Hurry!  The toy blowout has been extended at theminisocial.com, and there’s a new coupon code out for $10 off your purchase: TOYS10.  They still have the Melissa and Doug Brownie Set ($12) and the Doughnut Set ($15), and a few other things.  After the coupon, that’s only $2 or $5!  I love all of the Melissa and Doug sets!

As you’re starting to teach your baby how to sleep on his/her own, you often wish that you could just talk through the monitor without having to stop what you’re doing and run over there, or worse, get out of bed and walk over.  Sometimes they just need to hear your voice and can be soothed back to sleep.

There are several monitors on the market that feature 2-way communication, but The First Years has come out with a product that allows for THREE-way communication!  You and your spouse can both hear and talk to baby and communicate with each other.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve yelled, “Honey, your turn!”  The baby unit also comes with a handy nightlight, a small but extremely handy feature.

Review from Brandon’s Dad:

The P400 comes with two parent units, which is very useful for my wife and I, and one unit that acts as a microphone, essentially. It also has bi-directional communication, so you can actually use the parental unit to talk to your baby from afar. You can also communicate directly between the parental units, which is fun!

It operates at 2.45 GHz, so you shouldn’t see much interference with cell phones or cordless house phones, and the audio quality is very clear. I also found it very interesting that the audio signal is digitally encrypted for security reasons, although I’m not sure how much private information you might be sharing with your baby.

The parental units are less than 1″ thick, so they’re not large and bulky. They do have re-chargable batteries in them, so they’re not light, but they’re not overbearingly heavy. The packaging on the box claims that it works up to 1000ft, although I don’t feel safe being 1000ft away from my child. If you’re going to be nearly 1/4 mile away from your child, hopefully somebody else is watching her at home!

Product Description:

With crystal clear 2.45 GHz digital technology, The True Choice P400 monitor provides peace-of-mind when parents are away from baby. Easy to use, the monitor’s parent unit automatically connects with the baby unit– requiring no channel selection. As added eco-friendly features, the monitor delivers increased battery life and use high efficiency power adapters. The True Choice Monitor also includes a parent finder button that ensures the unit will never become lost or misplaced. And, with a 1,500 foot range, the monitor provides excellent coverage for homes. The P400 model features a unique 3-way communication function. The two parent units can be used as 2-way radios, and they can also be used to talk to and soothe baby. It also features a convenient soft glow nightlight, which turns on with the wave of your hand.

The First Years True Choice Monitor P400 with two parent units; 3-way communication, rechargeable batteries and nightlight

Buy One

The First Years True Choice Monitor P400 retails for $84.99, and can be purchased at amazon.com (on sale for $68.66 right now!), learningcurve.com, or at a store near you.

Win One

The First Years would like to offer one lucky babybix blog reader their very own True Choice Monitor P400!  This is an $85 value!

To enter this contest, simply fill out the form below so I know how to contact you.  You must do this before you can do the extra entries below.

For extra entries:

• Visit The First Years or The First Years on amazon, and tell me another product that you like.
• Tell me who the lucky winner would be, and how old the child is.
• Tell me if you already own a monitor, and whether you like it or not.
• Tell me what your favorite feature of this product is.
• Tell me if you own any other The First Years products, and what they are.
• Follow The First Years on Facebook or @TheFirstYears on Twitter.  One extra entry each.  Another extra entry for writing on their Facebook wall that babybix sent you!
• Tell me how you got here (bookmark, RSS, link from another blog, twitter, iphone app, etc).
• Follow babybix – follow me on networked blogs, Friend Connect, become a Facebook Fan, follow @babybixcom on Twitter, or subscribe to my RSS feed. One extra entry for each one.
• Spread the word – RT this giveaway and leave me your Twitter ID (can be done daily), write an entry in your blog and link to this giveaway, or place my link in your blogroll.  One extra entry each.
• Go to babybix.com, sign up for an account (free) to track your child, and tell us what your favorite feature is.  If you already have an account, just let me know what your favorite feature is.
• If you haven’t taken my survey yet, you can get an extra 5 entries to any giveaway!
• Support the new babybix iPhone App (up to 12 extra entries)
• Add my logo to your site:

<a href=”http://babybix.com/blog”><img src=”http://www.babybix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bb-blog-logo.jpg” alt=”babybix blog” /></a>

If you do any of the above, please leave a comment saying which one you did.  Feel free to leave multiple comments if you do multiple extra entries.

