Mom4Life.com

Okay, so who doesn't love finding great, useful items at great prices and FREE shipping? I loved this site even before they started carrying OnTray, so I wanted to share this little gem of a site if you don't already know about it. Heather, who is the owner of the site, does a fantastic job of only carrying Mom Invented or Mom Inspired products and is constantly updating her site with new and improved products. www.Mom4life.com also runs weekly specials, giveaways all of the time and sponsors many contests. Consider yourself warned when I say you will LOVE this site!

$50.00 Crocs Giveaway from Your Mama Reviews!

We love Crocs in our family, so when I came across this $50.00 Crocs giveaway I had to enter to win and I wanted to share it with you! Please visit the link and follow the directions on how to enter. While you're there, check out the other reviews on this great site.

Good Luck!

Great Cause and a Great Giveaway!

Visit the link to check out a great giveaway, awarding one winner a year's supply of Kraft Mac and Cheese. It's all in an effort to bring attention to Kraft's Share a little Comfort campaign where every time you visit www.sharealittlecomfort.com and click on the donate box button, Kraft donates a box of Mac and Cheese to Feeding America. How great is that?!?

Now go and click away. Visit http://tr.im/m92U for your chance to win Mac and Cheese for a year and then go to www.sharealittlecomfort.com to help a hungry person! Come on!

Upscale Baby likes OnTray!

Here's OnTray's latest review. Thanks to Susan and Upscale Baby Blog!

http://upscalebaby.com/blog/feeding/ontray-the-container-2-go-by-42-kids/

OnTray, Boogie Wipes & One Heck of a Baby Shower!

Invention Addict: Invention Spotlight - OnTray

Check this out!

Invention Addict: Invention Spotlight - OnTray

OnTray on www.onegoodie.com

OnTray is available all weekend at http://onegoodie.com/home.php 20% off!! They make TERRIFIC shower gifts!

Go Graham Go OnTray Review & Giveaway!

You have got to visit this site to see the video review Felicia put together for OnTray. Also, she's giving one away! Visit: http://tr.im/haDH to view the video and to register for the giveaway!

OnTray Video

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

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Just For Laughs!

Ok, let me preface by saying that Chad was excellent at changing our boys' diapers. After watching this video, I realized that about him. :)

Sit back & have a good laugh!

OnTray Available at Meijer's!

Don't get me wrong, I love and am quite thankful for my Independent Retailer's across the country, but when I walked into one of the many local grocery stores in my area, Meijer's, and saw OnTray hanging from a clip strip, my heart skipped a bit! I mean, there it was...aisle 7 by the Animal Crackers. I grabbed my camera and you should have seen the look on this mother who was shopping with her children. She probably thought, "Who the heck is this crazy lady with a camera at Meijers?" She was just hanging out and finally I said, "I'm going to take a picture of this product...it's actually my product!!" She looked at it, looked back at me and just walked away. I guess she wasn't impressed. Oh well, I'm thrilled!

THRIFTY & CHIC MOM: OnTray Giveaway

Check out the latest OnTray review and giveaway!

THRIFTY & CHIC MOM: OnTray Giveaway

Are You a Fan of OnTray?

I have a Fan Page on FaceBook for OnTray. Are you on FaceBook? Are you a fan of OnTray? If so, head on over to check out the page and become a fan: http://tr.im/fgjf I've also started a discussion on the page as to what the next color of OnTray should be. If you feel like adding to the discussion, or if you have some pictures of how you use OnTray, feel free to post. I love to hear from you!

Now What Baby: Avoid supermarket disasters

Now What Baby: Avoid supermarket disasters

New OnTray review...and giveaway!

New OnTray Review

Look how cute this little guy is using his OnTray! I love how hard he's trying to smile.

His mommy, Katie, did a review of OnTray on her site, http://www.the-giveaway.com/2009/01/ontray-review.html and she's also giving one away! Check it out and be sure to register.

Support 42 Kids, Makers of OnTray in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Support 42 Kids, Makers of OnTray in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

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Support 42 Kids, Makers of OnTray in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Support 42 Kids, Makers of OnTray in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

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Where are you from?

Ever since I added the widget that shows me where everyone comes from that visits my blog, I am curious to know more. Things like, where are you from? What is it about my blog that you like? Do you have questions for me? Are you a weird stalker? Are you a Mompreneur(TM) like me, and are curious about my journey? I'd love to have some conversation with you. It feels strange to post things about me and my business (sometimes personal life) and not receive any feedback. Anyway, if you feel like it, post a comment to this message. I'll try and respond the best I can, and maybe I'll become a little less curious.

