The Juppy is a unique & unconventional baby walker that helps your child safely learn to walk. If you’ve experienced training a child to walk, you can definitely relate to back pains – not the baby’s, yours! It’s straining for a parents’s back because guiding baby to walk without the use of the wheeled walkers requires a guiding adult to hunch their backs.

When Pristine was learning to walk we had a wheeled walker at home. It was ok until she decided she’d like to practice walking outside too, in the park for example! I used a long piece of cloth to wrap around her chest and hunch my back taking her around. Ouch. The Juppy is the only walker so portable it can fit into your purse!

Our baby boy is still three months old and not learning to walk yet but I am really looking forward to using the Juppy in the coming months!

Watch The Juppy in action:

WHAT’S UP FOR GRABS:
One lucky winner receive a Juppy walker (winner’s choice of color)!

HOW TO WIN:
(1) Leave a comment on the Juppy blog under any story/article you choose

(2)Leave a comment here about something you learned from thejuppy.com

For additional entries:

• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email
• Follow The Juppy in Twitter
• Like The Juppy in Facebook
• Follow me in Twitter -> you need to have a Twitter account for this (it’s free & easy!)
• Twitter this giveaway (copy & tweet) ->My baby is learning to walk & I don’t want to strain my back so I entered to #win a Juppy Walker via @sandierpastures http://ow.ly/8K4dK

It is important to leave a separate comment for each of the entries to count. Thank you.

DRAW:
A winner will be chosen at random on 6th February 2012!

WHO CAN WIN:
This contest is open to everyone!

We have a 1 month old baby. You know what? We must be the only parents among our circle of friends (and around town) who don’t own a stroller. Or a baby carrier. We are the crazy parents carrying around our baby in our arms.

Actually, we have an 8 year old as well, who as a baby, never had a stroller too. We didn’t have a baby carrier that time either. Imagine how we carried around our little one whenever we are outside, in our arms until they are big enough to carry and break our backs!

Looking back, I wished there was a baby carrier, at least that’s convenient enough and easy to use. There wasn’t or I was just tired of looking and testing baby carriers available.

Fast forward now, I was sent The BabaSling for review.

MY REVIEW
I must admit, I am intimidated by baby slings. First, I find them complicated to use (although some look really simple) and I am concerned with the safety.

The BabaSling sent me their new ultra-lightweight and super breathable, theBabaSling® - Lite designed for markets a bit hotter than most. Can you say Dubai? It is made with airy cotton twill that stays cool and comfy even in the hottest of temperatures. The Lite is also great for active parents who may want the added benefits of the lighter material without sacrificing any of the quality or durability of our classic carriers.

Surprisingly, the carrier is easy to use once you learn how. In my case I need someone to adjust the straps for me because they are located at the back. Placing the baby in the most comfortable position has been a bit of a challenge so I guess it takes some getting used to. But once you get the technique, it’s pretty easy to use around afterwards. A very useful video is available on YouTube to show the ‘full’ potential of the sling.

It is also versatile – as your baby grows, they can be worn in new exciting ways. The carrier allows several different comfortable positions to cater for your baby’s age and comfort needs.

I am excited to use it as our baby grows and looking forward to hands-free days!

GIVEAWAY!
The BabaSling is giving away one baby carrier of your choice (Value $79.99)!

A little about The BabaSling:

The BabaSling baby carrier has been designed to keep babies safe, close and happy while giving parents the freedom to get on with everyday life hands-fee. Suitable for newborn babies to toddlers to 2 years+, this carrier offers amazing versatility with at least 5 carrying positions including two perfect for discrete breastfeeding.

Enter the giveaway now!

Use the widget below to enter–there’s a bunch of options available to allow you to rack up a bunch of bonus entries, and the widget will allow you (and me!) to track them all.

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winner of the Guess the birth date contest – things have not been smooth as I wanted it to be. But, I finally went through all the entries and found out that 5 people have guessed October 28, 2011!

