WINNERS!!

Are you ready to find out who won? All 10 winners have been emailed! They have 48 hours to respond before I will have to draw a new winner. Let's all give them a big pat on the back! Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. If you are a new follower - Welcome! I hope you will stick around and stop in to say hi! I have many more fun giveaways coming up, and lots of Las Vegas Life to share! Not to mention Mommy's Lil Monster Bash is quickly approaching and we have many many fun giveaways, tutorials, recipes, and more lined up! It should be a busy, but fun fall!

So without futher delay; Family and Life in Las Vegas Blogmania Winners!!

Random.Org picked the following numbers in this order:
Prize Package Winners: #692, #758, #235, #435 - Mini Winners: #1208, #616, #273, #552, #366, #752

Prize Package #1 - Andrea
Prize Package #2 - MommyMonkey aka Debbie
Prize Package #3 - A Fairy Good Mommy aka Amanda
Prize Package #4 - Karen

Mini Wins #5-#10 - Best Housewife, Lady-bug Kellie, Hannah, Gianna, SAPsMaMa, and Cuzinlogic.

CONGRATULATIONS!! I am so excited for all of you. These are some really great prizes from some really great Sponsors.
Thank you once again to the Blogmania Sponsors of Family and Life in Las Vegas. EcoMom, FlutterBaby Gifts, Corn Warmerz, ERGOBaby, Kidtoons, and Bethie Boos Tutus have all been wonderful to work with. If you have a moment check out their sites, look around, and even say Hi!

And because I am feeling super generous today(Because this is how we do it at Family and Life in Las Vegas), I am going to give away a pair of beautiful diamond earrings, from http://www.diamondearrings.org. These are cubic zirconia, but look real!! I recently wore a pair out for my birthday celebration and love them. They really look real! Why buy diamond earrings when you can get these for next to nothing! Head over to the website and check it out!!

The earrings, and me wearing my pair of the earrings!

The Winner of This Giveaway is Theresa over at The Fun Fritz Family!

Congratulations to all! Hope to see you all back entering giveaways and participating in the meme's I co-host!!

BLOGMANIA!!

Have you stretched your fingers? Are you ready to spend the next two days entering some of the most fantastic giveaways found on the internet?? Get ready because over 169 blogs and many more sponsors have come together to bring you over $38,000 in prizes ready for you to win!! All you have to do is enter. I am #58 of 169 blogs on the list.

On your Mark, Get Set, BLOGMANIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are my Prize Packages! - Total Value $577.28!!

Prize Package #1 - Green Baby/EcoMom - US and Canada
Books: What does it mean to be Green? - $16.95
Who are you? - $6.99
I Dreamt I was a Dino - $6.99
Feeding Gear: Boon Catch Bowl - $8.50
Boon Benders - $6.00
Boon Groovy Dining Set - $13.60
Boon Fluid Sippy Cup - $6.30
Clothing: Kate Quinn Short Sleeve Onesie - $15.00
Toys: 2 Chunky Melissa and Doug Puzzles (they are all adorable!) - $20.00
Gift Certificate from Bethie Boos Tutus - $10.00
TOTAL : $110.33

Prize Package #2 - The Beautiful Babywearer - US ONLY
Your choice of ERGOBaby Carrier - $135.00
Gift Certificate to Bethie Boos Tutus - $10.00
Total: $145.00

Prize Package #3 - Sit Back and Relax - US and Canada
A Microwavable Heating Pad Set By Corn Warmerz: Neckwrap & Large Heating Pad -$22.95
Beginning by Maclaren Alleviating Leg Lotion - $24.00
Beginning by Maclaren Cocooning Massage Oil - $24.00
Beginning by Maclaren Supporting Belly Balm - $32.00
Gift Certificate from Bethie Boos Tutus - $10.00
Total: $112.95

Prize Package #4 - Fashion-Forward Baby - US ONLY
Gift-Certificate to FlutterBaby Gifts - $30.00
Gift Certificate to Bethie Boos Tutus - $10.00
Kidtoons Barbie Fashion Fairytale Package - $65.00
Beginning by Maclaren Nappy Change Balm - $12.00
Beginning by Maclaren Supporting Belly Balm - $ 32.00
Total: $149.00

Prize Packages #5-10 - Mini-Wins - US and Canada
6 additional winners will receive a Gift Certificate from Bethie Boos Tutus -$10/each
Total: $60.00

Mandatory Entry
Please Leave your Name, Email, and which Prize Package you would prefer* if you are a winner.

