The Scent of a Mother ( + Win a gift basket worth $150 from The Body Shop)

Mother's Day is just around the corner. 

It has always been a special day for me since I was a little girl as I loved to write a card and make a small present for my mom. It gave me such pleasure to let my mom know how much I loved her and missed her.I looked forward to it.

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be with my mom all the time.It was because she was working in a different city for a few years.And that left me with a longing to be with my mom. My dad was wonderful to take care of us along with his full time job.So as I looked back and was reminiscing about my childhood memories, there was this one memory that I can never forget.

There couldn't be a more perfect time to share this.

During the times, when I felt like I wanted to see my mom, I would go to her closet, slowly take her neatly folded clothes and smell them.I held them against my chest and sometimes cried like I will never get to see her again. It smelled like mommy.Ah, what comfort it gave me...The Scent of a Mother. I think her clothes probably were fragrant from the perfume she used or maybe the make up...it didn''t matter. To me, it smelled like mommy.

When my mom came home for the weekends, she did everything for us. It included a LOT of cooking. I do not recall her  ever sulking but flavoring everything she did with love and care.I still can picture her in her apron and I used to often run up to hug her in her apron. The apron was stained, smelled of onions, potatoes and oranges. It did not matter. To me, it smelled like mommy.

She was and still a hard-working woman who did the BEST she could so that my life would be sprinkled with joy and laughter. She set the  standard high for me so I can aim high and never give up.

She  worked like it depended on her and prayed like it depended on God. My mom, showed me what it is to reflect God''s love to others.When I feel and see God''s love, it smells like my mommy.

She taught me to experience the joy of giving. Giving to the needy ranked high in her priorities.Thank you mom for leading by example that I am able to humbly and joyfully support the less fortunate children across the world.She taught me to feel the pain of the painful.

My mom has had her share of hurts in life but through it all, she was real. She taught me how to pray and pray through.

I am not sure if I will be even half a good mother as my mother was. But the scent of her love, sacrifices, patience, hard work, embrace, kind words and mostly her beautiful, reassuring smile....still fills my life. She is the most wonderful mom and I am so blessed to be her daughter! 

Years have flown by and I am a proud mother now. I do not live close to my mom and I wish I had at least one of her clothes to remind me of her presence close to me. I am pretty sure that I will hug her clothes and cry for her at least once a day.  

She will always be "my mommy" and no matter  how old I grow, I will always be her "little girl". 

The scent of my mother, will always linger on in my life.

The Body Shop is joining me in celebrating the spirit of motherhood with some new releases and they are offering one lucky Canadian reader a chance to win a totally awesome gift!

One of the top reasons I love The Body Shop products is because they use a lot of natural ingredients. I do not like to smother myself with products high in chemicals. So my love for The Body Shop products will only increase with each of their new addition to their existing collection.

 

 This Mother’s Day, give the gift of love with help from The Body Shop!  

Win a sensuous, eco-friendly gift basket valued at $150, filled with the White Musk Libertine bath and body collection.  Lavish your mom with the guilt-free pleasures of knowing that these gifts help spread hope and happiness worldwide, thanks to The Body Shop’s Community Fair Trade program. 

Click to visit the website for more information:  www.thebodyshop.ca.

Here''s how you can win it:

Win a stunning red dress from c.marchuska! ( R+G) - 2/11

I am all about making "green" choices in everyday life but clothing was one area where I couldn't get started with green choices.Simply because, clothes that were made from bamboo or other pre-washed materials were not giving me many choices.Not that I am try hard to wear chic clothes ALL the time, but when I do, I like to be comfortable, modest and chic.

c.marchuska is a brand that has made a breakthrough in offering not only sophisticated, chic clothing but they are made from sustainable resources.Isn't that a great concept in the fashion industry?

c. marchuska is an eco-friendly clothing line which provides chic and sustainable clothing at affordable prices. Manufactured in New York City, the clothing is designed to embody versatility throughout different trends and seasons in order to stay true to the sustainable fashion mantra of producing less waste. The sophisticated clothing with green benefits is the perfect match for the socially conscious woman that doesn’t want to sacrifice style, price or comfort to help save the planet.

