Dunstan Baby DVD winner & new product giveaway - The Potty Watch

Candice is our latest winner for the Dunstan Baby Language DVD set, congratulations Candice!  This week we (my mother, mother-in-law and I) canned 200 pounds of peaches and tied that into our giveaway.  I hope you will take a moment to see how we chose our winner!  (If you get email notification of our new blog entries via email, you will have to click here to view the video).  If you were not our lucky winner, visit our site this week to get the  Dunstan Baby Language DVD set at 10% off until next week Friday!  Please note: in the video I called the Smart Mom Bangle Teething Bracelet a "nursing" bracelet and that is incorrect, it is a bracelet for moms to wear that can also be used for teething, sorry about that confusion!

This week TWO lucky winners will come away with a Potty Watch (yes two of you will win)!  This item is a new tool in our house in an effort to FINISH once and for all, the potty training of our FOUR year old son (yikes, ok I feel better now that it is out:)!  If you will be coming up on potty training, are in the midst of it now or know someone who is, this is a great product for you to check out.  The Potty Watch helps children remember to try to go potty by playing music and lighting up at 30, 60, or 90 minute intervals, as set by their parent. Children just starting their potty training will usually start at 30 minute intervals, and increase as they get better at knowing when they need to go.

How to enter to win: Share your honest feedback.  I want to hear your opinion.  Post your comment below by clicking on the comments link and answering these three questions for me (you can just number your comments to correspond to the questions below):

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life?
2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)?
3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered).  What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?

To be entered, please post your comments by Wednesday the 5th at 3:30 PM PST.

Comments

[Adventures In Babywearing]

What can we do to win some of those peaches?! : ) I've linked this on my contest page!

Steph

[Naomi]

I want peaches, too!

[Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings]

I have two more to potty train so that watch would be fun.

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life? The product reviews and the video drawings of your contest winners.

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)? Not sure

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this? This sounds interesting but I can't think of a question at the moment to ask you.

[Andrea]

Alright...here I go with my answers! :)

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life? Hmmm...there are lots of good things! I like the fact that you carry a variety of unique items, and just a big variety in general...and of course I love the fact that you have contests AND your unique ways of picking winners are definitely fun!! :)

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)? Hmmm...I live in Canada so I guess it'd be nice to get some products without the higher shipping costs...but i do understand that you need to cover your costs too! :)

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this? I think that this would be a good idea, as there are always people looking for answers to questions! I am considering starting a small business of sewing baby wraps and so I guess my question would be how much did it cost for start-up/advertising etc. and what are some things you've learned along the way that would be helpful to someone starting up a business?

[Sofia]

First, I just have to tell you that my son (20mo.) REALLY enjoys your blog videos. He thinks your son is "fun" and was mesmerized by the potty watch. Now, onto the questions...
1. I like the variety and uniqueness of the products available. All the freebies and discounts don't hurt either!
2. I personally think the category names could be improved a little better maybe? I don't want to pounce on anybody's creativity but what's the difference between "bargain basement" and "sale items".
3. I personally probably wouldn't use the Q&A style blog video. I love reading the blog and seeing your videos but I am not that interactive of a person online (I don't chat or anything like that).

Have a great holiday weekend!

[Sarah]

I love how you chose the winner! Again...great idea! Hunter has such a blast with it, too!
I had a hard time with potty training my oldest, too. It can be a challenge, but they need to be ready for it to be a success! He won't wear diapers forever. :)

I would love to win this watch! We have a 2 year old and he has shown interest in the toilet. He loves wearing watches, too, so this would be perfect!

Here are your questions with answers:
1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life?
I love your videos, and I look forward to watching them each week. It helps for ideas of fun things to do with the kids, and it reminds me that they can have fun with what we do, too! Thanks so much!

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)?
Really, #3 answers this question. What a great idea! We as parents really can feed off each other. Ideas from others can really put perspective on things. Helping one another is truely a blessing! It is great fellowship, too!

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?

I love this idea, as I stated in #2! I will try to think of a good question...

Have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for the fun video! I will post the contest on my blog:
http://sassyfrazz.blogspot.com

[Amanda]

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life? The products that are carried are awesome. There is so many different things, and all are very useful to have.

