The Sakura Bloom Styleathon Giveaway Winners + Round 3 Update

Styleathon contestants, Elizabeth and "Miss" James,

wearing their daughters in Pure Collection slings.

I am so thrilled to announce the 3 winners of our latest Styleathon giveaway! Chosen at random from the valid entries, they are:

Finance and Happiness, Kim, and Susan Magnolia

Congratulations, ladies, and thanks for entering!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to talk about a slight adjustment that we've made to the requirements for Round 3 of the Styleathon. We've already let the contestants know, but of course I want to keep you in the loop as well ;)

Upon further reflection, Lynne (from Sakura Bloom) and I realized that the video requirement for Round 3 of the Styleathon might put some of the contestants at an unfair disadvantage, due to lack of video-editing experience/equipment. Because of this, we have decided to add a photo option to the final round of the Styleathon. Now, the participants can each choose to complete their entries in either a photo OR video format, whichever they prefer (see specifics below).

Here are the revised, official requirements for Round 3:

Video Option: Create a video centered around a new Sakura Bloom sling, Styleathon accessories and items from your own wardrobe. Your video can be impressionistic, instructional, comedy or drama. It can be all of the above or none of the above. It's up to you to decide what genre or approach will best capture what you want to share with others.

-or-

Photo Option: Submit a series of documentary-style photos that are inspired by the phrase, "a babywearing day-in-the-life." Whether that means you're at home, out running errands, traveling, or attending a special event (or a little bit of all those!). Include a few words that tell us more about what you're doing and how babywearing helps you get through the day.

We are so impressed by everyone's entries so far, and we can't wait to see what they create next! Thanks for following along, and for all the amazing feedback. XOXO, Leigh

The Sakura Bloom Styleathon: Reader Giveaway and Round 3 Assignment!

Styleathon mamas wearing their babies in Pure Collection slings

Time for another giveaway, mamas! And this time it's really exciting: THREE lucky winners will receive their choice of linen sling from Sakura Bloom's Pure Collection. To enter, just leave a relevant comment with your email address on this post by Sunday, July 10th at 11:59 pm. Good luck!

Congratulations to Jennifer Vidalon, winner of the Round 2 Giveaway! Thanks to all who entered :)

And now, Elizabeth, Joanna, Danielle, Natalie, "Miss" James, Jen, Sharmadean, Melisa and Aura, here is the your next (and final) assignment:

The Sakura Bloom Styleathon: Reader Giveaway! Silk Sling + Marla Cielo Wristlet

Now that all the Styleathon contestant's Round 1 entries have been submitted, it's time for another reader giveaway!

Up for grabs this week are two amazing items: A Sakura Bloom sling from any of our silk collections (winners choice of style and color!) and a gorgeous Marla Cielo Suenos Wristlet.

I will randomly select one winner from the eligible entrants.

Entering couldn't be simpler:

Be sure to check out all the Styleathon Round 1 entries (Elizabeth, Joanna, Danielle, Natalie, "Miss" James, Jen, Sharmadean, Melisa, and Aura), and leave a comment on this post along with your email address (even if you think I know it already!) NOTE: The original question included as a requirement for entering this giveaway has been omitted. All previous entries will remain valid. Thank you so much for your participation!

The deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Sunday, June 26.

Good Luck!

XOXO,

Leigh

PS: Congratulations to Nicole, winner of the first Styleathon reader giveaway. Nicole will receive a Sakura Bloom sling and a $250 gift card from Lilla P. Thank you to everyone who entered and shared great thoughts about motherhood and style!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS GIVEAWAY. THANK YOU FOR ENTERING! WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER SOON ;)

we have a winner!

The lucky winner of the Twig hoop earrings by BMJNYC is...

Jessica Perkins!

Congrats, Jessica :)

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Photo via Flickr

Sponsor Giveaway: Twig Hoops by Barbara Michelle Jacobs

Today I am thrilled to present a giveaway from a dear friend and Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor, Barbara Michelle Jacobs!

Barbara Michelle Jacobs jewelry is designed with appreciation for how objects evolve from ideas, feelings and nature. Made in NYC from recycled precious metals and ethically obtained stones. Barbara strives for a natural and effortless look - gently engineering nature and taking the soft curves of our bodies into consideration.

