I just signed up with two companies that promise to give moms a "voice" in product creation and development:
VocalPoint: "Get relevant, provocative information about products and services of value to you and your friends. Get access to compelling experiences. Influence and learn from other moms like you."
SheSpeaks: "Try out products for free and keep them."
I have yet to get any free products or have any "compelling experiences," but I like the idea behind these companies - giving moms a voice. I'm glad that companies are beginning to explore ways to plug into the power of word-of-mouth marketing.
Have you joined either of these sites and, if so, what's your take so far? What other comparable sites have you affiliated with?
Will you/Do you have your child(ren) vaccinated?
A. Of course! Vaccines have almost eradicated so many deadly and dangerous diseases - I want to ensure that my child is protected.
B. I'm on-the-fence. Still trying to decide if vaccines protect or harm...
C. No way! Vaccines aren't all they're cracked up to be.
Vote - and give us the "why" behind your stance.
This just in from Southwest Airlines...
Beginning October 2, 2007, an adult traveling with a child four years old or younger will board between the "A" and "B" boarding groups, unless you have an "A" boarding pass. Those Customers holding an "A" boarding pass should board with the "A" boarding group.
Did you catch what they didn't say? After October 2nd, families can no longer pre-board.
I was a bit disappointed by this announcement because parents truly appreciate ANY measures that make traveling easier. We took our first flight with our daughter (on Southwest Airlines, coincidentally) when she was six months old. We were uber-grateful for the pre-boarding amenity because it allowed us to select a seat at the front of the plane for easy exiting (plus, those seats have more legroom).
For our next flight, we'll probably look beyond Southwest and consider other airlines that cater to families. Here's the direction that I'd like to see airlines go:
* FREE airplane-themed coloring books/pages and crayons to every child (age 12 and younger)
* FREE snack kit with healthy options like carrot sticks and ranch, sliced apples, cheese and crackers, goldfish, a 100% juicebox, etc. to every child (age 12 and younger)
* Lightweight blankets provided to nursing moms for the duration of the flight
What do you think about Southwest's decision? And - what family-friendly amenities would you like to see airlines offer?
* Before age 1
* Between 12 and 18 months
* Between 18 and 24 months
* 2 to 2 1/2 years old
* 2 1/2 to 3 years old
* 3 years or older
New parents are always on-the-lookout for excellent deals, freebies, and sales.
Here's the catch: new parents often don't have the time to find them.
Fortunately, there are blogs out there like Baby Cheapskate that do the work and research for you. You can find out about free samples, discounts on diapers and other necessities, and all of the best bargains for baby gear. *BONUS* The blog author, Angie, strikes me as a super nice person.
P.S. Here are two other sites that do the same thing (although without the emphasis on baby stuff):
http://slickdeals.net
http://absurdlycool.com
Enjoy!
Ok, she really doesn't. But she could. Yours probably could too. If you wanted your baby in the limelight, that is.
We just got a casting call announcement from the Great American Model and Talent Search. They're searching for babies and kids, 3 months old and up, for television commercials, print ads, and movies.
So I thought about it. I'm not a big fan of beauty pageants for little girls, but it might be a fun memory to see my baby in a Huggies commercial or on a Gerber product. Might is the key word. Something about it feels a little suspicious.
I'd like to hear your opinion. Have you ever entered your baby in a photo contest, pageant, or model/talent search? Was your experience positive or negative? What do you think about GAMTS?
P.S. Here's another "limelight" opportunity: enter your baby in Evenflo's "Baby, You're a Star" contest. The deadline is Sept. 30!
I recently received a Bebe Au Lait nursing cover in the mail from BabyBecause.
I was actually a little nervous about getting the cover because I was afraid that I'd be disappointed. I purchased a First Years Nursing Wrap for about half the price several months ago and was fully dissatisfied. It was awkward because I couldn't see the baby and the material was scanty. I tried it once and it was then relegated to some drawer of castaway baby items.
Thankfully, the Bebe Au Lait nursing cover exceeded my expectations. It is expertly designed with both mom and baby in mind. It slips easily over my neck and is long enough to ensure modesty, but it also has a unique circular design that allows me to maintain a continuous view of my little girl while she nurses. Best of all, its lightweight (that's important if you live in a warm climate) and my daughter can't kick or pull it off. Oh, and I did I mention it's super cute and comes in lots of great colors/styles?
P.S. If you want to buy a cover for yourself (or as a gift for a baby shower!), I would definitely recommend that you head on over to BabyBecause because (no pun intended) they're a family company that is dedicated to moms. They actually even make it a point to hire young moms so that they relate to the customers and actually believe in the products...now, that is cool.
Did you know you can sign your kids (and yourself) up for free ice cream?
Baskin Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery both offer FREE Birthday Clubs. Every year, you can get a free 2.5 oz. ice cream cone from BR and a free ice cream creation from CSC.
Yum!
What other free birthday clubs/offers do you know about?