We've Moved!!! TwoferMom.com is live and waiting for you!

Click to see how we designed the new logo!

My BRAND Spankin NEW site is up!
And I can't wait to see you over there!
After all my bitching in moaning in the last post, I'm so happy it's done :).

What do you do?
1. Stop coming here and bookmark http://twofermom.com
2. Subscribe to the RSS feed over at Twofer Mom (click on the big coffee cup)
3. If you grabbed my old Twofer button replace it with this:


(grab the code from my sidebar ---->)

Then leave a comment for me at Twofer Mom so I know you made it! :)
Thanks for following me,
Janine

Give Us Your Conference Call Blooper and Win an iPhone 3G from Packetel!

Have you ever said the wrong thing to a client? Have you ever been caught not paying attention on the line? Have your kids screamed something crazy during a call...

If so - Packetel wants to hear about it!

If not - try out Packetel's Web Conferencing services FREE for 30-days and tell us about your experience!

Packetel Turbo Meeting makes web conferencing simple and easy to do. Here are just a few of their web conferencing features:

• Share screens/desktops with multiple participants
• Assign and acknowledge meeting roles of presenter and controller of keyboard/mouse
• Allow an unlimited number of users to host a web conference
• Schedule meetings and webinars
• Hold ad hoc meetings and webinars and use verbal meeting invitations without resorting to e-mail
• Integrate with Outlook for sending e-mail invitations
• Optimized for different internet connection speeds ranging from broadband to 28KB dial-up
• Annotation over the entire screen/desktop
• Whiteboard and chat functionalities

Win an iPhone for my misdeed on a conference call? Yes! Here's how you can win:

1. Fill out the form below, including your blooper story

OR

2. Try out Packetel's Web Conferencing Service for FREE for 30 days, fill out the form including your experience with the server

Entry form: http://cli.gs/PsvX9W

Bonus Entries! After you've completed 1 or 2 above and filled out the form you can also...

- Blog about Packetel's Online Fax Service and link the text "packetel's web conference service" to: http://www.packetel.com/web-conferencing-turbo-meeting-main.asp

- Become a Fan of Packetel at their Brand New Facebook Fan Page here: http://facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=121265230239#

Contest ends 7/31/09 at 11:59 AM ET. This contest brought to you courtesy of the Momfluence network.

Win a Wii Fit and Help your Kids Maintain a Healthy Weight!

With childhood obesity reaching an all time high across the country, many parents struggle with how to help their children maintain a healthy weight with proper nutrition.

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, the official doctor of Camp Shane and a board certified pediatrician, has created Dr. Dolgoff's Weigh, a traffic-light system that allows kids to learn which foods are healthiest without counting calories. To spread the word about her site and program, Dr. Weigh, is sponsoring a Wii Fit contest to help you get your family up and moving this summer!

To Enter:
To enter to win the #KidsWeigh Wii Fit contest, check out client testimonials and fabulous Dr. Weigh success stories then fill out this secure contest form telling us which story was your favorite!

Form: http://tinyurl.com/kidsweighcontest

Want a chance to speak with Dr. Dolgoff about your nutritional questions and win more prizes?

Join her Friday, July 10th at 9 p.m. ET on Twitter for her #KidsWeigh discussion. Door prizes will be awarded. To RSVP and for more information go to:

Resourceful Mommy.

One grand prize winner will receive a Wii Fit. Two runners-up will receive a free one month membership to Dr. Weigh. This contest ends Friday, July 24th at 11:59 a.m. ET. and is brought to you by Momfluence.

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters - two big thumbs up

I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed my samples of Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters from My Blog Spark and so I will do pros and cons for this review.

Pros

(or, why I freakin love these things)
1. Super Delicious...nutty, crunchy, sweet and salty all in one
2. Filling...they definitely take the edge off that 3:00 hunder
3. Portable...come in resealable bags that are great for car trips, a picnic, the beach or the pool.
4. No high fructose corn syrup...real honey and sugar used for sweetening

Cons

(or why I might suggest you not try them in the first place cause you're gonna love them)
1. Not Low Fat....but not horrible if you limit it (7 clusters are 160 calories and 10 grams of fat)
2. Addictive...see number 1
3. They won't last very long...see number 2


New Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters comes in four flavors: Honey Roasted Peanut, Granola Nut Clusters, Roasted Almond, and Roasted Cashew.

Get a $1.00 off any bag of Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters (you'll see link at the bottom of the home page) and then tell me what you think!


Janine
Product provided by

What's "Good For The Kids" is good for the parents at this online store

I only wish there was a shop like this when the Twofer were little. But way back then (6 years ago) there wasn't as much information out there about the plastic that was used in baby bottles or the lead paint often found in toys we import.