The collections each have their own stories and little details to be discovered again and again. BMJNYC jewelry is meant to last and age gracefully. Just like us.

To enter the giveaway, please visit BMJNYC's shop and leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite item(s), and letting me know you "liked" BMJNYC on Facebook.

I will randomly select a winner, who will receive a pair of gorgeous Twig Hoop earrings, which are cast in pure recycled sterling silver and molded from a real Central Park twig (how cool is that?!). Retail value, $134.00. Please be sure to include your email address in your comment, even if you think I already know it!

Comments will close on Monday April 18th, at 11:59 pm EST. Good Luck!

We Have Winners!

Photo by laurenlemon

Congratulations to the three winners of the Sakura Bloom giveaway, chosen at random!

Big thanks to everyone who entered :)

I appreciate all your lovely comments so much.

And the winners are:

Beth Anne, who said...

Emily, who said...

Lisset, who said...

Exciting News + Awesome Giveaway

UPDATE: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED.

I'll BE ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS SOON.

THANK YOU!!! 3/7/11

My Dear Readers,

There's something I've been looking forward to sharing with you: I recently joined the team at Sakura Bloom!

As a long-time fan of Sakura Bloom's gorgeous and functional baby slings, I could not be more thrilled to now work for the company. I have used Sakura Blooms with both of my kiddos and from infancy through toddlerdom I have come to rely on these ring slings as an essential way to get through the day comfortably and with a happy child -- hands free! Not only do they function as simple parenting tools that facilitate the bond between me and my babes, each beautifully made sling is also a fabulous addition to my wardrobe ;)

I am in the midst of working on an exciting project with Sakura Bloom that I can't wait to tell you about soon. Meanwhile, to celebrate the news of my new job, it is my pleasure to offer an exciting giveaway of not one but THREE Sakura Bloom slings from the limited edition Pixie Collection. You read that right, friends: I will randomly select three winners from the eligible entrants. Each winner can then select their favorite Pixie colorway! How fun is that?

Here's how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post stating why you would like to win.
2. Be sure to leave your email address (even if you think I know it already!)

The deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Sunday, March 6th.

Good Luck!

P.S.: If you want to be kept up-to-date on all things Sakura Bloom and Marvelous Kiddo, be sure to "like" us here and here on Facebook.

P.P.S.: Do you have a blog? You might be interested in joining the Sakura Bloom Affiliate Program!

We Have a Winner!

Audrey Hepburn photographed by Philippe Halsman, via The Aesthetics of Joy

Congratulations to Molly! Your entry was picked at random, so you are the lucky winner of the Boba baby carrier giveaway.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Marvelous Giveaway: Boba Baby Carrier

Image via Boba Carrier

How fun: Boba is offering one of their Classic buckle carriers to a lucky Marvelous Kiddo reader (winner's choice of any in-stock colorway)!

Boba was kind enough to send me a Classic carrier in Twilight for review, so I can tell you firsthand that this is a terrific product. I love the wide seat, high back, and removable stirrups, and I feel that it is as comfortable and easy-to-use as any soft-structured buckle carrier I have tried. I look forward to getting much more use out of mine in the months and years to come.

SO, without further ado, here's what you need to do to enter to win:

1. "Like" Boba Carrier on Facebook
2. Check out the entire line of carriers on the Boba website
3. Leave a relevant comment on this post

4. Be sure to leave your email address

EXTRA ENTRIES:
You may get one additional entry per day by Tweeting or Sharing this giveaway on Facebook. Just be sure to leave separate comments for each additional entry to count and you must include the URL of each Tweet/Share.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Sunday, February 20.

Good Luck!

Happy Monday + Giveaway Winners

Photo by Tom Chambers, via Little Criminal

I hope your week is off to a magical start!

Here are the winners of my recent giveaways (selected with a random number generator):

The winner of the Prenatal Yoga Nidra CD is Eileen, who left the following comment;

and -- rather amazingly -- the winner of the Ellevill Terracotta Wrap is Jodi, who said;

Congratulations, ladies! Please contact me within the next week to claim your prize and coordinate shipping: leigh (at) leighpennebaker (dot) com. Thanks!

