Kids Easter All-in-One Music CD, Project Book and Stickers Activity Set Review & Giveaway, Ends 4/4

Celebrations

Giveaway details below

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What could be better for families with kids who will be celebrating Easter on April 8th than this? Designed by 'ZinePak, this cute, creative and educational all-in-one activity set has it all. First there is the CD with 10 popular children's songs performed by kids that capture the fun and frivolity of spring. Then there's the 60-page full color book that includes all kinds of activities and projects youngsters ages 5-11 will enjoy.

The recorded CD classic song list features tunes that have been enjoyed for generation. Included are  Good Ship Lollipop, Six Little Ducks, Here Comes Peter Cottontail, My Choc'late Rabbit, Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush, It's Raining It's Pouring, Polly Wolly Doodle, Bingo, Apples & Bananas and There's a Hole in My Bucket. Songs performed by The Hit Crew Kids from Drew's Entertainment.

While your child is listening to the music they can also be enjoying the color book full of bunnies, chicks, and multi-hued Easter eggs. This softcover includes a storage slot inside the back cover for the CD as well as page after page of everything from word search and crossword puzzles to coloring and drawing projects and some really clever but simple arts and crafts ideas. There's even a few pages of adorable photos of different breeds of dogs wearing bunny ears where your child gets to pick the pup he/she likes best. To top it all off 15 darling Easter stickers are stashed inside the package.

Pg from 'Zinepak's Easter Book - Dogs in Bunny Ears

This would make a really novel and memorable add-in to a child's Easter basket this year. It is also would make a great gift just to entertain your own little one -- all you need is a CD player to enjoy the music with your children -- without the help of an iPad, iPhone or any other mobile device or computer. 

I think the 'Zinepak Easter Activity Set would make an awesome hostess gift for anyone that has kids, too, and would likely keep the small fry busy while the adults sit around the table and talk at Easter dinner. Just $5, all inclusive, and available exclusively at Walmart.

About 'ZinePak

According to the company's site, a ‘ZinePak (pronounced ZEEN-pack) is a new, fan-centric configuration of entertainment packaging designed to enhance the entertainment experience. Each ‘ZinePak is different. For more information visit Zinepak.com

Easter All-in-One Kids Activity Set

CD w/ 10 songs, 60-pg book & stickers

GIVEAWAY

Ends 4/4/12

HOW TO ENTER

Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends April 4, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. Four winners will be selected at random from all entries. Winners will notified via email and will need to respond immediately to receive prizes in time for Easter. 

Required (Mandatory) Entry

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying what's your favorite thing about this prize. Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter contact info in the initial comment section so the winner can be contacted.

Optional Extra Entries 
Earn extra entries to win for doing one or more of the easy options listed below. Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your additional chances to win.

1. Follow MBE on Twitter

2. Like MBE on Facebook

3. Subscribe to MommyBlogExpert

4. Like ZinePak on Facebook

***Bonus Entries***

You can earn even MORE chances to win each time you TWEET the message below, up to 3 times each day. Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for each of your RTs.

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Easter Kids Activity Set - Music CD, puzzles, stickers + more GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/88q9wl2 Ends 4/4 #Easter RT 2 #WIN

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FTC Disclosure: 'ZinePak provided the Easter Kids Activity Set to facilitate this review and is supplying and shipping the prizes. This blog did not receive any other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Curated Maternity, Baby Shower & Newborn Monthly European Gift Box Concept Launches in U.S.

Mother & Baby

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All images in this post from PetiteBox

Luxe subscription gift box grab bag-style fashion shopping sites like Little Black Bag, Umba Box, and She Said Beauty for us grown up girls that offer eclectic collections of branded products and good deals are all the rage right now. 

But what about a special place where pregnant women or new moms might go for a special treat?   Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a company that catered just to expectant moms and mothers with newborns providing beautifully curated monthly gift boxes of high end items valued at much more than you pay for them?

Well, guess what? There is an online source, a new site which just launched called PetiteBox and it fits that description like a perfect fitting glove.  Yes, finally there is a similar shopping resource for those of us with discriminating tastes to go to for a beautiful and memorable gift that keeps giving monthly for expectant moms, baby showers, and newborns -- or maybe even for you to indulge yourself if you're expecting or for you and your child to enjoy together if you already have an infant.

