12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 12 A 1 week rental of a Chariot w/ XC Ski Attachment from Alaska Baby Rentals

 Have you noticed how much gear you have when you have kids?! When you have a baby you have the swing, pack n play, excersaucer, etc. That takes up room! Then add to it that we live in Alaska so we need great gear to get outside with the littles like a backpack, stroller, car seat, etc. How can someone so little, need so much large stuff?!

 

 Well, have you heard about Alaska Baby Rentals? No, they don't rent babies. But you will probably get to see some cute babies/kids when you rent/buy from them! They rent strollers, car seats, back packs, toys, and so much more. They also are an authorized dealer for Thule, Bumbleride, and Go-Go Babyz so they can sell you the newest products!

 

 The owner, Sarah, experiences Alaska as much as possible with her family. So she knows first hand about the products she carries. She is also a pro at flying with kiddos so she can answer all your "traveling with kids" questions. Not only does she try out the products but she has a try and buy program for customers! So if you are having a hard time figuring out what stroller you want, call Alaska Baby Rentals to take it out for a spin! They also sell their gear to buy newer models so be sure to follow them on Facebook to hear about those sales!

 

 

 Alaska Baby Rentals has donated a 1 week rental of a Chariot with XC ski attachment to the winner of this giveaway! Hopefully we get more snow so the winner can use it! I've used this attachment with my Chariot and it rocks! We used it to take the little ones to the Iditarod start in Willow. You can pull with XC skis or push without. So let's learn about this baby gear head and get onto the giveaway!

 

Why did you start your business?

  To help families get outdoors and explore this beautiful state! When you have kids in Alaska, without the right gear, it makes it tricky to get outside, especially in the winter! We specialize in awesome gear that is perfect for our rugged terrain and extreme seasons and we only sell and rent products that are great here year round!

 

What is your favorite thing about Alaska?

  So many things! The community in Alaska - it is such a small big state! The beautiful outdoors that are breathtaking - from rivers to glaciers, mountains to beaches! The awesome playgrounds. Can you tell I'm a mom? And I love the sun - the midnight sun in the summer and the cheery sun that reflects on the snow in the winter. And seeing Denali when she's out always makes me smile. It never gets old. 

 The winner will receive a 1 week rental gift certificate for a Thule Chariot with XC Ski Attachment ($130 value). The giveaway closes on December 19th. Don't forget to enter the other giveaway going on!

Day 11- LuLaRoe girl's dress




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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 11 A LuLaRoe girl's dress

 I have 2 little girls who love to dress up. My youngest would wear a dress everyday if she could. I love to watch her skip and dance in it. You can tell she feels beautiful and loves life. I want my girls to never lose this.

 

 

 Dress shopping for my littles is actually disappointing sometimes! The dresses are too revealing or gaudy, and I want my little girl to look, well, like a little girl! Enter LuLaRoe, a fashion brand that sells dresses, leggings, and skirts through pop-up boutiques. they have clothing for girls, teens, and women.

 These dresses have so much color and originality! I need to add some to my boring closet of solid colors and stripes! You can go to Jess' Facebook page to see all the great clothes! I have my eye on some of those leggings! You can also do a home party and score some great finds! Let's learn more about the lady behind the dresses!

 

Why did you start your business?

  I started my business for 2 reasons. I just had our 3rd baby and was nursing and so I was wearing a lot of skirts instead of dresses, but I couldn't find a big selection of affordable cute skirts here. I'm from Hawaii and we have so much color around us and in the clothes we wear and so many more stores, so it was a little frustrating. I was buying Lularoe from a friend from college that lives down in Seattle, and Lularoe wasn't here in Alaska yet so I thought why not. It has been a great adventure for me and my family but I get to spend more time with my kids and I get to meet great people and dress them in beautiful clothes.

 

 What do you love about Alaska?

 My favorite thing about Alaska is all the outdoor activities you can do year around. It's such a beautiful place, and I can't wait for it to snow!