Support 42 Kids, Makers of OnTray in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Support 42 Kids, Makers of OnTray in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

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OnTray Review & Giveaway!

I just thought I would share a review that OnTray received and also tell you that they are offering a giveaway! Visit the site for more information.

Naughty or Nice?

Well, it's over. We wait 365 days for 20 minutes of happiness. The boy's ripped through their packages and tore through their stockings in record time this year. I do love watching their faces as they open their Santa packages, and move from their "section" of the family room to see what the other one received. Ty wanted only Star Wars things, but he saw Luke's Bat Cave and was instantly jealous and said that Santa didn't bring him a Bat Cave like he wanted. What? Seriously?

All and all, it was a great Holiday. My brother was here from St. Paul and the boy's loved having their Uncle around. Aaron loves to play with them and buy presents for them, so it was a successful visit for all. I hope you had a wonderful Holiday too!

OnTray on www.onegoodie.com

Happy Cyber Monday! Want to stimulate the economy and get an OnTray at a discounted rate? Visit www.onegoodie.com, today only, and you can do both! Happy shopping!!

OnTray in Cleveland Leaders Gift Guide

OnTray - The Container 2 Go!
Submitted by Julie on November 26, 2008 - 1:26am.
2008 Holiday Gift Guide
Lifestyle
Shop for Kids
Shop for Under $20
Here's a perfect stocking stuffer for the on the go mom. Invented by a mom herself the OnTray simply attaches to a shopping cart handlebar freeing up your hands to shop. Its compact desing makes storage easy to keep OnTray in your purse, diaper bag, etc. OnTray can hold your child's snack, grocery list, coupons and calculator. It is microwave and dishwasher safe and FDA approved and BPA Free Plastic. The OnTray is available in blue, green, pink, and yellow and sells for only $7.00. If you want to buy 2, then it will only cost you $12.00, saving you $2.00! To purchase this product, go to: www.ontray2go.com or Amazon.com.

Early Childhood Parenting Examiner: A quick guide to Black Friday holiday shopping with babies and toddlers

Early Childhood Parenting Examiner: A quick guide to Black Friday holiday shopping with babies and toddlers

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Fun & Educational Game...Kubit2Me

A friend, that I have made throughout this inventing process, created a fun and educational game called Kubit2Me. She and I did a little product swapping (bartering is now my new favorite thing...if only I could swap about 1,000 OnTray's for some new dining room chairs!), and our Kubit2Me Little Scholars Edition came in the mail yesterday! This game involves tossing a soft, fuzzy cube with four pockets filled with either alphabet cards or numbers cards, allowing the child to pull a card and see if he knows what is on the card! My boys had so much fun playing it, and it truly will be my new go to present for all the little ones in our lives. Mary Kay, creator of Kubit2Me, also has some other editions in her brands offerings. A fun and light Truth or Dare version for 8 year old plus, and Now Your Talking to get kids to open up in a different and cool way. She really has such a terrific product, and I wanted to share it all with you.

Election Day Special

Election Day Special at http://www.ontray2go.com/

Today only, receive FREE shipping on any size order!

Shipping will be charged, but a credit will be applied via PayPal. Get shopping!

A Heavy Heart

Chad has been wanting to get new dining room furniture for a while now, and since we took the house off the market and decided to stay for a bit longer, I gave in. One of the reasons why I didn't want to get new stuff was because the dining room set was my grandparents. When my grandfather decided to sell the house, after my grandmother had passed away, my brother, cousins and I went in and got to have what we wanted. My cousins got to pick first, so some items that remained where a round table that was in their foyer and their dining room set. I was thrilled to take those items. The round drum table was what I remember seeing as soon as you walked into their house. It had pictures of all of us grandchildren, my parents, Aunt and some other relatives. I think of my grandmother when I look at that table, which now holds my family photos too. I plan on holding onto that table...so back off Chad! The dining room table was very hard to part with. You see, my grandparents lived about 3 hours from us so when we went for visits, most of our time was spent at that table. My grandparents were Italian and food was a big part of their lives. We ate, drank, laughed, talked, cried, argued...you name it...it happened at that table. When it came time to decide what to do with the old furniture, I thought long and hard. Do I sell it? That just felt weird and not right. Do I see if anyone I know needs it? How does that look? I finally decided to donate it to a local organization called MAP (Material Assistance Providers). What a fantastic non for profit company. They are a furniture bank where people who are in need can come and pick out furniture for FREE. I received a phone call from a volunteer at MAP yesterday. She wanted to call and tell me that the furniture had already been chosen and was in a house that so desperately needed it. I hope it makes my grandparents happy to know that hopefully the family who now sits around the table can make great memories too.