To join the growing PetiteBox community all you do is register on the site. Then a lovely surprise box is sent to you filled with 4 to 7 of fine mommy and baby full-size (not sample) products each month or it can be gifted on your behalf to someone you know to enjoy. Quality products, valued at retail prices much more than your cost, are curated and designed specifically to match the recipient's stage of pregnancy (starting at week 17) or the baby's age (up to 12 months old).

At launch, the brands PetiteBox is working with include Angel Dear, Basq, Dr. Hauschka, Earth Friendly Baby, HABA, Happy Family, Lansinoh, Lotus Wei, MAM, MD Moms, Petites Frites, and Weleda. Others will be added in the months ahead.

PetiteBox Subscription Options

• Monthly subscription $25/May be canceled any time
• 3-month subscription $70/Auto cancel after 3 months
• 6-month subscription $130/Auto cancel after 6 months 
• Shipping is free and is including in above prices

 

Each month's selection is customized for the woman receiving it and every surprise box a recipient gets is different. So, this is a fun and thoughtful gift that will be eagerly awaited each month.

PetiteBox plans to be expanding rapidly. There will be lots of opportunities in the months ahead for expectant women and new moms to try and test some  great new and exclusive products just for you as well as to share your luxe gift box reactions with others in the group and interact with the brands that are represented.

Stay tuned to MommyBlogExpert for more news posts as this new innovative mom community develops.

Keep up on what's new at PetiteBox.us by following them on

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Four Tips for Breastfeeding Career Moms Going Back to Work When Baby is Still on Milk Only

Baby Care

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This post is especially for nursing moms who have babies but who want to go return to work outside the home.  Whether you will be transitioning to bottle feeding breast milk or formula given by a caregiver, I hope you'll consider the expert points below offered by Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC, before weaning your baby and heading back to the office.
 

I nursed my triplets and also used a breast pump to feed them

As a mere mom who nursed my four babies  --  triplets plus one more all born within a year -- I wish I'd known about this talented practitioner after I delivered. That's because at the time I didn't even know how to change a diaper, much less nurse my first child, when I became a mother.

I admire Sara Chana not only because she has made a name for herself professionally both here in L.A. and in New York as a highly-regarded board-certified lactation consultant but has also mothered seven children.

Sara Chana Silverstein, Photo from SaraChana.com

Sara Chana's Working Moms Dos and Don'ts

• Do assure breastfeeding is well established before the introduction of the bottle, if that has become your choice for getting back to work.

• Don't introduce a bottle before six weeks. If possible, wait until eight to ten weeks. Most babies take a minimum of six weeks to learn how to master and become a professional on the breast

• Don't worry that your baby will not be able to learn to take the bottle. A baby who is nursing well and truly being satisfied on the breast, will be able to figure out and learn how to take a bottle in mommy's absence.

• Do ask someone else to introduce the bottle to your baby. It is better for someone other than the mother to introduce the bottle so that the baby identifies the bottle only with another caregiver and not with the mother.

Moms with infants might also like 5 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding features more helpful hints from Sara Chana.

FTC Disclosure:  The Dos and Don'ts in this post were provided by lactation expert Sara Chana Silverstein. I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Five Secrets to Successful Breastfeeding for the New Mom Nursing Her First Baby or Subsequent Child

Baby Care

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When my kids were babies, I breastfed my four children -- triplets plus one more born within a year. My kids may all be teens now, but I still strongly advocate making a concerted effort to at least give nursing baby a try prior to deciding to exclusively bottlefeed.

My Triplets in an old photo: Talk about having lots of mouths to feed

For some time now there has been scientific evidence that breast milk strongly impacts not only a baby's nourishment during the first months of life and but also may actually increase her/his intelligence later on. What's more, as a nursing mother, you can potentially reduce your chances of breast cancer by breastfeeding your little one.

In this post an international expert shares her advice for new mothers. I think all these ideas provided by Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC, will be helpful and encouraging both to those of you breastfeeding for the first time and those who may have been unsuccessful with a previous child but want to try again with a subsequent baby. Sara's essential hints come from a woman who is not only a very experienced mother of seven children but also a board-certified lactation consultant, birthing instructor, classical homeopath, herbalist and popular speaker who splits her time between Los Angeles and New York.

