Win A wonderful set of spa products from Touch'd

This contest is closed. Congratulations to our winner!

Giveaway: Touch'd Spa Products in Almond Puff

In a joint effort to celebrate the re-launch of Mighty Miracle Mist and have some relaxing fun during this stressful Holiday time, Helpful Hallie's and CreateChatter Marketing & PR bring to you several fun website "Hunts"! The "Hunts" will include websites that may or may not be known to you, but deserve to be noticed! All of the websites are family-friendly and range from keeping you organized to helping out a great charity.

So... I know you are excited, so let's get started!

Touch's Spa Products

This wonderful giveaway is organic and yummy! Yes, yummy! Touch'd had the lady in the house in mind when the Almond Puff flavor was created. You will completely lose your mind when bathing in this yummy luxury!

The Product:

Touch'd Spa Products in Almond Puff

(Value: $64.00)

• Sugar Scrub
  
• Bath Butter
• Body Pouf
• All hand made with you in mind.

The Website:

From Mom It Forward About section

Mom If Forward is an organization of women and moms dedicated to strengthening families and communities by first strengthening moms.

Mom It Forward empowers women to achieve success through service, strength, and socializing. By strengthening families and communities Mom It Forward is changing the world one mom at a time.

How To Enter: Extremely simple!

• Visit the Mom It Forward website
• Review the website to understand the mission of Mom It Forward
  
• Return to this post and leave a comment
  
• Giveaway is open until 11:59 PM EST Friday, January 2, 2009

First entry: Your comment should include your name, email address. While at the Mom It Forward website, subscribe to the newsletter and then within your comment let us know how you plan to Mom It Forward in 2009.

Second entry: You can earn another entry if you Tweet about this giveaway. Please return here to leave a comment that you tweeted.

Third entry: You can earn a third entry if you post on your blog about this giveaway from Helpful Hallie's and the great community Mom It Forward is becoming. Again, return here to leave a comment and include your post link.

Fourth entry: WOW... yes! Earn a third entry by joining the Mom It Forward group on Facebook! Again, return here to leave a comment that you joined and we will look you up!

Open to residents within the United States.

Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Good luck to all those entering and make sure you stop by for our next BIG giveaway! A view of what is up:

A wonderful set of spa products from Touch'd: a scrub, bath butter, and pouf in Almond Puff.

Win Cupcakes Club Books

This contest is closed. Congratulations to our winner!

Giveaway: The Cupcakes Club Book Series from The Cupcakes Club

In a joint effort to celebrate the re-launch of Mighty Miracle Mist and have some relaxing fun during this stressful Holiday time, Helpful Hallie's and CreateChatter Marketing & PR bring to you several fun website "Hunts"! The "Hunts" will include websites that may or may not be known to you, but deserve to be noticed! All of the websites are family-friendly and range from keeping you organized to helping out a great charity.

So... I know you are excited, so let's get started!

The Cupcakes Club Book Series

This wonderful giveaway definitely was made specifically for the little girl in our life. Based on the six characters of The Cupcakes Club, your little girl will learn all about the fun that Jessica, Summer, Valentina, Jada, Ashley, and Sierra are up to!

The Product:

3 Book Series from The Cupcakes Club

(Value: $18.99)

• Spotlight on the Cupcakes
  
• Dog Gone Drama
• Shakin Up Soccer, Summer Style

The Website:

From The Cupcakes Club About Us section

We are girls that crave fun, celebrate with good tastes, have a sweet tooth for sleepovers, and are tempted to talk past our bedtime with friends. A Cupcake can be simple or sophisticated, classic or cute, with sprinkles or without; but what makes a Cupcakes girl extra special? The secret is wholesome goodness found inside each one.

Be part of something delicious, be part of The Cupcakes Club!

How To Enter: Extremely simple!

