I got it from Blessed Nest...

It’s no secret I love the gals from Blessed Nest. I mean, it was their idea to host our awesome monthly MOMday Morning giveaways… just because we love mom bloggers!

I got a Blessed Nest Nesting pillow and Nest Egg!

See it all over at the new Eli's Lids Blog...

MOMday Morning Winner!!

I'm just giddy about announcing our MOMday Morning winner!!

The winner of...

 $75 cash-o-la

a Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow

a B.Y.O.G. Labor and Delivery Gown

an Eli's Lids Snowboarder Lid

an Eli's Lids Trucker Lid

and an Eli's Lids Tee

is...

Maggie from Dexter's Super Savvy Mommy!!

 Maggie is 5 months preggers and has a 2-year-old boy! She needs our awesome products ASAP!!
A bit about her blog:  

Dexter's Super Savvy Mommy is a place where eco-minded Mothers and wanna-be green Mamas come to find a wealth of information from cleaning green to raising a baby green.

She has some great giveaways going right now:

~Episencial Skincare Giveaway

~Safety 1st Nature Next Bamboo Baby Gate

~Seventh Generation environmentally responsible household solutions

Thanks to all who entered!! 

You'll have a chance to win the next MOMday Morning (Monday, 6/7/10) over at Blessed Nest Perch!

Good Luck!!

MOMday Morning!

How exciting is this!?!?

Just to summarize the video for those of you who didn't watch it... (tsk tsk)

The 1st MOMday (Monday) Morning of EVERY month Blessed Nest, B.Y.O.G. & Eli's Lids will be hosting a giveaway.

But not just any giveaway...
The prizes are our awesome products:
one B.Y.O.G. Labor and Delivery Gown, one Blessed Nest Nesting pillow, one Eli's Lids Trucker Lid, one Eli's Lids Snowboarder Lid and one Eli's Lids tee!!
AND $75!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES, you read that correctly.

$75 of Cold Hard Cash!

(Is a VISA gift card "cold" and "hard"... maybe more like room temperature pliable plastic?)

 Why?!?!? (you ask)

Because we love you.

REALLY!!

We are so proud to be part of this amazing Community of Moms and Bloggers and we want to give back to Y-O-U! 

In an effort to reach out and connect everybody with everybody,
(too lofty of a goal?... I don't think so)
every month we will be featuring a Mom Blogging Community/Forum AND a Mom Blogger.

We created MOMday Morning to serve, love & nurture mom bloggers, the women/men who support them, & their readers. 

Because we all need something to look forward to on Monday... um... I mean MOMday, right??

Don't you love it!?!?

I knew you would!

You don't have to be a mom or write a blog to enter.

You just have to be you... which I think YOU do so well! ;)

This month we are highlighting... 

Blissfully Domestic  

The Smart Girl's Guide to Life

Blissfully Domestic is just packed with loads of fun things for everybody! From recipes to crafts to green living to giveaways to blogging tips! They even host a lil' shindig you may have heard of called BlissDom. They are a one stop shop for all things to make you... well... Blissfully Domestic!

Check them out and it won't disappoint. (FYI - I write for Blissful Creating, Arts and Crafts section.)

 Our featured blogger this month is none other than the founder of Blissfully Domestic,  Allison Worthington! 

She started a personal blog, Mrs. Fussypants, in 2007 and things have really snowballed for this lovely Mom Blogger! She is the co-founder of the oh-so-popular BlissDom Conference, and the author of the digital book, The Smart Girls' Guide to Twitter. If that doesn't keep her busy enough she has 5 sons and a step daughter to boot!! A recent post I love of hers is about choosing to keep a personal blog public. 
(Thx for your input Allison! We really appreciate you. Smooches, The MOMday Morning Gals)

Allison lives just outside of Nashville Tennessee amidst all the tragic flooding! Check out her moving post about the Nashville floods (complete with loads of pictures) and her thorough list of ways to help folks effected by the floods!
Wanna help right away?
Donate to Hands on Nashville. 

 How to win... (open to all US residents)

Main entry (mandatory): Leave a comment telling us how you make MOMday (Monday) fun in your house. (My favorite tip just may get a lil' something in the mail too!)

So you want extra entries??

I don't blame you! 

These prizes kick a&$!!

~Follow Blessed Nest, B.Y.O.G. & Eli's Lids on Twitter or let us know you already do. (1 entry each)

~Tweet the following about MOMday Morning! (1 entry every day!)

Be refreshed for MOMday Morning http://bit.ly/bTg6vM Enter to win awesome prizes AND $75 cash from @BlessedNest @BYOG & @ElisLids

~Become a fan of Blessed Nest, B.Y.O.G. & Eli's Lids on Facebook or let us know you already are. (1 entry each)

~Add the MOMday Morning button to your sidebar. Code below. (1 entry)

<a target="_blank" href="http://elislids.blogspot.com/2010/05/momday-morning.html"><img border="0" width="176" alt="MOMday Morning" src="http://www.elislids.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/momdaybutton.jpg" height="175"/></a>

For every extra entry, be sure to leave a separate comment on this post! i.e. If you follow Blessed Nest, B.Y.O.G. & Eli's Lids on twitter leave 3 separate comments!