Mommy Blog Expert's babies after about 3 months of nursing

Sara Chana's Breastfeeding Dos and Don'ts

• Don't believe breastfeeding is supposed to hurt and that sore nipples are the norm, or perhaps even a badge of courage for toughing-it-out. If the baby is latched on properly and draining the breast, it shouldn't hurt! 

• Do teach your baby to "breastfeed" and not "nipple feed." To do so, start by holding your breast steady and compress it into a pointy shape with your hand.

• Don't stuff your breast into the baby's mouth. Instead, bring your baby "to you". To accomplish this, support the baby well, holding him along his spine and at the base of his head.

• Do use RAM (rapid arm movement), and bring your baby (or RAM him) onto the breast in a quick-swift motion, allowing the baby to take the breast as deeply into his throat as he can.

• Don't get discouraged. With practice, a mom will be able to nurse pain free, when she and her baby share the experience of being on the breast deeply.

In the video above lactation expert Sara Chana goes into greater detail about nursing in an interview with mom blogger Daphne Brogdon of Coolmom.com

The benefits of nursing properly are clear. Breastfeeding can be not only a natural, positive and healthy experience it can also be a pleasurable one both for you and your baby.

You might also want to check out 4 Tips for Transitioning from Nursing Mom to Career Woman Returning to the Workplace

What advice would you add to Sara's helpful lactation hints? Feel free to share additional suggestions for new moms on this subject as a comment to this post. 

FTC Disclosure:  The Dos and Don'ts in this post were provided by lactation expert Sara Chana Silverstein. I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar This Week for Moms & Women March 26 - April 1

Twitter Parties

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Updated 3/30/12

This week's family-friendly Twitter Party list covering March 26 to April 1 is full of fun online events celebrating the arrival of spring that moms and women are going to love. Lots of Twitter parties are already on the calendar this week offering some great prizes to win for women, moms, kids and the rest of the family. Check back often so you don't miss updates and additions to this list as the week goes on.

Want to be the first to know when next week's Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live? Then consider following MBE on Twitter, Facebook and by subscribing to this blog.

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 26 - TONIGHT!


Come to the #CherylsCookieCard Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. To join in the fun use hashtag and follow both and @Resourcefulmom @CherylsDesserts Prizes: Sixty (60) winners will receive a Cheryl's Chick Cookie Card; Three (3) First Prize winners each win a Cheryl's Easter Brownie and Cookie Box and Three (3) Grand Prizes winners each will get a Cheryl's Treats Assortment Easter Gift Tin. RSVP

Join the @ActiveCareInc #gno Twitter Party to discuss senior living hosted by @Mom it Forward at 9 pm EST. Prize: Grand Prize WinneriPod Touch with 5 First Prize winners each receiving an ActiveCare branded Ogio Gym/Weekend bag RSVP


Don't miss it: the #AffordableBeauty Twitter Party 9:30-10 pm EST.  25 lucky party goers using the hashtag will win a Skinnygirl Margarita Bath Collection Gift Set. Be sure to follow @BethEnny and @Skinnygirlskin to participate. Details

Tuesday, March 27

Be sure to join the #PinSavvy Pinterest Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Party hosted by @PinSavvySocial and @HomemadeFrontier by RSVP

Via @MamaSarahJane Midnight Velvet Fabulous Twitter Party w/PRIZES at 8 pm EST. RSVP by tweeting "RSVP @ShopMV #MVFabLooks Twitter Party"

Come discuss WWE's PG Family Entertainment and their anti-bullying campaign at the Westlemania XXVIII #WWEMoms Twitter Party scheduled for 8 pm EST. Hosted by @lisasamples @theonlinemom @RachelFerrucci @SoberJulie and @SKconcepts - Awesome prizes include 3 WWE Swag Bags and one lucky winner will receive an Xbox 360. RSVP

Join @MomitForward for the @Stonyfield #GNO Twitter Party at 9 pm EST to talk about organic living. For this week's giveaway one lucky winner will receive $250 worth of prizes that include coupons for YoKids Greek Yogurt, a pair of The Lorax theater tickets, The Lorax book, and assorted other goodies from YoKids and #Stonyfield  RSVP