This eco-friendly & fashionable collection is the brainchild of Christine Marchuska and Brooke Bresnan, Together they produced clothing that is manufactured locally using materials from sustainable resources like bamboo viscose, tencel and organic cotton.

I had the opportunity to review a product for c.marchuska. I should confess that I had a hard time picking one!

First, I thought I'd pick the mseries t, long sleeve  as it is great to wear for winter and feels soft against your skin with the heavy jacket I have to keep on. Then I thought of the sultry summers we have and this vivons vert tee would be a great choice with it's soft, 50% cotton 50% modal blend in a fitted silhouette tee, with epaulettes extending from the collar for a unique, yet polished stand alone look.And white is the comfort color of summer as it doesn't absorb heat. 

When I came across their dresses, I become more attracted to how simple yet how comfortable they looked. Perfect for a mom-on-the go like me. This Christine Dress can make you look elegant with it's A line and Italian recycled polyester buttons.Can be worn just as a dress in summer or pair it up with your jeans when it gets colder!

I finally was convinced that one of these dresses will not only look great on me but that I will feel "comfortable" wearing them. I am picky when it comes trying fabrics and most of my clothes are cool cottons and soft fabrics. I picked the monika dress in distressed black for review and was eager to try it! When it arrived, it met all my expectations in terms of fabric - very, very soft and fitting, loved the length - it came just right up to my knee and all I need is a belt to go with this dress.I am ready to go out for dinner! After I had my son, dresses were not my favorite thing as I did not want to show off the flabs I got from pregnancy. Even though this is a fitting dress, I am blown away  with the comfort that I don't care about my flabs! 

It would be a neat idea if c.marchuska came up with a maternity line as their material is lovable and extremely comfortable which will be great for moms-to-be.

Oh, if you thought c.marchuska had clothes only for women, you are wrong! They have some nice t-shirts that will make a great gift for your man. It feels great on your skin and not heavy, so it is definitely going to be appreciated.

If you want to pick a gift for a woman, c.marchuska has a great collection for all seasons.Their dresses are hand dyed and all their clothes are made in the New York's Garment District, USA.

A big thanks to c.marchuska for generously giving the opportunity for 1 lucky reader to win this stunning Erin dress in red!

You can also buy it online for $130.

Here's how you can win it:

Mandatory entry:

- Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries ( 1 entry each, leave separate comments):

- Like "c.marchuska" on Facebook

- Become "TTByM"'s friend on Facebook.

- Follow "c.marchuska" on Twitter

- Follow "Toddler Tales by Mommy" on Twitter.

- Follow on Networked blogs.

- Subscribe to my blog by email and you won't miss any of the giveaways!

This Giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada until Feb 10, 2011.Random Generator will choose a winner and winner will be announced on Feb 11, 2010.There is no limit to the no.of times that you can win on my blog! Feel free to enter all Giveaways even if you have won before on my blog!

(Disclaimer: Thanks to c.marchuska for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)

Keep those memories alive with Hallmark! ( R+G) - 2/10

I am a great fan of Hallmark and love their creative products that not only portray beauty in simplicity but most of all, you can say all you want with Hallmark. If you thought Hallmark only carried cards, you should check out my review on their storybook that was featured last Christmas.

I was browsing around Hallmark to choose a gift for a loved one and found this beautiful photo album.I was very pleased to review this Instant Scrapbook & Album for Hallmark.What a perfect way to preserve those beautiful moments! Thank you Hallmark for such a neat product!

It can fit big size photos and each page is pre-decorated with phrases and decorative paper. So just place your photograph and you're done! In the green square you can insert your favorite photo.

 Of course you can always add more colors with your own touch. The front page of the album has small and medium sized stickers that can be used to adorn the pages with photos.It is more like an instant scrapbook without all the hassles of sticky fingers and pieces of paper.I love scrap booking but just do not have the time for it, so this would be my pick.