Thanks to Shutterfly for providing a sample for review.

This contest is open to US residents.  I will select a random winner on 8/18, and the winner will have 48 hours to reply to my email or I will select a new winner.  Good luck!

Oh mannnn…. I’ve been trying to spend less money, but there is a big Plan Toys sale on Hautelook right now!  Brandon saw me looking at some of the construction vehicles and decided that he really wanted the Crane and the Excavator!  Ahhh!!  There’s also a really cute pink kitchen at 60% off!  Hurry before stuff sells out!

Here’s just a snippet of the stuff on sale:

My favorite print company, Shutterfly, has recently come out with some stylish new 5×5 square cards and 3×5 folded note cards.  I love their 100+ new designs, and my favorite use for them is Thank You Cards or Birth Announcements, since those apply me to me most right now.  :)

Of course, you can also use them for wedding or party invitations, announcements, just a note to say hello, or anything else.  Both sizes of cards are printed on premium eco-friendly 110lb weight cardstock in a matte finish.  Check out some of my favorite designs:

5×5 Square Note Cards

3×5 Folded Note Cards

Buy One

You can purchase these notecards, and many other cool photo products, at Shutterfly.com.  SRP for the 3×5s in a set of 25 is $1.49 per card.  SRP for the 5×5s in a set of 25 is $1.99 per card.

Free shipping on orders $30+ from Shutterfly.com with promo code SHIP30 Offer valid 7/1-8/1!  75 Free 4×6 Photo Prints when you use code FACEBOOK75.  Not a member yet?  Sign up with Shutterfly.com and receive 50 free prints!

Win One

Shutterfly would like to offer one lucky babybix blog reader their very own 25-pack of your choice of 5×5 or 3×5 cards!  This is up to a $50 value!

To enter this contest, simply fill out the form below so I know how to contact you.  You must do this before you can do the extra entries below.

For extra entries:

• Tell me which size cards you’d choose if you won.
• Tell me what you’d use them for.
• Visit Shutterfly.com, and tell me another product that you like.
• Tell me if you’ve used Shutterfly before.
• Follow Shutterfly on Facebook or @shutterfly on Twitter.  One extra entry each.  Another extra entry for writing on their Facebook wall that babybix sent you!
• Tell me how you got here (bookmark, RSS, link from another blog, twitter, iphone app, etc).
• Follow babybix – follow me on networked blogs, Friend Connect, become a Facebook Fan, follow @babybixcom on Twitter, or subscribe to my RSS feed. One extra entry for each one.
• Spread the word – RT this giveaway and leave me your Twitter ID (can be done daily), write an entry in your blog and link to this giveaway, or place my link in your blogroll.  One extra entry each.
• Go to babybix.com, sign up for an account (free) to track your child, and tell us what your favorite feature is.  If you already have an account, just let me know what your favorite feature is.
• If you haven’t taken my survey yet, you can get an extra 5 entries to any giveaway!
• Support the new babybix iPhone App (up to 12 extra entries)
• Add my logo to your site:



<a href=”http://babybix.com/blog”><img src=”http://www.babybix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bb-blog-logo.jpg” alt=”babybix blog” /></a>

If you do any of the above, please leave a comment saying which one you did.  Feel free to leave multiple comments if you do multiple extra entries.

Thanks to Shutterfly for providing a sample for review.

This contest is open to US residents.  I will select a random winner on 8/16, and the winner will have 48 hours to reply to my email or I will select a new winner.  Good luck!