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)? definately more feedback, input by other moms

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?
I love this idea, I think it is a great idea, and I know I would watch everyw eek.

[Alexia]

1. I love the unique products you have on your site. It's not all the typical "baby stuff" I also like that your prices are reasonable.

2. I don't know...
3. I think it's a cool idea. My computers too slow to watch them though :(

[Leia]

1.I love the NEW products you are constantly getting!

2.I LOVE polls - I'd love to see a weekly poll on the blog!

3.Cool idea! I'd watch! Question: What are some of your kid's favorite healthy snacks?

[Jenny]

1.What I like best about M4L is how personal it is. I feel like I know you, Heather, and it makes me feel more comfortable to make decisions on any purchases.
2. This is a tough question b/c I feel like you're doing everything already!! I can't think of anything right now!
3. I think it would be great to have a Q/A blog video! My question would be, "How do you find all the time to run your business, update your blog, and take care of your husband and kids!?!"

[heather h]

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life?

I am new to your blog, but upon first glimpse I really like it. I went back into the archives a bit and like how you introduce neat products, have encouraging information and stories, and how it feels like a "real" mom's site! Some of the blogs I visit seem like a huge corporate endeavor. These blogs are fine, but I like the feeling I get when I'm on a "real person's" blog. I feel like I'm in a community of mothers ready to share information to help each other.

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)?

You have my needs covered on this blog. Keep doing what you are doing!

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?

I love this idea! This is a unique feature to a blog so far as I know. Go for it! How cool. My baby is ten months old, so any questions I have will probably be about what comes next and how to best get through the difficult phases. I love mommy advice, so it will be welcomed by me.

[Joanne McDermott]

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life?

I love the fact that so much of what you carry is not only incredibly unique...but so very SMART!!

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)? There's nothing I can think of except perhaps find a way for peopel to leave ratings & comments for each product, a lot of what you carry would get 5 stars...but still, nice to see the opinion of numerous people on any given product to base an opinion on.

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?

I think this is a wonderful idea!! On so many level you have so much to offer as far as information goes...past educator, Mommy, entrepeneur. As for do I have a question for you should you choose to do this...I would like to know if you have any tips for balancing the work-home part...I mean I work out of my home...but work nor kids seem to get my 100% attention because both are "always there" when I'm working, I'm still available to my kids, however when I'm spending time with the kids, if the phone rings and it's work related...well you get the idea...

P.S. Don't feel bad about poty training a 4 year old...I am too!! (plus I have a 3 and 2 year old coming up behind him!!)
My 4 year old is pretty much day trained...but not night...the 3 & 2 year old have no interest. I'm hoping to win the potty training watch to at least foster some interest in the 3 year old (which of course will bwe passed on to his 2 year old brother at that time! :)

[Bliss]

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life? I love that it's owned by a Mom & all of the products are made by Moms as well! FREE SHIPPING!And last,but not least your products are unique and most of all affordable!
2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)? I can't say that I can think of anything for you to improve...& I'm not just being nice! You truly have taken care of my needs perfectly! Great customer service!
3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this? Awesome idea! That's how we Moms get through things, by picking each others brains for advice! My question to you is, do you have any tips on how to get your milk to dry up when you suddenly hafta switch from breast to bottle? Sorry if this is too personal, just a problem I'm dealing with! HELP!

[Jill]

1 - I like Mom 4 Life because of the unique, fun, and helpful products. I feel like they are all carefully selected. I know you stand behind each one too. I appreciate the great prices and free shippinri. I also like it because of the personal touch you add. I like knowing about your family and yopur experiences as a mom - it makes me feel like I am shopping with a friend.

2 - This is a hard one to answer. I am so impressed with you business and customer service.

3 - I would enjoy this. I think it would add to the personal touch your business already offers.

[Doreen]

1. I really LOVE your videos! I think they're sooo cool. Love seeing how you determine winners in a contest. It's always very interesting AND entertaining!! :)
2. Hmmmm there's nothing really that I can think of!!
3. Oh this is a GREAT idea! I would love to hear the questions being asked on the blog video/

[Lesha Anderson]

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life? I love your posts.
2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)? Please add a forum. :)
3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this? Go for it! :) Right now, I don't have any questions.

