p><em><font size="1">I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and LEGO blogging program, making me eligible to get a prize pack. For more information on how you can participate, </font></em><a href="http://familytime.twittermoms.com/about"><em><font size="1">click here</font></em></a><em><font size="1">.</font></em></p> Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-20414004808825672982010-08-19T13:09:00.001-07:002010-08-24T06:56:15.479-07:00Smarty Rents educational video game rental giveaway!<p>Were you super excited to get video game systems for your child that were actually educational, only to be disappointed at the lack of variety of games, or the expense of purchasing additional games?? <a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">SmartyRents</a> is your answer!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMt2K9tsjyHCJKnpwnm5GnU12ChO72JVj9v5dLX25t4nFt-E0-X0g8wZ-OwTwPQzTth5EPJuN_rQug0E9qGHn8pleK224eBDA5nlibVLYGreY7Byh_sMSQFHDeyHhD0JjTWDIHHKfC3U/?imgmax=800" width="356" border="0" height="108" /></a> <em>“<span style="color:#004000;"><a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">SmartyRents.com</a> is a new educational online video game rental company, featuring LeapFrog <br />and VTech games. Rent games from eight game systems, including Little Leaps, Clickstart, <br />Leapster, Didj, V.Smile Baby, V.Smile, V.Motion, and V.Flash. All games are available to rent <br />including those no longer available on the market for purchase. Families can choose from one of <br />several <a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">SmartyRents</a> rental packages to meet the individual needs of each child in their family. <br />"We at <a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">SmartyRents</a> are proud to announce our new online educational video game rental <br />company that works similar to Netflix, in that, the customer's selected game titles are shipped <br />free, directly to their door and with no late fees."</span></em></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;">No more buying games only to re-sell them once your kids have finished them or moved on to more advanced material!! They also carry games you can no longer find on the market. <a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">SmartyRents</a> even offers gift certificates. What a perfect gift from parents and family!!</span></p> <p><a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">SmartyRents</a> has offered our readers a promo code worth <b>1 FREE month</b> of the 1 Game at a Time package or $9.99 towards the package of their choice!!</p> <p><span style="color:#008000;"><b>Promo Code: d1cbdd </b><b>Expires: 8/31/10</b></span></p> <p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>ALSO </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">SmartyRents</a> is giving FIVE of our readers a <span style="color:#008000;">THREE MONTH RENTAL</span> package (worth $29.97) so you can rent all your favorite games!!</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;">How can you win one of these awesome packages? <br />Here’s the rules:</span></p> <p>First Entry: </p> <ul> <li>Head over to <a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">www.SmartyRents.com</a> and tell me your what games YOU would rent (this MUST be your first entry!) </li> </ul> <p>Bonus Entries:</p> <ul> <li>Follow this blog. Comment that you do! </li> <li>Follow me on twitter (@Fraase) and tweet about this giveaway. Leave the permalink of your status update in your comment. For example: <span style="color:#800080;">Win a 3 MONTH RENTAL of educational video games for your V.Tech & LeapFrog games courtesy of @SmartyRents & @Fraase </span><a href="http://bit.ly/drAQul"><span style="color:#800080;">http://bit.ly/drAQul</span></a> (one tweet/entry daily) </li> <li>“Like” <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/SmartyRentscom/270250942946?v=wall">SmartyRents on Facebook</a> and let me know you did so! </li> <li>Add my button to your blog sidebar. Leave a link to your blog in the comment. </li> <li>For THREE extra entries, blog about this giveaway and include a link here. Leave your blog permalink in the comment. </li> <li>For THREE extra entries start a rental plan at <a href="http://www.smartyrents.com/">SmartyRents.com</a> and let me know you did.</li> <li>Leave a comment on a post in our <a href="http://fraasefamily.blogspot.com/">Family Blog</a>. Leave a comment here for each one. (limit 3 entries) </li> </ul> <p>Giveaway ends August 31 and 11:59 pm. Winners will be chosen by Random.org and notified via email. Winners have 48 hours to respond or alternate winner will be chosen. Please make sure your email is available on your profile or in your comment so I can contact you!! Good Luck!!</p>Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-35745492741178882112010-08-04T10:20:00.001-07:002010-08-05T10:43:51.621-07:00Tips and Tricks for Back to School<p><span style="font-size:100%;">Oh, yes, it’s already that time. I truly felt this summer had barely started and now its time to pack up those new school bags and lace up those new sneakers. It’s also time for a little peace and quiet around here, but I digress…</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Even the seasoned pros need to prepare themselves for back to school. My kiddos are both in early elementary yet, so I speak from their standpoint. Here are a few of the things we do to prepare for the fall school routine:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">1) <em>GET TO SLEEP!!</em> While I am really one who lives by </span><a href="http://fraasefamily.blogspot.com/2009/12/5-tricks-for-getting-kids-to-bedand.html"><span style="font-size:100%;">our bed time routine</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">, we relax quite a bit on the hour at which they actually climb into bed in the summer. Well, no more! At least a week or two before school begins we move back into the old routine. Earlier bed times and strict ones at that. They need time to adjust to going to bed on time, and getting up on time, too. Yes, that means YOU need to get up earlier too! Practice getting ready and having breakfast on time. Good sleep makes good students!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">2) <em>EAT A GREAT BREAKFAST!</em> Our school, as well as many others offer a breakfast menu (if you can get there early enough). That isn’t always the most frugal option, but some days it makes the whole morning routine easier. Have a good selection of healthy-yet-quick breakfast options on hand. Pick things up with your school shopping that will be ready for the first day. I confess I just can’t get a full-on breakfast ready for them every morning. I rely heavily on hot and cold cereals and our toaster (with built in egg poacher!). Make sure that they have a cereal with some fiber and low sugar. Sugary cereals lead to practically lethargic kids by 10 am. Offer juices (real juice, not Kool-Aid!) to go along with their food. Occasionally I can get out some bacon and eggs before school and it’s a treat. Please don’t let your kiddos go to school hungry!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80BEFzInPT-Pfr3xY7aSoPuP53Hs-UHLQJWQfIBnN9oA0kWVBPvuINzQqvekLi2bPFf2suqEwJiS2yHuoLR3nOYjKpHOQTL8T79izsOzv_3HBnzfGNWKGRnDsjo3uefxYJjQ0pdwkfjE/s1600-h/muffinf4mom%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="Muffins w/ Mom Day!" alt="Muffins w/ Mom Day!