They are, in order of comment posting:

1. Lucie Cristler
2. Yvette
3. Bing
4. tetski
5. Ellen Alcarez

I have assigned each a number with earliest commenter as #1 and so on and used random.org to generate one lucky number.

Here is the winner!

Congratulations to tetski, from Japan! Hope you enjoy your prize and thank you everyone for playing!

In case you didn’t catch the giveaway winners of the two recent contests, they are announced at the respective giveaway posts: 50 personalized Inspire pens and a pair of earrings from Wayed Vintage.

Anyhow, here are the winners again:

Congratulations to Kayla for winning the 50 personalized Inspire pens and Christina Cosa Randeria for winning a pair of earrings from Wayed Vintage!

Thank you everyone for participating.

Do you love vintage jewelry? Like anything from the past, you’ll find character, history, and love in vintage jewels. I love vintage jewelry for several reasons, most of which have something to do with its uniqueness, the colors, the style, the materials.

Good new for vintage lovers: A new vintage jewelry online shop is opening in the UAE! Welcome, Wayed Vintage!

A little about Wayed Vintage:

Wayed Vintage was set up by Dana Faisal Wolley in 2007 out of her love for all things from the golden Hollywood era, with Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe being her
major style icons. The Dubai based online boutique and Facebook shop boasts wonderful collections including earrings, brooches, bracelets, necklaces and a whole lot of glamour.

Better news: Wayed Vintage is giving away this vintage pair of earrings to one of you (jealous of you!).

Add a splash of color to your outfit with this chic earring! This pair comes with multicolored crystals and a beautiful pearl in the center. Perfect accessory to match a simple cocktail dress!

Use the widget below to enter–there’s a bunch of options available to allow you to rack up a bunch of bonus entries, and the widget will allow you (and me!) to track them all.

The majority of pieces in Wayed Vintage’s collection are genuine vintage jewelry pieces sourced from various places around the world such as Europe and the United States. With on-of-a-kind timeless pieces that you won’t catch anyone else wearing, Wayed Vintage pieces allow you to own a piece of history and carry a story with you wherever you wear them.

** Open only to US addresses, due to shipping and legal restrictions. **

Another new week, another giveaway.

Good news readers! Sandier Pastures is teaming up with Amsterdamprinting.com, the popular promotional pens website, to give you a chance to win 50 personalized Inspire pens worth $149.99!

Amsterdam is a leader in bringing innovative promotional products to market to help businesses creatively promote their company and retain their customers. Anything from personalized pens, pocket calendars, desk calendars and all types of promotional products have become the essentials of the Amsterdam product range.

Use the widget below to enter–there’s a bunch of options available to allow you to rack up a bunch of bonus entries, and the widget will allow you (and me!) to track them all.

Personalized pens are a great way to advertise your business or create a bigger impact on your business than business cards. Pens are great way to advertise your business and also a fun gift for family and friends.

** This giveaway is now closed. Thank you so much for all your entries! **

Fellow Dubaians, if you came to this blog looking for giveaways and found one that is only open for US/Canada residents, don’t fret. I actually have something for you! If you’re a foodie, added bonus.

Recently, I tried a new blender – the Kenwood True Blender, Kenwood’s new range of highly compact blenders combining power, versatility and style to make blending, grinding and grating a much more effective and easier task.

I am an avid smoothie maker/drinker and with this blender’s 2 liter capacity family sized goblet, smoothie for all the family members is a whoosh early in the morning! The tempered glass container is very sturdy and generous in size.

Did you know? Drinking smoothies is the best way to consume lots of fruits and vegetables. I even add spinach to my blueberry smoothie and drink it without the yuck factor, thanks to the wonderful, even blending.

The metal lined grinding mill is ideal for spices and herbs to make preparing spice mixes and pastes even simpler, it also comes complete with a pre-programmed dedicated ice crush button. With these mill grinders/mixer and a baby coming soon, nothing can be perfect to make those baby food. I am so ready to experiment!

The blender is controlled with the 3-speed plus pulse it has a handy cord storage feature and an easy to clean design.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!
I’m happy to announce that a new Kenwood True Blender BL480 is up for grabs, thanks to Kenwood Middle East!!