• Visit the The Cupcakes Club website
• Read about the six Cupcakes; Jessica, Summer, Valentina, Jada, Ashley, Sierra
  
• Choose the one that best matches the little girl in your life
  
• Return to this post and leave a comment
  
• Giveaway is open until 11:59 PM EST Friday, January 2, 2009

First entry: Your comment should include your name, email address, and remark on how the Cupcake girl you chose matches the little girl in your life. Also, sign up for free membership to The Cupcakes Club for your little girl.

Second entry: You can earn another entry if you Tweet about this giveaway. Please return here to leave a comment that you tweeted.

Third entry: You can earn a third entry if you post on your blog about this giveaway from Helpful Hallie's and the great fun being had at The Cupcakes Club. Again, return here to leave a comment and include your post link.

Open to residents within the United States.

Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Good luck to all those entering and make sure you stop by for our next BIG giveaway! A view of what is up:

A wonderful set of spa products from Touch'd: a scrub, bath butter, and pouf in Almond Puff.

Humanitas Wines Giveaway

This contest is closed. Congratulations to our winner!

Giveaway: Taste The Flavor of Wines From Humanitas Wines

In a joint effort to celebrate the re-launch of Mighty Miracle Mist and have some relaxing fun during this stressful Holiday time, Helpful Hallie's and CreateChatter Marketing & PR bring to you several fun website "Hunts"! The "Hunts" will include websites that may or may not be known to you, but deserve to be noticed! All of the websites are family-friendly and range from keeping you organized to helping out a great charity.

So... I know you are excited, so let's get started!

Humanitas Wines Giveaway

This wonderful giveaway definitely has the the over 21 crowd in mind - especially Moms & Dads since the Holiday season is coming to a close. Thank you to Bin Ends Wine for coordinating this giveaway with Humanitas Wines - a package of four wonderful wines made with care in mind.

The Product:

Humantias Wines

(Value: $92.00)

• Sauvignon Blanc
  
• Chardonnay
  
• Cabernet Sauvignon
  
• Pinot Noir
  

Visit this link for more product info: https://checkout.inertiabev.com/humanitas/catalog/index.jsp

The Website:

From Humanitas Wines Our Story section

Humanitas is a unique winery with a very compelling story. Simply we make wine, sell it, and give the profits to charity!

Specifically, the profits go to find solutions to three very primary issues -- hunger, affordable housing and illiteracy -- and we've chosen America's Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity and Reading is Fundamental as our primary charities. However, we try to support whatever charity best addresses these issues community by community.

How To Enter: Extremely simple!

• Visit the Humanitas Wines website
• Choose a wine that best describes you from the Humanitas catalog
• Return to this post and leave a comment
  
• Giveaway is open until 11:59 PM EST Friday, January 2, 2009

First entry: Your comment should include your name, email address, and the wine you chose. Explain why this wine describes you and make a pledge to be charitable this year by purchasing this particular wine from Humanitas Wines.

Second entry: You can earn another entry if you Tweet about this giveaway and include Humanitas Wines Twitter ID @humanitas. Again, return here to leave a comment that you tweeted.

Third entry: You can earn a third entry if you post on your blog about this giveaway from Helpful Hallie's and the great charitable work being done by Humanitas Wines. Again, return here to leave a comment and include your post link.

Open to residents within the United States.

Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Good luck to all those entering and make sure you stop by for our next BIG giveaway! A view of what is up:

A children's book series for the little girl in your life from The Cupcakes Club.

WEBSITE HUNT

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

return here to leave a comment

Giveaway: Men, You Can Have Better Hair Than Your Girl

In a joint effort to celebrate the re-launch of Mighty Miracle Mist and have some relaxing fun during this stressful Holiday time, Helpful Hallie's and CreateChatter Marketing & PR bring to you several fun website "Hunts"! The "Hunts" will include websites that may or may not be known to you, but deserve to be noticed! All of the websites are family-friendly and range from keeping you organized to helping out a great charity.

So... I know you are excited, so let's get started!

Project 7 and AXE Hair products for Men

This is a great giveaway that has the guy in mind. AXE Hair has graciously offered a complete set of AXE Hair Products for Men for us to giveaway to one lucky person!