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TFmnwChf8WI/AAAAAAAAC10/FXj_o0LDzJE/muffinf4mom_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" border="0" height="271" /></a> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">3) <em>SHOP EARLY FOR SUPPLIES</em> We tend to get our school supply list late. I have a pretty good idea of what’s on there now. By the time I got our first year’s supply list the stores were almost cleaned out of the items we needed. I ended up paying more for non-sale items! Buy a couple of everything, you know they’ll lose things, break things, or just plain use them up. Back to school sales, even when you buy extras, still saves you money rather than buying in December.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TFmnxQoNt1I/AAAAAAAAC14/T58uez7k0q8/s1600-h/lunchboxes%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="Still debating this one..." alt="Still debating this one..." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaehtTTQ8YCUKw5ENnvjVTHUNaz41RVW_5RQbw98fNEqyqae_TcDW-s0-6O61Mr6hYXqmpHgwybO7nBWluo3Ay0cWWByO5BlRNqoMFQKPiNpZyuEdbxeYydYCUYwSJIf_VeKVyKekRsM/?imgmax=800" width="360" border="0" height="271" /></a> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">4) <em>THEIR ENTIRE WARDROBE PROBABLY DOESN’T NEED REPLACING!</em> I like to let my kids get a new outfit. They usually need a few pairs of jeans long enough to cover their recently exposed ankles. But often, much of their stuff will still work. Be frugal! Don’t replace perfectly good clothing just because they had it last year. I say if it fits and it still looks good, it works. Of course, the kids like to prove me wrong and grow out of everything they own!!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">5) <em>TALK ABOUT YOUR EXPECTATIONS</em> The big kids know what to expect from school, and also what is expected from them. A little reminder never hurts. My new pre-schooler will have no idea what she’s in for. It won’t take long to let them know the kinds of things they will be expected to do. You know, line up, raising hands, asking for help, taking turns, all that stuff. I remember the concept of forming a line to be totally foreign to my little guy when he started. Give ‘em a heads up!!</span></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TFmhSZiHbBI/AAAAAAAAC1k/sFj8eK5tcrs/s1600-h/IMG_8537%5B10%5D.jpg"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Getting ready for preschool!" alt="Getting ready for preschool!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TFmhTLQ8FWI/AAAAAAAAC1o/xpNzP4D25dk/IMG_8537_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" height="271" /></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">What do you do to prepare your children for school? Please leave a comment below and help add on to the list!!!</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size:78%;">“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a HarperCollins book set. For more information on how you can participate,<a href="http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-your-tips-for-getting"> </a></span></em><a href="http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-your-tips-for-getting"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">click here</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:78%;">.”</span></em></p>Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-15921930158869304312010-07-05T08:18:00.001-07:002010-07-05T08:18:28.345-07:00Like cloth diapers? Win one!<p align="left">I have a cloth diaper giveaway running on my family site.  Since I purchased the products myself, I’m sending you over there for your entries!  Contest ends July 25, 2010 and 11:59 CST (Christmas in July!!).  There are tons of ways to enter.  Good luck!!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjns-ZE8nBnpr9zSi1YmS_2jzT0gmbEstzhqO6_YXfkiux7EFjPwf6lflJ25fWkjaZ8TsKzDC9ew1WAB_doG7DvaSwm8ZRBI6k3SMf5mTCGY39r-_q3NBHzT25GppkbfPvAl-oDtuCeG8Q/s1600-h/diapers%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="diapers" border="0" alt="diapers" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TDH3ww59G2I/AAAAAAAACrI/IM_RLgwVevo/diapers_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="247" /></a><a href="http://fraasefamily.blogspot.com/2010/07/cloth-diaper-giveaway.html">Click here for the official contest site!</a></p> Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-61342692432159757512010-06-24T20:35:00.001-07:002010-06-24T20:55:03.306-07:00Encouraging Summer Reading<p>I came across a <a href="http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-tips-for-getting-kids-to">discussion page</a> on TwitterMoms that posed this question:  <strong>How do you get your kids to embrace summer reading?  </strong>And I thought I’d like to weigh in.</p> <p><font size="3">The truth is, summer is break time and my kids know it!  They’ve thrown their backpacks by the way side and haven’t looked back.  But there’s no reason that their books need to go neglected all summer long. Let me share a few tips on keeping those books from getting dusty over the school break.</font></p> <p><font size="3">1) <strong>Make it mandatory</strong>.  This isn’t saying make reading a prison sentence, </font><a href="http://fraasefamily.blogspot.com/2009/12/5-tricks-for-getting-kids-to-bedand.html"><font size="3">but I’ve said it before</font></a><font size="3">: turn off the TV!  Maybe half an hour before bed time, turn off the glowing screen and hand them a book.  Let them know (perhaps year round?) that 30 minute before bed time is reading time.   Give them a choice of what they want to read (I’ve let my son read a video game manual, hey, it’s reading, right??) and don’t be too picky.  Even reading books at or below their current level will reinforce fluency and speed.  Also, don’t be afraid to read to a child that already reads well themselves.  Your attention and interest will spark theirs.  Along those lines:</font></p> <p><font size="3">2) <strong>Be an example!</strong>  Don’t sneak off to the next room while the kids read to catch your TV show.  That’s what your DVR is for!  When you have some down time, get out your own book.  Involve your whole family, even grandparents and caretakers.  I saw my parents read all the time and I can tell you it really encouraged me to read more often, too!  At the pool?  Camping?  Bring books for the car, and for the times you want to relax.  No electricity required!!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TCQoXDVE9UI/AAAAAAAACoE/h5OpaSdSeEQ/s1600-h/ariareading%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Have older siblings read to younger ones!" border="0" alt="Have older siblings read to younger ones!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TCQoYKowVbI/AAAAAAAACoI/6E_6iPorWY0/ariareading_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="273" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3">3) Speaking of electricity, <strong>don’t be to quick to dismiss audio books</strong>.  Our family lives just about an hour from the nearest large city, so we often listen to audio books on the drive!  Summer or winter, chances are you spend some time in the car.