 

The winner will receive a girl's dress of their choice, sizes are 2T-10! Will be hard to decide! The giveaway will close December 18th. Be sure to enter the other giveaway going on and come back tomorrow for a another giveaway!

 

Day 10- Baby Breakup Boots or Salmon Blanket

 

 

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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 10 Choice of Baby Breakup Boots or Salmon Blanket from Created Alaska

 When you think Alaskan rain boots, most people think XtraTufs. Almost a staple in every Alaskan household. They are so cute on little toddler feet! Now let's go cuter, crocheted baby breakup boots! See photo below for cuteness overload!

 

 How cute are those! They were created by Kim over at Created Alaska. You've got to go see all her handmade baby items! She has adorable baby fishing bibs! As you can see in the sweet photo below, this has Alaskan baby written all over it!

 Kim, along with her husband, also makes beautiful blankets and other baby gear. Seriously, go look at her photos on her facebook page. The winner of this giveaway gets to pick either the baby breakup boots or a salmon blanket, pictured below. There are several colors to choose from for the blanket, see the bottom photo!

 I got to pick out something from Created Alaska's awesome handmade baby gear. Can I tell you that it was really hard to make a decision! It was a serious toss up between the nursing infinity scarf, blanket, or fleece car seat blanket. I went with a personalized blanket, and look what I got! See below! I asked for an Alaskan keepsake blanket for my youngest. I love it! The leaves on the back remind me of the fall and the blue and grey reminds me of the glaciers. Let's learn more about this creative lady!

Why did you start your business?

I was raised sewing with my mama and sisters. Once I met my husband, he was enthusiastic in creating these unique blankets and baby items. Together, we have made 100's of baby blankets for family, friends charities and clients. Some of our most popular things were suggestions from our fans. The Baby Breakup Boots, Little Fishing Bibs and Dead Red hats are very popular for use in professional photos.

What do you love about Alaska?

 My favorite thing about Alaska is our sense of independence, and willingness to help our neighbors in need. My husband and I are both Nurses at Central Peninsula Hospital, caring for others is what we are passionate about.

 The winner will get to choose between the Baby Breakup Boots or a Salmon blanket. The giveaway will close on December 15th. Be sure to enter the other giveaways going on and come back on Monday for more giveaways!

Day 7- Raindrop Technique Therapy
Day 8- A dozen cookies from The Frosted Moose
Day 9- $100 gift certificate for The Music Canvas




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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 9 $100 Gift Certificate from The Music Canvas

 We have jam sessions at our house, we break out into songs. Luckily, the Frozen songs are dying out and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is being sung. I've sung songs to calm my babies or to distract my toddlers. Now my older kiddos enjoy listening to Pandora and singing along. Music is such an important part of our life, so we really enjoyed our jam sessions with Kamryn at The Music Canvas when my kids were younger.

 

 Music enriches our lives. There have been studies on brain development and the benefits of music with young children. With that in mind, I knew my kids were getting so much more out of our Music Canvas experience then just play. My little ones enjoyed singing and dancing, you can read about our experience more, here. You get a CD with the class so you can sing at home. We listened to that CD all the time, even when our sessions were over. 

 

 The Music Canvas offers a class just for babies or a class with mixed ages, from babies to preschoolers. Classes can be found in Anchorage and Eagle River, several days of the week and at different times. You can visit a free demonstration class to see if it's something your kiddo would enjoy. You can follow The Music Canvas on Facebook to find out where the free demonstration classes are. So who wants to learn more about this music instructor?!

 Why did you start your business?

After completing my studies as a music teacher, I found myself on the corporate ladder, distant from my passion of music and family. After much research, I chose to offer Music Together and private lessons to marry those desires together. I love it!

 What do you love about Alaska?

Aside from the natural beauty Alaska has to offer, I love the community.


 So who is ready to win a $100 gift certificate* for Music Together classes offered through The Music Canvas? Babies, toddlers and preschoolers will sing, dance, play music instruments and explore their inner musician in a relaxed and friendly music community lead by a professional early childhood music specialist. Sounds like a great way to get out of the house, right? A winner will be chosen December 14th. Don't forget to enter the other giveaways going on!