Safe and Affordable for Babies and Big Kids

GoodForTheKids.com is one place where you know the things you buy are safe. They have everything from BPA-free bottles to Melissa & Doug brand toys. The prices are very competitive (most of my items were $5.99 or lower). And many come with a lifetime guarantee.

The site is easy to navigate and you simply pick a category: Play - Feed - Nurture - Engage or Shop By Brand. Here you'll find unique products that will satisfy even the most (and I can say this because I'm one of them) neurotic mother, while providing exactly what the child either wants (in my case) or needs.


Thanks to Momfluence and GoodForTheKids.com I have the opportunity to test a number of Melissa & Doug craft products like:

Origami Paper

Take-Along Water Color Set and

Jumbo Triangular Sidewalk Chalk.

These have really come in handy as I put my Summer Survival Guide to the test!

And the Tooth Fairy Box would have been helpful yesterday when that silly fairy, ahem, FORGOT to come.

Be sure to check out GoodForTheKids.com and send the link to those new (and neurotic) moms. They will forever thank you!

Janine

Product provided by:
Momfluence
GoodForTheKids.com

Carefree Fresh Start Fund giving $10,000 for a fresh start!

Did you ever wish you could make a fresh start in your life?
Your job?
A relationship?
Starting a business?
Maybe a new look?

My fresh start would be hiring a professional organizer to come to my home and help me find a place for everything so all I have to do it put it where it belongs!

Carefree has a wonderful website that not only gives tips for little ways to start fresh every day (including the Carefree Ultra Protection products) but they are also helping to fund your dreams of a fresh start!

Check out the Carefree Fresh Start fund contest:

"Tell us why you want to make a fresh start and how we can help for the chance to receive $10,000 in funding, a consultation from change expert Ariane de Bonvoisin of First30Days.com, and a trip to New York City to receive your funding and be honored at the CAREFREE® Fresh Start event held in partnership with Step Up Women’s Network."

Plus be sure to try the new Carefree Ultra Protection panty liners. You can get a free sample here, and start every day right. These panty liners are 10 times more absorbent than other products - perfect for travel, and long work days.

Tell me - what fresh start do you want to make?

Janine

Product supplied by
Mom Central

Enter to win an iPhone by tweeting #HouseofGems! (Or, don't...better for me!)

So over vacation my brother bought the newest iPhone. I started playing with his old one and am really getting envious. The good thing is that I just found out that a tweet on Twitter could win me an iPhone 3GS!

I've already told you about the jewelry supplies you can win from House of Gems and Momfluence.

Anyone on Twitter who tweets with the hashtag #HouseofGems between 12:00 noon eastern Monday, June 22nd and noon eastern Saturday, June 27th will be entered to win an iPhone 3GS! U.S. residents 18 years and older are eligible.

The winner will be announced during the #houseofgems SiteWarming party
Saturday
June 27th
9 p.m. Eastern

I'm tweeting - are you? Wait, don't tweet - the better chance I'll have of winning :).

With iPhone envy,
Janine

Sponsored by Momfluence
and House of Gems.

Get "Bejeweled" and enter to win $250 in Jewelry Making product!

Most of my friends have dabbled in jewelry making. A number of us bought thetools and wires, and most of us have bought beads at one time or another.

When you add it all up it's a small fortune. And - we have never tried to sell our wares, but this opportunity from Momfluence has renewed our interest!

From my personal collection

Meet House of Gems, Inc. - they have been selling quality beads, pearls, findings, pendants, chains and other jewelry making accessories at wholesale prices, directly to the consumer since 1992.

House of Gems has their own factories, craft shops and import directly, so they have the best prices on quality products. Now, with the power of e-commerce they have eliminated the 'middle men', bringing their quality products at low wholesale jewelry prices, directly to your doorstep.

Now you can win a bracelet making kit plus $75 in product - a $100 value - by entering the "Bejeweled Giveaway" contest. Ten readers across the Momfluence network blogs will be chosen to win!

Those ten winners will be able to submit a picture of their completed bracelet to the House of Gems, and one will be chosen to receive a $250 gift certificate, enough product to really jump start a business!

To Enter:

Option 1 - Subscribe to one or more of the House of Gems feeds found at http://www.houseofgems.com/feeds.aspx - each feed subscription counts as a new entry! Once you've subscribed fill out this entry form: http://cli.gs/ND4NMe

Option 2 - Blog about the "Bejeweled Giveaway" contest on your own site then fill out this entry from: http://cli.gs/ND4NMe

Then:
Join me and Momfluence on Twitter Saturday, June 27th at 9:00 p.m. eastern for a #houseofgems SiteWarming party where the 10 winners will be announced!