</font></p> <p><font size="3">4) <strong>Treat new books like new toys.</strong>  My husband and I decided a long time ago we would always feel OK saying “no” to a new toy when necessary.  We also decided we’d always say “yes” to books.  Our family routinely visits Barnes & Noble to treat ourselves to new books.  Be excited about it!  Help them choose an appropriate book and make it a fun time.  They will grow to love this shopping experience!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqw61GXsHs-hp2O-C-OnvgWTBWFIO26ke0OQmEr39GR1kMFDaVXp95_pMRdN9ykI4nPubwuySgAqShyphenhyphen61yeCMF1VVSwuAEtk4t0QuDXzjcN0faWCf272iWlmjjzfGEWlFoQiWKiW-giw/s1600-h/IMG00636%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="So many choices!" border="0" alt="So many choices!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TCQobFhcLdI/AAAAAAAACoQ/fgAdU9ERGSY/IMG00636_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="283" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3">5) <strong>The library is OPEN in the summer</strong>.  Your local library probably has a summer reading program.  Sign them up! They often offer certificates or even prizes for finishing!  If they don’t offer one, perhaps you could start your own family reading program.  Offer small incentives for meeting reading goals!</font></p> <p><font size="3">6) <strong>Variety is the spice of life.</strong>  Unless your reader is a toddler, they will want variation.  My one-year-old will have me read the same book 13 times…in a row.  Not so for older readers.  Have a ready supply of books.  Don’t be afraid to check out several from the library at once.  Trade with friends.  Visit yard sales.  It’s not hard to provide kids with new(-ish) books.  They will enjoy the choices, and if you are the reader, you’ll appreciate it, too!</font></p> <p><font size="3">7) <strong>Keep at it!</strong>  Its up to you as parents to remember to encourage your kids to read.  If you slack off, they will, too.  It only takes a little effort to encourage a lifelong good reading habit!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRcGEfmkyblw9xnRZ3TjV25WtChxsdAxsOleNY6S8g5FaFTFIQ2fQVFE9-HMoDffS2A0uilmWj-JlLIO0Z17lq2X7z81UfcekqEumu-1epBhhpuyAIz4nAzAZBEmx2im63VTFE8vJgJA/s1600-h/100_0339%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Involve grandpa, too!" border="0" alt="Involve grandpa, too!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EDjqukW0eX8kjWgtZRivGLkXql6biObZdC22NY2JHr8GDhUdOwzwn505l5jQkNqimaPTQk-egj_E02mOd3XSk1dVYIcE6_kt0LpQ_jwGCaa0M9v5WrhoZLBztkahQHkCvGmutVJfvTM/?imgmax=800" width="375" height="283" /></a> </font></p> <p>I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get an "I Can Read!" book. For more information on how you can participate, <a href="http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-tips-for-getting-kids-to">click here</a>.</p> </noscript> Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-19187675120664348292010-06-14T20:09:00.001-07:002010-06-18T23:41:27.092-07:00And The $200 Winner Is….<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TBbu2nWcZEI/AAAAAAAACiY/--AP4OKGS14/s1600-h/winner_6_14_10%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="winner_6_14_10" border="0" alt="winner_6_14_10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TBbu3NOazfI/AAAAAAAACic/8brPdFj0x3w/winner_6_14_10_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="154" /></a> <p></p> <p><font size="3">The winner of the $200 gift card from Flip Video and BlogHer is… ((insert drum roll here))</font></p> <p><font size="3"><font color="#004000">Commentor #270 Pinching Abe!!</font>  Her qualifying remark was that she wished she had a video camera when her son was born before schedule.  </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TBxmkimPhLI/AAAAAAAAClQ/FlqoMG1Tee8/s1600-h/swish%5B5%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="swish" border="0" alt="swish" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/TBxmlaajFzI/AAAAAAAAClU/Tny3-XvrO6I/swish_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="369" height="84" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3">I will be contacting you via email.  You have 48 hours to get back to me or I will have to select an alternate winner.  Don’t make me do that!!!!  Congrats!!</font></p> Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-6421927204818532662010-05-16T23:40:00.001-07:002010-05-18T17:33:24.157-07:00Share your story and you could win $200!<div style="float: left; margin-right: 5px"><script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="http://ads.blogherads.com/reviews/flip/3.js"></script></div> <p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold">This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Flip Video.</p> <div style="clear: both"></div> Share a moment that you wish you had a video camera…</strong></span> <p></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 100%">Being the mom of four gives me ample opportunities to wish I had caught something with a video camera. I’m a “mama-razzi” for sure, constantly snapping photos of the kids, but sometimes a still photo just doesn’t do the situation justice. Take this shot for example:</span></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S_DkyQek6QI/AAAAAAAACZw/wL2lX2Sv34Q/s1600-h/IMG_4852a%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_4852a" border="0" alt="IMG_4852a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrvIxDlSuHSgnZZTv02RlOliQW7QJJK7T65Z3mmq7CMoqa98EJJ7wjuBOdfgYjB0mkg9LqKflI7VaoPS5E_9-LjD7bcBHFaXyWvQ0IMoT-sjhAjaxAEPbEojiBA6aTAh6jxmXqYeESF8/?imgmax=800" width="406" height="273" /></a> <span style="font-size: 100%">Wouldn’t you like to know what in the world went on during this shot?? Yeah, me too. I’ve sort of forgotten what exactly led to the Elvis hair, but I bet it was hilarious. The photo alone makes me laugh. This is your standard “family” picture. Wouldn’t some video go well with it?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%">Then there is something like this:</span></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S_Dk0aA4NYI/AAAAAAAACZ4/8HZY4rqA4lY/s1600-h/daddyhome%5B3%5D.jpg"><span style="font-size: 100%"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="daddyhome" border="0" alt="daddyhome" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S_Dk068rRgI/AAAAAAAACZ8/C5VJM68N_sE/daddyhome_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="379" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 100%"> I’ve said before that I was glad someone had the presence of mind to snap this picture. But there was so much more to be had that day. It would have been awesome to see the faces of the kids as they greeted the daddy they’ve been missing for almost a year, or to see Daddy meet his new baby he has only known through pictures and letters. I wish I’d had a video of those moments.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%">This Christmas we purchased a Flip Mino HD for my husband’s parents. It is seriously the coolest little video camera. Also, to ease our concern, we found it literally <em>so easy Grandpa can run it</em>. The video is fabulous, even on their large HDTV screen. I totally want one. The new Flip SlideHD is out and I know with a camera this small and easy to use I wouldn’t be sorry I missed another moment.