Wednesday, March 28

You're invited to the #NotaMoneyTrasher @CVS_extra Twitter Party at 1-3 pm EST. Hosted by @ConsumerQueen. Get a gift by sending in your RSVP

Join the Post-it Brand @post-itproducts for a Twitter Chat at 1 pm EST with Style Expert Jill Martin @jillmartin answering questions on incorporating color into your life. #postitcolor

Take part in the @BobbleBots Twitter Party hosted by @MomTalkRadio at 8 pm EST. Prizes: Five (5) Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters Starter Sets, Grand Prize: Full Bobble Bots World Set including starter set + 10 Moshi Monsters. #BobbleBots  RSVP

Don't miss the @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST to discuss the pros and cons of Facebook for a chance to WIN $150 Amazon Gift Card. RSVP 


Thursday, March 29

Attend the Difference is Clear Twitter Party hosted by @MomCentral with brand sponsor Claritin and special guest @BrookeBurke at 4 pm EST. Six (6) people will win $50 Amazon Gift Codes and each of Two (2) people who Tweet before the party will each win a $50 Amazon GC. Use hashtag #DifferenceisClear to participate in party. Details

Join the Eggsciting @Smarties Easter Twitter Party at 7 pm EST with @LizatSmarties and hostess @SweepsMama. Prizes: Smarties candies for spring #HopOnSmarties  RSVP

Come to the Joie de Vivre #CraveBox Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes given away every 10 minutes include @CraveBox contents as well as some full CraveBox packages. Door prize this week is worth $150  RSVP

It's #TimetoPlayLive at the Twitter Party hosted by @JimSilver and @TheToyGuy at 1 PM EST. Winners declared by @TimetoPlay. Lots of chances to win some of the most cool and innovative toys for kids at this weekly not-to-miss event. Go ahead and click, you've got to see the list of what you can win. Details

Please come to the Spring Green & Clean Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. WIN Great Prizes! Follow @Healthy_child for details.

You don't want to miss the Happy Family Twitter Party talking about home, health and safety at  9 pm EST. Sponsored by @HappySuperfoods and hosted by Philly Social Media Moms with Prizes from Happy Family, Mrs. Meyers, Dabble and OXO. No RSVP needed, just be sure to follow @JoLynneS and Happy Foods to participate in this party. #HappyFamily Details


Friday, March 30

Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom and @RobynsWorld at 3 pm EST. Talking about mobile education with awesome prizes include LG Spectrum Smartphone (with a $125 gift card) and a set of HTC Rhyme Tangle Free Earbuds. RSVP

Next Week


Tuesday, April 3

Join the #TogetherCounts Twitter Party to celebrate Child Nutrition Month at 8 pm EST. Hosted by @Resourcefulmom and sponsored by @TogetherCounts

Come to the Green Works Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Grand prize is $500 with smaller $50 and $100 GC prizes, too. Hosted by @MomBloggersClub with sponsor @GreenWorks #GreenWorks RSVP

Mark your calendar to attend the Never Settle for Less H&R Block Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. To participate follow @CleverGirlsColl @HRBlock @Technorati and use hashtag. Prizes include 10 American Express Gift Cards (each worth up to $100) #NeverSettleHRB RSVP


Wednesday, April 4

Come to the #DoleCookoff Twitter Party at 8-10 pm EST hosted by @Bookieboo and sponsored by @DoleFoods. Grand Prize: $150 Visa Gift Card, product coupons as assorted swag (1 winner). First Prize: Swag/Coupons plus $50 Visa GC (2 winners). Other prizes $25 Visa GC + Swag/Coupons (4 winners) and Dole Gift Bags with Swag/Coupons (4 winners). RSVP


Thursday, April 5

Mark your calendar for the Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Orange Juice Twitter Party hosted by @SocialMoms at 7 pm EST. Follow Social Moms and @tropicanaoj before party. Prizes: Twenty (20) Amazon Gift Cards, randomly selected 10 winners for Tweeting before party, 10 winners for Tweets during event #TropFloridaOJ. RSVP

Join @WisconsinMom and @temysmom for the Colgate #EasterSmiles Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Prizes include two $25 Walmart Gift Cards, one $50 Walmart GC and one $100 Walmart GC. RSVP