The Parenting Editors Like OnTray!

I'm so excited that OnTray has been chosen by the Editors of Parenting Magazine as a "Daily Fave" on their blog. If you have a chance, visit the link :http://forums.parenting.com/blogs/daily-fave/posts/ontray#

Support OnTray, by 42 Kids in the 2008 StartupNation Home-Based Business Competition

Support OnTray, by 42 Kids in the 2008 StartupNation Home-Based Business Competition

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OnTray & Bakugan!

Yesterday, Jack came up to me and said, "Mom...look at my invention!" He has been complaining lately that he doesn't have anything to keep his Bakugan in. Well, he took his OnTray (because every kid should have one...wink, wink) and tried to put them inside. The lid wouldn't slide over the balls, so he said he tried them in the clamp and "Bingo!" He was so proud of himself. I have to admit, I was a little proud too. So to all of you parents out there who are sick of stepping on Bakugan balls...OnTray is your answer! Well that and the actual Bakugan holder that they sell if you can get your hands on one.

Thanks Jack. I love you.

Fantastic Women's Conference!

I am excited to tell you about an event that will help women rise up their businesses with education, networking and the support of other women entrepreneurs. The Dynamic Women Entrepreneurs Conference is taking place at the Disney's Boardwalk Resort in Walt Disney World®, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, August 7-9, 2009. The event is catering to 125 women entrepreneurs with fast growing, innovative businesses, who have shown promise and dedication towards obtaining success and continued growth.
Women today continue to start and grow entrepreneurial businesses at an unprecedented rate. The Dynamic Women Entrepreneur event announces an expert panel of highly coveted speakers, along with an engaging agenda slated to provide invaluable advice and resources for women entrepreneurs.

Dynamic Women Entrepreneur attendees will experience the wisdom of:

Tamara Monosoff - Nationally known and coveted author, business woman and speaker
http://www.mominventors.com/
Julie Lenzer-Kirk - Successful business women, author and speaker - http://www.julielenzerkirk.com/
Peter Shankman - Marketing Guru and Help a Reporter Out founder – http://www.shankman.com/


For more information, please visit http://www.dynamicwomenentrepreneurs.com/ or e-mail to
events@TrendingSolutions.com

OnTray & The ABC Show...Part 2

Well, I'm back. We arrived back in Columbus about 1:30 am today, and to say I'm exhausted is an understatement. The show was from Sunday - Thursday, 9-6:00. I shook so many hands and explained how OnTray works more times than I ever thought I would have to. I'm not complaining one bit, however, because it exceeded my expectations! I met so many great people, both buyers and vendors alike, that I really think the show was a success for me and OnTray. I had some buyers telling me that they've had customers of theirs ask specifically for OnTray. Others were just in love with the idea, and of course some buyers flew right past my booth too. The last day we sold samples and mingled a little more with the vendors. It was such an amazing event. There were 2 floors and about 5000 vendors. I came home with some new orders, and will post those retailers to my site soon. I also passed out hundreds of flyer's and brochures so we'll see what the next couple of weeks still bring! Thanks to everyone for their support the past few months. I was completely wrapped up in preparing for my first ever trade show and was a little scattered brained in the process. Hopefully I'll be back to normal with this show under my belt!

BTW, some products and their sites I think you'd enjoy (I made some terrific friends):

http://www.dripstik.com/

http://www.chichibabybottles.com/

http://www.pop-pals.com/

http://www.parentunits.com/

www.respisense.com

http://www.paciplushies.com/

http://www.stukonu.net/

OnTray & the ABC Show...Vegas!

Hi everyone! I'm writing this post from LasVegas! Chad & I are exhibiting OnTray at The ABC Show, and it was an amazing first day! I meet so many great people and even made some sales! Look for new OnTray retailers soon. I'm posting a picture of my booth I took earlier today. It has already changed, as I noticed some things that weren't working. I'll post a new picture in a couple of days. This has certainly been an incredible learning experience!

One Day, One Goodie!

