Winner! (and Giveaway Reminders!)

The winner of Giveaway #5 (a bow from Cape Cod Preppy!) is: 

Sara! 

Congrats!

There are still TWO more active giveaways from Giveaway Week up now; they are:

250 die-cut business cards from UPrinting

A $15 credit to Kate Reese Designs

Get entering!!

Good luck :)

Winner (And Giveaway Reminders!!)

The winner of Giveaway #4 (one item from Fashion to Figure!) is: 

Caitlynne from Love At First Sight!

Congrats!

There are still THREE more active giveaways from Giveaway Week up now; they are:

A Navy & Green Whale Bow from Cape Cod Preppy

250 die-cut business cards from UPrinting

A $15 credit to Kate Reese Designs

Get entering!!

Good luck :)

Draw Something [Part 3]

Part 3 of some of my favorite recent drawings!

Draw Something [Part 1]
Draw Something [Part 2]

Winner! (And Giveaway Reminders!)

The winner of Giveaway #3 (a $15 credit to House of Lubold!) is:

Danielle from And Then There Were Three!

Congrats!

There are still FOUR more active giveaways from Giveaway Week up now; get entering!

Good luck :)

Pearly Wisdom: Great Books to Read to Babies and Toddlers!

Today's wonderful article is written by Featured Writer Leslie Branch

Reading books to you child is a great way to emotionally connect and spend some time with your child while teaching them and aiding them in their development. There are many great books to choose from that will be sure to keep your child captivated. Look for books that are made of interesting materials that your child can touch and comfortably handle, such a cloth, soft padding, or vinyl. Books with rhymes are also quite suitable, as they are more apt to keep your child entertained and engaged. Here are some suggestions for great books to read to babies and toddlers:

• “My Very First Mother Goose” – “My Very First Mother Goose” has many of the classic nursery rhymes, such as "Hey Diddle, Diddle," "Pussycat, Pussycat," and "Jack and Jill." Nursery rhymes are great for babies and toddlers, because even though they may not understand all of the words, they can still enjoy the tonal and lyrical quality of the rhymes. “My Very First Mother Goose” has humorous illustrations that compliment the nursery rhymes quite well.

• “Baby Faces” – “Baby Faces” contains bright color photographs showing babies expressing different emotions. Research has shown the babies enjoy looking at images of other babies. This book is great in that you can teach your children different emotions as you point to different images in book. “Baby Faces” is made of soft padding, which makes it easy for babies and toddlers to handle.
• “Goodnight Moon” – In “Goodnight Moon,” a cute little bunny says good night to many different things within eyesight, including a brightly lit moon. The bunny says "Goodnight room, Goodnight moon" and goes one by one to items in his room, and says goodbye to such things as socks, a chair, and kittens. The words are very calming and poetic in nature. It is the perfect book to read to your child before bedtime as they fall off to sleep.



• “I See a Cow” – “I See a Cow” is a board book with brightly colored illustrations of animals and other objects, such as toys. This is a fun and educational book for babies in that they can learn the names for different objects in the book. The book has a nice tactile element as well, as there are different textures throughout the book that babies can touch with a high degree of fascination.
• “The Very Busy Spider” – “The Very Busy Spider” is another fun and interesting board book. It follows the perspective of farm animals as they watch a spider spin its web. “The Very Busy Spider” has an unique college style of illustration that coincides with the rhythmic text. It also has raised spider web that is great for babies and toddlers to touch.

Interested in pursuing a career in children's book writing or illustration? Check out some online college classes for more info!

Sources: About.com (2012), Yahoo (2009)

Winner! (And Giveaway Reminders!)

The winner of Giveaway #2 (100 5x7 postcards from PrintRunner!) is:

Kathleen!

Congrats!

There are still FIVE more active giveaways from Giveaway Week up now; get entering!

Good luck :)

The winner of Giveaway #1 (a $15 credit to A Girl in Pearls {The Etsy Shop}!) is:

Heather from Charmed Life!

Congrats Heather!

There are still SIX more active giveaways from Giveaway Week up now; get entering!

Good luck :)

Giveaway #7: Kate Reese Designs!

Today’s giveaway comes from Kate Reese Designs!

Kate Reese Designs features handmade items for baby and mom. From nursing covers to essentials like burp cloths, paci clips, and blankets, Kate Reese Designs is about quality while keeping in mind that your budget is important too. New items are added regularly and custom orders and packages are welcome.

Okay here’s the deal!