Some of the features as mentioned in the album:

• Personalize front over by replacing insert with Family Photo
• 20 designed and embellished pages
• 10 top-loading page protectors
• 2 photo storage pages
• Caption sticker sheet
• Refill pages can be bough separately

It is a really beautiful piece of gift and what a perfect time this Valentine's would be to gift your loved one with this memory-capturing gift ? It retails for $59.99 at Hallmark stores.

Thanks to Hallmark, 1 lucky reader will have the chance to win a Baby Picture Frame, which is another great gift for a baby, child or even a mom who would never grow tired of looking at these precious moments. 

Mandatory entry:

- Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries ( 1 entry each, leave separate comments):

-  Like "Hallmark" on Facebook

- Become "TTByM"'s friend on Facebook.

- Follow "Toddler Tales by Mommy" on Twitter.

- Follow on Networked blogs.

- Subscribe to my blog by email and you won't miss any of the giveaways!

 

This Giveaway is open to residents of Canada until Feb 10, 2011.Random Generator will choose a winner and winner will be announced on  Feb 11, 2010.There is no limit to the no.of times that you can win on my blog! Feel free to enter all Giveaways even if you have won before on my blog!

(Disclaimer: Thanks to Hallmark and the PR company for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)

A Blogstatic Extravaganza - Giveaways from Jan 18-22!

This is a sticky post and will stay on top of my blog until 11:59 PM EST, Jan 22, 2011. Please scroll down for more reviews and giveaways.

So, it is here ! A big blog-start to 2011 for your family  Mark your dates - Jan 18-22 are going to be a burst of giveaways hosted by over 100 blogs. 

So what's going to be happening here? Toddler Tales by Mommy is participating in the extravaganza and has some goodies to giveaway for you right here on my blog itself! I have some wonderful books, DVD and some gifts that you would love to win for your family.


My theme: Family Favorites.
All items are sure to be loved by all in your family! 


Please click on the link to read the reviews. There will be 5 winners! So get, set to enter...

1. A set of 3 books from Zonderkidz -$45

2. A wonderful set of 8 books - Toddler Tool Series Kit from Free Spirit Publishing - $60

3. A beautiful Hostess Tray from Wendell August -$52

4. An educational DVD from Rock N Learn- $19.99

5. A set of 3 canisters from Fiesta Dinnerware - $140





The giveaway for these items are open from Jan 18th - 22nd.

Here's how you can win ( Mandatory entry, please leave a comment) : 

Follow my blog publicly on GFC and leave a comment on what you'd like to win.

Additional entries (Please leave a comment, 1 entry each):

- Follow "Toddler Tales by Mommy" on Twitter 

 - Tweet twice a day ( #WIN #DVD #books # gifts @TTBym now during #ABE #giveaway ENDS 1/22)

- Become  "Toddler Tales by Mommy"'s friend on Facebook 

.- Become an email subscriber

 This    Giveaway is open to Canada and   US until Jan 22,  2010.Random      Generator will choose a winner and   winner will   be  announced on Jan  23,   2010.

View other participating blogs:

Blogstatic Extravganza: Fiesta Dinnerware ( R+G)

Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you the finest and boldest dinnerware from  The Homer Laughlin China Co - Fiesta Dinnerware!

Homer Laughlin began making its iconic brand of Fiesta Dinnerware in 1936 and today remains to be the most collected brand of dinnerware.

So what do I love about Fiesta? Made in USA and most importantly lead free.Lead in paints, glazes, and pottery can leach out onto food. and can result in lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is very dangerous, especially to children, and can cause learning disabilities, IQ loss, brain dysfunction, and in some cases even death. Dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe , Fully vitrified lead-free china with a color glaze.

What more, their collection come in bold and lovable colors and exhibit style and quality.Here's a sneak peek into what they have to offer you:

No matter what you want to drink, go bold with these cups and mugs ! Love, love the happy colors!

Put all your bite-sized snacks into these fancy bowls and enjoy them.If you go with the small and medium, these are perfect for portion control!

I didn't forget their tableware! With the square plates, you can be the perfect hostess . I think square plates make any dish look more appetising! And coupled with these colors, I can whip up a quick dish and serve it in style.

