PottyCover - Disposable Toilet Seat Covers Review

Every mother has had a moment of dread when taking her child to a stange bathroom. "I have to sit my child on THAT?" You know what I mean, and I bet you are even picturing a bathroom in need of a clean.
When you have a freshly potty trained child, waiting to find another bathroom is not usually an option. So, you grit your teeth, and try to be as quick as possible. Sure, some bathrooms have a place for disposable seat covers, but in all honesty, I have never seen one in there! I question if any businesses actually restock them.
That's where Potty Covers come in!

Potty Covers are a soft, disposable, waterproof toilette seat cover to keep your little one safe from all those unwanted germs. Each cover is individually packaged, making it easy to take with you anywhere, and covers the sides and front of the toilet for your child.

A pack of PottyCover sells for $5.99 and it is available on Amazon, Ebay, all Buy Buy Baby stores and at select Bed Bath & Beyond stores.

Check out their website at www.PottyCover.com. These really are a must have item, especially when you have those little ones that can't wait to get home!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Easter Flash Giveaway

Can you believe that Easter is almost here? One good thing about Easter is all the candy!

Welcome to the Easter Flash Giveaway!

Organized by Mom to Bed by 8

Easter Favorite Candies Pail includes all the classic candies that always made good times great! From Chocolate Bunnies to Dubble Bubble Gum, Tootsie Rolls, Twizzlers, Skittles and so much more. A true something for everyone Easter treat.

One lucky reader will receive an Easter Favorite Classic Candies Pail.

Giveaway ends March 30th at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Me And My Handful is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

The Waiting Game

Some days I just want to cry. I try to wait patiently for all the therapies that are being offered, and all the doctors appointments, but instead I have to call and chase to get results! I have spent most of morning calling to check on the status of different referrals, and therapies.
I have gotten the same response from multiple places "you are right, it should not have taken this long," and "I'm sorry. I will look into it." It should not be so difficult to receive necessaries services! I am thankful to live in a country that offers me support and help, but it concerns me that I have to chase the specialists to do their job.

Here is what I had happen today. I have been waiting for calls from several different departments for Little C, and Little S. For Little C it was speech therapy and a social worker. I received letters months ago stating I would receive a call back, and never got the call. The social worker apologized and agreed she was supposed to have gotten back to me by now. The speech therapy has to look into the situation to see if there are any services that can be offered to Little C.

As if that wasn't enough, I had to make a call I was dreading. First, the back story. Little S was receiving speech therapy form an amazing therapist. We loved her, and she was making huge leaps and bounds with Little S. She was concerned about his fine motor skills, and wanted to send us to an occupational therapist to see if they could help. Little S was just under 3 at the time. It wasn't long before we got an assessment. Little S is very shy, and clams up around new people. He was not receptive to the therapist, and she did little to make him comfortable. This was 3 years ago. She only saw us 3 times, wrote things in her reports that made her appear to be helping when she did nothing, and left me with the impression that she was going to continue giving Little S therapy. Now that Little S is school aged, we don't have any thing. She dropped the ball, and left us with 3 years of waiting for nothing.
I spoke with the supervisor, who after apologies, said she would look into how this happened, but is unable to do anything to get Little S therapy now. A referral was made to the school, and now I have to wait to hear from them and see if they are willing to extend therapy to him since we home school! It is just so frustrating to trust in a system, and have it let you down, repeatedly.

Ok, rant over. Thanks for listening!

Caribbean Cruise Giveaway

*Sponsored!*

We are excited to be offering our fans the chance to win a 7 day cruise for a family of 4 to the Caribbean! This giveaway is hosted by Dixieland Mom Product and Travel Reviews and SoCal Coupon Mommy and co-hosted by Simply Southern Couponers, Making of a Mom, Crazy for a Deal, Frugal Diva Frenzy, Growing up Bilingual and Swank Savings.