I’m obsessed with these private sale shopping sites.  Lately, The Mini Social has been my favorite, and today they are having a Splendid Littles sale!  Unfortunately, I was too late and missed most of the items I wanted, but I was able to snag one really cute romper for Kira before they sold out.  Isn’t it just too cute?  Anyway, I hate to buy anything online without a coupon, and after scouring the web, I was able to find a $10 off any purchase coupon promo code – MOMOLOGIE10.  It worked for me, but I don’t know when it expires.  Happy shopping!    PS – there’s also a good toy blowout sale going on right now with lots of great wooden play food for great deals.

Are you a student with a .edu email address?  Check out Amazon Student and get a year of FREE Amazon Prime ($79 value)!  I pay for Amazon Prime, and I love it.  You never know when 2-day shipping is going to come in handy.

Now available on DVD from PBS are 3 new videos from your favorite characters – Super Why! Attack of the Eraser, Caillou: Caillou’s Fun Outside, and Martha Speaks: Martha Goes to School.  Ever since we got my car a few months ago with a DVD player in it, we’ve expanded our collection of DVDs.  Brandon loves watching the same ones over and over, but also likes to check out new videos.  All three videos are great, but Super Why! Attack of the Eraser is by far his favorite.  Especially now that he knows his letters, he can really interact with the show.  Which one is your favorite?

Super Why! Attack of the Eraser

Super Why and his super friends go to new and exciting places in the new-to-DVD release ATTACK OF THE ERASER. Join the super friends as they practice spelling, use the power to read and investigate rhyming words in order to change the outcome of the story and save the day.  From Out of the Blue Enterprises, PBS KIDS and Paramount Home Entertainment, the SUPER WHY! ATTACK OF THE ERASER DVD includes four exciting and educational adventures, music videos, resources for parents, printable activities and coloring pages.  The “Super Why!” television series has received the 2008-2009 Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award and was nominated for an Emmy® for Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series.

Specifications: Widescreen with English Stereo 2.0
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: Approximately 100 minutes
SRP: $14.99 U.S.

Caillou: Caillou’s Fun Outside

The beloved Caillou is back in four new-to-DVD episodes featuring 14 fun-filled outdoor adventures. Delightfully imaginative and intrepid, Caillou is ready to teach kids about nature, patience, creativity and outdoor activities.  The CAILLOU: CAILLOU’S FUN OUTSIDE! DVD also includes interactive games, music videos, parents’ information and coloring pages – a perfect break from fun in the sun.

Specifications: Full Screen with Dolby Digital English Stereo
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: Approximately 100 minutes
SRP: $14.99 U.S.

Martha Speaks: Martha Goes to School

The endearing beloved family dog, Martha, has a lot to say in her new release Martha Goes to School.  Join Martha and her family as they discover hundreds of new words to teach children.  Based on the successful children’s book series by Susan Meddaugh, and now airing on PBS KIDS, the DVD features eight new-to-DVD episodes, printable coloring pages, resources for parents and descriptive video service for the visually impaired.

Specifications: Widescreen with English Stereo 2.0
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: Approximately 110 minutes
SRP: $14.99 U.S.

About Cascadian Farm:

The story of Cascadian Farm begins with the story of our founder, Gene Kahn. 38 years ago, Gene was an idealistic 24-year old grad-school dropout from Chicago, who just wanted to make a difference in the world. He recognized the delicate balance between nature and humans. Inspired by reading “Silent Green” and “Diet For A Small Planet”, Gene wanted to go back to the land and farm in a way that would not harm the natural beauty of the earth or her inhabitants. So he set out to farm organically on a little stretch of land next to the Skagit River in the Cascade Mountains of Washington.

Today Cascadian Farm has grown beyond our original farm and is recognized as a pioneer in converting conventional farms to organic. We were organic before “organic” was a trend, or even before it was certified by the USDA. From day one, we’ve farmed in a way that preserves the soil, and protects the rivers and streams around us. By working in harmony with the land, we offer products that balance the needs of the environment along with the needs of your nutrition.