The Product:

AXE Hair complete set of product

(Values: more than $50.00)

Shampoos

• AXE Just Clean Shampoo
• AXE De-Glue Shampoo + Scrub
• AXE De-Poof Shampoo
• AXE Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner
• AXE 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner

Conditioner

• AXE Just Soft Conditioner

Styling Paste

• AXE Messy Look Paste
• AXE Spiked-Up Look Putty
• AXE Clean-Cut Look Pomade
• AXE Shaggy Look Cream

The Website:

From Project 7's About Us section

"Project 7 allows consumers to “Change the Score” from start to finish with their purchasing decisions and by voting on which organizations will benefit, all while staying connected to nonprofits online to see the difference their funds are making in the lives of others."

How To Enter: Extremely simple!

• Visit the Project 7 website
• Choose one of the 7 projects you are passionate about
• Return to this post and leave a comment

First entry: Your comment should include your name, email address, and why you are passionate about the particular project you chose.

Second entry: You can earn another entry if you Tweet about this giveaway and include Project 7's Twitter ID @changethescore. Again, return here to leave a comment that you tweeted.

Open to residents within the United States.

Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Good luck to all those entering and make sure you stop by for tomorrows BIG giveaway! A view of what is up:

A wine package from Humanitas Wines valued at $92.00.

HUGE HOLIDAY TRIVIA EVENT POSTPONED

Hi all,

We are going to postpone the HUGE HOLIDAY TRIVIA EVENT until after the holidays.

Keep a look out for the new date and time.

There will still be lots of fun, and lots of prizes.

HUGE HOLIDAY TRIVIA EVENT ON TWITTER

Huge Holiday Trivia Event

BIG event hitting Twitter and you are invited!

In celebration of our Holiday Season and in honor of a product re-launch for Mighty Miracle Mist, Helpful Hallie's and CreateChatter are co-hosting a Holiday Trivia Event. To keep everyone in the holiday spirit, Holiday Trivia is all about sharing with our fellow tweeples and giving away some excellent items!

Location: Twitter

Date: Friday, December 19th

Time: 9pm EST (approximately 2 hours)

**Hastage for the event: #HH

**Follow @Helpful_Hallie, @Brunette01

How the trivia will work:

• Eight (8) rounds of trivia
• Three (3) participants per round
• Website or blog will be given the night of the event
• All participants will be chosen by Random.org

During each round, participants will be asked a question specific to a blog or website they must visit. During the visit, each will need to review the blog / website, find the answer to the question, and then answer their trivia question on Twitter. The first reply - WINS!

Nope. Not at all normal trivia. Our purpose for this trivia is to share with participants and those in the discussion, new and known locations around the web. It is all about promoting others this Holiday season!

Not chosen to participate in a trivia round? You're still involved! We will be sharing in humerus discussion about the fun and quirkiness of parenting and family life. Hmmm... what is your most embarrassing moments as a parent? Did your child do something wrong that you couldn't help but laugh at? What is your most memorable Christmas memory with your kids? What is your most memorable Christmas memory from when you were a child? You never know... might be something fun in it for you!

Now what?

Listed below are the items up for grabs during the trivia event. You can sign up for as many as you like, but you will only be allowed to participate in one round if chosen. You will not know until the night of the event which round goes with which giveaway. Participants will be chosen through Random.org.

To participate you will need to:

One chance: Leave a comment on the Helpful Hallie's blog with your name, email, and the item(s) you want to try for.

Second chance: Post about the event on your own blog. Please include the link to your post in your comment.

Third chance: Tweet your heart out. Let other on Twitter know about the fun event! Please state in your comment that you tweeted your heart out.