Extra Entries (can not be done, unless you first do the mandatory Entry)
(Leave one comment for each extra entry you do.)
Follow Family and Life in Las Vegas via Google Friend Connection (1 Entry)
Subscribe to Family and Life in Las Vegas via Email (1 Entry)
Follow Family and Life in Las Vegas on Twitter (1 Entry)
Like Family and Life in Las Vegas on Facebook (1 Entry)

* If you are picked and your choice of prize has already been chosen by someone before you, you will get the next prize package in line.

The next two Blogs on the list are:
Fang-Tastic Books
Faber Family Adventures
You can keep up with the List by Going Here

Thank you to all my fabulous sponsors for their extreme generosity!

New Blogmania Sponsor - Kidtoons

I know it is really last minute, but I wanted to take a minute to share a new Blogmania sponsor with you before the big event starts in just 3 hours!!

I was recently contacted by Colette at Kidtoons, and she had a wonderful prize package that she is willing to add to the fantastic Blogmania event!

"Kidtoons is dedicated to helping parents connect with their kids by bringing family friendly animated movies to the big screen every weekend at participating theatres across the country.

Participating Kidtoons theatres showcase a fun, affordable family friendly matinee movie and provide a family experience filled with entertaining, kid-friendly characters, as well as cartoon shorts, music videos and sing-alongs before each movie. We even have fun giveaways for the kids, such as stickers, temporary tattoos, activity books or toys after every film.

As parents, and as producers of kids’ entertainment, we launched the Kidtoons program to enable families to enjoy movies on the big screen on a regular basis. We know that parents are looking for opportunities to connect with their children, and enjoying the movie-going experience as a family provides easy and fun opportunities for togetherness.

As part of making sure that the content is age appropriate, we’ve asked an expert, Dr. Donna Mitroff, to talk with you about our movies each month. Check out Dr. Donna’s reviews for additional information about the plot, the level of action and the types of humor in the movie, as well as some thought-provoking discussion points for the whole family." - From the Kidtoons Webpage

For the Blogmania event - Kidtoons is giving away a package full of Barbie fun!

• One classic Barbie doll
• One Fashion Fairytale Barbie doll
• One Flairie
• One Carriage
• Official movie one-sheet

Valued at over $65!!

You can find Kidtoons on Facebook as well as Twitter and in addition to the fabulous package Kidtoons is giving away - Mattell is also offering a Buy One Get One Free movie ticket offer for this month's Barbie movie. (This is for anyone of my readers!!)

Extra Entries Options (comment here with to get these extra entries)

Like Kidtoons on Facebook - and tell them I sent you. (2 entries)
Follow Kidtoons on Twitter - and let them know you are following from Family and Life in Las Vegas : "@Kidtoonsfilms I am following from @FamilyNLifeLV and looking forward to #Blogmania!" (2 entries)

And finally - don't forget to get all your other extra entries too!!

Daily Vegas ~ I think I am a chicken, and I am definetly missing my head!!

So there are a million and 8 things that I need to get done today, and not nearly enough time to do it. Add to that a Squishy boy who is oddly crabby today, and seems to think my foot is his new lovey, and it seems like it will be nearly impossible for me to get things done today! (no seriously he keeps coming up and cuddling with my right foot. He lays down with it, hugs it, and smiles at me... weird huh?!)

Some major highlights -
I am Guest Blogging today by Kim at Chubby Cheeks Thinks! She is so sweet to have me, and the inspiration behind me having guest post while I was on vacation. If you have a moment, head over to her blog, and check out my random ramblings!! Thank you so much for having me. Such an honor.