Winning is simple, just go through this contest form:



If by any reason the above form does not work, contest entry can be done by simply clicking “Like” on the Kenwood ME Fan Page then mention in the comments that you have done so.

Good luck!

**This giveaway is now closed.**
**Congratulations to Kimberly!**

In less than 8 weeks, I’m going to have a baby.

I would like to breastfeed without peeling off all of my shirt up to my upper chest and expose my belly (yikes) so a nursing top or dress would be nice. Milk is a nursing wear store that designs fresh, modern and chic clothing for nursing moms. Their products are so stylish that you wouldn’t think they’re nursing dresses at all.

Everyday Dress

Tiered Ruffle Dress

With these nursing dresses, discreet nursing is a breeze by simply lifting the empire layer to access openings. It has soft fabric that is very comfortable, makes new moms on the go move about easily. Talk about lessening the challenges of  breastfeeding!

A little about Milk:

Milk is founded by Elisa Minsk Hartstein, mother of four beautiful breastfed children. What sets Milk apart is their sense of fashion and style, and our committment to supporting all moms through breastfeeding and motherhood.

WHAT’S UP FOR GRABS:
One lucky winner will receive $40 gift certificate to Milk Nursing Wear!

HOW TO WIN:
If you are on Facebook, simply “Like” the Milk Nursing Wear Fan Page then mention in the comments that you have done so.

OR

if you are on Twitter, visit the Milk Nursing Wear website and browse through the wonderful products, choose which one you like and TWEET about it with a link to the product page.

Sample tweet: Check out this beautiful nursing top by @milknursingwear: http://www.milknursingwear.com/store/pc/Everyday-tie-front-top-2p2112.htm

* Leave your tweet URL in the comments section.

For additional entries:

• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email
• Follow me in Twitter -> you need to have a Twitter account for this (it’s free & easy!)
• Twitter this giveaway (copy & tweet) -> Enter to #win $40 gc to Milk Nursing Wear via @sandierpastures http://ow.ly/6kz0k #contest

It is important to leave a separate comment for each of the entries to count. Thank you.

DRAW:
A winner will be chosen at random on 13th September 2011!

WHO CAN WIN:
This contest is open to those with US/Canada addresses only.

Disclosure: This post was written for Milk Nursing Wear who provided the giveaway prize. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

**This giveaway is now closed. Thank you very much for all your entries.**
**Congratulations to Jessi G!**

What comes to mind when you hear the word “bohemia” or “bohemian style”? In the fashion world, bohemian, or boho, refers to a a state of mind regarding fashion that is individual, romantic, and free-spirited. For me, it’s about the rich colors, vintage look and undying fashion style.

Rightfully so, Bohemia Jewelry is a collection of bright, beautiful colors of jewelry that speaks individuality made by Nikki Felice from Malta.

A little something about the jewelry maker Nikki Felice:

My name is Nikki, I have 2 beautiful children and live out in a rural area with my adorable husband, 2 dogs, 3 cats and Jack the rabbit. Apart from all that, beads are my passion. I love rich, deep colors and my pieces are made with great love.

Nikki and her jewelry business is featured in Malta Inside Out.

All Bohemia Jewellery is beautifully gift wrapped in a lovely gold/silver box with matching tissue and satin ribbon. A perfect gift.

WHAT’S UP FOR GRABS:
One lucky winner will get a Vintage Style Beaded Hoop Earrings from Bohemia Jewelry! (retail value $44.00)

HOW TO WIN:
Browse the Bohemia Jewelry Etsy Shop and choose a favorite. Mention it in the comments.

For additional entries:

• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email
• Blog about this contest linking to this post and to Bohemia Jewelry.
• Follow me in Twitter -> you need to have a Twitter account for this (it’s free & easy!)
• Twitter this giveaway (copy & tweet) -> Enter to #win a Vintage Style Beaded Hoop Earrings via @sandierpastures http://bit.ly/my0B9D #contest

It is important to leave a separate comment for each of the entries to count. Thank you.