Good Luck!
Janine

Prizes supplied by Momfluence

Just call me Julia George Foreman Child - delish dinner in 10 minutes

I love my George Foreman Grill.

I have the original. It's smaller than the new ones.
It's white (not very practical with grilling).
But it cooks chicken in 5 minutes.
No. Kidding.
So, I did a video to show you just how quickly it cooks.
And, there's some dancing in there too...



Here's what you need:
Purdue frozen chicken breasts from Costco (they are thin and require no cutting... just thaw, season and cook!)
Montreal Chicken Seasoning or Cavender's Greek Seasoning
George Foreman Grill

Sides:
Frozen veggies
Mrs. T's Piergoies

So pull out that George Foreman and let me know what you think.
Also - try making grilled cheese in it. 3 minutes flat!

Janine

This post sponsored
by me and my kitchen.

Micro G-Bike: A very cool kick-bike for little ones. Where's the adult model??

Um - this is freakin AWESOME! So much so that I wish I was two again!


I know, I know you want one too.
Maybe we can all get together and demand an adult size version?
Can't you just see people cruising along the boardwalk on one of these?
Or on a bike path?
Or commuting to work...a short, very flat commute?
I wonder if older folks would use these to get around the retirement community?

You can see more products (none for adults that are this cool but still) at KickboardUSA.

The Micro G-Bike is pricey ($139.00) but I bet kids don't want to get off of it. And if you add up the prices for all the plastic ride-on cars, scooters, and roller skates my girls had a 3 they probably come close. Plus, I'm sure they would have gotten lots more use out of this G-Bike.

Waiting for the Adult model,
Janine

Cancer? You Look Mahvelous- Look Good, Feel Better turns 20!

I've done it, have you?
I have dressed up on a day when I either felt bad, or sad, or mad, and guess what? It made me feel better.

The founders of Look Good...Feel Better (www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org) had this in mind when they started the non-medical, brand neutral program to help cancer patients increase their self esteem as they battle their disease.

Look Good...Feel Better Celebrates 20 Year with a Makeover contest!

Submit your story of how the Look Good...Feel Better program helped you cope with cancer and be featured on the Women of Hope is Beautiful blog to help educate others who are still fighting their fight. In August, Look Good…Feel Better will choose five women with the most-compelling stories to receive a trip to New York City for a makeover an a trip to the DreamBall, a black-tie gala and the program's largest annual fundraiser, held each year in New York City!

Encourage your family and friends to visit the site, view the entries, and leave comments of support. And, know you are sharing your story with others who really need to hear it most.

Is a woman you know going through cancer treatment?

Take them to the Look Good...Feel Better site where there are lots of great make-up tips and even ways to cope with hair loss. Then check out the Before and After photos. They make ME feel good just seeing how they feel better!

There is so much information on the site including program locator. A wonderful resource for something that seem so simple, and yet can make all the difference. Giving someone the gift of feeling better about themselves really can affect what is going on inside.

Janine

Sponsored by:
Mom Central

Kajeet: Perfect Phone for Tweens/Teens...and their Parents (coupon code)

Award winning Kajeet is the perfect cell phone service for kids, teens, and especially their parents.

Here's why:

Kajeet has No Contracts

Kajeet can be used as a pay-as-you-go phone or you can choose from one of the money-saving monthly plans that work month-to-month. No contract. Stop any time and go back to paying per minutes

Kajeet has the best Security Features

Easy to navigate and set up, Kajeet's parental controls are all handled online. Parents can determine who their child is talking to and texting (allow or block numbers), and when the phone can be used (exceptions can be made for certain numbers like Mom & Dad). Parents can set an allowance and the option for 2 wallets (parent and child) means parents can decide who pays for the calls to Grandma! Lastly, GPS can help find the phone that was left at practice, school, or at the friend's house.

Kids love Kajeet

Kajeet has the most popular phones including the LG Rumor, the Sanyo Katana II, and the Samsung M300. All phones offer talk, text, and pix capabilities. Kids can download games and ringtones too...as long as they have enough money in their wallet.

Kajeet COUPON CODE!

Twofer readers can save 15% - just go to Kajeet.com and use code: TWOFER

Enjoy the savings and enjoy the summer knowing your kids will work hard to earn their Kajeet dollars!

Janine

Sponsored by
Kajeet

Twofer Thumbs Up for Musician Diane Birch and Discover & Donate

What a great idea!
Discover and Donate has created a way for people to discover new artists, and donate $1.00 to one of 6 charities. Not only that, they have created a fun way for you to spread the love of Diane Birch and your favorite charity whether you blog, Facebook, or partake in some other social networking site.