  **Please note: winner must be 21 or older due to sailing restrictions for those under the age of 21. ** 

I just took my first cruise in December, and it was amazing!! This is really an amazing prize, so be sure to enter! There is so much to do and see, and the food is amazing.....I am getting hungry just thinking about it! I highly recommend everyone try a cruise vacation, and now here is your chance to WIN one!

The Grand Prize: 1- 7 Day Cruise for a family of 4 to the Caribbean on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, sailing from winners choice of 3 ports: Miami, FL. or Tampa, FL or New Orleans, LA. Approximate Retail Value: $2000.00
  **Cruise must be booked for travel from Oct. 2013-Dec. 2013 or January 2014-April 2014. Holiday dates are excluded for travel during holiday dates.** 

 Prize includes: Cruise fare only.  Winner is responsible for transportation to/from the port of choice, all gratuities, all onboard expenses, all onboard and port expenses/purchases, shore excursion purchases,casino gambling, bingo cards, photographs purchased from shipboard photographers, etc,  taxes and fees. What is included in cruise fare: all meals at regular venues, (specialty restaurants are optional and do charge an additional fee.), a stateroom to include: one queen or 2 twin size beds, and 2 additional sleeping areas in same stateroom, for 2 additional passengers, entertainment and free shipboard activities.
 Watch for the upcoming reviews for our April 7th NCL Star Cruise.  I will try to blog daily from the ship, depending on internet availability as shipboard internet is very slow and sometimes we will not have an available signal.
 First Prize:

One set of the  Pack It Specter Cube System from Eagle Creek. Arv- $38.00 The winner will receive one set of the  Pack It Specter Cube System from Eagle Creek. The set consists of: 1- Pack It Specter Cube 1- Pack It Specter Half Cube and 1- Pack It Specter Quarter Cube. These are fantastic for saving much needed space in your suitcase, especially if you have to fly to your port! Watch for the review in our Pre Cruise prep post! How to enter: Entry is simple, just follow the instructions on the Giveaway Tool below.
 Good luck to all!

Entry-Form

 Disclaimer:  This giveaway is not sponsored by, hosted by, or in association with, in any way, shape or form with Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn or any other social site. Giveaway is open worldwide, to persons aged 21 years of age or older, other than where prohibited.  Winner is solely responsible for any associated taxes or fees. Winner is responsible for travel expenses incurred to get to port of choice, and all shipboard expenses over and above the actual cruise fare for a stateroom. These charges may include, gratuities, onboard purchases, shore excursions, any purchases, gambling to include casino and bingo, any alcoholic drink purchases, soda cards, and any other expense not included in the average cruise fare.  No other expenses are included. Me And My Handful  is not responsible for sending this prize.

Wordless Wednesday

Not walking, but getting closer.....

Spring Into Green Mother's Organic Giveaway

Welcome to the Spring Into Green Mothers Organic Giveaway!

Who is ready for another great giveaway? 

I've teamed up with Eco-Crazy Mom and an amazing group of bloggers to celebrate the grand opening of the Mothers Organic store, and bring you the chance to win a fantastic prize pack valued at $375.00!

Come check out the Mothers Organic Grand Opening March 25, 2013!

The Mothers Organic motto is simple: happy shopping for the everyday eco-mama. Why? Because we've all been there before. Confused by labels and not knowing which products were safe for our kids. Overwhelmed with information. That's why eco mama Kelly McKnight and her husband created Mothers Organic. They wanted to make it easy for moms to find a variety of safe, tried and true eco-friendly products in one convenient place. Every product at Mothers Organic has been hand picked and carefully reviewed by Kelly and her team of eco mamas with the belief that if it's not good enough for their family, it's certainly not good enough for yours. Finally, a place where moms can shop with confidence - we invite you to give it a try!

Shop their amazing selection of stainless steel baby bottles and sippy cups. Check out their line of Melissa & Doug puzzles and toys for babies and toddlers. Stock up on your nursery layette - complete with swaddle blankets and bunting. At Mothers Organic you'll find a great selection of natural bath and skin care, organic apparel, health care essentials and much more.