Day 6: Snuggleboo Car Seat Cover
Day 7: Raindrop Technique Therapy
Day 8: A dozen cookies from The Frosted Moose


*Must be used toward a regular 8-week session and excludes summer and holiday sessions. Sessions cannot be prorated and giveaway gift certificate cannot be combined with any other discounts. Expires 12/31/2015.



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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 8 A Dozen Custom Cookies from The Frosted Moose

 

 

 

 Have you tried to recreate something from Pinterest? I have and it generally doesn't turn out like the picture. I'm sure you've seen all the Pinterest fail photos floating around. This hair flip is my favorite. Just click on the photo to see other hilarious fails. All that to say, have you ever frosted cookies? I have. Let's just say I'm glad the kids help so I can blame the cookies I decorated on them.

 

 Enter amazing people like Kelly from The Frosted Moose to actually "nail" the beautiful decorated sugar cookie.  I'll let the photos do the talking.

  See. Amazing. They look so pretty, it would be hard to eat them! The Frosted Moose just opened in Anchorage. She's only on Facebook and takes orders via email Thefrostedmoose@yahoo.com. Let's learn more about this new cookie queen!

 Why did you start your business?
 
 I have always enjoyed baking, and I've been decorating cookies now for several years. I blame this whole starting a business thing on the fact that my three children sleep through the night, and now I have nothing to do! ;) I'm also a part time night nurse that can run on very little zzzzzzs. The idea of running my own business has always intrigued me, so when the cottage industry laws went into effect (allowing me to work from my home kitchen), it was the perfect opportunity to 'dip my toe in', and see if this bakery thing will go somewhere.

 What do you love about Alaska?

 I love the ability to live just minutes from hiking, fishing, camping spots, even though I'm in a big city! I love the crazy adventures found here, hiking to old mines, fishing with 5 foot nets, moose eating the shrubs! I love that(some of) my family is here, I love that friends up here become like family. There's so much to love... :)

 Who wants to win a dozen cookies, your choice on theme, from The Frosted Moose? Winner can order anytime in the year 2015, but book early! Oh, and you have to be able to pick up in Anchorage. Sorry, she can't mail them. Winner will be chosen on December 13th. Don't forget to enter the other giveaways going on and come back to tomorrow to find out the next giveaway!

Day 6- Snuggleboo Car Seat Cover
Day 7- Raindrop Therapy Technique


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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 7 a complimentary Raindrop Therapy from Made for More, Oiked for Health

  I heard about essential oils about 2 years ago. I finally took the plunge about a year ago when I used them and saw results. My little one had a nasty cough and I was concerned it would get worse. My friend Sara gave me some Young Living R.C. to try and I was amazed at the results. I have seen fevers come down, cuts healed faster, and stuffed noses opened with the oils I've used.

 Sara's business page is Made for More, Oiled for Health. You can follow her to learn more about oils and read personal testimonies. Sara is giving away 1 complimentary Raindrop Therapy. Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of essential oils that are immune enhancing, support the body's natural defenses, as well as the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, nervous, and other body systems.

  The photo below explains what oils are used and for what. But the great thing is you can relax and have someone else apply it! Sara is a great contact if you want to learn more about essential oils. Let's learn more about this lady behind the oils.

Why did you start your business?

 I started my business after I saw the profound positive effects that Young Living Essential Oils had on myself and my family. I began learning the Raindrop Technique so I could share them with more specific intent. I enjoy helping others and this is truly a passion of mine.

What do you love about Alaska?

My favorite thing about Alaska is the sole fact that a 5 minute drive gets you into the wilderness. Camping at our property is my favorite family activity.

 The winner will receive 1 Raindrop Therapy application from Sara. The winner will have to be able to meet in Anchorage. The giveaway ends December 12th. Don't forget to enter the other giveaway going on and to come back tomorrow!