I'm choosing to support SOS Children's Villages and you can click on the widget below to purchase and donate.


Or, grab your own widget and start placing it wherever you spend time!

Diane Birch has an incredibly soulful sound. Part Joss Stone, with a little bit of Carol King, and, possibly, a dash of Joni Mitchell. I have no idea what Diane Birch would think of that comparison but that's what I'm going with.

Maybe I'll ask her at the next #GNO! Yes, @DianeBirch is on Twitter so give her a shout out and let her know what you think of her sound!

Janine
This Post to Benefit
SOS Children's Villages

5 Things I Love about Crocs

My NEW Cabana Crocs

1. Crocs Don't Smell when my Feet Sweat

Maybe this is TMI but my feet sweat, a lot sometimes. Whatever, I'm sure you're are no roses. Anyway, Crocs don't smell even after the longest walk on a 90 degree day. And actually, my feet don't sweat at all in my new Cabana Crocs!

2. Crocs has Affordable Comfort and Style

The average cost of a pair of Crocs is what, $30? Maybe $40? I think my Cabanas were about $50. My original pair of Crocs have lasted over 3 years...and they are still going. I have never had a $30 pair of shoes last that long. I'm getting my money's worth for sure. And comfort is something that simply cannot be debated.

3. Crocs has @GeorgeGSmithJr

George is a Crocs blogger, he represents Crocs on Twitter, and is an all-around nice guy. Just ask any one of his 2500 followers. He is a perfect example of how a big company can reach out to consumers and make them love them even more. Since "meeting" George I have really gained a sense of loyalty to Crocs which has resulted in me buying 3 more pairs of Crocs - one for me and one for each of the girls.

4. Crocs has Great customer service

When the rivet broke off of my daughter's Mary Jane Crocs my friend George sent me the link to where I can order more. And by order, I mean fill in your name and address and they send you a package of them for FREE! You can also get replacement straps!

5. Crocs is Spreading the Love

Most recently I had ordered a pair of Crocs with a gift certificate I received at the Blissdom conference. It was taking an unusually long time but I was patient as paying customers surely take precedence over my freebies. I tweeted with George a few times and he had me email him my information again. A week later I received my Cabanas. A week after that I received a second pair!
When I told George I think I had been a little too squeaky of a wheel he said, "Keep the extra and spread the love!"


And so, that 's what I'm going to do. The size 8 Cabanas are going to be donated to a local women's shelter and I'm spreading my love for Crocs here with you.

Janine

Where I go for Last Minute Baby Gifts (and Giveaway)

Everyone say Hi to my neighbor Sharina. (((waving)))
Sharina has got a sewing machine and isn’t afraid to use it.
Sharina, owner of BlankiesBurpsandBibs.com, is where I turn for last-minute baby gifts. And because I’m a last-minute kind of gal, I’m at Sharina’s house...a lot.

BlankiesBurpsandBibs.com has all kids of great things for mom, baby, and little kids including bibs, blankets, clothing, stroller tags, even hair bows!

The matching bibs and burp clothes have been a huge hit with my friends.

These little dresses are so cute!



You can even get matching dresses for your big and little girl!

This Snacker Packer is ingenious.

Tuck a small bowl inside for easy snacking without all the mess. Little hands can reach in and you can tie it up easily. A clip keeps the snacks from flying off the stroller and onto the floor. The bag is reusable, better for the environment than plastic baggies, and washable!

Do you need last minute gifts? The good news is that you don’t have to drive to Sharina's house to shop. You can shop online at www.blankiesburpsandbibs.com .

Enter to Win a Snacker Packer!


I have in my hot little hands THIS Snacker Packer (see above photo) to give away to one lucky reader. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Go to www.blankiesburpsandbibs.com and look around
2. Come back and leave me a comment describing what other item you’d love to have or give as a gift

Extra entries: (separate comment for each)
Tweet link to this giveaway
Subscribe to this blog (leave your email)

Contest open to US residents in the 48 contiguous states, and ends June 10, 2009 at 11:59pm. Winner will be chosen using Random.org and notified via email or Twitter and will have 3 days to claim the prize.

Good luck!
Janine

Product Supplied By
Blankies Burps & Bibs

Solar Car Kit Giveaway - Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Can be FUN!

Image by theresangooi via Photobucket

Last week I was invited to sit in on a call with folks from ShrinkYourFoot.org and explore ways to reduce my carbon footprint.

What is my Carbon Footprint?