Shop now and save with free shipping on all orders over $75!

Celebrate with us and enter to win!

One lucky eco mama will win this awesome Mothers Organic prize pack worth $375.00:

Boba Carrier ($120.00 RV) Green Toys bundle ($70.00 RV) Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2 ($15.00 RV) In2green Eco friendly baby & kids blanket ($70.00 RV) Seventh Generation bundle ($100.00 RV) a Rafflecopter giveaway --

Flash Giveaway

Who is ready for a Flash giveaway? We are giving someone......

$10 Pay Pal Cash!

Ready.....set.....Enter away!
Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Your Name In Bible Verse Review and Giveaway

I love baby showers. It can be very difficult to get a unique gift that will last, and show the person you are celebrating how much they really mean to you. My sister in law is pregnant right now with her fourth daughter, and I really want to give that little girl a gift that matters. It's great to give frilly dresses, but the grow out of clothing so fast! Customized gifts have so much more meaning. 

That's why I was so excited to have the chance to review Your Name in Bible Verse certificates. Since my sister in law already had the name chosen, it was easy to jump right in.

Your Name in Bible Verse certificates 

There is nothing more personal than someone’s name. Your Name in Bible Verse certificates are a wonderful way to share the Bible in a personal way. They make perfect gifts for  babies/christenings/baptisms, birthdays, weddings, graduation, Christmas, Mother's Day, pastor or church volunteer appreciation…just about anything you can think of. Available in 20 different styles, and in English as well as Spanish. I can't wait to gift this to my new niece!

Bible Verse Gifts offers a 100% no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
Check out www.BibleVerse.org and see all the certificate options.
Want to win one? Well one lucky person will win one for themselves! Just fill out the giveaway below, and Good Luck!

Entry-Form

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thrifty Thursday: Say Good Bye To Convenience Foods

Well, not really good bye, but say good bye to over priced, unhealthy store bought ones. Have you seen the price of things like breading mix? It is outrageous. And seriously, how much sodium is in those things? This saves you two ways, it's cheaper to make it than buy it, and you are saving your health by not eating over processed foods. Especially when it is so easy to make your own!

Home Made Breading Mix

• 4 cups flour
• 4 cups dry bread crumbs or cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons each garlic powder and onion powder
• 3 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup oil (optional)

Mix in a large bowl and store in an air tight container. See? Simple! Use it on Pork Chops, chicken, I even use it with a bit of extra flour and sugar for onion rings! 

Wordless Wednesday: Who needs His Own Bed?

Hmmm, Why do I have bunk beds again?

Mission Giveaway: Easter With Hersey's

Now, who doesn't love chocolate? Is there anything that chocolate can't solve, at least in the moment you are eating it? Easter is coming, and little children every where are looking forward to finding their own chocolate treasures, many will be filled with Hersey's chocolates. Mmmm!

About Our Sponsor

 CelebrateWithHersheys.com is your online destination for everything Easter! Updated weekly, the second-annual virtual HERSHEY’S Bunny Trail will highlight favorite Easter traditions, memories and tips to ensure you have the perfect Easter holiday on Sunday, March 31st. Make sure you check out the HERSHEY'S Bunny Trail!

The Prizes

 One lucky winner will receive and give a HERSHEY’S Easter basket, filled with your favorite HERSHEY’S Easter candy including HERSHEY’S Solid Milk Chocolate Eggs, YORK Peppermint Pattie Eggs, CADBURY Hollow Milk Chocolate Bunny, HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand Solid Milk Chocolate Bunny, JOLLY RANCHER Wild Berry Jelly Beans Winner Keeps: One Hershey's Easter Basket Winner Shares: One Hershey's Easter Basket

How to Enter

The Giveaway will open up on 3/19 12:01 am EST and Close on 3/22 at 11:59 pm EST.