Guest Post: Jodi from Ché and Fidel on Prenatal Yoga

On the eve of my 21st birthday I attended my first yoga class. I had just ended a long and hard relationship that had left me a mere 46kg – I was emotionally and physically exhausted.

I sat down, cross-legged on my mat and after the chanting of one “Om” my teacher asked me to breathe in and out of my nose and into my belly. Tears pricked my eyes because for the first time in three years I felt my body breathe. It felt like I hadn't been breathing. It felt like I hadn't been in my body.

Within months of that first class I was studying to become a yoga teacher. My first teacher is now my Mother-in-law and I'm currently pregnant with my second baby yogi.

Indeed, yoga changed my life. And since I grew and birth my little boy three years ago I have witnessed the journey of over 300 pregnant women as they breathe deep and flow through their asana practice. But their sadhana (their practice) is so much more than that.

A baby in the belly encourages so very many women to start yoga. At the beginning of each course I love nothing more than sitting with these women. Some have been attending for most of their pregnancy, others have never been in a yoga studio. Those in their early pregnancy are stunned by the serenity and bountiful bellies of those so close to birthing.

I introduce myself and then encourage them to do the same. Community is important. As is celebration. Honouring just how important pregnancy is.

“You're doing the most important job in the world,” I tell them. “You're growing new life.”

For most women, it's the first time they have heard those words. And then perhaps they realise the enormity of their journey. Some mothers come to class with all the faith in the world. But all of us, in one way or another, have our fears. First time mums fear the unknown, second time mums fear the known.

Some have fallen pregnant easily, perhaps surprisingly. And then you meet those women whose journey towards becoming a mother has been the most difficult time in their lives. It's taken years. Sometimes a decade. Or longer.

And when some women feel comfortable and safe enough to share, they may tell their story of past pregnancy loss. For the first time they can speak about it in an open and nurturing space. And they can grieve and let go and bring themselves into the now.

“Be here, now,” I tell them. “Put your hands on your belly and connect the presence of your unborn baby. Your baby that knows so well the beat of your heart and the rhythm of your breath. Your baby already knows that you are its Mother.”

I encourage them to do what feels good, to be guided by their comfort.

“It's ingrained in us that pregnancy should be the happiest time of our lives. But sometimes it's damn hard too. There's a lot to let go of. You're allowed to cry. You're allowed to be scared. You're allowed to be sad.”

And when they realise that actually, 'this is all normal', they relax. And enjoy.

We open our hips, pulse back into pose of a child, stand and swing and sway. Sometimes I encourage them to stay in Warrior 2 for a few minutes and I ask them what they're thinking, how they're breathing.

“Remember you can't choose to come out of a contraction. You just have to be there. Breathing deep, keeping your tongue soft and your mouth open. Letting go.”

“So what were you thinking?”

“How hard it was, how my arms were hurting, how I was hot.”

“Do you think 15 hours of labour will be enjoyable if you're thinking about the pain and the heat and how you don't want to do it anymore?”

And then they get it. That often, labour is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. An intense physical journey that requires the ultimate in surrender. Surrender is the essence of birth.

In between the introductions, the breathing, the asana and the relaxation we laugh and share and hold our bellies and think about the fact that our babies are practicing with us.

And I tell them: “You can't push the river, it flows by itself.”

I spend more time with these women than their midwives or OBs do. I witness the birth of confidence and faith in their breath, their body and their ability to birth. I witness such enormous change.

As a student leaves to birth her babe I give her a hug, tell her once again: “Om shanti sukha Om (joyous and peaceful birth)” and send her on her way to motherhood. For me, it's often bittersweet, the saying goodbye.

Now it's my turn again – to grow and birth a baby. Reflecting on the past years, my students have taught me so much more than a teaching course ever could. It is such a blessing to share the journey of pregnancy with women, to encourage within them a love of their body and their baby.

If you are pregnant I encourage you to find a prenatal yoga class. And to spend an hour or so each week thinking of nothing else but your body, your breath and your baby.

Om Shanti, Om Peace, to all the mothers yet to birth and all the babies yet to be born.