Check out this web site I stumbled upon, http://www.onegoodie.com/. They feature one to two "goodies" a day at a discounted rate. You can sign up to have them alert you to their goodie of the day. Ok, I may be a bit biased, but check out their OneMommieGoodie today! Enjoy!

Support OnTray, by 42 Kids in the 2008 StartupNation Home-Based Business Competition

Support OnTray, by 42 Kids in the 2008 StartupNation Home-Based Business Competition

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OnTray Giveaways!

Well if you're feeling lucky, I thought I'd list a few web sites that have an OnTray giveaway going on right now! These are all really great sites, that are all completely different.

http://www.tresfun.com/ Giveaway ends August 28th at midnight. She's giving away two so your chances are even better!

http://www.ohanamamablog.blogspot.com/ Giveaway ends August 28th at midnight. Good luck!

http://www.momsfavoritestuff.com/ Giveaway ends September 1st at midnight. OnTray is just one item in a goodie bag worth $250.00! How exciting, huh?

Now get going. All of these sites are amazing, and you could win a really cool product. Ok, shameless plug!

Dapper Snappers Giveaway!

I thought I'd pass this along from another site, www.realmomsrock.com. They are giving away a set of DapperSnappers, which is an ingenious product for the little people who are waist challenged like my middle guy Luke. I can vouch for this product because we have some and they are WONDERFUL. Here's the post. Good luck if you register to win!

"MOM INVENTED, MOM APPROVED
DapperSnappers. A clever name for a clever product. My daughter is almost 3 and (typical of the age) is on a food strike. 2T’s are too short on her, but 3T’s are sometimes too big around the waist. My son is not skinny by any means, but for some reason, he constantly has the “droopy drawers” thing goin’ on. And since I’m really not trying to make any kind of fashion statement with my kids, I tried the DapperSnappers. Worked like a charm. Easy to use, stylish and doesn’t get in the way of potty training at all. You have to check it out! www.DapperSnappers.com Now thru August 31st, when you place your order, use the promo code rmrcarbabies at the top of the purchase page, for buy 2 get 1 free! And if that wasn't enough for you, there's free shipping through September!

REAL MOMS WIN!!
The first contest/giveaway ever here at RMR! Let's be honest. You're a mom, you work hard, and damn it, you want some free stuff! This week you'll be entering for a fabulous product called DAPPERSNAPPERS. (See above review for description of product.) Two winners will receive a 3 pack of DapperSnappers!

Contest 411

1. Go to DapperSnappers.com to find out about the product.

2. Go to The Mommy Lounge and become a member. Registration is fast and simple. Seriously. (If you're already a member, skip this step :)

3. Leave a REPLY post here in The Mommy Lounge and explain why you love this product and why you just have to have it.

Want more chances to win? (Who doesn’t?) Leave a separate post for each that you do:

*Post about the contest on your blog/website and link back to both DapperSnappers and RealMomsRock. (Please provide a link.)
*Make a current post about something else in The Mommy Lounge. Create a new topic or jump in somewhere. Wherever, whatever, just chat away with other moms. (Let me know which section you posted in.)
*Twitter about it. (Please provide a link.)

Contest ends on Saturday, August 23rd at midnight. I will use random.org to select the two winning entries. The winners will be sent a private message via The Mommy Lounge on Sunday and published Monday morning. You have 2 days to claim your prize. "

Our 1st Family Trip to an Amusement Park!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Grill Charms make a great gift!

A while ago I came across these great little items called Grill Charms. They come in a 6 pack and you use them to mark your steaks. Think wine charms for your meat! Let's say you like your steak medium rare but your husband likes his rare. Well, simply mark yours with the charm marked MR and his R. Voila, no mistakes on whose steak is whose! Well, I found out that on Amazon, they are running a special on them for $6.90 a set! They usually retail for $20.00! I think wholesale on these are at least double the price they have them market now! Well, I just wanted to share a little secret. Now click on the logo, and get shopping!

Need some bling? For your kids I mean!