Tuesday, April 1o

If you've got a baby, don't miss the #AbbysLane Twitter Party at 9 pm EST centering around diapers, baby wearing and parenting. Hosted by @Clothdiapergeek. Grand prize is a Limited Edition BabyHawk Mei Tai in Tori of Tokyo print, valued at $99 with other prizes from sponsors just as cool. RSVP


Thursday, April 12

Did you hear? @OregonChai is hosting a Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Party goers can expect tips for finding Me Time, decadent chai recipes and giveaways including #OregonChai branded merchandise and tea products, a $50 Amazon gift card and a collapsible picnic basket. Grand prize is a Kindle Fire. Special prizes for 5 who pre-Tweet about the party include variety packages of OregonChai teas with one winner that Tweets about the party before it starts winning a $50 Amazon GC!

 

About this Weekly Twitter Party List Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com

Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar please email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your message.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter Parties as a Guest. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

A Model Matzah Bakery Where Kids Learn the Story of Passover, Have Fun & Make Real Matzah

Celebrations

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I've been spring cleaning for weeks. That can only mean one thing to me: Passover will be here soon and there is still so much to do to get ready for this holiday. In case you're wondering, I hate the cleaning part of preparations but Passover is my absolute favorite holiday and you can bet I'll be cooking and crafting up a storm this year as always. 

Passover, also called Pesach in Hebrew, celebrates the mass exodus of the Jewish people out of Egypt and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. We have a special ceremony and meal on the first two nights of this holiday and we eat only unleavened bread called matzah.

Traditional Passover seder plate, detail from the Model Matzah Factory sign

Handmade sign outside covered with plastic to protect it from the rain

Similarly to the crossing of the Red Sea long ago, not even today's downpour of rain in L.A. -- complete with a steep outdoor cement staircase leading up to the event that looked more like a waterfall coming down  -- could deter my teens or the other kids from volunteering with The Friendship Circle to help out at the group's visit to the Model Matzah Bakery at the Chabad House near UCLA. Despite inclement weather this was a wildly successful sell-out event, with groups of kids arriving both before and after us.

Steep steps up to the pop-up Matzah Factory looked like a waterfall, add charm

It warmed my heart to see my teens and others paired off with children with special needs. Together this afternoon these adventurous young people entered a time machine through a magical door in a pyramid to travel back in time more than 3000 years.

Teen volunteers match up with Friendship Circle Kids for a unique experience

Moses invites kids to journey back in history via a pyramid time machine

Upon arrival at their destination the time travelers watched the story of Pesach come alive with modern references to Google to keep things relateable to today. The action featured some very dramatic costumed young men convincingly portraying Moses and Pharaoh along with a supporting cast of other well acted-out characters. 

Following a series of ten plagues starting with frogs flying onto to Pharaoh and his throne and culminating with the smiting the first born, Pharaoh was finally convinced by Moses to release the Jews from slavery. But he insisted they leave almost immediately so there was not enough time for their dough to rise. That's the origin of Matzah which the ancient travelers carried on their backs as they left Egypt headed for The Promised Land which today is known as Israel.

Pharaoh finally answers Moses' Demand, "Let my People go"

This engaging short and educational dramatization of the story of Passover was followed by a fun, hands-on crash course in how to make matzah, step-by-step.

Starting with Mr. Farmer, the children got to use an old-fashioned hand crank mill to grind raw wheat into flour.

 

After leaving the farm complete with red barn, they entered the forest where they were met by the cook who showed everyone how to draw water from a pretend well and then mix it with the wheat flour.
 

Then it was on to the bakery. Here, long tables awaited with a ball of dough at each place and all the tools needed for each child to roll their own handmade round matzah.

Basic equipment: A hat, rolling pin, and a tool to prick holes in dough preventing rising

My 16 year old shows his TFC Kid how to flatten the dough into a disk

The baker then slid everyone's flat dough disks into a very hot oven. The aroma of matzah baking enveloped the room. Just a few minutes later out popped warm, freshly-baked small matzahs for everyone to eat.

The Chabad Baker places the kids' matzahs in a real oven to bake

A great time was had by all, though it's hard to say who enjoyed this more: the teens who volunteered or The Friendship Circle kids. Really, I can't imagine a more wonderful way to spend a rainy Sunday in Southern California witnessing young people doing community service with such smiles of joy and compassion radiating from their faces.