Do you play FarmVille?  I don’t, but apparently everyone I know on Facebook does!  Cascadian Farm is now the first “real” brand to have a presence in FarmVille, and for this week only (July 19-26), you can plant Cascadian Farm Organic Blueberries on your farm!  How fun is that?  FarmVille users will see Cascadian Farm coupons, organic farming and green living tips, and the Cascadian Farm organic blueberries will be the most profitable FarmVille crop available in the game during this week.

Cascadian Farm has also created an avatar farmer called “Farmer Joe Cascadian,” who was inspired by the brand’s real-life farmers. “Farmer Joe” will serve as the “virtual” tender to the brand’s own FarmVille farm and users can request to be his neighbor by “friend-ing” him online at www.facebook.com/farmerjoecascadian and by using the FarmVille application to become his neighbor in the game.  You can read more about this at the Cascadian Farm blog.

Thanks to Cascadian Farm through MyBlogSpark for providing the product, prize pack, information, and giveaway.

Buy One

You can purchase Cascadian Farm Organic products online at amazon.com or at a store near you (I get mine at Whole Foods).

Win One

Cascadian Farm would like to offer one lucky babybix blog reader their very own Prize Pack!

This includes:

• Cascadian Farm Fruit & Nut Granola
  
• Harvest Berry Chewy Granola Bars
• Cascadian Farm coupons
• a game card containing $10 FarmVille currency.

To enter this contest, simply fill out the form below so I know how to contact you.  You must do this before you can do the extra entries below.

For extra entries:

• Visit cascadianfarm.com or Cascadian Farm on amazon and tell me what product you’d like to try.
• Tell me if you’ve already tried something from Cascadian Farm and what it is, or if you’ve heard of Cascadian Farm before.
• Tell me if you play FarmVille, or who you’d give the gift card to if you won.
• Follow Cascadian Farm on Facebook or Farmer Joe Cascadian on Facebook.  One extra entry each.  Another extra entry for writing on their Facebook wall that babybix sent you!
• Sign up for the Cascadian Farm newsletter (and get coupons!).
• Tell me how you got here (bookmark, RSS, link from another blog, twitter, iphone app, etc).
• Follow babybix – follow me on networked blogs, Friend Connect, become a Facebook Fan, follow @babybixcom on Twitter, or subscribe to my RSS feed. One extra entry for each one.
• Spread the word – RT this giveaway and leave me your Twitter ID (can be done daily), write an entry in your blog and link to this giveaway, or place my link in your blogroll.  One extra entry each.
• Go to babybix.com, sign up for an account (free) to track your child, and tell us what your favorite feature is.  If you already have an account, just let me know what your favorite feature is.
• If you haven’t taken my survey yet, you can get an extra 5 entries to any giveaway!
• Support the new babybix iPhone App (up to 12 extra entries)
• Add my logo to your site:



<a href=”http://babybix.com/blog”><img src=”http://www.babybix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bb-blog-logo.jpg” alt=”babybix blog” /></a>

If you do any of the above, please leave a comment saying which one you did.  Feel free to leave multiple comments if you do multiple extra entries.

This contest is open to US residents.  I will select a random winner on 8/11, and the winner will have 48 hours to reply to my email or I will select a new winner.  Good luck!

About Kumon:

KUMON WORKBOOKS AND LEARNING AIDS introduce basic learning skills to children aged 2 and up. Subjects covered include early learning and fine motor control skills; verbal skills; and math skills.

THE KUMON METHOD is what makes our workbooks so unique and effective. This Method is a proven learning system developed to help each child reach his or her full potential. Concepts are introduced in a step-by-step manner that allows the child to master each in turn without getting frustrated. Before long, children gain confidence in their abilities and are motivated to learn on their own.

KUMON PUBLISHING has more than two decades of experience and editorial expertise in creating products that are fun and educational. Our illustrations engage and delight children, and we use only the highest quality paper and full-color printing. Kumon Publishing has established itself as one of the world’s premier educational publishers with strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.

I was first introduced to the Kumon Method when my sisters took the classes at a local Kumon facility.  They used fun little worksheets and lots of repetition to help kids learn math skills quickly and adeptly.  Now that Brandon is 2 years and 4 months old, he is becoming a sponge for knowledge and is eager to learn new skills all the time.