[tara dastrup]

1. I love the HUGE viarety of things you sell that are original, cool and needed. Now that you have free shipping, I LOVE that too.
2. Send out email notices, highlighting one or two things per week that you carry. I don't have time to surf through the whole website and I"m sure you have stuff I'd be interested in, that I don't know about, and haven't seen because I don't have time to look!
3. Honestly I wouldn't watch it. I can't think of any questions I'd have. I would watch it a couple of times to see if it's useful, but if I felt it wasn't, I wouldn't watch anymore. Hope that didn't sound rude!!

[Heather from Mom 4 Life]

Thank you so much ladies for your helpful feedback. It is so encouraging to read your comments. Lesha, thanks for your suggestion for a Forum. I have thought of this in the past but just am unsure if it would really be used. There are so many forums out there, what would make mine one that people would choose over others? I welcome any feedback on this and keep the suggestions coming!

[Allison]

I feel like I am back in school taking a quiz! HAHAHA!!

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life?
I like that all the products were mom invented or created. Mother's are sooo SMART!!

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)?
A forum would be nice!

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?
Well there goes my idea!!! I love it! I think it will be helpful to me, as well as many other Moms! My question would have to be...How do you get your child to stop biting you when breastfeeding?

[Kerry]

1. I love searching the products and your quick shipping too!
2.Maybe a monthly newsletter that tells about new products or interesting baby facts.
3. I'd think a Q&A blog would be very helpful, especially since I'm a new mom. One question I have is what steps do I need to take if I have a product idea for a creative baby invention?

[Kristina B]

1. Actually, I love the colors and the site layout. Very pretty and casual, but professional as well. The give-aways are fun, too.
2. I'd love to see you carry cloth diapers.
3. I think that's a great idea. But you may get too many questions to answer, so you'll have to come up with a way to choose a few if that happens.

[Elizabeth (M & T's Mom)]

let me first say congrats on the new and upcoming completion of the Mom4Life...store!?! Good Job on alllll of those peaches! I won't say what my maiden name was, but I WILL say that I have canned alot of PEARS in my life!! ;-) 200! wow!

okay questions!

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life?
**The clothes make me want to be preggers again!!!! and I really am wanting a few things off your site!!

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)?
**I don't think you can, unless you can offer a giveaway for just moms and not so much our brats! (totally kidding!!!!)

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?
**I wanna see the inside of your place! (I'm nosy!!!) The warehouse! (is it bad that I'm nosy?????)

[Chas]

1. This is tough, b/c I've only just found this blog. I'm going to say that so far, I love the contest idea, and I love the fact that you introduce products that are actually useful to other mothers.
2. Goodness, going back to the fact that I have only just started reading, I'm not sure.
3. I don't have a question, and I have never done a video post myself, but I did open my blog up once for Q&A, and boy was I surprised at some of the questions people asked!!

[Siri Heinrichs]

1. Even though there is a lot to offer it still seems small and personal.
2. Continue to find products that are innovative, but also support moms with older kids.
3. Sure why not, your blogs are fun. Can't think of any great questions at the moment though.

[Cheryl]

1. I love that your products are all mom-invented!

2. A forum on your blog would be awesome! Maybe have pre-determined topic threads (babywearing, co-sleeping, feeding, etc.) to start off with, then add other topics as interest grows.

3. sounds like a great idea! I like the personal touch through a video but for moms that may not have time to sit through an entire Q&A (don't know how long each one will last), will there be a way to just fast-forward to what would interest them? maybe have links to what you will cover and that person can just click on it?

[drew]

1. That you really seem like a decent person.
2. Offer even more products.
3. I love this idea and would like to know where you see your business in 1, 5 and 10 years.

[Liz]

1 - The friendly customer service.
2 - Free peaches with every order?
3 - Great idea. Am curious if your family ever balks at being involved in your videos?