Each of us product a certain amount of greenhouse gas through the things we do and the products we use. The footprint is and how much it contributes to global warming.
On ShrinkYourFoot.org you can use the Carbon Calculator to see what affect you are having on the Earth.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint can be Fun!

On the call I learned how to make a solar oven and all I can say is we are definitely doing that this summer. I will start with cookies but my goal is to cook chicken breasts and see how long it takes. Anything to no turn on my oven, or stand in front of the hot grill when it’s 90 degrees outside!

A solar oven is just one way learning is fun. The ShrinkYourFoot.org site has lots of cool activities that will engage you and your kids and are great tools help your family learn more about reducing your carbon footprint. For example, one activity shows tips for cutting back your carbon footprint as you travel.

Not only that, you can shop for carbon credits so as you work to reduce, you can purchase credits that will offset what you produce!

Win a Solar Car Kit!

One lucky reader will win a cool solar car kit….not for you to drive, but Barbie and Ken can take a spin. This is a great activity to show kids the power of solar energy and it’s importance in our future.

How to Enter: (be sure to leave a separate comment for each with your email or twitter ID so I can reach you if you win!)

Visit ShrinkYourFoot.org and play one of the games then leave me a comment and tell me which one you played.

Extra entries:
Tweet this giveaway
Email this giveaway to 5 of your friends and cc me (scarytwins at yahoo)
Subscribe to this blog (and leave me your email)

Contest open to US residents in the 48 contiguous states and ends June 9, 2009 at 11:59pm. Winner will be chosen using Random.org and notified via email or Twitter and will have 3 days to claim the prize.

Dreaming of solar baked cookies,

Janine

Product supplied by
Bonneville Environmental Foundation

**UPDATE** Clorox Greenworks Dishwashing Liquid Tips and Giveaway

**UPDATE** Winner is...furygirl3132.
Congratulations and happy dish washing!


I guess you could say I'm a person with a sensitive olfactory organs (look it up...I did) because one of the first things I do is smell. I smell books before I read them, I smell food before I eat it, and I even smell people...in a subtle way. You won't find me sniffing around.

So the first time I tried Clorox GreenWorks dishwashing liquid I was in love with the smell. But after using it a number of times I realized this stuff was powerful. Not only that, it's better for the environment because it is made with biodegradable ingredients and is 99% natural. Here are a few other tips you should know:

GreenWorks Tip One

Have some baked on mess in your Pyrex or glass dish? Spread a thick layer of GreenWorks dishwashing liquid on it and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then take your sponge or a plastic spatula and the mess should scrape off easily. I haven't used a wire pad since I discovered this little trick and my hands and nails are much happier.

GreenWorks Tip Two

You can make your own bubbles! All you need is some GreenWorks dishwashing liquid, water, and karo syrup or glycerine and you've got large or extra large bubbles. We tried this the other day and the Twofer loved it. They loved mixing the 'recipe' and they loved the large bubbles too.

Here is the link to 3 different versions of the bubble recipe: http://www.shadesofgreenjournal.com/files/GreenWorks_BubblesRecipe.pdf

GreenWorks Giveaway!

Haven't tried the GreenWorks dishwashing liquid yet? Enter to win a free bottle!
All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me if you have tried any of the GreenWorks products yet and if so, which ones. That's it! (be sure to include your email or Twitter ID so I can get in touch with you if you win!)

Extra entries (include link back to this page)

• Tweet this giveaway
• Email this contest to 5 friends and cc me (scarytwins [at] yahoo)
• Blog about this giveaway

Contest Ends Wednesday, June 3rd 2009 at 11:59 pm. Winner will be chosen by random drawing, and given 3 days to respond after notification.

Good Luck!
Janine

Product supplied by Clorox GreenWorks

**UPDATE** Win $50 in Free Groceries at ShopRite

**UPDATE** Winner is...Lara!
Happy ShopRite Shopping!



More and more people are clipping coupons, cutting back, and finding ways to save money when they head the to the grocery store. I have discussions with friends over which stores are offering the best deals, and which are offering double or triple coupons.

When Shop Right contacted me about giving away $50 in gift cards I was thrilled to be able to offer this to my readers. Shop Right has a terrific selection of Shop Rite brand food including a line of organic, and Kosher that offer great savings.

Here's what you need to do to enter:
Leave a comment explaining one way you have cut back in the last year
Make sure you leave your email or website so I can get in touch with you if you win.

Extra entries (include url in comment so I can check):
Tweet about and link back to this giveaway ( Hey! @twincident is giving away $50 in groceries from ShopRite! http://tinyurl.com/osugcm )
Post link to this giveaway on Facebook
Subscribe to the Twofer Thumbs Up RSS feed (leave email)
Email link to this giveaway to 5 friends and cc me scarytwins [at] yahoo dot com

Contest open to US residents and ends Tuesday, June 2nd 11:59pm
Winner will be chosen using Random.org Good Luck!