Giveaway #1: Hippos Toes Virtual Gift Certificate ($25.00 value) Please see site here

Giveaway #2: 4-pack Mighty Miracle Mist ($15.75 value) Please visit site here

Giveaway #3: The Cupcakes Club Book Series ($18.99 value) Please visit site here

Giveaway #4: Touch'd Spa Products ($64.00 value) Please visit site here
(includes scrub, bath butter, and pouf in Almond Puff)

Giveaway #5: Karito Kid's Piper of Australia Doll & Book ($99.00 value) Please visit site here

Giveaway #6: Precious Girls Club Prize package ($50.00 value) Please visit site here

(includes Tote, 3 friendship bracelets, Patches plush toy, book, charm bracelet, extra charm)

Giveaway #7: Humanitas Wines (TBD value) Please visit site here

(includes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet)

Giveaway #8: Bin Ends Wine Virtual Gift Certificate (TBD value) Please see site here

Giveaway #9: AXE Line of products for men (TBD value) Please see site here

Yes, Virgina, there are more giveaways then trivia rounds! Just be there the night of December 19th! Hope to see you there!!!

Sponsors:

Would you like to offer a giveaway for this fun filled night? We are still accepting sponsors for the Holiday Trivia Event. If you would like to sponsor a giveaway, please contact dannie (at) createchatterpr (dot) com with Trivia Sponsor in the subject. We are accepting giveaways for everyone in mind - moms, dads, boys, and girls!

Please use your Twitter Name and Twitter URL on Mr. Linky. Thanks.

Give Back to your School

I am a true believer in giving back. Our schools, now more than every, need our help. And, I want to do my part.

For every pack of Mighty Miracle Mist you purchase, I will give $1 to the classroom of your choice. Now, I know $1 doesn't sound like a lot, but if you and those at your school get together, $1 starts to add up. Every teacher has a wish list. Let's help them get the items that they want and need.

Mighty Miracle Mist makes a great teacher gift. Also, the mists help with good behavior as we get closer to the holidays, both at home and in the classroom.

Tell everyone and let's spread some holiday cheer...and money for your teachers.

We, at Helpful Hallie's wish you a happy and healthy Holiday Season!

My Christmas Miracle

The other day I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and down in the dumps. Needless to say, it just wasn't the best day for me.

I had to go to work, so my husband took our soon to be 6 year old daughter to the mall for a Libby Lu party. Everyone had lots of fun and she got all decked out.

Afterwards, she saw Santa and wanted to sit on his lap and talk to him. After a brief conversation with my daughter, Santa called my husband over to his side. He complimented him and me regarding what a wonderful and caring child we are raising.

Santa went on to say that the first thing he asks the kids is not "What they want for Christmas", but rather "Who are your two favorite heroes". He said that most kids say a comic or movie character. He said that he sees thousands of kids and that only one or two give the response my daughter gave.

She said, without even stopping to give it thought "my mommy and my daddy". Santa was so full of joy about this response, he made it a point to tell my husband, who needless to say was so proud.

Later on, my husband called me to tell me the story. It brought me to tears and it was just what I needed.

Thank you Santa for my Christmas Miracle!

Holiday Trivia on Twitter Event

BIG event hitting Twitter and you are invited!

In celebration of our Holiday Season and in honor of a product re-launch for Mighty Miracle Mist, Helpful Hallie's and CreateChatter are co-hosting Holiday Trivia on Twitter. A fun event keeping with the holiday spirit, Holiday Trivia is all about sharing with our fellow tweeples and giving away some excellent items!

The Basics:

During the Holiday Trivia Event, we will be sharing with you some known and not-so-known websites and blogs from our list of must-see! The next step is to have our participants visit their designated website or blog, review the site, and then answer their trivia question on Twitter. And of course, you know the rest - the first to answer - WINS!

Now those participating in the night, but not participating in the rounds of trivia, we haven't left you out! We will be sharing in fun discussion about the fun and quirkiness of parenting and family life. Hmmm... what is your most embarrassing moments as a parent? Did your child do something wrong that you couldn't help but laugh at? What is your most memorable Christmas memory with your kids? What is your most memorable Christmas memory from when you were a child?

Next Week:

Beginning next Monday, December 8, there will be a post on Helpful Hallie's blog, listing all of the websites and blogs that will be participating in the trivia event, as well as a listing of the giveaways. For those wanting to participate in the trivia event portion, we will ask you to sign up by leaving a comment regarding which giveaway you would like to win. Now, of course you can choose all of the giveaways, but you will only be allowed to participate in one round of trivia.

