Read me another story!

Books…. Connor says it.. Signs it.. And even takes them to bed with him. I’m not really sure what he does with them once he gets them in bed with him but its not uncommon to go into his room in the morning and find him snuggled in his bed hand on his favorite bedtime story. The kid is a honest to goodness bookworm and he comes by the trait honestly as his mother adores books as well. As much as I love books I do have a limit as to how many times in one day I’m willing to read the same board book over and over and its hard to get Connor to sit still long enough to read him a longer picture book. He does however sit still long enough to watch a short cartoon, so the Scholastic dvds are pure genius.

We recently got a copy of the new My Very First Treasury of 50 Storybook Classics Preschool Stories from Scholastic and wow.. Talk about an instant library. This collection is so large it will keep you busy for days as it’s compiled on SEVEN dvds. Seeing as we tend to only play one or two stories before bedtime it seems to take forever before we start the list over again. Almost all of my childhood favorites are featured and a large amount of them were totally new to me as well. Harold and the Purple Crayon, Happy Birthday Moon, Corduroy, Good Night Gorilla, and Is Your Mama a Llama are just a few of our favorites included. Not to mention one of our newest favorites Knuffle Bunny!

I’ve mentioned before how much we love the Scholastic book adaptations on dvd. As much as I love reading to Connor its always nice to get a break or to introduce books to him that otherwise he may not have the patience to listen by me reading it to him. What I really approve of is the fact that the dvds are read along meaning the words to the books appear on the screen as well so your child can learn to read along with the dvd just as they would if you had them on your lap as you read. What really cool feature about the stories as they are narrated by some people you may recognize. Including Cindi Lauper one of my childhood idols.

For those of you on a budget or who have space constraints I can tell you right now without any question even at used book price the cost to buy this dvd set is far less than the cost to buy fifty children’s books! Lets not even talk about how much space you need to store that many books. Coming from the girl who had to invest in a larger than life bookshelf for Connor’s room to store his book collection and seeing as we own quite a few of these books it becomes a challenge all on its own. I’m really quite relieved as many of the books included on the dvds are books we had thought about adding to our collection but the question is where would I have put them? Not to mention that adding 50 books at new prices to our collection would have easily cost us several hundred dollars.

You can pick up your own My Very First Treasury of 50 Storybook Classics Preschool Stories on DVD right now at the Scholastic website use coupon code sevendogs to get 10% off your total order!

Scholastic is giving away one My Very First Treasury of 50 Storybook Classic Preschool Stories to one lucky reader!

To enter : (MAKE SURE YOU READ THE BIRTHDAY POST!! You must be entered into the birthday bash to win this contest!)

• Leave a comment on this post. Check out My Very First Treasury of 50 Storybook Classics Preschool Stories and tell me which book on the dvd is your favorite!! Make sure you read below to earn extra entries including a scavenger hunt entry.
  
• Make sure there is a way for me to contact you - if your email address is not on your profile or you are not a blogger you may leave it in your comment or email it to me directly (angelaandconnor at gmail dot com) We have had to disqualify a lot of potential winners as of late as many people do not have emails available in their profiles or leave anonymous posts without any way to contact you.
• Please US entries only.
• To get extra credit :
  • For an extra entry :
  • Bloggers - Blog about this contest and leave me the link on your comment, or add me to your sidebar and let me know its there.
  • Non Bloggers (or bloggers) subscribe to my mailing list/RSS feed and earn another entry!
  • Answer the I Spy trivia question "Check out the Scholastic website and take a look at all their dvds! I spy a dvd collection that is so big it could qualify as a libary! Do not leave this entry in your comment all trivia question answers go to contestsatsevendogs@gmail.com. Use the subject "Scholastic " Posting "I spy" answers in comments will disqualify you!
    
  • Let people know about the giveaway on Twitter with a link to the giveaway!
    
  • THREE extra credit per person. Please post your extra credit in a separate post.
  • This contest will end May 30th at midnight!

Polka Dot Designs has gone to the dogs!

Polka Dot Designs has launched their own new and completely irresistible line of pet themed greeting cards. Including pet birthday parties, pet birth announcements, new pet announcements, and even obedience school graduation cards! Most of the cards are customizable and you can add pictures of your own dog! I had to laugh as the litter announcement was a bit tempting as we just had two beautiful little chihuahua girls born here a few weeks ago. Check out the new pet cards at Polka Dot Designs and get 20% off by using our coupon code 7dogs.

If you are looking for something a bit more every day there are also beautiful non photo cards for more every day uses. I personally love the boy and his dog design which if only it had a chihuahua would be quite possibly the most perfect card for Connor ever. I should really order a set as the thank you cards for Connor's upcoming birthday. I swear that kid goes to bed every night with dogs on his mind. We had a family party this weekend and the whole time all he wanted to do was stand at my aunt's back fence and talk to the neighbors dog instead of playing with his cousin or visiting with "humans".