Janine

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and US Airways Reward Readers

Say that 10 times fast.

My twins were early readers and while I'd like to take credit for it, I can't. They had an early love of books and I just kept them coming. The reading part is all them.

So when I was sent the RIF press release on the Read with Kids Challenge I couldn't help but let you know about it too.

Here are the deets.

• Register at www.RIF.org/readwithkids
• Log your reading minutes there, online.
• You can join as an individual or create a team of three or more adults.
• Participants will be entered to win a Walt Disney World Resort vacation package from US Airways Vacations!

There are other prizes as well like US Airways gift cards, and one team will be randomly chosen to receive a featured RIF program and school in their community to receive a special children's book collection.

In addition, US Airways is encouraging people to donate to RIF by making available a special edition of Off You Go, Maisy! and donors are also eligible to receive up to 5,000 US Airways Dividend Miles.

My girls LOVED all the Maisy books...I might just have to donate for that reason alone!

Also - for more information on Reading is Fundamental I found the CEO's blog with lots of cool links including Facebook and Twitter

Happy reading and good luck winning the trip to Disney!
Janine

Mamapedia - join the party and you just might win a VADO Camera

*Thank you to New Baby for donating this VADO camera from Creative Labs to our fun event. Please check out New Baby and consider adding your own vlog!





I LOVE Momfluence blog opportunities. Just saying. Anyway, last weekend we had the opportunity to meet a wonderful new parenting advice search engine, Mamapedia, and now we'd like you to try the site out for yourself with our new contest, "What Can I Learn Today?" One grand prize winner will win a VADO digital video camera!

To Enter:
1. Visit Mamapedia and ask any parenting question.
2. Choose how you want to enter - or choose all three for more chances to win:

• Comment to this post with your question and the answer you found
• Blog about Mamapedia on your own site sharing the question you asked and the answer you found
• Vlog about Mamapedia and your question/answer at New Baby.

3. Fill out this secure form to let us know that you entered.

It's that easy! Then join us for another SiteWarming Party on Twitter Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m eastern time to find out who won! There will also be several great door prizes.

Good luck!

Janine

*This contest is open to all U. S. residents 18 years or older and ends May 23rd at 9:00 p.m. eastern.

*This contest courtesy of Momfluence - Rocking the Cradle and Shaping the World.

**UPDATE** Edy's / Dreyer's Ice Cream Giveaway and Contest to Win $100K

**UPDATE**
After verifying all comments, tweets and blog posts

The winner is....
comment #41 Lily!




______________Original Post____________

Edy's Lego Truck
Photo Credit: Model Gal via Flickr

I. Love. Ice cream.
I'm pretty sure I've said that more than once.

I even love sharing it with you!
And I'm so happy to share 3 ways you can WIN with Edy's / Dreyer's Ice Cream.

1. Win an ice cream Block Party for 100 guests

Log onto www.slowchurned.com and in 350 words or less explain why your neighborhood deserves a Slow Churned Neighborhood Salute ice cream blog party. You just might be one of 1,500 winners...great odds! But hurry - entries MUST be in by May 29, 2009.

2. Win $100,000 for one day's work of dishing out ice cream

Edy's / Dreyer's created Rocky Road 80 years ago during the Great Depression. This June, they will debut a new Slow Churned Light ice cream flavor to 'deliver a double scoop of optimism' for the Taste of Recovery promotion. Visit www.icecream.com (can you believe that domain name wasn't already taken? I digress.) One lucky person will be given the oportunity to earn $100K for one day of dishing out the new flavor and lots of smiles.

3. Win a 6-month supply of Edy's / Dreyer's Ice Cream!

Yes, one of my lucky readers (and commenter, c'mon people - you know how this works) will win gift certificates for a 6 Month Supply of ice-cream. All I'm saying is, if you are local to me, you better be prepared to share!
How to enter:

Leave a comment- What do you think of Edy's / Dreyer's Taste of Recovery promotion?
a) I think promotions like this help 'lighten things up' during times like these
b) I think it's just another way to advertise
c) I don't care either way I just want some free ice cream!

Extra Extries as usual leave a separate comment with link:

• Tweet this giveaway "I just entered to win a 6-month supply of Edy's / Dreyer's Ice Cream! http://tinyurl.com/ow72mp "
• Blog about this giveaway
• Email 5 friends and cc me scarytwins [at] yahoo [dot] com

The give certificate giveaway ends 5/27 at 11:59 pm ET.