For more detailed rules go here.

***Giveaway open 2 weeks! Ends MOMday (Monday) May 24th 9:00pm PST***

Thank you for serving, loving & nurturing us throughout the years.

Something new...

In case you haven't noticed I haven't been blogging much lately.

It's not because my belly is a-growing by the second.

It's not because I'm planning something AWESOME with Blessed Nest and BYOG. (trust me you'll love it!!)

It's not because I have some fun videos coming out with She's Crafty and She's Cookin'.

It's not because I'm prepping for the OC Marketplace with Sweet Lily Tutus this Sunday. (4/18 in Costa Mesa. Come visit!!)

Or because the weather is finally good and I've been kicking it at the park with Bosh Images!

It's because something new is coming at Eli's Lids!!

A new website.

A new beach tee.

And a new Summer Lid!

Forget those lame bucket hats...

You expect more out of us right!?!?!?!

You'll love our new style... but I can't show you yet!

Stay tuned: Our Summer Lid will debut the first week in May.

We Are Everywhere!

My picture graced the pages of OC Family last month.
When I showed my mom, her exact words were,
"Is that it?"
The picture is the size of a postage stamp...
but it's still there!!
Here is the cover with my lovely friend Suz on the cover and my cute lil' postage stamp...

This month I was also in the magazine. This time my pic was more of small label size.
I'm moving up!!
Maybe if I get any professional shots I'll get to be centerfold!
(Any photographers want to shoot me for free?)
Ha!
Cover and me with my blogger friends...

Pick up a FREE copy of OC Family almost anywhere. I get mine at Juice it Up. They are a great resource for OC moms!!
Click on the She's Crafty button in my sidebar to see all my posts!!

I've just started writing for the new Orange County Moms Blog.
Check out my first post. It's a tongue and cheek Guide to NOT Parenting.
I'll be posting there a few times a month. Click on this button in my sidebar for a direct link to all my posts.

You know I love the gals at Blessed Nest!

I've just started sharing tips there about living debt free. Getting into debt doesn't happen overnight... it's all those "Little Things" that add up. Visit Blessed Nest often by clicking on the button (pictured below) in my sidebar for quick tips you can use to get out of the red and into the black!

My first post is about the awesomeness of buying used on the Net.

Eli's Lids was featured on Scout - A Mom's Guide to Stylish Living.
Who can blame them?
Our Lids ROCK!!
See the post here with our Lids included in a list of Cool things for little boys.

Whew... we really are everywhere!!

# 12 Blessed Nest

Donna over at Blessed Nest is one of my dear friends and has helped me SO much through this Eli's Lids Journey. She is one of those people you just love to talk to because she is genuine and laughs at all your jokes. She is also one of the masterminds behind Blessed Nest Nesting Pillows (the best nursing pillow out there!!).
One of the latest additions to the Blessed Nest product line is the Nest Egg. The Nest Egg is an awesome nursing pillow by itself or as a compliment to the Nesting Pillow or... well... I'll let you read Donna's interview for the rest of that!! All you need to know now is that a Nest Egg can be yours!
Here's How...
Main entry (mandatory): Head on over to Blessed Nest then come back to this post and leave a comment telling us your favorite fabric pattern for the Nesting Pillow.
.
You must do the main entry!!! (I'll take you out of the contest if that isn't done, no matter how many extra entries you do!!)In addition to the main entry you can get loads of extra entries if you...
~Follow the Blessed Nest Perch (blog) or let me know you already do (3 entries)
~Become a fan of Blessed Nest on Facebook here. (3 entries)
~Follow Blessed Nest on Twitter here. Or let me know you already do. Leave your Twitter ID in the comment. (2 entries)
~Tweet about the giveaway, can be done daily. Copy and paste this for the tweet: "Win an Organic Nest Egg (aka take-along nursing pillow) hosted by @blessednest at @elislids Birthday Bash here http://bit.ly/4XKia" If you don't have twitter you can FB for this one. (2 entries per day)
~Check out the Blessed Nest Perch and leave a comment on another one of their post, come back here and leave the URL of the post. (1 entry)
~Add the "Eli's Lids Giveaway" button in our sidebar to your blog or let me know you already did (2 entries per blog)
~Follow the Eli's Lids blog (2 entries)
~Become a fan of Eli's Lids on Facebook or let me know you already are (2 entries)
~Follow Eli's Lids on Twitter, leave your Twitter ID in the comment or let me know you already do (1 entry)
For every extra entry, be sure to leave a separate comment on this post! i.e. If you add our giveaway button to your blog leave 2 separate comments.
***Giveaway open one week! Ends Saturday October 10th 9:00pm PST***
Tell me a bit about your family…

I have a wonderful husband and two sweet little girls, Tabitha age 6 and Sophie age 4. They are both Daddy's girls and I'm sure Tabi will be taking up skateboarding soon just like Daddy. Both girls love Ballet and we are a home school family.