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 100%">Is there a moment YOU wish you’d had a video camera? <em>Take a few minutes to share and YOU could WIN $200</em> (and perhaps use it to get your own Flip SlideHD so you don’t miss another opportunity!!) Enter by Jun 14, 2010!!</span></strong></p> <p><strong>First Entry:</strong></p> <p><strong>Leave a comment on this post about your own moment you wish you'd had a video camera!!</strong></p> <p><strong>Additional Entries:</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow this blog and leave one comment letting me know!</strong> </p> <p><strong>Blog about this contest and leave one comment here with your perma-link!</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow me @Fraase on Twitter and tweet about this contest! (like this: <span style="color: #6633ff">Share a moment you wish you had a video camera w/ @Fraase for a chance to win $200 from @BlogHerDeals & @FlipVideoBrand </span><a href="http://bit.ly/dbJEXc"><span style="color: #6633ff">http://bit.ly/dbJEXc</span></a> ) Leave a link in the comment section with your tweet!!</strong></p> <p></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%">Learn More HERE: </span><a href="http://www.blogher.com/5-chances-win-200-flip-video?Reviewer3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 100%">BlogHer.com exclusive offers page</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%">The Official Rules HERE: </span><a href="http://www.blogher.com/blogher-flip-video-sweepstakes-official-rules?Reviewer3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 100%">BlogHer.com Official Rules page</span></a><span style="font-size: 100%"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%">To learn more about the Flip SlideHD and all the Flip Video products check them out HERE: </span><a href="http://store.theflip.com/en-us/products/SlideHD.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 100%">Flip Video website</span></a></p> Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com314tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-89077983747369414892010-05-01T20:51:00.000-07:002010-05-28T07:01:16.491-07:00Got Linkys??<p>Do you have a weekly giveaway link?  Email me (mymommyreviews[at]gmail[dot]com) your button code along with the day of the week your link-up appears and I’ll add it to the list!</p> <p>Sundays:</p> <p><a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mom Blogs" border="0" alt="Mom Blogs" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k210/5m4m/buttons/5m4m-125x125-4.png" /></a><a href="http://www.5vinezmonkeys.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.angelavinez.com/angiesfifth125.jpg" /></a><img src="http://3kidsandus.com/3kidsandusbanner.jpg" /><a href="http://www.themommy-files.com/"><img src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h220/redheadgal23/Blog/button.jpg" /></a><img alt="" src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv31/agiveawayeveryday/YouCanWin.gif" /><a href="http://www.lookwhatmomfound.com/"><img src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd189/mdmom24/LWMFDadtoologo.jpg" width="130" height="118" /></a><img alt="A Contest Blog" src="http://www.hinderized.com/acontestblog.com/blog/wp-content/acb_images/AContestBlogSqAd.jpg" /><a href="http://givemeneither.com"><img border="0" alt="Give Me Neither" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc252/sarahjoyandmatt/DSCF0033-1-6-1-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://letsjustgiveitaway.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Let's Just Give It Away" src="http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj78/valmfain/lets.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.ablogofgoodies.com/"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" align="center" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/BofGoodies125x125.jpg" /></a></p> <p>Mondays:</p> <p><a href="http://myfourmonkeys.com" target="_blank"><img alt="My Four Monkeys" src="http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae28/MyFourMonkeys_photo/buttonnew.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.gobsofgiveaways.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m186/dakota1717/gogbutton.gif" /></a><a href="http://theohanamama.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Hawaii Mommy Blogger" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/surferbaby/Picture105.png" width="124" height="121" /></a><a href="http://www.thehealthymoms.net"><img style="text-align: center; width: 125px; display: inline; height: 125px; cursor: pointer" title="The Number One Health Blog For Moms" border="0" alt="" src="http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm172/healthymoms/highresimage1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://dimes2vines.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac339/dimes2vines/newbutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://thesuburbanjungle.blogspot.com/"> <img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomFWfX39Rgk3FTG-LWT2duWEKSXzDjY82zl3CbC7gvZALqJNV8KR8cHYgbW8l-FgTTN4roP34oLy3pfCXfamOHAskVPXKkS_6BHJ4vTwB69VAs_AY88MQ_v8E7zUWmQzDRHwielpeDz0/s400/subButton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.mommygaga.com" target="_blank"><img border="1" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/sugababydee/eBay/NEWMGGButton125x125.jpg" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://greatbloggiveaways.blogspot.com" target="blank"><img alt="Great Blog Giveaways" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/scraps2treasures/Blog/blogbutton.jpg" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://mmkmoney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Contesting Monday" src="http://blog.nerdfamily.com/uploaded_images/contesting_monday.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.kouponkaren.com/"><img src="http://www.kouponkaren.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_151/custom/images/kouponkaren.button.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.momsbestbets.blogspot.com" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/tatahmar/PATRICE%20blog/mynwbtt.jpg?t=1254152280" /></a><a href="http://www.marketmommies.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.marketmommies.com/Images/bannersads/150ad.gif" width="110" height="110" /></a><a href="http://theohanamama.com" target="_blank"> </a><a title="Simpy Stacie" href="http://simplystacie.net"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Simpy Stacie" src="http://simplystacie.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/button.png" /></a></a><a href="http://thefrugalkennedys.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz67/mommykennedy/free125-RYOV.png" width="116" height="116" /></a> <a href="http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Thrifty Jinxy" src="http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg93/jinxykb/Button/thrifty-button1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.delightfulchaos.com/all-giveaways/giveaways-others/freebie-friday-and-mr-linky-giveaways"><img alt="" src="http://www.grocerypricebooks.com/images/button.jpg" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://littleesmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Toddler Momma" src="http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd233/jessiekaitlin/toddlermomma3png.png" /></a><a href="http://www.couponersunited.com/"><img border="0" alt="Couponers United" src="http://www.couponersunited.