I scream, you scream we all scream for Ice Cream!
Janine

Remember to change your filters, or have Filtrete remind you!

We ALWAYS forget to change our filters. We forget until the house is not cooling down like it should. We forget until we call ‘the guy’ who then comes out, changes the filters that are filthy, and charges us $300. We then swear we’ll remember to change them but we never do. Now, thanks to Filtrete and Mom Central, I just might remember!

I am going to sign up for the Clean Air Club on www.Filtrete.com to get a seasonal newsletter and reminder to change my filters! There are other ‘member’ benefits like a wallet card so I never forget which size filters I need, a Homeowners Guide to indoor air quality booklet, and special member promotions and rebates.

Plus, I’ve noticed my allergies picking up this year. I have new pillow protectors but what I didn’t realize is that sometimes my ‘cleaning’ efforts (including dusting and vacuuming) can increase irritating particles like mold spores, dust, and pet dander. This is where a good filter can help.

For more useful tips on how to create a healthy home and to sign up for the Clean Air Club so you remember to change your filters visit www.filtrete.com.

Checking on mine now,
Janine

This post sponsored by

Whrrl.com has my head swirling with ideas!

First and foremost, I'd like to that Whrrl.com and my blog friend JessicaKnows for an afternoon of pampering in honor of Mother's Day and Moms Night Out 2009.

Second, I thought Whrrl was cool when I saw Jessica's stories but now that I've done my own I'm completely hooked!

Below you will see my latest Whrrl story (this widget will continue to change):


It's like mini blogging but I can do it all from my phone! And I don't even have an iPhone! I can use SMS prompts or whatever you call it to send text and picture messages to create a story.
SMS looks like this:
# Janine's day of pampering
@ some location with a spa
POST Look what I got to do!
PHOTO (send pic attached to this mssg)
POST Look how happy I am
PHOTO (attach another picture)
POST Thanks Jessica you RAWK!
LEAVE (ends the story)

In addition to Whrrl, Joey Totes gave us each a 3-pack of reusable bags and you already know how much I love my Joey Totes! Plus Jessica had Whrrl t-shirts and mini Ford Flex cars for all of our kiddos (she thinks of everything).

Don't forget my manicure and pedicure. I certainly won't forget it because it's going to last me until next Mother's Day when I'll finally get another one!

So now my mind is whrrling and twrrling around all the fun ways I can use whrrl to document events in my life. Watch out - a story is just a Whrrl away!

Janine

Someone thinks I'm an expert! Join me this Friday (5/8) for Mamapedia Twitter Party!

Picture this...
It's 2:00 a.m. and your three month old is crying...a lot. You're a first time mother, and while you've got a ton of questions, you called your mom at 2:00 in the morning last night about that crazy looking diaper, so you'd really like to get through this one on your own.

But where can you turn?

Mamapedia is a new parenting information site that takes the wisdom of thousands and thousands of moms and makes it searchable! You can head to the computer with that screaming infant in your arms and type,

"Why does my baby cry so much at night?"

And this is what you'll find - an article about a mom who asked a question titled "Sleepless Nights with a 13 week old" and the responses of forty-four moms. You can read those forty-four answers while bouncing your baby, and with a little luck by the time you are through your infant will be fast asleep and you will feel better as well.

Twitter Partaay!

To launch this new mom resource, the Momfluence network and Resourceful Mommy are throwing a party. Join us on Twitter this Friday, May 8th, from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. eastern time along with mom experts in a variety of parenting areas: multiples (that's me!), kid crafting, health and safety, potty training, home schooling and more!

Stop by the party, ask questions that make me look really smart AND that make me look like a great mom and I will forever love you!

During the party, details about a "What Can I Learn Today?" contest will be revealed...along with the incredible grand prize.

Join Us - RSVP!

This event brought to you by Momfluence: rocking the cradle and shaping the world.

Pulling up my smarty pants,
Janine

ChicTots Wristlet review and giveaway

***UPDATE 5-12-09***
Winner of the ChicTots Wristlet is....Lollie!
Congratulations!!
********************
The opportunity to review an item from ChicTots came to me via my roll as editor of the twins/multiples section at TypeAMom.net.

After looking at all of the products online I chose an item that is great for a mom with children in diapers, but that I just might be able to use as a mom with 2 almost-6 year olds. I chose the Chic&Carry Wristlet.

The Chic&Carry Wristlet would be the perfect new-mom gift

Infact, I'm about to buy one for my friend who just had her 4th child and now has 2 kids in diapers. There are 2 versions of the Chic&Carry Wristlet.

• One holds 2-4 diapers, the other holds up to 6 disposable diapers or 2 cloth diapers plus have a separate zippered front pocket for your phone, money, etc.
  
