Blogoversary Giveaway Winners

As I commented over on my facebook page today, I love running a giveaway. And whilst I like receiving lots of entries, because it means there is enthusiasm for the prize I'm giving away... I also don't like seeing people miss out. So it was extremely difficult to only pick two winners out of forty six entries. 

Then, when it came to plucking two names out of the bowl for the giveaway here at Mama of 2 boys, I found it tough again. I would love to give a prize to everyone who left a lovely comment on my giveaway post, but alas, two winners it is.

And I'm thrilled to reveal those winners are:

Buff @ Buffy's World

Elisa @ With Grace & Eve

Ladies, when you're ready please send me the details of your choices for a Button Tots Singlet AND Button Tots T-Shirt. 

Mama of 2 boys turns Two! + a little Giveaway

I used to be a fairly active blogger. Loved writing here, loved reading over at all my favourite spaces... and of course, still do. But for a few months now, I've found it increasingly difficult to keep up to date with this lovely passtime, much to my own disappointment. There are a number of reasons why, though I can honestly say they all tend to fall under the heading of... "Life". So it's no surprise that I managed to let Mama of 2 boys two year anniversary (in November), slip right by me. And only last week, when I realised December was almost upon me, did I remember this milestone for my humble little contribution to cyberspace here.

Whilst I am too disorganised to put together one of my traditional giveaway packs this time, I did want to offer up a small something as a very big Thank You to the lovely followers/readers who provide me with such friendly, wonderful, support and advice through comments and emails, so very often. And here it is:

Two packs from my Button Tots range, consisting of one Singlet and one T-Shirt in each pack.

The choice of design, size, boy/girl mix, is entirely up to the winners... it can either be selected from the existing range, or made as a custom order.

To be in the running, simply be a follower at Mama of 2 boys and leave a comment on this post. Winners will be announced here on Monday 10th December. Open to Australian residents only (sorry!)

Please feel free to peruse the range of Button Tots designs over on Facebook or at Madeit (smaller selection on Madeit).

The latest brand new additions to the range.

Give it away... NOW! Winners & Bonus

There was mild excitement this evening, as we drew the winners of my 'Give It Away... NOW!' packs. I love how seriously my four year old assistant took the task. Thank you so much to all the lovely readers who entered... I was overwhelmed by the kind, sweet words I received. It is always really difficult to only have a couple of winners, so this time I created a 'bonus' prize.

Typo are having their mid-year sale and I stumbled on a groovy three pack of pens and the cutest sticky notes. Naturally, I snapped up some for myself, but thought another set would go nicely with a pair of Marie Claire platters.

So the winners are:

The Women's Weekly COOK book & Set of two Marie Claire platters - Corinne @ Daze of my life

Kikki K Sketch Pad & Set of three matching pens + Typo Birdie Stamp & pad - At Number 32

BONUS prize - Shar @ Mum on the Run

Please email me with an address to send your winnings girls, thanks.

Give it away, give it away, give it away... NOW!

In my head, I imagined once I hit one hundred followers I'd have a little giveaway. A bit of a celebration for reaching triple figures, or something like that. But as is often the case, my reflexes have taken a tad longer to catch up with my thoughts. But I have also just clocked up three hundred & fifty posts. So for both these reasons... some tokens of appreciation.

Pack One

The Australian Women's Weekly COOK book - This book was gifted to me by my dear friend Nat many moons ago and is still my favourite cook book. It is responsible for lots of the delicious recipes I post here and when I saw this soft cover copy at the Post Office, I knew it had to form part of a giveaway. Tried and tested recipes, from me to you.

Set of two square platters by Marie Claire - Now these are simply gorgeous. So gorgeous in fact, that I purchased three sets of them at once. And decided they would be a rather nice accompaniment to the cook book. They look perfect with a good slab of cake rested upon them too.

Pack Two

Kikki K Sketch Notepad & Three Kikki K matching pens - Because as I have discovered, one can never have too much stationery on hand.

Typo bright blue ink pad & birdie stamp - this actually just matched the rest of the blue motif nicely... and stamps are always fun too!

So thank you lovely followers. I may not always be able to reply to your wonderful comments filled with words of wisdom and support... but please know that each and every one brightens my days... and nights.

* All followers (new & old) of Mama of 2 boys residing in Australia may enter this giveaway (sorry to my overseas lovelies)

* Simply leave a comment on this post... and maybe which pack would be preferred

* Entries close next Monday 4th June at 6pm

* Winners will be drawn and posted the same evening

Philly Pack Winners

The last few days have seriously run away with me and my sincere apologies go out to all who entered my Philadelphia giveaway. I fully intended to announce the five winners last Friday... but here I am, some days later, very excited to reveal the lovely ladies soon to receive their Philly packs. Thank you for the wonderful entries, there were so many scrumptious sounding recipes, so it was quite the challenge to choose.


And the winner's are:


Jen R @ Let it go
Teresa @ Amelie in Wonderland
Tammi @ Little Poppa
Nat @ Muddy Farmwife
Jane @ Life on Planet Baby


If you could please email me your addresses when you get the chance girls, I'll organise for your packs to be sent out. 