You can win a $15 credit to Kate Reese Designs!

- Credit cannot be used towards shipping

-Open to residents of US only

So, how do you win

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Restrictions:

Open to US & Canada residents only.

Giveaway will run for one week; GOOD LUCK!

One Year Ago Today…

Our lives changed forever…

(what a difference a year makes, huh?!?)

Happy 1st Birthday to my Sweet Little Boy;

You are the Light of my Life!

I pinch myself sometimes to make sure I'm not in a dream
That's how it seems
I close my eyes and breathe in the sweetest moments I've ever known
It feels like home

And here I am I want to be your everything
There you are
Turning winter into spring

And everyone that sees you; Always want's to know you
And everyone that knows you; Always has a smile
You're standing ovation after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing

I just call you mine

I fall apart
Just a word from you just somehow seems to fix
Whatever's wrong
Oh, you reach into the weakest moments
And remind me that I'm strong
You've got to know
I'd be a fool not to see you even worse
To forget that you're more than I deserve

Cause everyone that sees you; Always want's to know you
And everyone that knows you; Always has a smile
You're standing ovation after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing

I just call you mine

Nothing makes sense when you're not here
As if my whole world disappears
Without you what's the point of it

Cause everyone that sees you; Always want's to know you
And everyone that knows you; Always has a smile
You're the dream that I've been chasin' after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine

Everyone calls you amazing
I just call you mine

Giveaway #5: Cape Cod Preppy!

Today’s giveaway comes from Cape Cod Preppy!

Cape Cod Preppy is a Cape Cod based company. We offer a collection of preppy children’s accessories designed and inspired by life on the Cape.

Cape Cod Preppy has generously offered to give away a Preppy Navy & Green Whale Bow!

Okay here’s the deal!

A perfect Cape Cod Preppy accessories inspired by coastal living. This bow is hand made with green/navy whales ribbon. It measures approximately 3" in length. This bow is fastened with a ribbon covered alligator clip. It’s a fun preppy summer accessory for your little lady!

-Open to residents of US only

So, how do you win?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Restrictions:
Open to US residents only.

Giveaway will run for one week; GOOD LUCK!

Giveaway #4: Fashion to Figure!

Today’s giveaway comes from Fashion to Figure!

Fashion to Figure is a leader in plus size fashion. When it comes to plus sizes, we work very hard to design trendy plus size clothing that will appeal to fashionable women of all sizes. We started this business with the understanding that many women feel there is limited selection when it comes to plus size clothing. We see no reason why women’s plus size clothing should be limited in selection, and it’s our goal to give our customers as much choice as possible when it comes to plus size apparel.

Okay here’s the deal!

You can win any one item $30 or less from Fashion to Figure! Not your size? Fashion to Figure has a FAB accessory line! 
-Open to residents of domestic US only

So, how do you win?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Restrictions:
Open to domestic US residents only.

Giveaway will run for one week; GOOD LUCK!

Giveaway #3: House of Lubold!

Today’s giveaway comes from Etsy shop House of Lubold!

I'm a stay at home mom that loves to make things. It is my goal to have every head accessorized.

Okay here’s the deal!

You can win a $15 credit to House of Lubold!
- Credit cannot be used towards shipping

So, how do you win?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will run for one week; GOOD LUCK!

Giveaway #2: PrintRunner!

Today’s giveaway comes from PrintRunner!

PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later our company became one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. Our commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price made our company grow. PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California.

Check out PrintRunner's postcard printing through their online printing services… but before you head over there, you’re going to want to hear what’s up for grabs below!

Okay here’s the deal!

You can win 100 5x7 Postcards from PrintRunner!

The Details: Colors: 4/0 Front Only Printing; Paper: 14 PT. UV Coating on Front; Rounded Corners: Yes; Proof: None; Ready to ship in 4 Business Days

-Open to residents of US; ages 18 and up

So, how do you win?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Restrictions:
Open to US & residents only; ages 18 & up.

Giveaway will run for one week; GOOD LUCK!

Disclaimer: For hosting this giveaway, I will receive a set of postcards from PrintRunner.

Giveaway Week is Here!

In honor of my Little Man’s FIRST BIRTHDAY coming up this weekend, I thought a WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS was in order!

There will be 7 giveaways, one per day, and they will each run for one week.

To kick it off, here’s a giveaway from the shop of yours truly!