Complete the mandatory entries on the Rafflecopter below.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out and Enter our Other Giveaways

 Side note...It's not mandatory to enter all the giveaways at each blog. Those are just great bonus giveaways for you to enter. Mission Giveaway started with Madame Deals and her $100 story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people help each other! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are Mission Giveaway! To ask about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer. Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can join us. Find our official Terms and Conditions on the Madame Deals Media page.

Teaching Tuesdays: Motivation

Every child is different. We all know it, but do we really believe it in more than just a theory?

I Home School, so I have seen just how different my children's learning styles are. Litte P and Little E started Kindergarten the same year, and wow. They are so different, it is unreal. Little E learned how to write his name at 3, and Little P was still struggling at 6. Little E loved to draw and color as soon as he was able to hold a crayon, Little P would scribble for 2 seconds and yell "Done!"

So how do you motivate them? If you push something too hard it can become a battleground and then no one really wins. The parent is frustrated, the child is confused, and no one learns anything. Parenting is not about control, it is about teaching our children to be a self controlled, successful person. Yet, how can you judge success? Shouldn't it be different for each person?

Sometime it can be tricky. Little P for example seems impossible to motivate in school work.  He can sit twirling his pencil, or retracing the same word forever!

So now the big question, how do I motivate the one who doesn't want to be motivated?

• Be Smart

Not every battle is worth the fight. Sometimes a child pushes back just to push and have control over something. Pick your battles wisely. Is it really a big deal if they colour the dog blue when they are 2? Choose what is worth fighting. Keep in mind, bad habits are harder to break the longer they are kept. It is worth woking hard on pencil holding and hand position while writing. It may not be worth fighting every battle. Ask your self if this is a potential bad habit, or just a phase.

• Be Encouraging

Compliment your child. Blue dog? How imaginative! Children are sponges. The absorb everything we put in them, so lets fill them up with the good stuff, and they have no need to absorb the bad.

• Be Rewarding

Everyone likes to work for something. Try sticker charts, coins for their piggy banks, or even TV time. Use what works for your child. Stickers worked great for Little E, and Little P could care less. What motivates him is hearing the words "good job sweetie!" Pay attention to what excites your child, and incorporate that in their rewards. 

• Be Loving

It sounds easy, but some days it is hard to show. When you struggling to explain the it is important to hold a pencil right, or why we have to colour in the lines, it is easier to scream than smile. It's ok. Smile, and take a break. The love is what they will remember. Breaks are just as much for mom as for the child!

• Be Easy On Yourself

Taking the time to work with your child is hard work, whether it's home schooling or public school, teaching is hard, and draining. It's ok to be human. You will make mistakes. Go easy on your self. You will be more effective if you have confidence in your self. It's true what they say: Children can smell fear! Well, maybe not literally, but they will take notice of uncertainty, or insecurity. Trust your instincts. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a person.

Creativium - Paper Theater iPad Review

When I first got my iPad, I really intended it to be only for me. It didn't take me long to discover the value of letting my children play with it too. There are so many educational and just plain fun apps for kids! 

Creativium is on of those apps for children 2 and up.

 Imagine a world where a toddler can add decorations to the scene, enjoy playful sounds and music, and create a picture they want. Creativium is a digital theater where children can do that and more. Castles, fire breathing dragons, knights, princesses and all. Your child creates fairy tale scenes against a paper background. 

I was really impressed at how easy it was for children as young as 2 to work with. There are over 40 animations, 10 characters, and 25 decorations for your child to bring their fairy tale to life. 

I let my 2 year old nieces give this a try, and it was sure a fight to get my iPad back from them! Even my older kids were crowding around to check out what they were doing.

You can even take snap shots of their creations so you both can remember the fun stories you created together!

While the app is geared for younger children, there is enjoyment for children of all ages!

There is new content in the work, so this is an app that will keep getting better and better with more backgrounds and characters, so be on the look out! 

Buy Creativium: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/creativium-paper-theater/id588946109

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Boba Carrier Giveaway

Welcome to the Boba Carrier Giveaway Part II!

Hosted by: Everything Mommyhood, Four Littles Media, and My Four Littles.