Model Matzah Baker Mural at Chabad House, Westwood adjacent to UCLA

As for that rain, it's still coming down this evening. Reminds me of Albert Hammond's 1973 hit song It Never Rains in Southern California. Especially the part,"But girl, let me warn ya ... man, when it rains, it really pours."

What kinds of Passover activities and arts and crafts will you be doing with your kids leading up to the eight day festival that this year begins the night of April 7th? Please leave a comment as it would be really fun to share ideas here.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Top 10 Sources of Inspiration for Writing More Engaging Content for your Mom Blog

Blogging

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Writer's block.  Certainly writers of all types have experienced this at one time or another, including bloggers.  In fact, mommy bloggers may even be more susceptible to being at a loss for words since many of us are also raising children ranging from newborn babies to college age kids. With such busy family lives creating additional demands on us, it's no surprise that the resulting stress as well as emotional and physical exhaustion can sometimes drain us of our creative energy and motivation to write.

When you're feeling really tired don't ever feel guilty if you take a day off. It might be all you need to regenerate and get back on track to mom blogging again. But there will be days when you feel you must  produce content, though, and your mind is stalled as if in a airplane holding pattern. So I want to share my personal list of go-to inspiration sources for writing Mommy Blog Expert, the family lifestyle blog you are now reading. 

Blog writing inspiration is everywhere if you look for it. Here's where you'll find ideas for writing your best posts ever.

Look In Your Own Backyard

We can learn and be inspired so much by others: our kids, hubbies, significant others, and extended family without ever leaving home. Particularly, watch your children intently, because if you do there is so much they have to teach you. Talk to their friends and their parents too, you'll be surprised at the things you could learn that could be turned into a post.

 

Take Your Family On Trips to New Places

Go on short outings, day trips, and vacation. Bring your child to places you've never been and explore them together. Whether it's a museum, a National Park, a special event, or even a classical concert. The things you do together will bond you as well as generate great ideas for posts as well a photographs to use to illustrate them.

Talk to Neighbors, Others in Your Community & Friends

Just chatting face to face, by phone, and via Facebook can stimulate your mind to think of interesting and fun posts to write. Every person you encounter has a story to tell. Whether talking over the fence to your next door neighbor or striking up a conversation with a local fireman or conversing with a friend in the midst of a blizzard on the other side of the country -- these are all great sources for thinking about things you might never have considered yourself.

Engage in Physical Exercise Daily

Take a walk and feel refreshed. That's what Apple visionary Steve Jobs used to do to think outside the box. Play outside with your kids or ride bikes with them -- it's good for them and it's good for you. Start going to the gym or playing a new sport like tennis or golf when your kids are in school. It's amazing how much a small increase in physical activity can actually recharge your batteries rather than drain them.

Volunteer to Help a Non-Profit

Just think of the stories you could retell if you got involved with the PTA or helped coach your kids soccer team or volunteered at a hospital or animal shelter. Not only will you be gathering inspiration for future posts (and maybe some good pictures, too) you'll be making a difference by helping others.

Get to Know Other Mom Bloggers Online

Getting to know and exchanging ideas and resources with other mom bloggers is not only fun but productive. There's many ways to meet other like-minded moms online. For example following others similar to you on Twitter and attending Twitter Parties are good places not only to meet other moms who blog but to interact and establish relationships with brands.  When you befriend other mom bloggers you can exchange guest blogposts as well as event invitations making it a win-win for everyone.

Go to Local & National Women's Blogging Gatherings

If you don't already, starting getting together informally with other mom bloggers that live near you. Consider traveling to at least one national women's blogging event each year. Granted, it can be expensive but if you're serious about growing your blog, learning and meeting some of the most successful mom bloggers it will help you write better content. That's not to mention the valuable face-to-face contact with brands that can lead to incredible opportunities. Becoming active in mom social networks like Social Moms, Mom Bloggers Club, Bloggy Moms and others can also help you think more creatively.

Read Books, Newspapers & Magazines

Read voraciously and go to the library as often as you can. This is where I get some of my greatest inspiration and motivation because it creates a starting point from which you can create a story of your own. To more variety you read the greater the chances are that you'll have a constant stream of new things that you can write some really good posts about.