Philadelphia Freedom & Giveaway

There are moments in life when I have to pinch myself, real hard. Because at times, I wouldn't believe the experience before me, without a short sharp shock to the senses. Today, standing in Louise Fulton Keats' lounge room, I felt so privileged for the wonderful opportunity I was participating in. Louise is the granddaughter of cookbook legend (and one of my cooking idols) Margaret Fulton. Louise, a talented cook and author of the beautiful children's book 'My Grandma's Kitchen', opened her home to myself, my boys and a collection of other lucky bloggers. Then, went on to share some absolutely divine recipes, using one of my baking favourites, Philadelphia cream cheese. Oh, this invite had my name written all over it.

Louise's passion for good food and healthy options when it comes to preparing snacks and meals for children, is so very evident in the recipes she shared with us. All amazingly simple, yet exceptionally tasty and filled with the kind of ingredients we can happily gobble more of... without the guilt. Sonia from Love, Life & Hiccups offered up two of her gorgeous boys as assistants in the preparation of carrot cupcakes, which was a treat to watch. In fact, the whole morning was a treat for the kidlets, who were welcomed with open arms and made to feel so at home the entire time we were there.

My personal highlights for the day though, firstly, meeting the incredible Margaret Fulton herself. My, I was just a wee bit in awe of this lovely lady. We even shared a hug and a couple of photos that I will treasure forever. With Louise, her Mum and her grandma present, it felt quite the family affair. Secondly, tasting a piece of Margaret's mouthwatering Bistro Cheesecake, also created a lifelong memory for me. So spectacular, it needs to be seen and tried to be believed. And finally, meeting a special group of friendly, funny, inspiring women. Such an enriching morning to be a part of and I am ever so grateful to Louise and Kraft Philadelphia for the invitation and making it all possible.

But the most exciting part I've left to the end. I have five Philadelphia prize packs to offer five of my delightful followers. Each contains a copy of 'Simply Heaven Volume 2... another 75 reasons to use Philadelphia' AND a $7.00 Woolworths gift card... which just so happens to be enough for two philly products.

To win one of the five packs:

• Please leave a comment on this post sharing your favourite recipe/use for Philly cream cheese or related Philadelphia products
• The five best will be chosen by yours truly to win a pack
• Offer available to new and old followers
• Only Australian residents may enter... apologies to my overseas contingent
• Winners will be drawn and announced on Friday 30th December

I also took home some Philadelphia goodies; 'Simply Heaven Vol 2... another 75 reasons to use Philadelphia' AND a signed personalised copy of 'My Grandma's Kitchen' by Louise Fulton Keats, for my boys. I cannot. wait. to sink my teeth into some of those delightful recipes from both books and no doubt share them right here. Thank you Louise, Peta, Margaret and everyone involved with today.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Much excitement (and a few tears) before bedtime tonight. As my two little elves assisted in the draw of the Christmas Cheer giveaway. At the best of times this kind of exercise can be fractious and at the end of a long day, drama is inevitable. Something about a small bowl filled with bits of paper sends the boys into a frenzy. But they were both so pleased with themselves when they picked the winners.

So first up, the winner of pack number one, is Lioness Lady! The cheesy smile says it all, we were very happy. Next up, winner of pack number two, is Pink Patent Mary Janes! Once again, over the moon with this result. Please email your details ladies and I'll pop your winnings into the post asap. Thank you to all the lovely entrants, I do wish I had something to give to every one of you, but as I am now addicted to running these giveaways, it shouldn't be too long before there is another. 

Christmas Cheer Giveaway

So the weather around here is nothing short of abysmal. Quite the disappointment for a Summer loving gal like myself. Cold and muggy, never a good combo. Dampness everywhere. Soggy, limp towels that don't get the chance to dry between uses. Nothing nicer than a warm, crisp towel. Normally one of the benefits of the hot season. Not here... not now... not this Summer. I get the distinct feeling I may need to become accustomed to such dreary occurrences during the months ahead. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope so.

I've been busily shopping at every opportunity for the past couple of weeks. Finding pretty nik naks and useful doodads for family and friends... and the odd little something for yours truly. Since my blogoversary giveaway, I've been keen to run another and realised I have the perfect opportunity right now. Spreading a spot of Christmas cheer to the lovely followers of Mama of 2 boys... once more for 2011. With that brainwave, two packs have been created. Each containing a handful of items similar (or the same in some cases) as purchases made this festive season. I seriously LOVE this giveaway business. (I also love when a selection of favourite stores have pre-Christmas sales... thanking you Kikki K, My House and Typo).

Pack 1 - Bugs, butterflies & blooms purse; Pretty pink flowers magnet; Kikki K Today/Tomorrow post it notes; Kikki K strawberry ballpoint pen; Calvin Klein 15ml 'Forbidden Euphoria' Eau de Parfum spray... this actually came free with a few fragrances I purchased as Chrissy presents... and it smells so lovely, I thought it would be perfect with these other girly treats.