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/CouponersUnited-Button-125.jpg" width="127" height="127" /></a><a href="http://www.themorrisbunchblog.com/"><img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/hisminenours6/Button.jpg" /></a><a href="http://multi-testingmommy.blogspot.com"><img alt="MTT Button" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/multitestingmommy/Blog%20Stuff/MTT_button125.png" width="132" height="87" /></a></p> <p>Tuesdays:</p> <p><a href="http://twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv60/twoofakind868/2ofakindbutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://mommyhastowork.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwKPeaV385WBrFSwxWdMGAlnUlJ1gHBIuuU5dkZO-UlkNARWyLj6h656sl3PTWX6wMRHUu0WDK-8EsCeHBI5nsRWdgjjBWt1Eo_CwzI7mJVlCbrOsEWuEUa7dzxykSj4bO2UwtFlrdr-3/s320/MommyButton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://energizerbunnysmommyreports.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt37/mjblog09/energizerbunnybutton.gif" width="123" height="118" /></a><a href="http://www.thriftyandchicmom.com/"><img border="0" alt="Thrifty and Chic Mom" src="http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr342/thriftyandchicmom/tcm_button.gif" /></a><a href="http://mommysmoneycents.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Mommy’s Money Cents" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3BNfCrL4WbtNuj0yAadxIqsv4FbjnTkLPVixrz8UrDRQzalxLACAUFcWHBJMKBRC1qYQgiTjOZZGHftNQjvB5891NEHpbJ_poFPurXwx0aeE6wyMNIl561wrWfoYXkGhNtLBv0GGXFxz/s1600-r/mommys-button.jpg" /></a><a href="http://outnumbered3-1.com/"><img border="0" alt="Outnumbered Banner" src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt66/shimmermeblue/125.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.shawnann.org"><img alt="button" src="http://www.shawnann.org/images/button.png" /></a><a href="http://www.frugalandfabulous.org/"><img border="0" alt="Frugal and Fabulous" src="http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab75/ablogtobragabout/Lindsay%20W/button.png" /></a><a href="http://www.djsdustyattic.com/"><img alt="" src="http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt86/blogdesigndiva/djavatar.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.mummydeals.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FUxmpxwOmtkpmtYKuoW0Sn5CAHPN9Bcv1sfyx77SfFCYZi-LTcJwW1v8WeEiK_0dMgXXhRZTU5GQwa2kiaXhzNPzYhZPqbfik6N5taQWyKtntHJiYNFvT2hKs05p1IUcUIYAWH2MGuQ/s320/mummybutton1.jpg" width="124" height="124" /></a><a href="http://www.momadvice.com"><img alt="Click to visit MomAdvice.com" src="http://88a422159b5875619f88169ad3ced9-default.s3.amazonaws.com/momadvice/images/badges/125x125.png" /></a><a href="http://www.freebiesandmuchmore.com/"><img border="0" alt="Freebies and Much More" src="http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/csblog711/FMMLogo125x125.png" /></a><a title="Cakeblast: The Blog With A Dad Attitude!" href="http://cakeblast.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Cakeblast: A DadBlog Featuring Reviews and Giveaways" src="http://cakeblast.com/wp-content/themes/cakelike/images/cakebutton2.gif" width="125" height="125" /></a> <a href="http://cristiniscouponcrazy.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="cristin is coupon crazy!" src="http://i37.tinypic.com/anit1v.jpg" /></a><a href="http://familyliciousreviews.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Familylicious" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4426059774_307ffebfc3_m.jpg" width="123" height="123" /></a><a href="http://luvtosave.blogspot.com/"><img alt="TCBOTB" src="http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt192/zethelz/ethelbutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://mrsnespysworld.blogspot.com"><img alt="Mrs Nespy's Frugal World" src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q29/mrsnespy/MrsNespysButton.jpg" width="126" height="126" /></a><a href="http://www.realheartprints.com"><img alt="Real Heart Prints" src="http://www.realheartprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/New-RHP-Button1.jpg" /></a></p> <p>Wednesdays:</p> <p><a href="http://www.fatandsassywallet.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy213/klbanks09/button/button.jpg" width="137" height="137" /></a><a href="http://www.frugallivingandhavingfun.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.frugallivingandhavingfun.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk316/gottalove3kids/thDeb1.png" width="138" height="138" /></a></a><a href="http://www.jleighdesignz.com/"> <img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/jleighbuttoncopy.png" width="116" height="129" /> </a><a href="http://www.themomreviews.com" target="_blank"><img alt="The Mom Reviews" src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/atandrade1/therapeutic-button--3.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.weefinds.com/"><img border="0" alt="www.weefinds.com" src="http://www.weefinds.com/ads/logo_125_rounded.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://busy-mommy.com/"><img alt="Busy Mom" src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b139/bahamamamaa44/blog%20images/flower.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.copperbrickroad.com/"><img src="http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/hh418/copperbrickroad/blog%20design/button.png" /></a><a href="http://www.smartcentsmom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j36/blizzardbargain/blogdesign/button.jpg" /></a><a href="http://islandlife808.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="An Island Life" src="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p215/Local-Girl-photos/logos/125button.jpg" /></a><a href="http://icoulduseadeal.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="I Could Use A Deal.com" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3568368229_edc2c42d2b_o.jpg" width="126" height="121" /></a><a href="http://www.ifmamaaint.blogspot.com"><img alt="If Mama Ain't button" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8vJt9OhHxbo/SoWBV3C3RmI/AAAAAAAAAqw/pIk3jJnZGls/if%20button.png" width="122" height="122" /></a><a href="http://www.couponclippinmommy.com/"><img src="http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/tatahmar/STEPHANIE02%20blog/nbtt.jpg?t=1260876950" width="119" height="119" /></a> <a href="http://www.chachingqueen.com/"><img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/rachelcaron/ccqbuttoncrownback.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.dealectiblemommies.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu311/dealectiblemommies/button.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.couponingtobedebtfree.com"><img alt="button.bmp" src="http://couponingtobedebtfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button.bmp" width="129" height="109" /></a><a href="http://queenofthecastlereviews.