My blog seems to be turning into a bit of a review site, but I have to share when I see such cute and adorable stuff! I came across this site, http://www.bling-baby.com/ and wow does Jennifer, the owner and creator, make great things! She basically adds bling to just about anything for your kids. She does onesies, t-shirts, shoes, wipes cases, pacifier, barrettes...EVERYTHING! Here's what Jennifer has to say,

"Let's face it...all girls are born LOVING bling.The minute I found out that my friend Carolyn delivered a baby girl I could not wait to deck her out in something pink that sparkled! I was surprised how hard it was to find the perfect, personalized baby gift. (Even in a big city like Chicago). I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. I guess I'm more of a "chip off the old block" than I ever thought. My mother has always encouraged me to satisfy my artsy side through various craft projects. Since I couldn't find the perfect gift, I decided to make my own design for Taylor and that is where BLiNG-BABY was born.I love the idea of creating personal designs for children that are affordable and adorable. Whether it be their name, nickname, initials or just something endearing to Mom & Dad, make it sparkle and say it in BLiNG!
As the developer of BLiNG-BABY, I want to thank you for visiting my website. What started out as a fun hobby is turning into the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Make sure to check back from time to time as new items will be added to the collection."

If you're looking for a unique gift, visit http://www.bling-baby.com/ today!

50 orders packaged and still going!

Ok, so every once in a while I have good days with OnTray orders. Then Friday came and a review of OnTray posted to www.celebrity-babies.com/reviews! OH MY GOSH!!! I had no idea that from that review I would get over 1000 hits to my web site in 2 days and 50 + orders (mostly 2 & 4 OnTray's per order). I also had quite a few inquiries from retailers wanting to carry OnTray, and I wanted to scream "YOU COULD HAVE THESE FLYING OFF YOUR SHELVES!" In fact, one retailer e-mailed me and said, "Laura did you advertise somewhere? I sold 6 OnTray's in one day!" I was so excited to hear that. If you're reading this and want to talk about becoming a retailer, visit my site, http://www.ontray2go.com/ and e-mail me from there. OnTray & I will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Parents Magazine, so I would LOVE to have some more retailers to be able to send customers to. Let's talk today!

No such thing as FREE press!

Today Ellie Merritt, with our local NBC affiliate here in Columbus, came to the house to interview me about OnTray and being a WAHM. Well, first of all, I woke up with a horrible headache and that threw me into major panic mode about how I was going to come across on film. Second of all, she gets here and is even more beautiful in person, about 10 feet tall & weighs no more than a minute. Great, now I have a headache and a self complex issue! Anyway, she was FANTASTIC! So personable, sophisticated and easy to talk with. I didn't feel intimidated (well maybe a little) and I'm hoping that the editing room at NBC4 is ready to make me look like I didn't have a headache and maybe 15 pounds lighter :). Ellie wanted the boys to be here so she could see how it is to work from home and balance playing with the kids. I was worried that the boys wouldn't be on their best behavior, so last night at bath time I bribed them. Yes, not my proudest moment, but what's a mom to do? Well as soon as they left (and I mean AS SOON as they left) we were off to Target. $60.00 later the boys were happy, and I realized that there really is no such thing as free press!

Ellie Merritt has a great blog about the struggles of juggling all there is in life when you become a parent and a working one at that! She invites her readers to share their thoughts, chat and even laugh about things happening around the! Check it out at :http://www.wcmhblogs.com/ellie

OnTray & YouTube

I came across this great site, www.joeprah.com from following Joe, the Joe in Joeprah, on Twitter. His site is fantastic. He is a stay-at-home dad to three girls (is everyone going ahhh?) and runs this site about all things parent related. He talks about the women in the neighborhood not allowing him to joining the Wine Club, or how his daughter draws on the wall and even how he's been voted a Hot Male Blogger! Anyway, I sent him an OnTray to try out and review. He did! Not only did he review it, he videotaped using OnTray. Check it out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf8ubvkZ_EE

4200 feet up in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

My parents have a place in beautiful Canaan Valley, West Virginia. We took the boys there over the 4th and Chad had an idea to take all of them up Timberline's (a ski resort) ski lift that's open during the summer for scenic trips. Anyway, I agreed (even though I was scared to death the boys were going to slip through the rail), and we took the plung, or should I say we headed up the mountain. Here's a picture of Jack, Luke & Ty once we got to the top. They LOVED it! When we got up there, Luke said, "Mama, isn't this beautiful?" Luke also told us he wants to learn how to snowboard this ski season. He's 4! The kid just cracks me up. We hiked around a little bit while we were up there. I think our oldest, Jack, was hoping he'd see a bear. There were signs all over the place, "Don't Feed the Bears", or "Bear Country" so Jack thought for sure he'd see one. I kept asking him what he would do if he actually saw him. He didn't answer me, his eyes just got as big as silver dollars!