P.S. (From Leigh): Jodi teaches prenatal yoga and “Pregnant and Prepared” workshops for couples at a yoga studio in a beachside suburb on the East Coast of Australia – www.yogaways.com.au. She also authors the beautiful blog, Ché and Fidel, and has been seen here on Marvelous Kiddo on a couple of occasions ;)

Here's a sweet little surprise...Jodi would like to offer a gift to my readers: enter a comment on this post to be entered to win a copy of her prenatal yoga nidra (guided relaxation) CD! The giveaway will close on Jan. 7 at 11:59 pm, EST.

Thanks, Jodi!

Marvelous Giveaway: Ellevill Woven Wrap

Let's celebrate the New Year with a little giveaway, shall we? This is a good one!

I am thrilled to be able to offer one lucky reader a gorgeous woven wrap by the Norwegian company, Ellevill, in the incredibly lovely and versatile colorway, Terracotta.

I have had the pleasure of trying out one of these carriers, and I can attest to its fantastic quality and comfort. I am a huge fan of woven wraps because of their versatility and supportiveness, and the Ellevill is no exception. This wrap is ideal for use from newborn up through the toddler years! The fabric is sturdy, lightweight yet strong, and the two-toned patterned weave creates a really beautiful effect. Terracotta is the perfect gender-neutral and all-season color that will go with SO many things in your closet.

This wrap carrier is made of 100% cotton of the best quality, produced in India using environmentally-friendly and Fair Trade practices. It is a two-coloured, jacquard woven wrap with pattern. The pattern is inspired by old Norwegian knitting recipes and clothes/rugs from South America. This wrap is easy to tie on because of the lopsided ends, and it leaves an incredible, small knot.

1. "Like" Ellevill and Marvelous Kiddo on Facebook
2. Check out the entire line of carriers on the Ellevill website
3. Leave a relevant comment on this post. Be sure to include your email address.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
You may get one additional entry per day by Tweeting or Sharing this giveaway on Facebook. Just be sure to leave separate comments for each additional entry to count and you MUST include the URL of each Tweet/Share.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Sunday, January 9. Good luck!

We Have a Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered the Catbird Baby Pikkolo carrier giveaway! I am excited to announce that the winner is.....

Little Miss Emmy Lou!

Congratulations!

Everybody stay tuned, I have another exciting babywearing giveaway coming up soon...

Photo via Beauty in Everything

Marvelous Giveaway: Catbird Baby Pikkolo Carrier + Winter Carrier Cover

I am SO excited to announce this giveaway. One of my lovely sponsors, Catbird Baby, is offering one of their amazing pikkolo carriers + winter cover to a lucky Marvelous Kiddo reader!

The pikkolo carrier is a unique blend of mei tai and buckle carrier that features comfortable but slim memory foam straps, enables you to do an ergonomic front facing out carry, can be used from birth without a separate insert, and still works great for carrying toddlers up to 40 lbs.! Comes with detachable hood, optional chest strap for use with back carrying, and instructional booklet. 100% brushed cotton (exclusive of trim).

The winner of this giveaway will also win the original winter cover designed for wide-base carriers like mei tais and SSCs! The Catbird Baby cover is sleek and simple; you just lay the top flap over the top edge of your carrier and snap down under the shoulder straps. The shell is soft, sueded, water-resistant microfiber in black, the lining is heather charcoal gray fleece. An elasticized foot pocket keeps baby's legs cozy and warm. Fits up to approximately age 2. Also great as a foot blanket in the car or snap to your umbrella stroller. Made in United States.

Catbird Baby was kind enough to send me both of these items for review, so I can attest to how comfortable, functional, versatile, and easy-to-use this carrier is. If you are just getting started with babywearing, the pikkolo would be a wonderful and simple introductory carrier. Likewise, if you already have a large stash of slings and wraps (like I do!) the pikkolo would be a terrific addition. I have not used another carrier besides this one since it arrived last week! I also love the super-soft, snuggly, warm-yet-lightweight winter cover. It has made going out in the suddenly bitter NYC cold much more enjoyable ;)

SO, without further ado, here's what you need to do to enter to win:

1. "Like" Catbird Baby on Facebook

2. Check out the entire line of carriers on the Catbird Baby website

3. Leave a relevant comment on this post. Be sure to include your email address

EXTRA ENTRIES:

You may get one additional entry per day by Tweeting or Sharing this giveaway on Facebook. Just be sure to leave separate comments for each additional entry to count and you MUST include the URL of each Tweet/Share.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Sunday, December 12.