• Both have the wrist strap and oval hook so they can be worn on a beltloop, attached to another bag, or hooked onto a stroller if you don't want to carry it.
• Both also come with a wipes holder (you'll see below how I used this) and the newer version's is PVC, Phthalates, & Lead free. NOTE: you can buy additional wipes holders separately!
  

ChicTots has lots of great items for mom and baby but I know the wristlet is something that can be used as the kids grow.

What I have in my Chic&Carry Wristlet

I have been using the Chic&Carry Wristlet now for a few weeks as a summer clutch. It's perfect for a trip to the playground with the girls. It can hold my phone, a small wallet, my sunglasses, and the wipes holder which is perfect to hold emergency playground items like:

• sunscreen
• Neo To Go (Neosporin)
• bandages
• bug spray
• and, of course, wipes!

Giveaway-enter to win your own Chic&Carry Wristlet from ChicTots!

Rules:
You can choose from any of the wristlets she has available.
Contest ends Monday, May 11, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Leave a separate comment per entry with links as needed.

How to Enter:
1. Visit the ChicTots website (www.chictots.com) and tell me what OTHER item looks like something you would buy
2. Leave a comment telling me what you found
3. Tweet about this contest: "Enter to win #ChicTots wristlet from @Twincident http://tinyurl.com/d3xyka "
4. Mention and link to this giveaway on your blog
5. Email 5 of your friends a link to this giveaway and cc me: scarytwins [at] yahoo [dot] com

Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

Be sure to follow Michele (@ChicTots) on Twitter as well. She is a local DC mom, inspiring Mompreneur, and new friend.

Janine

The What-did-they-do-before-breast-pumps? Evenflo Giveaway

***UPDATE 5-9-09***
Winner of the Evenflo Comfort Select breast pump and nursing pads is....Rusti!
Congratulations and thanks everyone for entering!
****************



This is not a ‘product review’ as I am not currently breast-feeding and I have not actually tried this product. I do, however, know a little something about breast pumps.

What I know about breast pumps.

I pumped a lot.
I pumped 4 times a day for 45 minutes at a time.
I pumped in front of people. Men even.
I pumped driving up the New Jersey Turnpike racing to get to my father before he died.
I believe I remember pumping IN the hospital as I waited to give him my last goodbyes but those memories are fuzzy and all I know is that I was in that hospital all day and so I would have HAD to pump at some point.
I then pumped before and after my father’s funeral.

You see, my twins did not take to breastfeeding. Oh, I tried. I tried, then I cried. I tried, I cried again, I went to a lactation consultant. The lactation consultant was very nice. She told me at least one of the girls had a strange sucking thing that meant she could latch on all day and NOT get and ounce of breast milk. She told me I could work at teaching the babies how to suck correctly, but as I mentioned before, my father died. I had a lot going on.

I remembered thinking, “What would I have done if I didn’t have a breast pump? Would my twins have just perished?” So pumping is one reason I did not go completely insane those early days, because while I was an emotional mess, at least I knew they were getting breast milk.

Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pump

The Evenflo brand was definitely one that I trusted. Infact, I think I JUST tossed out the leftover Evenflo nursing pads that prevented many a wet spot for me. The Evenflo Comfort Select pump really seems to be made for moms who are on-the-go. The carrying case is much smaller than the one I had, and it has dual motors. That might have cut down on my pumping time! I like that all components are made without BPA and contain less than 0.01% phthalates. But what really caught my eye is the base – you know, the part that holds the bottle...so when you are done pumping what little breast milk you can get after 45 minutes it won’t tip over and spill all over the place!


For more information on the Evenflo Comfort Select pumps visit www.Evenflo.com and check out www.MomCentral.com as well where you can read breast feeding tips and enter to win your own Evenflo breast pump.

Enter to win an Evenflo pump for yourself or win one as a gift!

Thanks to Mom Central I have one Evenflo Comfort Select Performance breast pump AND two boxes of Evenflo Comfort Select nursing pads (one with Lanolin) to giveaway to one lucky reader!

Here’s how to enter: Leave a comment telling me who the pump is for and either why they(you) need it OR your funniest breastfeeding / pumping story! Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

Extra entries (the more chances you have of winning) – be sure to leave a separate comment for each!

• Tweet this giveaway (include link): " Win an Evenflo Comfort Select breast pump --> http://tinyurl.com/dm9vee "
  
• Blog about this giveaway and link back (I need link for this too)
• Subscribe to this blog (need your email to verify)

Contest ends Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 11:59pm
Good luck and I'm looking forward to some funny stories,
Janine