Sponsored by: Boba Family

Co-Hosted by: Gator Mommy Reviews, Boys Oh Boys, The Crazy Coupon Mommy, Fun with Four, and MOMentarily Distracted.

Check out Everything Mommyhood's review of the Boba Carrier 3G HERE.

I love giveaways, and this is one I am really excited about! Someone will win a Boba Carrier! That's right, this is a giveaway for all you baby wearing moms. Baby wearing is a great way to bond with your child, or give them that cuddle and still have your hands free. Whether you are a baby wearing pro, or someone just trying it out, the Boba Carrier is a great option. Boba is a well known, well made brand, and one I am really want to try!

Now for the giveaway, one lucky winner will win a Boba Carrier of their choice.

US only. 18 and up.

All winning entries WILL be verified

Giveaway ends 4/1/2013 at 12:00am Eastern

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Disclosure: Me And My Handful is not responsible for sponsored prize shipment. All opinions are that of my own and may differ from yours. I was not compensated in any way for the promotion of this giveaway.

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Birthday Little C

My baby girl, day 1, year 1 and now year 2!

Teaching Tuesdays: Ready For Kindergarten?

It doesn't matter if you are home schooling or public schooling, every mother has a right of passage starting her child in Kindergarten. It can be a stressful time, especially for your first. "Are they really ready?" is a question every mother asks her self. How can you really know for sure?

I found a list of some of the skills necessary for Kindergarten.

Listen to stories without interrupting

Recognize rhyming sounds

Pay attention for short periods of time to adult-directed tasks

Understand actions have both causes and effects

Show understanding of general times of day

Cut with scissors

Trace basic shapes

Begin to share with others

Start to follow rules

Be able to recognize authority

Manage bathroom needs

Button shirts, pants, coats, and zip up zippers

Begin to control oneself

Separate from parents without being upset

Speak understandably

Talk in complete sentences of five to six words

Look at pictures and then tell stories

Identify rhyming words

Identify the beginning sound of some words

Identify some alphabet letters

Recognize some common sight words like "stop"

Sort similar objects by colour, size, and shape

Recognize groups of one, two, three, four, and five objects

Count to ten

Bounce a ball

I realize that this is an extensive list, and not every child will meet all of these by the time September hits, but it sure is nice to have an idea what is expected of kids at this age.

Read more on FamilyEducation: http://school.familyeducation.com/kindergarten/school-readiness/38491.html#ixzz2M81n0gqT

$100 Seven Day Giveaway

Who couldn't use $100? We all have something we want to buy, but maybe can't justify, or something we are saving up for. Well we want to help you get closer with $100!

Welcome to the 7 Day Flash $100 Giveaway!

Organized by: Baby Costcutters and Mom to Bed by 8

This giveaway is special!!! There are no pages to "like" or "follow".....just leave comments!

One lucky reader will receive their choice of $100 via paypal or a $100 Visa Gift Card!

Giveaway ends March 17th at 11:59pm, open to worldwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.
Me And My Handful is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Please contact tina@babycostcutters.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Melissa & Doug Easter Shop and Giveaway

Have seen Melissa & Doug's new Easter Toys? They are so cute! Everything you need to fill your child's Easter basket with high quality toys can be found here.There is even basket stuffers for under $10!
 I am a huge fan of Melissa & Doug toys, and am really excited to bring you this offer. Enter to win $200 to spend on their Easter Toys! You have to hurry, they are only taking entries until March 20..........

Custom Silver Fingerprint Necklace Giveaway

I love keepsakes. There are so many ways to keep are memories alive, but this is one of my favourites!

Enter to WIN a Beautiful Custom Silver Fingerprint Necklace valued at $167!

 These fingerprint necklaces are made from YOUR fingerprints! Choose to get your lil ones, parents or someone you love! They are .999 fine silver (more pure than sterling). The winner will get two fingerprints for the necklace. A mold kit will get shipped to their home to take an impression.
Retail value of the 1 necklace with the 2 prints is $167!