Day 6- Snuggleboo Car Seat Cover

Jamie

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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 6 Snuggleboo Car Seat Cover

 I'm so excited that Naomi from Snuggleboo has donated one of her awesome car seat covers to the giveaway! You know those products that were so awesome that you can't help but tell everyone about it? That's how I feel about this cover. I'm so in love with these because I used one for 2 of my kiddos. Wish I would of known about them sooner! Wherever I went, people would stop me and ask where I got it. It would be awesome for every new momma in Alaska to get one of these.

 

 

 

 I've seen all the other car seat covers, but I think this one is by far the best! It has a little window that you can peek in without taking the cover off. You can see the pic below of my little cuddlebug. She was always warm.Another thing that stands out is that it has elastic around the bottom so it actually stays on the car seat. The wind can't blow the fabric up. 

 

 

 

 It was really easy to wrap the cover up so I could take my babies out or just let them see out. It also helped keep people out when they were sleeping. If they did want to peek in, they just needed to lift the little window.

 

 You can get the cover in fleece or cotton. She also started selling these toddler seat covers pictured below. Ill be ordering one for my little guy. You can see more on her Facebook page, but go to her online store to see current prints and to order. You can also buy them at the Providence Nursing Boutique or in Full Spectrum's Nursing Boutique (AK Regional Hospital). 

 

 Why did you start your business?

When I designed this cover, I never intended on starting a business. I just wanted a cover that would keep my baby warm, that stayed away from their face and was secured to the car seat. But I had SO MANY people ask me where I got it and if I would make them one that it just kinda happened..... I Love that this had become something that I can do and still continue to be a stay at home mom to my 4 kiddo's.

What do you love about Alaska?

     My Favorite thing about Alaska is it's natural beauty. From the Mountains to the inlet, it is truly amazing.

The winner will get to choose a Snuggleboo car seat cover. The giveaway will end on December 11th. Be sure to come back tomorrow for our next giveaway or enter last week's giveaway that ends tonight!

Day 5- Rocks and Rills Artisian Owlet Sweater and Hat



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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 5 Rocks and Rills Owlet Sweater and Hat

 I'll admit it, I enjoyed the lack of snow this winter. I knew it was to good to be true and I believe the snow is here to stay. At least we can break out all the cute winter gear!I love seeing all the knitted and crocheted hats around. We have several character hats in our household: minions, angry birds, hello kitty,  a penguin, and very colorful ones. You can never have enough hats in Alaska, just like you can never have enough jackets here. Whooo wants to add an adorable owl hat to their collection?

 That's right! My friend, Calleen, with Rocks and Rills Artisan Clothing  has kindly donated this size 24 month owlet sweater and hat! The winner will get to choose between purple or blue. Aren't these adorable?! I'm picturing great photo ops with this!

 Calleen also makes dresses, sweaters, baby mittens, boot cuffs and more. I just love these boot cuffs pictured below! Who is rockin' boot cuffs? I haven't made the leap yet. Not sure if I can pull it off. Visit Rocks and Rills facebook page to see more of her products. Whooo is this lady behind the crochet needles? (It's late, gotta stop with the owl puns.) And by the way, Calleen, I'm digging those boots!

 

Why did you start your business?

 I spend a lot of time just waiting for my kids at therapy, swimming lessons etc. Doing this makes me feel like I haven't wasted that time but also I LOVE creating beautiful things and it feeds my soul. I sell what I make to fund my habit.

What do you love about Alaska?

 I love the mountains. I didn't grow up in AK, but I did grow up in the Rockies and I love seeing the Rockies outside my window again.

 The winner will get to choose from the blue or purple 24 month owlet sweater and hat. The giveaway will close December 7th. Don't forget to enter the other giveaways as well!