It is less than 4 hours til Blogmania goes live!! Family and Life in Las Vegas has secured over $500 in giveaways for you to have a chance to win! Including a $100 prize pack filled with Goodies from EcoMom, an ERGOBaby carrier of your choice(<$100), a $30 GC to FlutterBaby Gifts, a Microwavable Heating Pad Package from Cornwarmerz, 10 $10 GCs to Bethie Boos Tutus, and a new sponsor, Kidtoons with a Barbie Prize Package valued at $65. With 169 blogs participating and close to $38,000 in giveaway prizes this is NOT an event you will want to miss! You still have 4 hours left to get your extra entries in. I hope you stop by in the next two days and enter. Seriously this will be one of the easiest giveaways to enter!!

I have about 5 reviews and or giveaways that are going to be going up just after Blogmania is over. So keep coming back, these are some fabulous companies. I work hard to try and only do reviews and giveaways for not only products I think would work for my family, but also products I think my readers will enjoy. My intention is not for my blog to be about reviews and giveaways, but rather about my family, toddler friendly activities, going green, and learning to budget. When I find a product that would be something I think is something I would like, I seize the opportunity. I love to share what I love! After all, they are a part of our Family and Life in Las Vegas!!

Alright - I best get back to being a chicken looking for my head - let me know if you see it anywhere!!

Daily Vegas ~ I'm bAACk!

So we made it - we are back in Las Vegas. We are pretty sad to have had to leave our family back in beautiful Minnesota. We had such a wonderful time, and I promise that I will do a re-cap post later. (with lots and lots of picture love!) I seriously wish I could arrange it so Minnesota and Nevada were closer, but still retain the things I love about both of them... Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?!

Thank you so much to all the wonderful Mama's who stepped up and guest blogged. If you didn't get a chance to read the, please head back to check out their posts. You can still get 2 extra entries for each guest poster you follow and comment on. (Good through September 26th.)

So traveling this time was a bit better that the trip out there. I think I was actually more organized, which really helped. My favorite part of this trip home was Squishy walking along saying "Hai" to every person he past. It was so sweet, even the crabbiest and exhausted travelers smiled and said "Hi" back. So sweet! Seriously, how did I get a baby this sweet!!

Don't forget to get in your extra entries to Blogmania - It is only 2 days away!!
I have some seriously wonderful prizes for you!! I mean, come on - look at the sponsors we have!!

Also I am going to use this month to work on my writing. So I posting may be a little off this month. But while that is going on, I have a whole lot of reviews and some great giveaways coming. Make sure you stop by for those!

Daily Vegas ~ Just Checking in!!

Hi all! Greetings from Vacationland. Would you believe I have actually slept for 3 nights more than 6 hours each night and the first night it was 8 hours!! Glorious sleep does wonders for your soul. I am loving being with my family, getting lots of great pictures, and enjoying having extra hands and attention for the Squishman!

A couple notes: My internet here is not very ideal. I am not able to comment back on a lot of things. I plan on sitting down tonight and trying to catch up with comments and say hi to all the new followers, but if I don't get to you, please forgive me. I will make sure to return full force to writing and reading after I return from this wonderful Vacation.

Don't Forget!!

Blogmania is in 10 days!! Yes I said 10 days! Get your extra entries. I have some wonderful giveaways including super cute baby items that you will want for your little one. An Ergo carrier, and some great Green gifts!! Seriously, you want to take the 5 mins to get your extra entries in! Links to the post can be found at the top of this entry!

Also the Scandle Giveaway ends tomorrow! Get your last minute entries in now. Don't forget for every guest blogger you head over to and follow, you get 2 extra entries into the giveaway of your choice. That means possibility of 2 extra entries a day!! Make sure to leave our guest bloggers some comment love! They love hearing from you as much as I do!!

Alright - back to my previously scheduled rest and relaxation! Enjoy the rest of our Guests! And sorry I didn't know my # symbol makes a bird - oh well!

1. If you could interview any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be? What would you ask? - Hmm I would love the chance to sit down with my Grandmother Lorraine. I never got to meet her, and I think it would be wonderful to get to know her, and here about my mother growing up.