I was looking through Fiesta Dinnerware and felt surrounded by a rainbow of colors and wanted a splash of colors for my home! Wasn't I excited to review Fiesta? Boy..I was! I was sent these 3 sisters .err..canisters! They are so pretty and look like 3 sisters ..lol. I chose my favorite colors in small ( Holds 1 Quart) , medium (Holds 2 Quart) and large size (Holds 3 Quart).

See how  comfortably they sit on my counter and it was interesting to note that the lid has a rubber lining that makes it air-tight to seal the freshness inside. They are pretty on the heavy side and I had to save it from my toddler! He was very taken by the bright colors :)

S- $42.99, M - $45.99, L - $51.99

 

These Cansiters can be used for a variety of things. I filled up 1 with almonds and now since they are right on the counter, I will remember to munch a few everyday. Canisters are great for ground coffee and spices as the aroma will be locked in. You can find several ways to use them.

You can buy these canisters as a set for $114.97 and yes you can mix colors!

And if you pick another item, you enjoy free ground shipping for purchases $125 or more!

Thanks to Fiesta Dinnerware  and the PR company, one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win 1 set of 3 canisters in small, medium and large size worth $140!

• Giveaway for this Canister Set from Fiesta Dinnerware will go live on Jan 18, 2011. You can enter from Jan 18-22, 2011

So, look out and remember to enter at the Blogstatic Extravaganza!

(Disclaimer: Thanks to Fiesta Dinnerware and the PR company  for sending me the featured products for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)

Blogstatic Extravganza: Wendell August - American Botanical Hostess Tray ( R+G)

I love brands that carry true signature pieces. These products make unique and simply impressive gifts which not only make the receiver happy but gives the giver a proud feeling of giving an "extraordinary" gift.

I am highly impressed with Wendell August for all the above reasons. They really have true signature pieces - honestly,every piece is hand made and the artist leaves his / her initial on each piece.Wow! this is a truly personalized gift for all occasions! If you had read my previous review on Wendell August, you would know what a strong brand it is. Their high-quality products have made them and they still are going strong to remain a favorite brand.

A time-honored tradition of handcrafted elegance for 90 years, Wendell August Forge makes heirloom-quality personalized metal gifts to commemorate life's special moments. These American-made high quality, functional gifts fit within any budget.

As I was looking through the gift section to choose my review product, I had in mind my special friend who truly deserves a neat gift this Valentine's. She is awesome and truly God-sent and I want to let her know what a special person she is to me.

First I thought maybe, this beaded necklace for $36 will be a great idea as the stunning aluminum and the orange bead will  blend without any lumps into casual and formal clothing.

Then I also remembered what a classic addition this Hand Mirror for $15 will be in her makeup kit. She has a beautiful heart and it is a perfect way to remind her of her inner and outer beauty!

I stumbled on this Tracery Small Blossom Bowl for $75 which will be a great accent to a table or to serve some light snacks.

I chose yet another masterpiece - American Botanical Hostess Tray and decided to go with this.

For the love of flowers which reflects nothing but pure beauty, carved intrinsically on aluminum that reflects strength and also doubles to be used as a luncheon tray. To me, it seemed like the perfect gift as I could compare this beautiful piece to how God has intrinsically created each one of us and my friend truly is a pillar of strength and uses her time, skills and talents for the best purposes in life. Let your gifts reflect the true quality!

Take a closer look at this simply stunning piece!

Do you have someone special in mind that deserves to know how much they are loved and appreciated? You have to bookmark Wendell August and choose a " token of appreciation" for all that they mean to you!

Thanks to Wendell August , one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win 1 beautiful American Botanical Hostess Tray worth $52!

Sponsor Connect:

Like "Wendell August" on Facebook

Follow "Wendell August" on Twitter.

                                             Subscribe to Wendell August by email    

• Giveaway for this American Botanical Hostess Tray will go live on Jan 18, 2011. You can enter from Jan 18-22, 2011

So, look out and remember to enter at the Blogstatic Extravaganza!

(Disclaimer: Thanks to Wendell August and the PR company  for sending me the featured products for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)