Good Luck!

we have a winner!

The winner of the Craftysarah wallet giveaway is Julie!

And here's a little something for the rest of us: Craftysarah is kindly offering a 20% discount on all regular-priced items in her shop! Just enter "Marvelous Kiddo" at checkout.

Offer good until December 1st.

Photo via Flickr

Marvelous Giveaway: Craftysarah

Here's a fun little treat for the end of your week!

One of my lovely sponsors, Craftysarah, has generously offered to give away one of her whimsical handmade wallets to a lucky Marvelous Kiddo reader. The wallet is made out of duct tape, paper, and a magnetic snap...that's it! It also has 4 slots for cards, one big pocket for cash/receipts, and one big pocket that will fit a checkbook.

Here's all you have to do to enter:

Click over to Craftysarah's shop

Leave a comment on this post

(don't forget to include your email address)

BONUS: For up to 3 extra entries, feel free to share this post on your Facebook/Twitter/blog -- just be sure to leave additional comments for each entry.

The deadline is Friday, October 22, 11:59 EST.

Thanks, and good luck!

Marvelous Kiddo Fall Ad Special + Giveaway

I am excited to announce a special, super-discounted ad rate for Fall ads on Marvelous Kiddo!

The holidays will be here soon, so whether you run an Etsy or online shop, a brick-and-mortar boutique, or if you just want to promote your own blog, this is a great opportunity to get you seen.

Marvelous Kiddo is listed as a Favorite Site on Martha Stewart Living's blog, Living in the Family Room, and has also been seen on People Magazine's Celebrity Baby Blog, Mothering Magazine's website, Glamour.com, and in the pages of The New York Post, just to name a few. I have a growing, global audience (currently over 2,000 visits a day) and my readers are passionate about style, design, green living, and natural parenting. Why not share your wonderful products with them?

Take advantage of this special, lowest advertising rate before the rest of the slots fill up!

If interested please email me at: leigh[at]leighpennebaker[dot]com

SUPER DISCOUNTED FALL RATE:

3 Months (November-January) of a 60x160 ad on Marvelous Kiddo

for just $99!

BONUS GIVEAWAY:

Leave a comment on this post with your name and email address and I will randomly select one entrant to receive a month of FREE ad space!

The deadline to leave a comment is Sunday, October 17

at 11:59 pm, EST.

Good luck!

We Have a Winner!!!

Thanks to all who entered the Hoosier Magnolia dress giveaway! I apologize for taking so long to pick the winner, but I finally got around to it today. The lucky commenter is Kristen. Congrats!

Photo via mau demais

Sponsor Welcome (PLUS GIVEAWAY!): Hoosier Magnolia

Hoosier Magnolia is a fabulous label featuring quirkily delightful and colorfully whimsical clothing for babies and kids. My dear old friend, Michelle Jones, is the designer and craftswoman behind the line (she appliques each piece by hand) and she has generously offered to provide one of her signature Aqua Giraffe dresses (retail value, $70) to one lucky Marvelous Kiddo reader! To be eligible to win, do the following:

• Check out the Hoosier Magnolia online shop.
• Leave a comment on this post telling me what items caught your eye.
• Be sure to include your email address or another way to contact you if you win.
• For up to 3 extra entries, feel free to Tweet, Facebook, or Blog about this giveaway. Just be sure to LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.
• The deadline for entries is Thursday, June 10.

One more thing: Marvelous Kiddo readers get a 15% discount off any Hoosier Magnolia purchase, through the promo code HOOMARVELOUS, which can be entered at checkout!

We Have a Winner!!!

Photo via isayx3 on Flickr

Congratulations to Rach, winner of the Signature Baby Basics Sling from BabyEtte! Thanks to all who entered, blogged, and tweeted this giveaway. Stay tuned for more fun stuff soon...