It's a Smashing Hit

I love my computer and, apparently, so does M. I've tried giving M an old keyboard to play with, but he doesn't fall for the trick. He likes to bang on my keyboard and usually activates some weird feature that I didn't even know existed.

I've recently discovered this very cool and free application called Baby Smash (the free Apple equivalent of this software is AlphaBaby) that will allow M to bang on my computer without doing any damage. Notice I did not say anything about the keyboard; we've already had to replace one keyboard since M enjoys seeing the effects of his banging on the screen.

Check out this clip of how happy Baby Smash made this little tot. If only my M was as gentle with the keyboard as this cute little guy. Sigh...

Scott, the Microsoft developer of Baby Smash, is considering updates to the program so that family pictures appear when certain keys are struck. I'm looking forward to new improvements to an already great tool.

Happy Smashing!

-Thuy

E=MC^2

We've finallly picked our winners for the Baby Einstein DVDs!! Hooray! Congratulations to Mama Hill, Jingle and Mrs. Olsen!!


As I wrote the title of this post, I couldn't help thinking of Mariah Carey, whom I think is talented but oh so full of herself. I laugh at how she and her husband, Nick, always match in pictures...just imagine my husband, M, and me all showing up in coordinating tracksuits. Can you picture it?! Nothing says "We Belong Together" like matching sweatsuits.

I've also have to admit that, although I'm not mathematically inclined, I wonder what Mariah and her team of advisers were thinking when they titled her album E=MC^2. Emancipation = Mariah Carey Carey? Hmmm...I guess she's no Einstein.

-Thuy

Gift Cards Galore

I'm a lucky girl. For every occasion, from Christmas to birthdays to anniversaries, I receive a bevy of gift cards. I'm told that I am hard to shop for. Really?! I think I'm rather easy to shop for; a good book or anything from Paper Source is a sure pleaser. Regardless, my wallet inevitably gets stretched out because I carry gift cards around with me, for months or for years even.

I just found a service that allows me to track, swap, and register my gift cards, so I can earn interest on them. In my effort to start my year a bit more organized, I registered with Leverage Card. It's a free service that's worth a try since it allows users to earn 1% interest on their gift cards. More importantly, I'll never lose another gift card again.

-Thuy

Save Green and Read Green

I have a hard time of letting go of my magazines. Why else would I have copies of Martha Stewart Weddings after having been married for almost four years? All of the glossy, pretty pictures make it impossible for me to throw them out or even donate them to our local library. However, this is all about to change. In 2009, I’m going to be throwing out my old issues and resolve to live a bit greener by reading my magazines online.

To try out reading your magazines online (they have virtually everything available), go to http://goreadgreen.com/ to get your one year subscription, digitally, for FREE. (Free, my favorite word... or it is sale?!)

I subscribed to Working Mother, just to try out the magazine. My electronic subscription allows me to flag my favorite articles. Best of all, if there’s a site recommended in the article, I can simply click on the link and it will take me the website. It took a bit of getting used to, but I really like that I can search topics electronically, instead of thumbing through the magazine, to find exactly what I need. So interactive!!

If you try out a magazine and decide you like this method of reading, you can buy a digital subscription from the Go Read Green Initiative and help buy trees at the same time. A portion of your purchase will be used to purchase eco unit credits and buy more trees.

We can all read and breathe easier.

-Thuy

And the Winner Is...

Mara!! Mara, please e-mail us your mailing address so you can get the bag to you in time for Christmas!

Sorry it took us so long to announce the winner of our first blog giveaway - we're new at this and had to figure it all out. Now that we have, it will be much faster next time.


I'm sad to part with such a lovely and sturdy bag from Loom, but am sure it will be become an essentail bag to Mara. Congratulations, Mara!

Thank you to our many participants. Don't be too disappointed if you didn't win because this will be the first of many giveaways. Plus, Loom is still having their Fall Sale, everything on their website is still 40% off. To still take advantage of their sale, follow these instructions.

-Thuy

A Contest Entry

We take a break from our regularly scheduled programming...er, postings...to enter a contest on MckMama's site. At stake, camera equipment and a customized blog header. Although our entry to the Small Fryday Contest may be a bit late, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that the "better late than never" policy will apply.

Check out My Charming Kids for more contest details...

-Francesca

Our First Bloggy Giveaway!!!

Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to kick off the shopping season than by giving a present to the most overlooked person on your gift list…yourself!

Loom has graciously agreed to give away their beautiful and functional Go Tote Canvas pictured above to one lucky 3 Bay B Chicks reader. The bag, known as the "essential urban hauler", is valued at $105. To enter the content, visit the company's website. Once done, come back to the 3 Bay B Chicks blog and leave a comment letting us know which Loom item you love most and why. Who knows? That very accessory may be the prize for a future giveaway!

And because every contest must have them, here are our Official Rules:

1) Contest ends on Wednesday, November 19th at 12:00 a.m. PST.
2) Contestants may submit their entry by commenting on any post on the 3 Bay B Chicks blog during the contest period.
3) One entry per person.
4) No purchase necessary.
5) Entrants must be U.S. residents age 18 or older.
6) The winner will be selected at random on Thursday, November 20th and contacted via email. The winner will also be announced on the 3 Bay B Chicks website.
7) Any failure to respond to the prize notification within three business days will result in the prize going to an alternate winner.
8) Neither the 3 Bay B Chicks nor Loom may be held responsible for lost or misdirected mail.

Good luck!

Also, if you've missed the warehouse sale at Loom last weekend, it's not too late to take advantage of their amazing sale prices. All regularly priced items are still 40% off. Simply go to Loom's website to make your selection and then send an e-mail to info@loomlife.com with “FALL SALE” in the subject line. Be sure to include your order details and payment information. Loom will contact you via e-mail to confirm your order.

As you know, I can never resist a sale and ended up buying a few of these adorable pop bins to store M's many toys. Anything to restore our house to the semi state of order that existed before M!!

-Thuy