  How to Enter The giveaway will run from 3/6 12:01 am EST - 3/13 11:59 pm EST. There are 2 mandatory entries (sign up for pinkEpromise emails via their website and to 'like' them on Facebook. The rest of the entries are optional).
Giveaway is open to US residents only. Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway  

About Our Sponsor

  pinkEpromise - We are original Etsy shop owners and our founder was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 33. The site was developed as a way to raise awareness and money for a special breast cancer foundation that directly helps patient healing with spiritual, mental, physical and emotional guidance while they receive their medical care. pinkEpromise will send 5% of every sale to The Healing Consciousness Foundation. So, we SAVE YOU money and YOU help save breast cancer patients! It is a win-win! Different vendors and artists will feature an item on our site for a very special price only available for pinkEpromise customers and only for a limited time. So, if you see something you like, buy it then because there is limited time and quantities for each feature! You can find pinkEpromise: Facebook pinkEpromise website Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday: Cooking With Dad

Mission Giveaway: Campus Books Pay Pal Giveaway

Books are expensive! We think that schooling is expensive with tuition, living costs, and then we still have to factor in the books. It all adds up. Our sponsor this week helps keeps those book costs managable. Plus, they are offering our readers a Pay Pal prize!

About Our Sponsor

CampusBookRentals.com rents textbooks to college students. The company was one of the first ever to offer "textbook rentals." They started renting textbooks from Alan Martin's garage in 2007. Since then, Campus Book Rentals has rented over one million textbooks to students at almost every college campus in the United States. Campus Book Rentals also offers a service called Rent Back. Rent Back is a brand new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own - to other students. This is great because it can make them 2-4 times MORE money compared to what they can make with traditional buyback options! Instead of selling back their books at the end of the semester, they can offer them for rent to other students! The company also awards scholarships, and is currently contributing a portion of their rental proceeds to Operation Smile. With Campus Book Rentals renting textbooks makes sense, plain and simple!

The Prizes

 Winner Keeps: $50 PayPal Cash Winner Shares: $50 PayPal Cash

How to Enter

The Giveaway will open up on 3/5 12:01 am EST and Close on 3/8 at 11:59 pm EST.

Complete the mandatory entries on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out and Enter our Other Giveaways

Side note...It's not mandatory to enter all the giveaways at each blog. Those are just great bonus giveaways for you to enter. Mission Giveaway started with Madame Deals and her $100 story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people help each other! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are Mission Giveaway! To ask about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer. Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can join us. Find our official Terms and Conditions on the Madame Deals Media page.

Teaching Tuesdays: Printing

Since I am having requests, and appreciation for my teaching posts, I am going to continue this series. Last week I wrote about pre-reading, this week: Printing letters.
So, how do you teach a skill that you don't even have to think about how to do?

1. Wait until your child is ready. 
2. The most important thing for children learning anything is repetition  It may be boring, but the more they do it, the more it sticks.
3. Try to make it fun. If your child likes animals, have them trace a letter, and then colour, draw or paste animals on the page that start with that letter. 
4. Give them ownership of their work. Give them a binder and let them decorate it to keep their papers in, or a file in the filing cabinet. If they own it, they will want to succeed.
5. Praise them for their hard work. Each child needs to know they are doing a good job. Give them rewards like stickers for doing well and trying hard
6. Be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day, remember? 
7. Give constructive criticism. Don't get discouraged or be negative, but don't settle either. Bad habits formed now will last and be much harder to break later. Trust me. I know this from experience! 

Ok, so now the teaching. There are so many options that each work well on their own or combined. I like to mix it up, and keep things fun!

Copy Work 
You can buy curriculum, or even just buy some from the dollar store near you! We bought some Pre-School books for Little A, and I supplemented that with some books from Dollar Tree.
There are lots of free printable sheets on-line at Starfall.com This is how I taught my oldest 2 their printing. Worked great for us! I usually search for additional pictures of things that interest the kids to keep their attention.