Other Stuff:

• Seven (7) rounds of trivia (possibly 10)
• Three (3) participants per round
• Website or blog will be given the night of the event
• All participants will be chosen by Random.org
• Call sign for the event: #HH
• Follow @Helpful_Hallie, @Brunette01 for the event

This is just some of the information to get you interested! All the specifics will be available in the official post Next Monday, December 8th. The Holiday Trivia Event will take place on Friday, December 19th.

Sponsors:

We are still accepting sponsors for the giveaways during the Holiday Trivia Event. If you would like to sponsor a giveaway, please contact dannie (at) createchatterpr (dot) com with Trivia Sponsor in the subject. We are accepting giveaways for everyone in mind - moms, dads, boys, and girls!

We hope to see you there!

~ TTFN

The Art of Redirection

Redirection: To change the direction or focus

How often do our kids go to bed crying, we dole out a time out or we storm into another room full of guilt because we just lost our patience with our child. As parents, teachers and caregivers, it is our job to teach children proper behavior. Very often, we use the strongest approach when all is needed is a gently word. We find ourselves getting into a battle of wills, which really nobody wins.

This is where the art of redirection comes in. Helpful Hallies™ Mighty Miracle Mist™ was developed to interrupt undesired behavior patterns in young children, so they can be redirected to exhibit more positive ones. The result is three fold:

1. Children are given a physical representation of the behavior being asked of them. They associate this as being outside of themselves, and no longer have to exhibit undesired behavior as a matter of principle.

2. An opening is being created where children can be redirected in a positive manner and will associate a positive experience with the desired behavior.

3. Parents, Teachers and caregivers now have a positive tool to assist them with redirecting the behavior of the child.

Helpful Hallies™ Mighty Miracle Mist™ came into being when my 4 ½ year old daughter was speaking in a tone that was disrespectful and inappropriate. My first instinct was to angrily tell her that she couldn’t speak to me that way. I knew in my heart that this would possibly stop the behavior or we would get into a battle of wills that would lead to a time out, and resentment from my daughter.

A quick flash popped into my head and I wished I had a tool that would just change how she was talking to me, and do so willingly. That when Helpful Hallies™ Mighty Miracle Mist™ was conceived. I created a quick mock up of Kind Voice Spray. I sprayed the room and said to my daughter in a pleasant and encouraging tone “the room has been sprayed with Kind Voice Spray, so only kind voices can be used now”. Well, the change was instant and remarkable. She no longer had to save face and remain angry out of principle. She intentionally asked in her kindest of voices “Mommy, may I have a glass of water”. Since then, she even asks for different sprays and regulates her own behavior.

In addition to being a parent of a preschooler, I am a teacher both of private music lessons, and in a preschool environment. Very often, my students will not feel confident stepping outside of their comfort zone, or have learning patterns that are not effective. I will spray “Good Thinking & Pay Attention” spray and encouragingly tell them that their brains are soaking in this good thinking. An instant change takes place and they do their work eagerly. Now the children ask for it before they perform task, and are more willing to step outside of their comfort zones.

Cooperation & Sharing spray works wonders when children are having difficulty sharing. Again, nobody wins a battle of wills. So, when sharing is “put into the air” or “the room is filled with cooperation”, young children get excited about working together or with parents and teachers. This spray also works great with transitions such as cleaning up or even going potty.

A special ed. teacher who used Mighty Miracle Mist in her class said that her students really feel better when using Mighty Miracle Mist, and they are acknowledging their feelings which they never did before.

Here's how it works.

Step 1. Use the power of suggestion:

Convincingly and encouragingly inform the child/ren that you are going to spray the room with the corresponding spray (use the name of the spray bottle you choose), and that once the room is sprayed, everybody in the room needs to behave accordingly. Example, “I am going to spray some Kind Voice into the air, and after that, everybody in the room needs to use a Kind Voice”.