Ok, seriously, how sweet is this?

I saw this little Mom-invented product and I instantly feel in love with it. It is a giant, soft, sweet, cozy band-aid for those boo-boos that don't bleed. Stomach aches, bruises, hurt feelings...anything really. Just something for them to love on while they're hurt. Here's what the mom behind this great product says about creating it:

"I was introduced to the magic of adhesive bandages when my son was younger. He wanted a bandage for every minor bump. My strict rule of 'no blood no bandage' just made the tears and drama increase. I finally realized that this little piece of plastic provided some real benefit for my son that allowed him to recover faster and so I stopped resisting. About that time, my son started to complain about aches at bedtime. With the same intensity that he had asked for a bandage for his booboos, he was demanding medicine for his aches. Medicine, however, can do more harm than good and I did not want to give him medicine unless he really needed it. At the time I worked for the company who manufactures Polartec® fabric and had plenty of soft fleece fabric. I made him a wrap that looked like a giant bandage and wrapped it around the part that ached. It worked! He will tell you "it makes me feel better".The (oopdoo)™hug was born!"

I just thought it was fantastic, so I wanted to share! Visit www.oopdoohug.com for more information.

BPA Free, OnTray

I know everyone is paranoid lately about plastics and which are BPA free. No, I don't have any plans to make a stainless steel OnTray (that would cost all of us more) but more than that, OnTray is already made from safe plastic. OnTray is made from #5 Polypropylene and is BPA free! To be honest, I didn't even know to ask about that when I created it 2 years ago. I knew it needed to be made from FDA approved plastic, but that was it. I was excited and relieved quite frankly to discover that #5 PP is a GOOD PLASTIC. I'm providing a link, http://www.bisphenolafree.org/ , so that you can all do your homework and figure out which plastic you should avoid and which you don't. I wish the media would have touched on that a little more rather than scaring us all into stainless bowls, cups and plates and leaving us all broke from it :) !

Another cool site!

Save 10%
on all orders until 6/30/2008.
Use coupon code: grandopen

I think you will find what you are looking for, and more on this new site. There are fabulous products starting with the baby shower, and continuing on into the days of toddler hood. You will find all of your baby shower needs here, including shower invitations, shower games, and shower favors. They carry great gifts for mom and baby, including classy diaper cakes, personalized items, and beautiful baby gift baskets. www.littleonesbabygifts.com also includes a wide variety of baby gear, apparel for mom and baby, and accessories. Some of our featured brands, include BabyLegs, Cozy Cocoon, Luna Lullaby, Jamie Rae Hats, Baby Planet, Trendy Tadpole, Jellybean Apparel, Itzy Ritzy, Zoe & Sprout, Taia Hair Clips, and more. Enjoy!

Mom4Life.com

I may be a little bit biased (the site carries OnTray), but this site www.mom4life.com has it going on! mom4life carries mainly mom created or mom inspired products and offers FREE shipping on everything; no minimums! I just ordered this t-shirt for Chad for Father's Day http://www.mom4life.com/catalog.php?item=1305. I think because they carry OnTray I never really looked at all the fantastic items Heather(the great owner) searches high and low for. If you're looking for some terrific, tried and true and well priced items, head over to the site today!

OnTray, a review and Wal Mart!

I just like showing you where OnTray has been. Oh yeah, and another review :) !

http://www.mommygoggles.com/2008/06/grocery-store-grins.html

A review of OnTray...

I thought I would share this new review. Mainly because the reviewer tested OnTray at Meijer's which recently placed a test order for their stores in three states! I am excited and hopeful that the sales go well and they'll need to re-order soon. I'll keep you posted!

http://www.momstakeonthings.com/

Can I ask for your vote?

Can I ask for your vote? Buy the way...there's money in it for you! Read below...

"Respond now for a chance to win $50 cash prize*

American Baby Magazine is hosting a contest for the best baby products.
It says, Vote for the best baby products. Which baby products get your seal of approval? Cast your votes for three must-have, can't live without items that make caring for your baby easier -- and your life a whole lot simpler. Winning products receive an AMBY award in our October issue. Include Brand names so we know which companies to recognize for a job well done.

*Ten entries will be selected at random to receive a cash prize. The deadline is June 6, 2008. (Neither voting nor purchase is necessary to be eligible for a prize.)"

####

If any of you have a minute, could you vote for OnTray today? Hey, while you're at it, vote for those other great baby products you can't live without!