Brandon will be starting preschool later this year, but in the meantime I wanted to have something to let him work on to help develop his skills.  I am not a teacher and Brandon is my first child, so I don’t have any other experience raising kids and don’t really know what I should be teaching him.

These Kumon books help me as a parent understand what types of activities a child is capable of doing at  what age range, and also how to slowly introduce a child to a new skillset.  Each book has an age range on it, and all the ones I am reviewing are either 2-3-4 or 3-4-5.  I’m finding that the suggested age ranges are really accurate so far.  Each full-color book starts out with a very simple activity, and then gets more complicated.

What may seem like simple activities such as cutting with scissors are not something that you pick up overnight.  The first step is to cut a short, straight line.  Duh, right?  But these Kumon books make it fun, simple, and rewarding for kids to learn more complex skills with colorful and cute illustrations.  In My First Book of Cutting, some of the things you cut out are actually fun crafts too, like this cute turtle that jumps up and down!

At this point, Brandon knows all of his letters (upper and lowercase) and numbers 1-10, but cannot write them.   I’m really excited to be able to teach him in a step-by-step manner with My First Uppercase Letters.  Number Games 1-70 is a connect-the-dots and color by number book that starts with 1-10 and gradually goes all the way up to 1-70.

Mazes and Tracing are also things that I wouldn’t have thought to teach him, but are fun and useful skills to have.   Who would’ve thought that the first step to tracing is drawing a straight line?

Brandon doing his My First Book of Tracing workbook

There are lots more great workbooks available for this age range, and Kumon publishes workbooks for kids all the way through Grade 6 (and even a couple of books for adults)!  No matter what stage of learning your child is in, there is a Kumon book for him or her.

Buy One

Each My First Workbook is 5 7/8 x 8 1/4 inches, paperback, 40 pages, full color, and retails at US$6.95 and Canada $7.95.

Win One

Kumon would like to offer one lucky babybix blog reader their very own Bundle of 5 My First Books!  This is a $35 value!

This bundle includes:

• My First Book of Tracing
• My First Book of Cutting
• My First Book of Mazes
• My First Book of Uppercase Letters
• My Book of Number Games 1-70

To enter this contest, simply fill out the form below so I know how to contact you.  You must do this before you can do the extra entries below.

For extra entries:

• Visit kumonbooks.com or Kumon on amazon and tell me what other book you like.
• Tell me if you already own something from Kumon and what it is, or if you’ve heard of Kumon before.
• Tell me what educational activities you do (or would like to do) at home with your child.
• Tell me who the lucky recipient would be if you won, and how old the child is.
• Follow Kumon @KumonPublishing on Twitter or on Facebook.  One extra entry each.  Another extra entry for writing on their Facebook wall that babybix sent you!
• Tell me how you got here (bookmark, RSS, link from another blog, twitter, iphone app, etc).
• Follow babybix – follow me on networked blogs, Friend Connect, become a Facebook Fan, follow @babybixcom on Twitter, or subscribe to my RSS feed. One extra entry for each one.
• Spread the word – RT this giveaway and leave me your Twitter ID (can be done daily), write an entry in your blog and link to this giveaway, or place my link in your blogroll.  One extra entry each.
• Go to babybix.com, sign up for an account (free) to track your child, and tell us what your favorite feature is.  If you already have an account, just let me know what your favorite feature is.
• If you haven’t taken my survey yet, you can get an extra 5 entries to any giveaway!
• Support the new babybix iPhone App (up to 12 extra entries)
• Add my logo to your site:



<a href=”http://babybix.com/blog”><img src=”http://www.babybix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bb-blog-logo.jpg” alt=”babybix blog” /></a>

If you do any of the above, please leave a comment saying which one you did.  Feel free to leave multiple comments if you do multiple extra entries.

This contest is open to US residents excluding Alaska and Hawaii.  I will select a random winner on 8/9, and the winner will have 48 hours to reply to my email or I will select a new winner.  Good luck!