Step 2. Take Action:

Choose the Appropriate Bottle. Spray the air, not the child/ren.

Step 3. Follow Up:

Convincingly and encouragingly remind the child/ren that the room has been sprayed for the appropriate behavior (again, use the name of the spray bottle you choose) and now everybody in the room, including yourself, needs to behave appropriately. “The room has been sprayed with Kind Voice and now everybody in the room, including me, needs to use a Kind Voice”.

The Four Sprays include:

Kind Voice & Good Manners, Cooperation & Sharing, Good Thinking & Pay Attention and Good Night.

Reward Vs. Punishment

My music history professor in college was amazing. It was one of my favorite classes, and he was a very popular professor. He used to reach into his pocket and see what kind of change he had, and offer a coin for a question. An easy question was only worth a penny, but a really hard one was worth a quarter. It wasn't the amount of money, obviously, that we were winning, but it was the principle of the win.

One day with a particularly difficult student, I decided to try out the concept-I teach private piano and violin lessons. I wanted this student to really try her best, so I looked into my wallet to see what kind of change I had. I offered her a "not so shiny 1996 penny" if the she could play a passage 3 times, or with no mistakes. Suddenly a huge smile crossed her face. A tedious task just got interesting to her.

Here's where it got interesting to me.

When she was working to get the penny, her attention was great and she achieved the task. I then told her to play the same passage 3 times and if she made a mistake, I would take the penny back. She couldn't even get through it once. Hmmm...

Of course, I gave her the option to win the penny again, which she did.

This got me thinking, I tried this with a bunch of my students and the same result happened. They performed so much better when there was a reward, instead of a punishment. Now, I wasn't bribing them, just sort of making things a bit more light hearted and fun. This really motivated the unmotivated students, and those already motivated just had a bit more fun.

I think that people are naturally motivated by "triumph" and avoid "failure" It feels better to win a race, than trying not to lose.

With our own children, it's so easy to let things go until we get to a point that we need to threaten punishment. What if we offered a reward early in the game for good behavior, good grades or just good eating?

Post a comment on what reward systems you use with your family.

It's Not The Same Old 9-5

I was working on the computer last night when I looked at the clock. It was 11:15PM. I sort of chuckled to myself and started thinking.

Working hours used to be 9-5. If you worked in a bank, they used to be 8-3. The world is changing and we are taking an active part in changing it. Parents want to be there for their kids, but very often out of necessity as well as choice, both parents work.

It's amazing what pioneering people are doing while juggling work and family. We are creating new working hours. Basically, you do what you can whenever you can, without interfering with the most important time...family time.

The wonderful thing is that this is becoming the accepted norm when we as mom-entrepreneurs are dealing with each other. As I was answering my emails last night, I got replies as late as 11:45PM. I mighty have gotten a few even later, but I finally turned off my computer and went to sleep.

Do you work odd hours to have the freedom to be with your family. I'd love to hear about it.

It Happened at the Store

The other day I was at Learning Express with my 5 1/2 year old daughter. They have these plasma cars and turtle ride on things that the kids can ride in the store.

My daughter was riding the plasma car and another girl was riding the turtle thing. There was a third girl (3 years old) who wanted a turn. She started throwing a tantrum "I WANT THE GREEN ONE, I WANT THE GREEN ONE!" Screaming and running around the store. This went on for about 10 minutes. Stopped when she got a turn, and started again when her turn was over.

I don't begrudge kids sharing or even waiting their turn, but here's my beef. As she is screaming, the mom just kept saying to me, "She has to learn to wait her turn", never once explaining to her daughter how exactly to wait. She would try to distract her (often mistaken for redirection), but her daughter was happier screaming.

I've been teaching for 15 years, and I specialize in preschool aged children. Preschoolers need direction and need to be taught how to behave appropriately. I so very wanted to intervene to give this little girl the instruction she so desperately needed, but I didn't feel it was my place.

Please feel free to comment if you have ever been someplace and wanted to help someone else's child deal with a situation.