2. You have to give up one thing for a month. What would it be - car, guilty pleasure (ie. food, drink, fav. tv show), or sex? Is this a trick question, I mean we all know my hubs is deployed...

3. Is there a word/phrase you say that you are made fun of for? If so, what is it?
You know? I don't know. But as a blogger I abuse the ellipse and parenthesis... (Does that count?)

4. Which is a stronger emotion: Anger or Love?
Anger fades, love will always be there. Even when love ends, it is still with you. And then there is the unconditional love; I will never ever stop loving my child.

5. Where was your first job.
Babysitting doesn't count I guess because I never paid the government to do it, so I guess it would be the Laundry Mat. That was one interesting job...


I can't recite any movie - I am awful at things like that!!

What is Blogmania? ~ Extra Entries, Enter Here!

Blogmania is a two day blog giveaway event that will take place on September 15th and 16^th. This event is going to be HUGE!! There are 170 blogs are putting together giveaway packages that can be won during these two days. Each participating blog had to come up with at least $100 in prizes, and many are valued at much more. Family and Life in Las Vegas has over $400 in Giveaways! You're going to have a super time as you visit these blogs and sign up for a chance to win these giveaways. Some are US only, some include Canada, and even others are open internationally.

So how does it work? Over the two day event you can enter as many of these giveaways as you would like. If your name is chosen, you win. There is no limit on how many times you can win. With 170 blogs participating and giveaways totaling almost $40,000 you really want to enter as many as you can. The best part is the giveaway entry is going to be simple. No worrying about spending too much time entering each giveaway. One comment and that is all! (Some blogs, including this one, will be offering extra entries that you can do before the main event.)

So what can you do?? Mark your calendars, set a timer in your phone, or post a sticky note on your computer. Whatever you have to do, SAVE THE DATES! (September 15^th and 16^th) Trust me; this is an event you are not going to want to miss!!

For the Blogmania Event I will have several different winners. All you have to do is follow the instructions for extra entries, AND enter on the days of the event. (Extra entries will not be counted if you do not enter during the main event.) When you enter, please specify which package you would like to win.

(Please note, even if you specify a package, this does not guarantee you will win that prize, it will be based on the order in which the winners are selected. Ex. If someone was chosen before you, and wanted the same package they will win that particular giveaway.)

Did you miss the Sponsor Spotlights? Check each Spotlight post to catch up!

Bethie Boos Tutus

EcoMom

ERGObaby

FlutterBaby Gifts

Corn Warmerz

What are my Giveaways??

1. Green Baby
2. The Beautiful Baby-wearer
3. Sit back and Relax
4. Fashion-Forward Baby

5-10. Mini-Wins – 6 additional winners will receive a child-related gift certificate.

How can you get EXTRA entries?? - Leave a comment for each one you do.

(*if you are stopping in and want to say hi, I would love to hear from you. However, all comments not related to the giveaway will not be published on this post! Sorry, please scroll down and comment on another non-giveaway post so I can get back to you!)

1. Follow me Via Google Friend Connect
2. Subscribe to my RSS feed. (upper right hand side-bar)
3. Sign up for Family and Life in Las Vegas emails (upper right hand side-bar)
4. Like Bethie Boos Tutus on Facebook – and tell her I sent you
5. Like EcoMom on Facebook – and tell them I sent you
6. Signup for the EcoMom newsletter
7. Like ERGObaby on Facebook – and tell them I sent you
8. Follow ERGObaby on Twitter
9. Heart FlutterBaby Gifts on Etsy
10. Like FlutterBaby Gifts on Facebook – and tell her I sent you
11. Tweet about this post – be sure to include @FamilyNLifeLV (1 time only)
12. Follow me on Twitter
13. Like me on Facebook
14. Blog about this post, and comment with the link!

That is 14 extra entries into my Blogmania giveaways! Make sure you leave a comment for each entry as well as your email. (Please be honest, I will be checking to the best of my ability, but integrity is key.)