I mentioned puppies and I guess its not fair to talk about them without showing you guys. Sorry its not the best picture they are pretty wiggly these days!


Visit Polka Dot Designs and check out their new pet line!! Use coupon code 7dogs to get 20% off the new pet line!

Little Windows - Photo Necklaces 15% off coupon code!

Little Windows are unique, personal and affordable, the best way to wear and share your favorite photos. Each one is a little window into your heart. The ideal gift for moms, grandmas, daughters, sisters and friends!

Little Windows touch on so many passions: digital photography, family, memories, jewelry, resin, beading, collage-making and more. I started this business as a way to get pix off my hard-drive and turn them into wearable art. I offer custom-made resin jewelry and accessories, as well as fun DIY "class-in-a-box" Kits and supplies for those who like to make things themselves. My resin is a fabulous custom formula which is non-toxic, non-stinky, crystal clear, and you can put anything into it! little-windows.com is full of inspiration, innovation and support.

Use our coupon code for 15% off: LW7DB09

Amy Michelle - 15% off coupon code!

Voted #1 by People's Celebrity Blog, the Amy Michelle diaper bags are really a must have for the fashion forward mom. Personally I've been drooling over the Olive Azalea bag for some time! You can now get 15% off and free shipping on any purchase at Amy Michelle! Just use the coupon code poppy at checkout!

"The First Adventures of Incredible You" is one of the most highly personalized children's books on the market today. Customers are able to "build" a one-of-a kind book at the Custom Made For Kids website by inserting over 20 personal facts about a child and the people and places that are most important to that child. From tasting a favorite food to cheering on a beloved sports team to visiting a special vacation spot or park, this rhyme-based book celebrates the first adventures of every young child that "stars" in it. By personalizing these experiences, "The First Adventures of Incredible You" highlights the connection between children and the people and places that are special to them in their young lives. There is also a dedication page in the full-color,hardcover book where you may provide a personal message so that the child will always remember that this thoughtful gift came from you. The delightful illustrations are cleverly executed so that the book is perfect for any child -- no matter what their sex, race or family structure. "The First Adventures of Incredible You" makes a memorable keepsake that both children and parents alike will cherish for a lifetime.

Use coupon code custom 15 to receive 15% off your order at Custom Made For Kids!

Nina and Tom - 15% off coupon!

We have a special love for Nina and Tom. Connor wore his "This Many - One" tee to his first birthday party and you know I'll be in tears in April when I put it in the attic with his old clothes. The only bright side is there will be a "This Many - Two" to replace it!

Now you can receive 15% off your order at Nina and Tom for mentioning the coupon code 7dogs!

Baby Star Coupon! 30% off any purchase! Expires 12/31/09

From now until Dec 31st of 09 use the coupon code : 20sevendogs09 to get 30% off your total purchase at Baby Star!

Who needs a sale when you can get 30% off every day?!! How cool is that?

Oh for a day at the circus!!

I remember going to see the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus growing up. The cool circus programs, seeing my first lion show, the amazing wire acts, and of course the elephants. Elephants back then were almost larger than life and still are as far as I'm concerned. Even though I was only in grade school when we went I still remember much of the acts that went on, many of the faces, and the way I felt that day. Why? Because something about a trip to the circus, a big circus, really leaves its mark on a child. It's a little bit of magic, a world that only exists inside that circus "tent".

What I know now about the circus is that circus tickets are not free and I've talked to many families about their plans for this year and so many of them say that one way they are cutting back is by cutting entertainment expenses. Arg! I hate the thought of any child missing out on the circus and you better bet if there was a tour date for this year for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus we'd be buying tickets. I would rather eat macaroni for a whole week than miss that look on Connor's face when the elephants come out!


Well the good news for many of you is you can save big on Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus tickets this year! Listen up if you plan on visiting the circus in the following cities you can use the coupon code below for some great savings!

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels**. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers. Other Restrictions May Apply.

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public - just enter the code "MOM" when purchasing those seats. Dates and cities where families can use the national MOM discount code this spring are as follows:

Newark/East Rutherford/Uniondale/NYC
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
March 5 - April 13
Offer not valid on performances from April 10 - 13 at Madison Square Garden

Washington D.C./ Fairfax, VA/ Baltimore, MD
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
March 18-April 19

Philadelphia
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
May 13-May 25

Phoenix
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
June 24-June 28

Houston
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 15-July 26

Anaheim/LA/Ontario
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
July 8-August 2

San Francisco
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 12-August 23

Dallas/Ft Worth
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 29-August 16

Sacramento
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 27-August 30

Kansas City
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
September 16-September 20

To see which Ringling Bros. tour is coming to a town near you, visit www.Ringling.com. And visit www.ticketmaster.com to use the 4 tickets for $44 code, MOM.