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Album%202/Button-10.png" /></a><a href="http://www.momsmostwanted.net/"><img border="0" alt="Moms Most Wanted" src="http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n16/cle3479/mom2sizecheckcopy-1-1-5.jpg" /></a></p> <p>Thursdays:</p> <p><a href="http://www.weeshare.net/"><img src="http://www.angelavinezdesigns.com/weeshare125.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ilikeitfrantic.net/"><img border="0" alt="I Like it Frantic" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/renfamily/blog/button-2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.makingmyamericandream.com/"><img alt="MakingMyAmericanDream" src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx33/lindsayintx/JESSICA-BUTTON220-1.jpg" width="124" height="124" /></a><a href="http://www.babylovingmama.com"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt250/BabyLovingMama/button.png" /></a><a href="http://www.juststopscreaming.com/"><img border="0" src="http://juststopscreaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/tonibutton.png" width="100" height="100" /></a><a href="http://www.eightymphmom.com/search/label/Giveaway%20Linky"><img border="0" alt="Giveaway Linky" src="http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo266/mtejen_bucket/Linkemupthursdaybutton.jpg" width="145" height="114" /></a><a href="http://theshoppingmama.com"><img border="0" alt="The Shopping Mama" src="http://theshoppingmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/The-Shopping-Mama.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.gograhamgo.com"><img border="0" alt="Go Graham Go" src="http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/gograhamgoads/gggbutton112709.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.jollymom.com"><img border="0" alt="Jolly Mom" src="http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk302/piera78/jmbutton-1.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.seeryusmama.com/"><img title="Seeryus Mama" alt="Seeryus Mama button" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/kaiyasmom06/seeryusmama/banner12.png" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://lemontreecards.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdT_sFphE3RQicsqm6Q7iR_xJcVON7BkoeEDPshkuAwYwSqHWx_wdjVneJFrFogZYXgEv7UFNsNJsgEfFMYhkUMWk9x4aQdVhtcaugB1KAN4a8XCwqZjzIh9m56Kqa_2XMXBk37wJIamj/s320/banner+treasure.jpg" /></a><a href="http://thebkeepsushonest.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" src="http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/jrhammlett/bbutton2-1.jpg" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://misc-oceansky.blogspot.com"><img title="Mom's Misc Adventures" border="0" alt="Mom's Misc Adventures" src="http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab216/oceansky12/th_Girly-1.jpg" width="124" height="110" /></a><a href="http://www.extraordinarymothers.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/delandkristin/html_button_small_extra.png" width="117" height="84" /></a><a href="http://christianfrugalmama.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE8L8-JYeQjpv2saj02_-YOUayupa9Gk9Cc0lAnOEfXJOcC1HxQSv_fFUHlLAefCLr50VM70HQyBD4q81hGWHmJTxXuS183muc9p6sB75tPp51ITdgSztDgnmUfws4toOrGtHCFCtivxR/s200/Lily+Button.jpg" width="135" height="102" /></a><a href="http://www.tobethode.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/satmst/blog/tbt125_01a.png" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://www.atldealfinder.com/"><img alt="" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/kaiyasmom06/atl%20deal%20finder/atlbanner.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.SuburbanSavingMama.com"><img border="0" alt="SuburbanSavingMama" src="http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz32/suburbansavingmama/resizedtreebutton.jpg" /></a></p> <p>Fridays:</p> <p><a href="http://bonggafinds.blogspot.com"><img alt="Bonggamom Finds" src="http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr260/bonggamom/blog%20buttons/BonggaFindsButton-2.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://somethingsnappee.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/dayeni/newbutton.jpg" width="129" height="187" /></a><a href="http://www.reviewretreat.com/"><img alt="Review Retreat" src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/closet_rehab/ReviewRetreatButton.png" /></a><a href="http://hsuperparents.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6662/buttonh.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.Hail2TheSnowQueen.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh95/snowbabe81/th_MamaSnowDrift.jpg" width="124" height="110" /></a><a href="http://bargainbriana.com"><img alt="BargainBriana.com" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/bargainbri/Buttons/bargainbriana-3.jpg" /></a><a href="http://flyinggigglesandlollipops.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd355/yzgirl04/FlyingGigglesButton1-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://myredapron.com/"><img alt="" src="http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/myredapron/myredapron.jpg" /></a><a href="http://pamelamkramer.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/PMKU/logo_125x125.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.myrealreview.ca/"><img border="0" alt="My Real Review" src="http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg157/nic29_photo/blog_button-1.png" /></a><a href="http://meandmyboys-abby.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q308/AbbyAMartin/meandmyboysgrab1.png" /></a><a href="http://ahensnest.blogspot.com/"><img title="A Hen's Nest" border="0" alt="A Hen's Nest" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/yourcrazy2/SeamlessBackgrounds/ahensnestbutton.png" width="125" /></a></p> <p>Saturdays:</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo94/BabasFarmLife/babasfarmlife.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.contest-corner.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv279/supercoupongirl/contest_corner_border.gif" /></a><a href="http://themombuzz.com/"><img alt="The Mom Buzz" src="http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq244/erintales/MOM%20BUZZ%20LAYOUT/mbentrecard.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.afrugalfriend.net"><img src="http://www.afrugalfriend.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/frugalfriendbutton.png" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://www.giveaways4mommy.com/"><img title="G4M Button" src="http://giveaways4mommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/G4Mbutton.jpg" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://www.anutinanutshell.com/"><img src="http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/neuffj/Completed%20Desgnz/Button-24.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.dailyessentialsanddeals.com/"><img title="Grab My Button" alt="Focusing on Bible, Family, and Great Deals" src="http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff117/smgaff/button.jpg" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://heavenlysavings.blogspot.com"><img alt="button1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4584457590_3b9da08ded_m.jpg" width="125" height="158" /></a><a href="http://www.happilyblended.com"><img border="0" alt="happily_blended_button" src="http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/dpapandrea11/Client%20Graphics/Brandy/button_1_125x125.png" /></a><a href="http://frugalfemina.com"><img alt="frugalfemina" src="http://frugalfemina.