NOTE: These extra entries will be added to the entries received on the days of the event. All winners will be chosen by Random.Org and a screen snapshot of the winning entries and number will be provided.

BlogMania Sponsor Spotlight ~FlutterBaby Gifts

BlogMania is right around the corner September 15th and 16th, and I am getting really excited about it! I have partnered with some wonderful and generous sponsors that are all offering fabulous giveaways! On the days of the Event there will only be one main giveaway. From that giveaway I will be selecting *SEVERAL* winners. On the actual day of the event, in order to win, you will have to come by and enter the contest, at which time I would like you to specify which prize package you would prefer if you win. (I, however, can not guarantee that you will win that particular prize.)

I have personal attachment to our fourth BlogMania sponsor! FlutterBaby Gifts! I came across Shana’s work through the recommendation of another mom. I knew instantly when I saw her designs that I HAD to have one for my Squishapillar! Her hats are so beautiful, the colors are so vibrant, and they are wonderfully made. You can really tell these items are made with love. I was also excited to see her shop was more than just hats; she has beautiful hats, cute crocheted shoes, handmade toys for little one, and more! I had Squishy photographed in his buggy hat, and caterpillar rattler and they are some of my favorite pictures of my little man, not to mention the ones we used for his birthday invitations! I absolutely love my little man’s buggy hat, and he adores his rattle! I asked Shana to tell us a little bit about her company, and was delighted to receive such a beautiful story in return.

"Learning to crochet had been on my to-do list since I was a little girl. My most prized possession is a very colorful rippled afghan that was crocheted by my Granny. Unfortunately I never had a chance to learn from Granny, and I didn't know anyone else who could crochet. My mother says the art and talent must skip a generation because she could never do more than make the foundation chain stitch! I tried (and FAILED) to teach myself using books....I just couldn’t get the concept from photos. I had just about given up when I spotted a basket of yarn and a half made blanket at a friend's house. I was SO excited to learn that she knew how to crochet! My friend graciously taught me how to do a basic stitch, and I was on my way to making my very first crochet afghan. I started small (and thank goodness) with a blanket for my oldest son, who was about 2 at the time. Did I mention that my friend was left handed...and I learned completely backwards?? That poor blanket was so crooked and hideous...but it was a start and my son LOVED it....which was all that mattered to me. That first backwards basic stitch and the smile on my son's face, as he hugged his new blanket, was all I needed. I taught myself everything else (including the right-right handed way) using online videos and books. I started crocheting gifts for everyone and every occasion!

I have always loved the art of gift giving, picking just the right gift, wrapping it perfectly with a hand made bow and most importantly seeing the smile on the recipients face when they get something they love. My most favorite gift to give has always been a baby gift, something about the joy of new life and all of the little things that come with it. When I learned to crochet it took the joy of gift giving to a new level for me. I had so much fun creating blankets and hats and little baby booties for all of my friends, it was so exciting to ooh and ahh over all the little goodies. To be able to give someone a gift that they loved....that I made with my own two hands was so rewarding. I especially love seeing my creations on a sweet adorable little new baby, it is priceless.

Upon the encouragement of my family and friends I started thinking about taking my crochet gifts to the next level. In August 2008 I opened my Etsy shop and FlutterBaby Gifts was born. My crochet skills continue to evolve and I am now designing my own patterns. I have a great local network of customers and have made some awesome friends through this endeavor. I am so thankful to have found something that brings me so much joy and adds a small sense of self accomplishment to my stay at home mommy status. Thankfully I have the sweetest customers who share photos of their little ones with their FlutterBaby Gifts.....because seeing those sweet little buggies all snugglied up with something I made with my two hands is still my most favorite part!!" - Shana owner and designer of FlutterBaby Gifts

FlutterBabyGifts has generously offered a $30 gift certificate to her etsy shop. All her items are custom made to order, so you will be able to pick out something that is just perfect for your little (or big) baby! For more fantastic pictures you can check out her etsy shop, like her facebook page, check out her Flickr album, or follow her blog!

Don't forget to come back September 15th and 16th for the BlogMania Event to enter for your chance to win this fantastic giveaway!