E-mail your submission to: amby@americanbaby.com

Thank you all so much!!!

I want to wear my Power Ranger pj's and rain boots!

The other day, Luke and Ty did not want to get out of their Power Ranger pj's and they wanted to go outside. They decided to put on their rain boots. There are my two youngest outside in public (ok so we live on a court with not a lot of traffic...the public is few and far between), but I was a little irritated. I tried and tried to get them to put on clothes, but they refused. Finally I just gave up. I mean really, what's the big deal? I realized something, I want to wear my Power Ranger pj's and rain boots. I want to go out in public and not care what I look like. I want to say "screw you" to all the women that look at me and judge me by the outfit I have on. It blows me away how my children teach me so much. Aren't I suppose to do that for them? Amazing!

I so needed a laugh...

Ok, this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen! There are a couple of these clips where I laughed so hard I was crying. The music cracks me up too. Enjoy! (PS I'm sure they wouldn't have put this together if anyone was harmed)

OnTray & Madness of Motherhood

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Suzette of the Mothers of Madness Internet show based out of Orlando, FL. Sadly I didn't get to travel there for the interview...I sat on a stool in my closet with the door shut so no one could here my energetic boys playing in the other room! Anyway, I had so much fun talking with her. We chatted for about 30 minutes before she finally had enough of me! She and her partner in crime Michelle have a great thing going. They interview mainly moms, working outside of the home or not and offer all kinds of advice and information to help make the madness of motherhood go a little bit smoother! The interview is now on the site, http://www.madnessofmotherhoodshow.com/ .

Me and the other Mompreneurs!

Over the past weekend, I had the privilege of getting together with some women I have been conversing with on a terrific online forum, http://www.mompreneursonline.com/. I joined about 8 months or so ago, and instantly felt connections with these women. Pat Cobe and Ellen Parlapiano are the founders and the women that actually trademarked the word Mompreneurs 10 years ago (they were ahead of their time). We all met in Chicago and had a weekend full of networking, fun, food and some vino (some had more than others!). Anyway, it was amazing that most of us had never met face to face, but we all felt like we had. Women are so relationship oriented, so needing that connection that now I feel like I can promote all of them so much better. I learned some great marketing techniques, organizational skills and networking know how. The weekend was priceless. I encourage any fellow Mompreneur reading this post to check out the forum that I consider an absolute must on a journey that takes you for one heck of a roller coaster ride. It's good to have women around you to hold your hand. Especially on a bumpy ride!

What's a Nuddle?

I first saw Jenn Feldman on Oprah. She has a gorgeous home in CA that was featured on an episode where Nate Berkus visited viewer's homes that had even him impressed. She had some fantastic ideas, one being that monogramming just looks rich. I went out the next day and had a pillow monogrammed. Turns out Jenn is the sister of one of Chad's good friends and co-worker at Casto with him! How weird is that? Well we were out to dinner with Adam (Jenn's brother) a couple of weeks ago and he told us of Jenn's new product, The Nuddle Blanket. The name is a combination of nap & cuddle. Too cute, huh? What makes this blanket so unique is that it is extra long to cover even your tootsies with a foot pocket. It's also made out of ultra-plush material and has handy slats for your arms to slide through (you know so you can still hold the remote or the latest novel you're reading). I'm needing a nap just talking about this thing! Anyway, check it out at www.nuddleblanket.com I think the pictures might have been taken at Jenn's house. You can see all of her gorgeous decor! Best wishes Jenn!

Real Moms Rock!

I found this site and thought, with a name like Real Moms Rock, how can it not be something all moms need to check out? This site was created by 2 stay-at-home-moms who believe that a mom's greatest resource is other moms. They have a section called 'real mom of the month' contest and also have a really cool forum - the mommy lounge - where moms can chat with other moms. Head over there today to check it out!

What a bummer!

I just received some bad news. They didn't go into the details, but Michelle (a producer with the show) said they needed to cancel the segment. She said there was a lot going on over there and if there was a chance for me to be on a future show, they'd keep me posted. I'm completely bummed, and disappointed. It's amazing how excited you can be one day, and down the next. I'm learning from this though. Yesterday I was completely frazzled about how I was going to get everything done in time to leave my boys and fly out on Wednesday. It seriously left me anxious and nervous...all day! Nothing, no TV segment, no interview or any pr is worth me not paying as much attention to my family and business happenings as I do every other day of the week. From here on out, I will prioritize what is important and if great pr comes and bites me in the you know what I'll see if I have enough time to make it happen! (ok so I'm a little bitter!)