Visit Online News & Feature Sites

Similarly, read not only online news and feature sites that you enjoy but also a few blogs of other moms that you admire. Of course you'll never copy someone else's work and republish it as your own but by reading online media and other blogs you'll find that it stimulates your mind to write about topics you may not have otherwise thought of yourself. Think of it as a launching point from which you can create a whole new story with a different angle.

Indulge Yourself in a Change of Scenery

If all else fails, try a change of scenery. Should you have the luxury, venture to a place near your home that you've never been to before. If you must remain home, change your routine a bit and even move your computer to a different room in your house so you can write. You will be amazed at how minor changes will lift you out of the writing doldrums.

I hope these ideas will inspire you to write the most engaging and creative content you possibly can. 

What other thoughts do you have for mustering up inspiration when you feel like your mental tank is running on empty? We'd all love if you'd leave a comment and share!

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Little Tikes Kids You Build Playhouse Toy for Ages 4+

Toys

Little Tikes Kids Play Toys

MBE partnered with Little Tikes, Post contains affiliate links

My family has been a huge fan of Little Tikes for more than a decade.  In fact I'd estimate that our four kids, triplets plus one more all born within a year -- now all teens -- played with a wide array of this brand's non-electronic toys for hundreds of hours until they outgrew them. With that kind of history and such a great brand to work with this I couldn't be more pleased that for the past three years this well-known quality toy maker has offered some great products to review and giveaway to Mommy Blog Expert readers. 

Image from LittleTikes.com

Last spring this blog gave away the darling Little Tikes Flower Cart & Wheelbarrow and the year before that it was the classic Little Tikes Coupe. This spring I'm reviewing the Little Tikes TikeStix Fort Building Set (a separate review post will appear shortly). The best news is that I'm giving away the winner's choice of any single product from the Little Tikes TikeStix line to one lucky MBE reader.


Made in the U.S.A., this creative and colorful TikeStix children's fort building set is so versatile and a great pastime for little ones to play with individually or with their siblings or friends. 

Image from LittleTikes.com

Suitable for ages four and up, your child is likely to build with this alone to create his or her own dream hideway. But don't be surprised if your son or daughter asks you to build a fun fort together with a 50 piece set that includes bright colored interlocking pieces, fabric clips and a large piece of fabric. 

There's so much kids can do with this: build a clubhouse, tent, playhouse, even a pretend cabin or summer home. The pieces that come with this can also be used to build a moose, airplanes, a canoe, spider and whatever else their imaginations dream up. New for Spring 2012 the Little Tikes TikeStix Clubhouse is available direct from Little Tikes online for $57.99 and includes free shipping. Other new products in the TikeStix line include the TikeStix Playhouse ($57.99), TikeStix Dog House ($34.99) and the TikeStix Rocket ($34.99) -- all including complimentary shipping.

Little Tikes 

TikeStix Winner's Choice

GIVEAWAY

Image from LittleTikes.com

HOW TO ENTER

Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends May 1, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will be selected at random from all entries and notified via email. Prize is winner's choice of either Little Tikes TikeStix Clubhouse, TikeStix Playhouse, TikeStix Dog House or TikeStix Rocket.

Required (Mandatory) Entry

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying which of the new TikeStix building sets  you'd like to win. Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter contact info in the initial comment section so the winner can be contacted.

Optional Extra Entries 
Earn extra entries to win for doing one or more of the easy options listed below. Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your additional chances to win.

1. Follow MBE on Twitter

2. Like MBE on Facebook

3. Follow Little Tikes on Twitter

4. Like Little Tikes on Facebook

***Bonus Entries***

You can earn even MORE chances to win each time you TWEET the message below, up to 3 times each day. Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for each of your RTs.

Tweet:

Little Tikes Dream Playhouse Set for Kids 4+ to Build & Play In GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/8xuu9r2 Enter up to 3x/Day, Ends 5/1

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FTC Disclosure: Little Tikes is providing winner's choice of product as described in this post's rules and will be handling prize shipping. Little Tikes provided a TikeStix Clubhouse to facilitate the upcoming review associated with the giveaway. I further disclose that I'm a Little Tikes fan. This blog did not receive any other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.