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/FF_blog_button.gif" width="125" height="125" /></a><a href="http://www.mavenofsavin.com/"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="" src="http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu56/lmmahoney/MavenButtoncopy-1.jpg" width="130" height="130" /></a><a href="http://www.themamazone.com/"><img alt="The MamaZone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8vJt9OhHxbo/SnEZZu3qBFI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Uj8K1n7s7H8/mamazone.png" /></a><a href="http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="JANBbutton" src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy138/aitmama/JustAnotherNewBlog.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.momsavesmoney.blogspot.com"><img src="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr80/nmcdon/Blog%20Images/button.png" width="128" height="128" /></a><a href="http://www.mommyshangout.com/"><img alt="" src="http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu105/simplyunique79/mmhangout.jpg" /></a></p> Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-87708476851320116762010-01-18T21:09:00.001-08:002010-01-18T21:09:56.281-08:00St. Eve Cozy Review and Giveaway<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S1U-kou8yoI/AAAAAAAACD8/XxRiKtd4GMg/s1600-h/IMG_8016a%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="The Cozy" border="0" alt="The Cozy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ffkmhAJFFFCpkY4Eu131GMsZpi01TcxcC_o2mfkQJq5WRdzkxEwl-oORLRdLKUcbEMUPTt6LUd7m-VvzSkpJJB-yhcnYKo5_yx3fnX5ohEeNRyFjw5bmlh8jHvHPZlenqvu2-Rdgisg/?imgmax=800" width="406" height="283" /></a> <p><font size="3">OK, I’ll admit it.  Its expensive to heat our house, so we keep the thermostat set pretty low around here.  There are usually blankets on the couch to cozy up in.  Why not let your little girl have her very own “Cozy”?  This blanket with sleeves is the real deal.  The edges are finished with satin trim and it is thick, plushy and SO soft! My girl was eager to try it out.  The St. Eve Cozy fits almost any size with generous length (to tuck those toes in!) and sleeves that allow her to tuck her hands in or, like AM does, play a little computer while wearing her Cozy.  Even PM, our 3-year-old, can snuggle right in to the Cozy and enjoy a princess movie!  I really love these and I think I may need to buy my boys some in the boy patterns they offer!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S1U-l9bUlhI/AAAAAAAACEE/8A2r1DFjsPA/s1600-h/IMG_7900a%5B6%5D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_7900a" border="0" alt="IMG_7900a" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S1U-m0yf8aI/AAAAAAAACEI/kftt21GkDRg/IMG_7900a_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="140" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S1U-nedTTwI/AAAAAAAACEM/zIDc6nxpDUI/s1600-h/IMG_7894a%5B3%5D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_7894a" border="0" alt="IMG_7894a" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S1U-n59vQlI/AAAAAAAACEQ/uUIle5ayzE4/IMG_7894a_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="140" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zn5UkZN6gUbs3N8GmylhfpiObxPTsxw5bQBb3Ow3kki_4FRnyNFeYseY-Z2nbTHHAWA8pbQAvo5RfhXRfJHUSp0SqSdeARRpSzHvtN4smzZEeo10TMkmOl8maWBj0vwSnl9TmhQnBDo/s1600-h/IMG_7890a%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_7890a" border="0" alt="IMG_7890a" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/S1U-ozFOW2I/AAAAAAAACEY/Mh36clBxJpk/IMG_7890a_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="273" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">From St. Eve Kids:</font></p> <p><em><font size="3">St. Eve Kids offers delightfully sweet and totally trendy under garments and pajama sets for boys and girls.  The apparel comes to life with a wide array of playful themes and colorful personalities, including the memorable characters of <a href="http://www.dramau.com/meet-drama-u" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0080">Drama U</font></a> that children come to know and love.</font></em></p> <p><strong><font size="3">Buy It:</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3">St. Eve Kids apparel is available at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Von, Maur, Nordstrom, Dealls, Kohl’s, Sears, and JC Penny’s.  The Cozy retails for $20 and I found them ON SALE at Bealls stores online at <a href="http://www.beallsflorida.com/r/St_Eve_Polyester_Toys_Gifts_Unisex/product?styleid=154141&">www.beallsflorida.com</a> .</font></p> <p><strong><font size="3">Win It:</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3">ONE reader will be chosen at random from entries to receive a pink Cozy of their own!  The contest ends February 2, 2010 at 11:59PM CST.  PLEASE make sure your email address in included in each entry!  A winner will be announced and notified and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen.</font></p> <p><font size="3">First Entry: </font></p> <ul> <li><font size="3">Head over to </font><a href="http://www.DramaU.com"><font color="#ff0080" size="3">www.DramaU.com</font></a><font size="3"> and tell me your favorite character (this MUST be your first entry!) </font></li> </ul> <p><font size="3">Bonus Entries:</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="3">Follow this blog. Comment that you did! </font></li> <li><font size="3">Follow me on twitter (@Fraase) and tweet about this giveaway.  Leave the link in your comment. </font></li> <li><font size="3">Add my button to your blog sidebar.  Leave a link to your blog in the comment. </font></li> <li><font size="3">For THREE extra entries, blog about this giveaway and include a link here.  Leave your blog permalink in the comment. </font></li> <li><font size="3">Leave a comment on a post in our </font><a href="http://fraasefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0080" size="3">Family Blog</font></a><font size="3">.  Leave a comment here for each one.</font> </li> </ul> <p><em>This giveaway is sponsored by St. Eve Kids.  I received one Cozy to review and keep, a second to give away and no monetary compensation.</em></p> Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024629608159019436.post-9095622861429688152009-11-03T19:57:00.000-08:002009-11-03T20:02:41.053-08:00My Unsolicited Review of Rainbow BB and Coolababy Cloth Diapers<p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#ff6666;"><em>THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY FEATURED ON MY FAMILY BLOG IN MAY 2009, I AM RE-POSTING HERE FOR THE REVIEW BLOG</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">~~~~~~~ UPDATE ~~~~~~~</span></p><p>I've had these diapers for several months now. After you read my original review below, please <a href="http://fraasefamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/coolababy-and-rainbow-bb-update.html">CLICK HERE</a> to read an update! Thanks for stopping by!</p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">~~~~~~Original Post ~~~~~~~</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">I have been an E-bay addict lately as I tried to scout out some new yet inexpensive cloth all-in-one diapers. I have some very nice </span><a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/allinone.