UPDATE:

I spoke with a producer at the show, and she assured me that it wasn't me or my product, but they just needed to go a different route . I am at the top of her list when they start to do segments with children products again. I will be ready ,willing and able when they call!

One Minute to Millions and Laura Hamrick

Well, I'm still waiting on a call from another producer, but as it stands right now I am headed to NJ to do a taping for One Minute to Millions on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch! I got the call today around noon from one producer and they are flying me out Wednesday for the taping on Thursday morning! I am excited, nervous, anxious, nervous, scared, thrilled and did I mention nervous?!?!? Please pray that I breathe and do a good job. I don't know what I'm more excited for though, promoting OnTray or sitting next to Donny. He's so darn handsome! I'll keep you all posted.

Kelly McCausey with Mom's Morning Show

I had another great interview with Kelly McCausey with Mom's Morning Show. Today's interview was a taped show for her Podcast that will be available on Monday, March 31st. I tell you what, Kelly has it going on. If you Google her, you'll find that she is into Websites, Radio/Podcast, Coaching, Affiliate Programs...basically all things, and all things promoting mom's. Our interview was about 25 minutes long and it felt like 2 minutes. She is just easy to talk to, easy to listen to, and very informative. If you have a chance to check her out, visit http://www.kellymccausey.com/ or www.blogtalkradio.com/momsradio. Thanks so much Kelly!

OnTray giveaway! Just leave a comment to this post with one of the colors that OnTray comes in (visit www.ontray2go.com). Please leave a valid e-mail address so we can contact the winner. The contest will close Monday, April 7th!

Donny Duetsch & Laura Hamrick

I don't know if you love this show as much as me, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, but I'm going to be on it tonight! There is a segment at the end of the show (the last 2 minutes) called The American Dream Team. The producer's of the show ask you to send in a 30 second tape of how Donny has inspired you. Well, I shot a tape of me by myself (too embarrassed to ask someone to tape me) and I sent it in 6 weeks ago. I really had given up hope. Then, today I got a phone call from the producer's of the show and they said, "Head's up, you're on Donny's show tonight!" I am so excited. Since it was suppose to be how Donny inspired me, I couldn't really promote myself. I did say my name, where I'm from and that I created a product to make shopping with young children more enjoyable. Hopefully people will be inspired to Google me!

Blue Skye Baby

Shawn Corry, Baby Planner, Consulting & Design is at http://www.blueskyebaby.com.If you have ever had a baby, you know the stress of becoming a parent. It is the most wonderful time of your life and the most stressful at the same time. Shawn has started a new company called Blue Skye Baby, which provides many of the resources related to planning for the arrival of baby and beyond so that this time of your life can be less stressful and more enjoyable! Whether you need assistance with your baby registry, nursery design, baby shower, house cleaning, a personal chef, meal delivery, or a personal trainer to get you back in shape, Shawn has all the right resources. She is an amazing person, and is ready to help make this the most wonderful experience of your life. Visit http://www.blueskyebaby.com/ for more info!

OnTray's 1st Celebrity Endorsement!

So I went to my PO Box the other day, and low and behold, there was a note from an Oscar Nominee who received OnTray in their gift basket! Jason Reitman, the Director of Juno, wrote to me. Here's what he had to say:

"Cool product! We'll keep in the car for all of our shopping trips! Jason and 16 month old Josie"

I was so excited and started laughing uncontrollably. I think, actually I know, the other people at the Post Office thought I was either on something or having a nervous breakdown. I didn't care, I just heard from a celebrity! I am such a sucker for celebrities it's not even funny. Anyway, I wanted to share with all of you my good news!

Need a laugh?

Ok, so a friend sent me a link to http://www.inthemotherhood.com/. The site has skits on there that are written by moms, for moms and performed by Jenny McCarthy, Leah Remini and Chelsea Handler. The skits are seriously some of the funniest TV or webTV(not that I watch a lot of webTV) I've seen in a long time. The skits are about 6 minutes or so long, but when it's over you're like, "I need more!" I was laughing so hard at the latest episode that my youngest, Ty, said, "Mom, why are you laughing at your puter?" Which made me laugh even harder because he calls the computer the puter. Anyway, if you need a laugh (and who doesn't), check out the site. I guarantee you'll crack up!