Tracing
Most copy work has children trace the letters once or twice before they draw their own letters. There are many other tracing ideas you can do your self to mix it up.

• Draw in the sand or mud and have your child trace your letters with a stick, or on a foggy window.
• Tablets are great resources for teaching children to print. There are countless free and paid apps for this!
• Draw in the air and have your child copy you, or play guessing games

Rhymes, Stories and Songs
Kids remember silly songs and rhymes so much better than they do instructions and rules. When we teach our kids to write their names, we give them a way to remember. Check out the letter formation poems at Little Giraffes These are cute little poems that make it easy to describe how to draw a letter. Here is the A for example:
A - Pull down twice from the point to the top. Add a seat to view the apple crop.

a - First make a round apple to eat, then a slide for an ant when he's finished his treat!

Each poem is unique to the letter and touches on the phonetics. Bonus!
My husband was trying to teach Little A how to write the letter N. He was ready to scream because he couldn't describe it. After going through the N poem once, Little A got it! 

Nothing worth doing is easy, so keep with it!

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Who doesn't love Amazon? You can buy anything and everything! 

Welcome to the $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Hosted by Giveaway Promote.

Sponsored by Spend With Pennies

Spend With Pennies is your one stop for all things free and frugal.

In today’s economy, we need to stretch every dollar we can. Spend With Pennies helps make that simple by finding the most current deals, freebies and prizes for you every day!

We have teamed up with a great group of bloggers to bring you this fabulous giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card courtesy of Spend With Pennies.

---

Enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card.

We are so excited to bring you this giveaway. Good luck!

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.

Refer your friends using your unique link at the top of the Rafflecopter for even more chances to win.

One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.

Open in the United States.

Ends at 11:59pm EST on March 17th, 2013.

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Bloggers, we'd love for you to join an awesome group giveaway event like this one! Sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by Giveaway Promote.

Groovebook iPhone Photo App

I love my iPhone. I love my children. I love sharing pictures of my children and looking at the pictures of my children. Memories! With my iPhone, I am able to take pictures anywhere and any time they do something cute. Ofcourse, it doesn't take long for those pictures to add up, and I never remember to print them out! What is a busy mom to do? 

Problem solved! Grrovebook is a new free iPhone app that lets you select 100 of your photos and mails you a photo book of them for FREE!! 

This is a service I would happily pay for. Free is always better, right? Check out how it works here

All you have to pay is $2.99 shipping, but wait. It gets better!                                                           Use code MEANDMYHANDFULGROOVE for your first book  to be shipped for free! You will need to use a credit card to get started, but there will be no charge for your first book. If you don't love it, cancel at anytime! This is an amazing deal. Make sure you check it out.

Groovebook is available on iTunes and the Google Play market. Don't forget to use the code MEANDMYHANDFULGROOVE for your first book to be shipped for free!

Kindle Fire Giveaway

Welcome to the Four Littles Media Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Hosted by: My Four Littles and Four Littles Media

Cohosted by: 

Everything Mommyhood, Mommy's Craft Obsession, Pink Ninja Blog, A Medic's World, 

Stay a Stay at Home Mom, Monica's Rants, Raves, and Reviews, Shaping Up to Be a Mom, 

Writing As Art, An Ordinary Housewife, Me and My Handful, The Stuff of Success, 

This Mama Loves Her Bargains, Krazy Coupon Club, Coupons With Q, Boy Oh Boys, 

My Devotional Thoughts, and Simply Sherryl 

Are you fired up? We are giving away a Kindle Fire to one lucky reader! It could be you.....but you can't win if you don't enter........

Prize: Kindle Fire from Amazon.com

This giveaway is open to those ages 18 and up in the United States. The giveaway will end 12am EST on April 1, 2013. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email announcement. All entries will be verified. The only entry required is the first one, completing extra entries only increase your chances of winning.

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This giveaway is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Please email contactus@myfourlittles.com with any questions or concerns. Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. Me And My Handful is not responsible for prize fulfilment  My opinions are my own and may differ from yours.