DRAW:
A winner will be chosen at random on 5th July 2011!

WHO CAN WIN:
This contest is open to everyone!

Disclosure: This post was written for Bohemia Jewelry who provided the giveaway prize. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

**This giveaway has ended. Thank you for all your entries.**
**Congratulations to Jennifer Marlow!**

When I first became a mom, I didn’t know anything about baby carriers so I carried my baby in my arms everywhere I go. Hurrah for dedication but I was tired and did not have much liberty to do other important things when the baby was awake. It even limited our going out because carrying a baby all around the place wasn’t only tiring but also unsafe – with both hands wrapped around the baby, it is easy to lose balance and trip.

I’ve decided not go that path anymore once I have another baby. Now that I am pregnant, I am on the lookout of lightweight, functional baby carriers. Then I found Kokopax.

About Kokopax:

Kokopax was founded in 2007 in Henderson, Nevada by Sarah Spoor. While taking care of her four young children, Sarah was introduced to the vintage lightweight carriers her parents had used to carry her. Sarah and her husband immediately recognized the amazing benefits of being able to carry their infants so easily and still take care of their other kids, cook, attend school activities and travel freely.

The Kokopax carriers comes in three styles:

• The Eco-Classic Carrier – The eco-classic is the premium carrier in the kokopax line.  It incorporates the latest technology in green textile printing and consumer safety.  The 100 percent cotton canvas fabric is printed using a combination of Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 and GOTS eco-friendly certified dyes.  This carrier features the most advanced technology in shoulder strap construction and a stowable, padded hip belt for added comfort.  A 5-point harness assures safety and security for both baby and parent and the adjustable frame provides the perfect fit for mom or dad.  Using the convenient kickstand, the carrier is simple to load and unload (even for dads!) and positions baby at eye-level for a 360-degree world view.
• The Classic Carrier – The kokopax classic carrier offers a fresh take on the traditional framed carrier.  Designed as the go-to gear for the cheers and chores of daily life, the fashionable, lightweight and easy-to-use carrier offers a safe and comfortable ride for baby.  Made with 100 percent cotton canvas on an anodized aluminum frame, the carrier provides an ideal fit for mom and dad alike with its comfortable shoulder straps and adjustable frame.
• The City Carrier – The kokopax city carrier offers parents an affordable and simple way to carry their babies in style.  Whether cooking, shopping or walking through the park, the city carrier provides hands-free convenience.  The uncomplicated design has all the essentials: a 5-point harness, lightweight frame, adjustable and padded shoulder straps, sturdy kick stand for easy loading and a handy pocket with Velcro® closure.

The Kokopax collection includes a line of high quality, modern, lightweight framed carriers along with coordinating diaper bags, totes and sun hats for baby!

Kokopax, being awarded best baby carrier of 2011 has been all over the place, including an appearance at the Ellen de Generes show!

WHAT’S UP FOR GRABS:
One lucky winner will get a Kokopax City Carrier in their chosen fabric design!

(Retail value at $99.99)

Can’t wait to win?
Shop Kokopax and enter the code sandierpastures2011 for a 10% discount on any product!

HOW TO WIN:
Go visit the Kokopax Facebook fan page and Like their page. Mention in the comments that you have done it.

For additional entries:

• Visit the Kokopax site and mention a product you like.
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email
• Blog about this contest linking to this post and to Kokopax.
• Follow me in Twitter -> you need to have a Twitter account for this (it’s free & easy!)
• Twitter this giveaway (copy & tweet) -> Enter to #win a Kokopax Baby Carrier (valued at $100) via @sandierpastures http://bit.ly/k2YsOn #contest

It is important to leave a separate comment for each of the entries to count. Thank you.

DRAW:
A winner will be chosen at random on 21st June 2011!

WHO CAN WIN:
This contest is open to those with US/Canada addresses only.

Disclosure: This post was written for Kokopax who provided the giveaway prize. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.