A Girl in Pearls creates a variety of custom prints; perfect for decorating your home or as gifts to newlyweds or new parents! With categories ranging from weddings and family history to baby birth and pet announcements, there surely is something for everyone! Also, I love working on CUSTOM ORDERS; so send me a message with any unique ideas you have for your special print!

Okay here’s the deal!

You can win a $15 credit to A Girl in Pearls! 

- Credit cannot be used towards shipping 

-Open to residents of US & Canada

So, how do you win?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Restrictions: 

Open to US & Canada residents only.

Giveaway will run for one week; GOOD LUCK!

Draw Something [Part 2]

Part 2 of some of my favorite recent drawings!

Draw Something [Part 1]

Happy Birthday!

To the best Mother (and grandmother!) in the world!

Love you Mom xoxo

Pearly Wisdom: Looking Back

Today’s Pearly Wisdom topic is:

Looking Back: Things you thought you’d NEVER do (but now do) and/or craziest things you thought about being a Mom before becoming a Mom

For me, I don’t think I had a ton of expectations of what having a baby would be like… There is one thing though; I never thought I’d be completely content during the first few weeks at home with sitting on the couch and having him just sleep on me. Now, as a Mama to an almost 1 year old, I long for those days!

Let’s hear some insight and experiences from other Mama’s!

Cara

• I never thought I'd use the Nose Frida or wipe baby snots with my hand, or get poop all over me and not be totally disgusted.
• I didn't think I'd last very long with cloth diapering. But, it's been a year and we're still using them!
• Everyone with children told me that you wouldn't mind not having time for yourself and I think that's true. I obviously wish I had more time to sleep or eat or do things with my friends. But, not a day goes by where I don't think God for my daughter. She brings so much joy into my life. More than I ever thought possible and I would gladly trade "me time" for her.

Samantha

It's going to sound super cheesy, but I just didn't know I could love anything or anyone so much.

Shanna

I never thought I would stay at home with my baby. Sam was such a high needs child for the first eight months of his life, I could have never had a full time job. The craziest thing is that I never, ever thought I would be a SAHM but I am loving it. I used to think that being a SAHM would be a piece of cake but many days, I think working outside the house would've been much easier.

McKeever

I always saw parents feeding their children food off of the restaurant tables and said I would never let my child do that-oh but we do. I would have never let my child sit in a buggy or high chair without one of those covers- but now we do. I would have never put someone else's style over my own- oh but I do! I am wearing the same ol' thing but I bet my child looks fabulous!

Melissa

I thought FOR SURE that I would have my kid on a pretty rigid schedule starting at 12ish weeks...hahaha. We have routines, but Landon eats on demand, so there are no set feeding times. Now that he has some solids, I try to give those to him around the same time each day, but it's not exact. I do put him down for his first nap 2 hours after he wakes up, but he wakes up at different times each day. We also do the same bedtime routine every night at the same time. It works well for us.

Emily

-I never thought I would use a sound machine or swaddle but both worked amazingly for Georgia because she had colic for the first 7 weeks of her life although we don’t swaddle anymore.

-I thought I would have just a wee bit more free time…turns out I DON’T! Ha…what was I thinking?!

Sara

- We swore up and down that we wouldn't bed-share and now look who's in the bed with us.

Heather

Bed sharing. I was so anti bed sharing when I was pregnant but when you work a 10 hour day, your husband goes to third shift and you have to be back up at 6 am to go to work for another 10 hours, you let the baby sleep in your bed if it means you get a full night's rest!

Pacifiers. I tried to convince myself not to use one but her constant need to be latched to me, for hours at a time, led me to cave in and let her have one.  IT was the best thing I could have done, and by 7 months, she had weaned herself off of it!

Breastfeed.  I was scared to death to do it, convinced I wouldn't be able to or it would be painful but as we near 11 months we're still going strong!

Thank you to this week’s contributors!

Cara, Mama to Amelia (Millie), 1 year

Samantha, Mama to Xavier, 6 months, Author of Three Beasts One Baby

Shanna, Mama to Samuel, 1 year, Author of The Life and Times of Lubey

McKeever, Mama to Grayson, 10 Months, Author of The Cobia Family

Melissa, Mama to Landon, 7 Months, Author of Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage!

Emily, Mama to Georgia, 8 months, Author of Live a Charmed Life

Sara, Mama to Saige, 3 years & Gabe, 3 months, Author of Saige Wisdom

Heather, Mama to Emmalee, 10 months, Author of Keeping Up With the Giffords