How was Blessed Nest born?

After giving birth to my first daughter, I was having trouble breastfeeding, and the nursing pillows available to me at that time only added to my frustration. I was certain that Heather could come up with something better. And she did. The Nesting Pillow saved my back and my breastfeeding experience.
The Nesting Pillow that was inspired in response to a friend’s ( my) practical need has evolved into a truly exceptional pillow used by families all over the world. The unique shape and organic buckwheat hull filling allows it to contour to any body, providing the most support and comfort possible for both mom and baby.

What are some of the things people use the Nest Egg for?

The Nest Egg was originally designed as a take a long nursing pillow. It is light weight and fits nicely in a diaper bag. Just as the Nesting Pillow has uses way beyond nursing so does the Nest Egg. Use the Nest Egg like this.....

* great travel pillow for adults and kids.

* car seat pillow

* snuggle pillow

* sleep pillow for children over age 2.

* doll pillow

* security "pillow" easy for any walking child to drag around by the tag..my girls take it everywhere!

Who makes all these amazing Nesting Pillows and nest eggs?

Heather Anderson who is the founder, designer, CEO and head creative crafter at Blessed Nest. She is also my sweet friend who originally designed the Nesting Pillow just for me. Our sewing team is made up of Moms, Aunties and Grandmas who enjoy working from home. Lovingly made in the USA!

What are 3 easy things for those of us who want to be more “green?”

Take the common sense approach. We use organic fabrics and buckwheat in our products at Blessed Nest not because we are "green" but because it is safe for Mom, baby and the planet. It just makes sense! Heather's research found that chemicals in fabrics and pesticides cause breathing difficulties in babies and young children. There was no other choice in her opinion then to use organic. No need to compromise when we want what is safe for our families. We have become pretty "green" in the past 6 years.

Here are some choices we've made on our journey to make our homes safe, healthy and eco friendly.

1) Buy organic foods. I save $200.00 a month buying organic. I can't just throw items in the cart. I read all labels and shop at stores who buy locally and or fair trade. COOK MORE! Save money! Support farms in the USA.

2) Switch your cleaning products over to organic.

3) Get rid of all plastic. You won't miss it!

Nesting?

I'm sure you have heard me mention Blessed Nest a few times! Blessed Nest did our first blog review and giveaway. Not only do the Blessed Nest Gals rock but their blog is awesome AND they offer some amazing products!! Can you tell I think they're great?!?!

The Nesting Pillow is so much more than just a nursing pillow! You can use this thing for years and it's durable "made to last" quality will keep it fresh through pregnancy, nursing, co-sleeping, tummy time and as your growing child's (or your) pillow!! It is filled with buckwheat hulls which make it possible to move around like a bean bag and find the perfect position. It will conform to you and hold the position you want. The fabric is gorgeous (no lame puppies or fire engines) and it is all 100% organic, (except for some of the banding, which is 100% cotton) allowing air to circulate and keep everyone cool. The slip cover is removable so you can keep it sparkling clean after spit-up and poop explosions! Read about a gazillion good comments here.

They also sell The Nest Egg (how cute is that name!?!) which can compliment the nesting pillow or be used on it's own. Toddlers love it for sleeping, sitting or to make car rides cozier. It's small and lightweight enough to take along for support and comfort on the go!

All Blessed Nest products are lovingly handmade in America, and whenever possible they use materials from sustainable, organic and/or domestic mills.

<---This my friend Donna over at Blessed Nest with her two beautiful daughters. Donna and her girls are official "Lid Lovers." Check out Eli's Lids (along with some other great gifts) on their Christmas Gift Guide. And really, you should subscribe to their blog... they are always giving great tips and having fun giveaways!!!

Rice, hair & givaway...

I was on the Blessed Nest blog and today's post was on hunger. Donna had a link to Free Rice. Free Rice is a site where you answer vocabulary questions and for every question you get correct they donate 20 grains of rice... I thought I would just do a few... 1200 grains of rice later I had to stop because Eli wanted lunch (so demanding...ha). I also learned that...

bonanza = windfall
slapdash = haphazard
flotilla = small fleet

That was so fun!!!

I'm getting my hair done today. I got it colored brown a few months ago and it has faded to a nice shade of orange... must fix that before Hot Hubby's swank work event!!!

Blessed Nest will be hosting an Eli's Lids Giveaway soon, so please stay posted to enter. This is the first one I have done so I'm a bit nervous!!