Thanks Mom Central for letting us know!

Hot Deals!!!!

I've become a bargain fanatic partially out of necessity and partially out of the fact that It makes me feel productive. Being a full time student and running this blog 40+ hours a week my income is limited and with an active toddler eating me out of house and home at times saving money is a huge plus.

So with that said I thought it would be fun to share a few deals this week with you :

Hickory Farms - Items are 75% off with some as high as 90% off! Sign up for ebates and go to the site through them and get an extra 4% off via rebate. Also if your new at ebates you will get an extra $5 for signing up through this link (I get $5 too.. thanks!). Also to make it even sweeter you can get an extra 15% off for using coupon code 833329! I ended up ordering over $150 worth of products for $35.

Baby Star - I wish I would have linked this earlier but there is an insaine deal going on over at Baby Star on their lap tees and star blankets! Use coupon code similac for a 25 off a $50 order.

Old Navy - Shop their clearance section and get an additional 50% off with coupon code EXTRA50. Go through ebates first and get another 3% back. Again if you have not previously signed up for ebates you will get an extra $5 for free and $5 for me if you sign up with my link!

Got an awesome deal you want me to add? Lemme know!

First Circus Memories!

I remember my first trip to Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey like it was yesterday. I was so excited as it was the early 80s and Lancelot the "unicorn" was their main attraction, King Tusk (the huge elephant with the amazing tusks) was still around, and Gunther was the amazingly crazy big cat trainer. It was an exciting time in Barnum and Bailey history and an exciting show. I remember looking at the poster which I kept under my bed for years after seeing the show.

With all the great acts at the circus when I went that first time the one that really still stands out to me is the motorcycle riders in the sphere cage. Watching those riders go upside down on regular motorcycles seemed almost magical. Actually everything about the show seemed magical. It was just one of those great moments in my childhood, a purely happy moment with my parents and everything seemed just right. I hope Connor feels the same way about the circus when he gets older.

Seeing the circus fliers around town when the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey is coming to town again the same excitement starts all over again and I am already excited about taking Connor to see his first show next year. I had debating taking him this year but seeing as he was just barely a year old when they came through town here. I just didn't think he could handle the whole show though in many ways I regret not going we had some friends that made it with their three girls and had nothing but great things to say.

For a few of you though this may just be your lucky day! The Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus is offering 20% off ticket prices for readers in the following cities :

Indianapolis, IN - Sept. 4-7, 2008
Kansas City, MO - Sept. 10-14, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI - Sept. 18-21, 2008
Denver, CO - Oct. 2-13, 2008
Boston, MA – Oct. 8-13, 2008
Cleveland, OH - Oct. 24 - Nov. 2
Chicago, IL - Nov. 6 - 30, 2008
St. Louis, MO - Nov. 6-9, 2008
Auburn Hills, MI - Nov. 12 - 16, 2008
Highland Heights, KY - Feb 27 - Mar. 1, 2009
Cincinnati, OH - Mar. 4 - 8, 2008

The discount is valid on tickets priced at $13, $19, and $24.00 just use code MCC when ordering tickets on the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey website! If you get to go leave me a comment and tell me how it was!

Thanks Mom Central for letting us know about the coupon code and sharing the news about Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey!!

I have a special Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey surprise for one of my readers!

To enter :

• Leave a comment on this post. Check out the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey and tell me which of the three current touring shows would you most like to see!!
  
• Make sure there is a way for me to contact you - if your email address is not on your profile or you are not a blogger you may leave it in your comment or email it to me directly (angelaandconnor at gmail dot com) We have had to disqualify a lot of potential winners as of late as many people do not have emails available in their profiles or leave anonymous posts without any way to contact you.
• Please US entries only.
• To get extra credit :
• For an extra entry :
• Bloggers - Blog about this contest and leave me the link on your comment, or add me to your sidebar and let me know its there.
• Non Bloggers (or bloggers) subscribe to my mailing list/RSS feed and earn another entry!
• One extra credit per person. Please post your extra credit in a separate post.
• This contest will end September 30th at midnight!

Coupon : Boon Animal Bags

In honor of Valentines Day, Boon is offering 10% off their Pink Animal Bags purchased through Booninc.com! Just enter the code PINK at checkout to get your discount. Offer is good through Feb 15th!

Svan Bouncer 25% off for a limited time!

The good people over at Svan sent me this message :

Owned and loved by Kim Raver and Marcia Cross, and most recently gifted to Jessica Alba, the Svan Bouncers are a hot commodity. For a limited time, we are offering 25% off all color options. Simply visit www.svanusa.com and click on purchase accessories. After entering payment terms, please use promo code "Feb25" to receive your discount.

Now thats a pretty sweet deal. I've been dying to get my hands on one of these bouncers so if you buy one let me know how you like it!