Pack 2 - 2012 Typo desk calendar 'Paris'; Typo 'Keep calm...' magnet; My House Set of 3 Christmas tea towels (personally I can never have too many of these); Kikki K Recipe Adhesive Notes... absolutely fabulous for marking the pages of all those favourite recipes, to ensure they won't be forgotten. Simple but clever idea and they come in so handy.

      Terms & Conditions:

• All followers new and old who leave a comment on this post will go in the running to win one of the two packs (previous winners are still eligible to enter)
• Only available to Australian residents (sorry my overseas followers)
• Entries close next Sunday 18th December at 5pm. Two winners will be drawn and announced in Sunday's post. 

Thank You Giveaway Winners

What a scorcher today has been. Can't say I mind, as I love the heat. Low humidity is even better. I also love that with high temperatures, we have an extra supply of chubby bubby sweet rolls of skin on display. There are few things I find more adorable than a babe in just a nappy. Except maybe two little guys, straight out of the bath, fresh as a daisy and uber keen to help their Mama with her first ever giveaway draw. In fact, they were so excited, they wanted to keep drawing names. And so did I! If only I had a thank you gift for every lovely comment I received on my blogoversary post, that would be awesome. But this maiden giveaway has whet my appetite for future giveaway ideas... so please watch this space, because I like this giving business.


So first up, with uncontrollable enthusiasm from Angus, we have Emma from Frog, Goose & Bear who wins the Heart of the Home pack. Next, we have Jody from Lemon Rhodes, who wins the For the love of stationery pack (Felix was pretty proud of himself picking this one Jody). Finally, we have shhh... it's Lizeylou who wins the Have fun and relax pack. I am so happy to be sending these out to you gorgeous ladies, please email me your address and I'll pop them in the mail asap... and thank you to everyone who went into the running also. 

Blogoversary & Thank You giveaway

One year ago today, Mama of 2 boys was born. 8 posts penned in the first week and not another word written for the next 9 weeks. Probably a good thing, as those early posts are quite cringeworthy different to the posts since I resumed blogging regularly in January this year. But for me, that is what my blog is all about... evolution. I kicked it off at a time when I desperately needed to express my thoughts, feed my hunger for writing and most importantly, begin recording a keepsake for my two wild and wonderful boys. 

As is the case with so many ventures in life, I had no idea I would discover the world I did. Blogging has opened my eyes to a galaxy of beautiful, funny, intelligent, kind, caring, clever, talented women. All I can feel is privileged to be a part of it all. Not only do I have a space where my ramblings and precious memories can reside, I also have an incredible collection of individuals, who seem to understand where I'm coming from. After all, so many of you have been there or are there or plan to go there someday. You have enriched and inspired me. 

On that note, I would like to offer up my first ever giveaway. The blogging world is such a generous one and this is something I have looked forward to doing for a long time. But thought the 1st anniversary would be a good time to start. So I have 3 packs, each represents a bundle of things that I love. What better way to show my gratitude to you lovely followers out there, for your support and friendship.

Pack 1 - Heart of the home: I do enjoy baking a tasty sweet treat. So this bunch contains all things kitchen. A set of babushka nesting cups (which just so happen to also be measuring cups)... too cute; A heart shaped set of 3 sauce and dip bowls in basic white porcelain... I like these treasures very much; A floral print cooking apron... so pretty! And of course... a Women's Weekly 'delicious desserts' cookbook... some ridiculously delicious recipes in this one, 70 of them in fact!

Pack 2 - For the love of stationery: I've always been a stationery hoarder, simply cannot. have. enough. So this lot delivers a Kikki K black cube note pad, with a Kikki K white pen for doodling... very groovy; A Typo stamp set... because stamps are so much fun (hopefully that's not just my opinion!?); And a Typo note book and spotty pen... I adore red, black and white... together or alone, but this notebook and pen satisfies on all counts.

Pack 3 - Have fun and relax: I think this collection might just be my personal favourite. Filled with items that make me feel good. A pack of 2 Kikki K candles... lime blossom & lime coconut... lovely! More coconut, in the form of an Evodia fragrance roll-on... I LOVE coconut scented anything and it reminds me of the freshness of the beach... double bonus; iTunes $20 gift card... I am a music lover and a self confessed iTunes addict... couldn't help but share that joy around; Summer scarf in what looks like red and white, but is actually coral and white... I'm a big fan of the scarf; And a cheeky red, card holder... purely because I thought it was rather nice, I bought one for myself and I believe you can never have too many purses, wallets or cardholders in the rotation.

I really gained much enjoyment in finding these bits and pieces to put together for you delightful followers out there and I'm very excited to be running this little thank you giveaway. Just a few Terms and Conditions:

• Thank you giveaway will run until next Monday 14th November.
• All followers (new and old) who leave a comment on this post will be in the running.
• Only residents of Australia may enter... big apologies to my lovely overseas contingent.
• 3 winners will be chosen at random and announced on the evening of Monday 14th.