BlogMania Sponsor Spotlight ~ ERGObaby!!

BlogMania is right around the corner September 15th and 16th, and I am getting really excited about it! I have partnered with some wonderful and generous sponsors that are all offering fabulous giveaways! On the days of the Event there will only be one main giveaway. From that giveaway I will be selecting *SEVERAL* winners. On the actual day of the event, in order to win, you will have to come by and enter the contest, at which time I would like you to specify which prize package you would prefer if you win. (I, however, can not guarantee that you will win that particular prize.)

I am so excited to announce our third BlogMania Sponsor. ERGObaby! I absolutely love babywearing. It has allowed me to keep my son close to me when we are out and about, provided us with valuable bonding time, and allowed me to remain active while still keeping my son close to my heart.

ERGObaby is a fantastic baby-carrier. ERGObaby is a family owned and operated company located on Maui, Hawaii. Since 2003 they have been bringing babywearing products to families that are of superior quality, and have gone through rigorous safety testing. Created in 2001 by Karen Frost, ERGObaby was her answer to keeping her son safe and close to her while remaining physically active.

I personally own several (okay a lot) of baby carriers which I like for different reasons. The ERGO is one of my go-to carriers. It is so easy to use; the design allows you to safely wear your baby in the front, back, or hip positions all the way through toddlerhood.

(Please note that this is my carrier purchased with my own money when Squish was 5 months old, it was not provided to me.)

Learn more about this fantastic baby-carrier at the ERGObaby website. You can also Like ERGObaby on Facebook to keep up with all that is going on with them, and follow them on Twitter!


ERGObaby is generously offering one winner a carrier of choice! This is a fantastic prize, and is valued at over $100.


Make sure you tune in September 15th and 16th to enter the BlogMania giveaway!

BlogMania Sponsor Spotlight ~ EcoMom

BlogMania is right around the corner, and I am getting really excited about it! I have partnered with some wonderful and generous sponsors that are all offering fabulous giveaways! On the days of the Event there will only be one main giveaway. From that giveaway I will be selecting *SEVERAL* winners. On the actual day of the event, in order to win, you will have to come by and enter the contest, at which time I would like you to specify which prize package you would prefer if you win. (I however, can not guarantee that you will win that particular prize.)

I am super excited to announce that our second sponsor spotlight is EcoMom! If you haven’t heard about EcoMom, you for sure haven’t been reading my blog! I can’t seem to say enough great things about them. The main focus of EcoMom is to make healthy living easy. They make going green an affordable option for you and your family, and provide you the tools you need to live healthy everyday. In case you need a refresher on why EcoMom is so fabulous…

The EcoMom EcoPass - $99 a year gets you free shipping on all your purchases regardless of price, and 15% off all your purchase. It basically pays for itself in 4 purchases! The EcoPass also gives you first dibs on the Daily Deal.

EcoMom hosts a Daily Deal, where they spotlight one of their products at a greatly reduced price! (EcoPass members get free shipping on top of that!)

EcoMom provides you with the tools to live green. Some of their resources include:
EcoMom Community
EcoMom Blog
EcoMom TV
EcoMom Newsletter
All ways to help make healthy living easier for you!

EcoMom has amazing customer service. As a mom my time is valuable. EcoMom understands that, and strives to handle all questions and concerns in a fast and friendly manner.

EcoMom has fun contests! Right now they are hosting, a video contest where FIVE winners get a $200 gift card. All you have to do is upload a video of yourself stating why being an EcoMom is important to you! How fun is that? Check it out!

For the BlogMania Event September 15th and 16th Jody (Co-founder and CEO of EcoMom) has generously offered a fantastic gift package valued at $100. I personally got to select what went into this, “Baby Green Love” themed prize package, and as a mother of a young child, I can tell you this is a fantastic prize. I am so happy to be working with EcoMom again. Their continued support and generosity has been amazing.

To learn more about EcoMom – visit their website, and be sure to friend them on Facebook and Twitter for some great inside tips! And if you want to make a purchase today - use referral code SB004386 to get 15% off your first purchase.