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008080;">SposoEasy</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"> dipes I purchased from a friend, but I wanted to add to my stash. I kept seeing tons of these made-in-China sets of diapers sold in lots from 4 to 24. They end up being around $6.50 to $7.50 each, depending on the shipping and if they include extra inserts. </span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/SkEN3ohaWGI/AAAAAAAABIc/lPrGuwv8O-A/s1600-h/IMG_1040%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1040" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="246" alt="IMG_1040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYVFZfj5YW000miCJeBv4Wswn5Xvrofv57p306hguI8J_PE9AjlpP1Ctt88KsZ6zcMoxEWRza8WFq8ayLEse3LzUdf2MTIepXOd8Ck5bOjUFxA2CQWqKUBYo7gZmGgvgf4hkEEDCVqBA/?imgmax=800" width="166" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:100%;">The Coolababy cloth pocket diaper I purchased came in several cute colors. I looked for one that included a second insert for the pocket. It came in a reasonable amount of time, being that it came from China. When you look at the description on E-bay, you have to weed through the poorly translated English. I actually sort of enjoyed this part. For example:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;color:#004080;">according to the size of your baby's urine choose thick or thin diapers, going out at night or optional Thick, thin normally used.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;color:#004080;">3. Lining is a strong water permeability, when the baby urinating, urine will soon be absorbed through the lining to all the diapers inserts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#804000;">I would hope when my baby is going out for a night on the town he remembers to use the optional Thick diaper. There is also a fairly straight forward set of washing instructions on the listing, which is good because they don’t come with any additional instructions in the packaging and a cryptic half-Chinese character tag sewn in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The Rainbow BB cloth pocket diapers are so very similar that I believe they may be made at the same manufacturer for two different wholesalers. Actually the listing for the Rainbow BB diapers call them Coolababy in the text! They both come in similar colors (Rainbow BB more pastels, Coolababy more basic colors), they both have a very similar design with a few variables, and they both have identical inserts. They also have some fun translations on their listing:</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;color:#004080;">Afterall, the like these of the with cloth, it'the s not saving money of the only about ….. It'the s not environment of the saving our of the only about ……and it'the s not saving our of the only about health. It'the s also every minute of the and loving of the duper CUTE of the looking super of the about baby of it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Duper CUTE of the looking super!!! Exactly what I was looking for!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Here’s the specifics….</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/SkEN6Df_AHI/AAAAAAAABIk/J3873yOhqDU/s1600-h/IMG_1042%5B14%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1042" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="370" alt="IMG_1042" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/SkEN7luSYYI/AAAAAAAABIo/ASxM7VCGvco/IMG_1042_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf9v9_KmWOhhaXmyQ2JbuUaBrdILOPA838ZNvziomFCDtPG_W9KqiEf22EFuUWmALZXIfFQkwjc7sdNOH0ST4FPPgxKHmAg7F1D55VbTXeN05WwfgWXnWD4Zb4cq6XXOV_mbLPvuy5RE/s1600-h/IMG_1041%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1041" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="371" alt="IMG_1041" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKLzyDJ2nJDOqjnRbZ_kv6LwefGtawi_L-DmRtejzXoec7XfI4ZRaAUgN4P47U27npy6Qhq7-BosDlwOOFO3qFZiMemvzF96vSUmPryavktPUG42u_Q5_teYGZhYgwph7T_6VI0NqTpU/?imgmax=800" width="258" border="0" /></a></p><p>You can see the slight difference in color. The Rainbow BB PUL material on the outer cover seems to be just slightly better quality. Also, Rainbow BB has an extra row of snaps across the top and the elastic legs are slightly more snug. The Coolababy diaper is a good fit on my chunky baby, but I think would not be as snug on a thinner child (read: leaky?). Both snaps are durable, the Rainbow BB snaps seemed a bit better, but it is slightly newer so maybe just less worn. I played with the adjustable rise, but I have a hard time believing a 7 pound baby would fit either of these. Both have a very nice microfleece inner layer and extremely absorbent inserts. We used these overnight with no leaks, and no blowout in the morning (so far!)</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1TjHKIC0yQfCNjv6ONtYzEItfE6OcyBvKlisnHL4DsWGvWYfAIVJI_ALovRXOcVrmRij6RTUp55Lfd4hwlZ9401k_IvtbBli52OydkH7KRUWFmFe-2ledcFxmIZqvjhyjRGJ0qAoYK0/s1600-h/IMG_1044%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1044" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="367" alt="IMG_1044" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwD1V_pgP3wo1xoGdAOwZv-DMTg_FhRwPxDb5dXwERiGDYcVCHrFfiUiEPz9kSRdA0llr4zOyrqulzCs_qbQL0E35XiSm0tBEVOuzSwb5fQd_tLfHlkLtqSLfPUaN4mvW2heMJ0BnJP0/?imgmax=800" width="253" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q5OZIebuU28/SkEOBC0smXI/AAAAAAAABI8/abbKMeolCHc/s1600-h/IMG_1046%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1046" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="366" alt="IMG_1046" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolebyB5MAOh6STrPxQmSsf233Afw9HAdeTupMIjVWHSNAtzHZO5LWsa1glCtaGV-3FAiSksIYWZQo733CwjDqeC9EQQjS_yXb4qBgj_PqHQXhX6mu4MvvwUxix1fzXEEjNnTRT3FsSX0/?imgmax=800" width="250" border="0" /></a></p><p>The Coolababy diaper has microfleece right up the top, while Rainbow BB has PUL turned. Either one seems fine. I think I like the Rainbow BB pocket a bit better with the extra flap inside. The Coolababy pocket is slightly more wide, so easier to stuff, but the pocket is open at the end so if the microfleece shifts too much you may end up with PUL right against baby’s skin. Both wash well and dry fast either on the line or on medium heat in the dryer. After some long term use, I’ll probably post again as to the wear and tear and how they’re holding up.</p><p>Overall, for the price, they seem like they will be decent diapers. I think I like the Rainbow BB slightly better than the Coolababy. Some tips for hunting on E-bay: These are usually a buy-it-now item. Look for listings for free shipping, or remember to factor shipping into the cost of the diaper. You really should be able to snag these for less than $8 each <em>with</em> second inserts included! I would not at all recommend the Babyland Diapers as the inner lining looks like terribly cheap polyester. </p><p>There wasn’t much info about these so I wanted to post my experiences. If anyone ever tries SunBaby, SweetDollBaby or any of the other similar products, I’d love to hear what you thought. </p>Mel Fraasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16995582375180809457noreply@blogger.com2