Day 2- This and That Embroidered Hand Towels
Day 3- Ak On the Go Signed Book
Day 4- Lacy Treasures Tatted Earrings



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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 4 Lacy Treasures Tatted Earrings

 I'm a sucker for all things beautifully handmade. I can really appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating. I've always been intrigued by jewelry making especially. So I was thrilled when Darlene from Lacy Treasures donated earrings to the giveaway. One of the pairs of earrings are tatted. Here, let me show you what you can win:

 

 Aren't they beautiful?! Honestly, I had to look up "tatting" because I had no clue what it meant. The only thing that came to mind is when someone is tatted up with tattoos! This is obviously not that! Tatting a dying art, it's handmade lace, but it's not crocheting. Here, let me show you a photo of someone tatting:

 

 

  My eyes and hands start to hurt just looking at this! The detail is amazing! So did you learn something? I did! Darlene also makes jewelry, home decor, and accessories using this technique. You can find her treasures on her facebook or etsy page.  Let's learn more about this skillful crafter.

Why did you start your business?

 I love making handmade lace which I learned years ago from my young daughter who learned from my sister. With a love for the vibrant colored threads and sparkling beads, I enjoy hours of designing and needle tatting lace to create unique jewelry and other pieces.

What do you love about Alaska?

 I married and followed my hunter / fisherman husband to AK. I love summer's midnight sun and a couple of my favorite places in AK are beautiful and historic Hatcher's Pass and the coastline of the Kenai Peninsula which have actually inspired my Alaskan Collection of jewelry!

 You can also visit Lacy Treasures at the UAA Craft Show this Saturday the 6th from 10a-5p in the student union and the Cornerstone Church Christmas Bazaar on December 13th from 10a-5p at 10431 Brayton Dr. in Anchorage.

 You can enter to win 2 pairs of handmade earrings. The first pair called "Frozen" is perfect for little ears as well as big. And the 2nd pair is called "Esther" with handmade lace and a real little vintage bell. Be sure to enter both if you want the opportunity to win both of them! The giveaway will close the 7th. Don't forget to enter the other giveaways as well!

Day 1- Borealis Britches Pants
Day 2-This and That Embroidered Hand Towels
Day 3- Alaska On the Go Signed Book



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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 3 Signed "Alaska On the Go: Exploring the 49th State with Children" Book

 People are always asking the best place to take friends and family from out of state. There is SO MUCH to do here in Alaska! My suggested list becomes very long and they need a couple of months to try and do it all. Usually visitors are here for maybe a week, so everything becomes jam packed! Then you gotta figure out places that kids can go. WHAT? Take them hiking?! Outside? With bears?!?!

 Enter AK On the Go!  Erin, the publisher, writes about traveling in Alaska with the family. This is a woman with many hats! Not only does she write, but you can hear her on the Alaska Travelgram Radio Show. You can also catch her as a guest host for Outdoor Explorer or KTVA channel 11's Daybreak program. She is also the author of "Alaska On the Go: Exploring the 49th State with Children," the giveaway today! And guess what? It's signed!

 This book is a great resource for any Alaskan or visitor to have. There are lots of tips covered from what to wear and pack, when to go, and why you should (shouldn't) take the kids. Erin knows the ins and outs of traveling with a kiddo in Alaska. Just visit her Facebook page and look through all of her photos of the places they have visited. Her and AK Kid have been to places I'm hoping to get to some day.

  Who wants this book in their library? Let's find out a little more about this Alaskan traveler.

 Why did you start AK On the Go?

 I launched AKontheGO in 2009 after noticing a definite lack of resources and information regarding travel and outdoor opportunities for families. After five years of exploring the state's best offerings for kids, AKontheGO has turned into the go-to place for both visitors and residents, AND members of the travel industry who look to make their products and services marketable to families. The book was released in April 2014, and is published by University of Alaska Press.

 What do you love about Alaska?

 Alaska is unlike any place in the world. We GET to live here. I want to honor that.

 My goal: To let kids know the future of Alaska is up to them. Perhaps one kid who visits Alaska today will be the one who preserves it, tomorrow. Pretty awesome.
 

  The winner of this giveaway will receive a signed copy of "Alaska On the Go: Exploring the 49th State with Children." The winner of this giveaway will be chosen on December 6th. If you haven't entered the other giveaways, be sure to do so! Good luck!

Day 1- Borealis Britches Pants
Day 2- This and That Embroidery Hand Towels




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