[Candice]

I posted to this blog last week and my comments are no longer here. Hmmm! Here goes again.
I love your site for all the products designed by moms for moms. Only moms know best.
I also love the Blog. This is my favorite and most visited site recently. I wouldn't change anything. You are doing an ausome job. I read several blogs mentioning a forum. I am not sure what that is but from what I can tell it would add a lot to Mom4Life.
I am excited to see the Q&A video blog. I don't have a current question but there have been many times that I needed answers or someone elses opinion on matters concerning parenting. I think it will be a hit.

[homemom3]

I added you to my Tuesday Giveaway list.

[brandy walleshauser]

i'm potty training two right now. this would be so much help. it's a nightmare right now

1. i love the giveaways and all the freat info that helps

2 i wouldn't change anything i think everything is awesome.

3 it's a great idea. love to see things expanded

[Heidi Cooley]

1. I like that your site is user friendly and highlights you and your family. I like that I am purchasing mom-invented products from another mom who understands the challenges that come with the role of being a mom. I like your excellent customer service and your variety of products offered.
2. I think your website is great and it really shows that you put a lot of yourself, time and ideas into making it better. Sometimes an item says "out-of-stock", does that mean you are expecting more to come in?
3. I enjoy watching your videos. I am just wondering how this would work if someone does not have time to sit down and watch it all at once? With a written Q&A we can come back as many times as we need to read it or scan it quickly for what we find interesting. If the feed is slow or hard to understand I might not have the patience to watch. Is it possible to have a podcast so we can listen to you on the go?

[Kristi Thurman]

I love the potty training watch. I think it would be great for when we start potty training.

1. You customer service is GREAT - including the free shipping & discounts! It's great to find a company that appreciates their customers. I have to say the babylegs were my favorite item. I am addicted to them. But I just started reading the blog & I am really enjoying it. Oh, and the contests are great, too. I just found out that you have them.

2. Can't think of anything.

3. I think that's a great idea. I can't think of a question right now, but I'm sure eventually I would have one.

[Phaedra]

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life?
Great range of "natural mothering" products which are impossible to find in middle Georgia!

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)?
Definately more toys for infants, especially under 6 months. I like to order homemade products, especially with all the "made in china" problems with chidren's toys, but it's hard to find good infant toys.

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?
Honestly, I'm not much into videos online - I usually have the volume off on the computer, so I wouldn't make much use of this.

[Qtpies7]

1. I LOVE your give-aways, lol. But I love the videos, they are great, it adds a personal touch and I love it.
2. I like the forum idea, too. But definatly with topics, no free-style chats, those tend to get catty and out of control on some sites.
3. I think its a fantastic idea!

[Rachel]

1. What do you like best about Mom 4 Life?
I love that all the products are exactly what mom's need, not just want. Plus I really like that all the products and this store are based around motherhood in general. Well, and of course the unbeatable prices and free shipping aren't that bad either! ;)

2. What could we do to improve or to better meet your needs (on our website or blog)?
The only problem I've ever run into with this site is that items are out of stock or unavailable. But it never stays that way for long. To remedy this situation, maybe certain things could be ordered instead of just kept on supply, like certain fabric colors of slings etc.

3. I am considering a regular blog video post that would be a Q&A style where you get to ask me questions and I answer them (all topics considered). What do you honestly think about this idea and do you have a question for me to consider should I choose to do this?
I like the idea of this, as it makes the interaction on the site more personal, but I know I don't have as much time to explore this site as I'd like already, much less time to watch video blogs. What kinds of questions would be involved? Prodcut questions or general mom questions? This could be a great opportunity to make this not only a store but a resource for mom's to go to for all different kinds of parenting needs (for example useful advice, recent studies and findings, etc).

Now here's crossin my fingers for that potty watch! ;)

[Christina]

I am potty training one now and have a least one more to go. I wonder how well it would work on my little "punk" princess.

1. I love the new products on mom4life. Its so exciting to see what other moms have come up with.

2. I think you do a great job with this website!

3. I think that would be fun and maybe one day I will have something better than dial up tp watch them!

[Candice]

I just placed an order for the blue Potty Watch for my 1 year old. Wish me luck!!
I also would like to be entered in your contest for the topless tank. I am nursing my 3 month old and am very self conscious about showing skin. I think this would be perfect.Thnx!!