JJ Cole Blanket

“Tummy time”….if my BG could talk she would scream “NOOOOO"!!!!” She can't stand tummy time. Really, I can't stand it either because I know how unhappy it makes my baby girl. There is one thing though that makes it a little better for me....I always lay a blanket down, even in my own home, when BG is on the floor. Between the spit up and drool, I was adding a lot of blankets to my already huge laundry pile. This quickly ended when I found the JJ Cole travel blanket!

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this blanket.We literally use it every.single.day. Now when BG spits up all I have to do is quickly wipe it up since the blanket is water-resistant. It’s the easiest thing to clean. I also love how padded it is. The other plus is that it folds up small so you can throw it in a closet when you’re cleaning up or grab it when you’re running out the door.

Although we mainly use the blanket for tummy/play time, I look forward to using it when the weather gets warmer because when BG isn’t sitting in her Fem * high chair, she will be rolling around on the JJ Cole blanket!

Now you can donate those big bulky comforters to the Good Will and buy one of these. It’s almost Spring, so you might as well start cleaning out that linen closet. While you’re at it add a cute, affordable and PRACTICAL blanket that the entire family can use! I know the Fourth of July is a ways off still, but wouldn’t this be perfect!?

Stop by your favorite baby boutique today and buy one for you…..and your best friend!

Do you own one of these fabulous blankets? If you do, where have you used yours?

Zoolu!’s Sunday Scavenger Hunt…enjoy!

Congratulations Rachel Bonson – you are the lucky winner of yesterday’s Scavenger Hunt!   Join the fun today for your chance to be “zapped” – it’s easy, quick and fun too!  Have a great Sunday, Zoolu! Fans!  (Please remember to stay on the site for at least 3 minutes.  If you finish early, simply leave your browser open for the remainder of the time.  Thanks!)

A little background for Zoolu! Scavenger Hunt newbies :-)

Why a Scavenger Hunt you might ask? First and foremost, we are always looking for fun ways to interact with our fans.  Secondly, Zoolu! is working on improving our ranking with Google – and these will help greatly!  Apparently, if a shopper searches for a term and then clicks on our listing and stays on our site for a while, Google will see that as a great match for that search term.  The more “great matches” we log in their eyes, the higher up we will move in their listings – which is a big deal for any online store today!

So…not only are you receiving a great chance to win a $20 Gift Coupon, but you will also be helping us improve our Google ranking along the way – it’s a win-win situation!!!

HOW TO PLAY:

1) Enter Baby Boutique in Google’s Search box.

2) Search for Zoolu!’s listing (I’ve found us anywhere from page 8 to page 15 – but it varies for everyone!)

3) Click on that link to be brought to our site and look for the clues on each page.  Each clue will be marked with *** both before and after.  The clue on our Home Page reads: ***Click HERE to begin***

4) The last clue will provide you with a special word (both the clues and the special word will change daily).  E-mail that word and well as which number Google page you found us on at ZooluCares@shopzoolu.com and you will be entered to be zapped.  (For example, my latest search for Baby Boutique on Google found Zoolu! on page 8.  If I followed the clues and was given “lucky” as my special word, I would e-mail “I found you on page 8 and the special word of the day is lucky” to the e-mail address above.)

5) Check back on our Facebook page every day you participate to see if you were the lucky Scavenger Hunt winner :-)

HELPFUL TIPS:

~ Zoolu! is currently listed only with the title Baby Boutique – so please look both for that title and for our address: www.shopzoolu.com to ensure that you don’t miss us in the search.  If you simply look for “Zoolu!” in the title, you will never find us :-(

~ Google lists sites that you have already visited in purple (vs. blue) – so that should help you scan the listings more quickly – just look for the purple links!

~ Google wants people to stay on a site for roughly 3 minutes to be registered as a good fit.  If the Scavenger Hunt takes you less time than that (hopefully it will) – just be sure to keep your browser open to our page for a little bit longer to meet that minimum requirement.

RULES:

~ You may enter daily (the clues will change each day)

~ Your e-mail must include both the Google page you found us on and the special word of the day to be eligible for the “zap”!

The fun continues with Zoolu!’s Scavenger Hunts – play today for your chance to be “zapped”!

Congratulations Philip Clark – you are the lucky winner of yesterday’s Scavenger Hunt!   There is yet another set of clues today awaiting those of you that are eager to be zapped.  Happy Hunting!  (Please remember to stay on the site for at least 3 minutes.  If you finish early, simply leave your browser open for the remainder of the time.  Thanks!)

***Scavenger Hunts will continue daily through tomorrow and then weekly thereafter!***  (See below for Rules, Tips and more!)

A little background for Zoolu! Scavenger Hunt newbies :-)

Why a Scavenger Hunt you might ask? First and foremost, we are always looking for fun ways to interact with our fans.  Secondly, Zoolu! is working on improving our ranking with Google – and these will help greatly!  Apparently, if a shopper searches for a term and then clicks on our listing and stays on our site for a while, Google will see that as a great match for that search term.  The more “great matches” we log in their eyes, the higher up we will move in their listings – which is a big deal for any online store today!

So…not only are you receiving a great chance to win a $20 Gift Coupon, but you will also be helping us improve our Google ranking along the way – it’s a win-win situation!!!

HOW TO PLAY:

1) Enter Baby Boutique in Google’s Search box.

2) Search for Zoolu!’s listing (I’ve found us anywhere from page 8 to page 15 – but it varies for everyone!)

3) Click on that link to be brought to our site and look for the clues on each page.  Each clue will be marked with *** both before and after.  The clue on our Home Page reads: ***Click HERE to begin***

4) The last clue will provide you with a special word (both the clues and the special word will change daily).  E-mail that word and well as which number Google page you found us on at ZooluCares@shopzoolu.com and you will be entered to be zapped.  (For example, my latest search for Baby Boutique on Google found Zoolu! on page 8.  If I followed the clues and was given “lucky” as my special word, I would e-mail “I found you on page 8 and the special word of the day is lucky” to the e-mail address above.)

5) Check back on our Facebook page every day you participate to see if you were the lucky Scavenger Hunt winner :-)

HELPFUL TIPS:

~ Zoolu! is currently listed only with the title Baby Boutique – so please look both for that title and for our address: www.shopzoolu.com to ensure that you don’t miss us in the search.  If you simply look for “Zoolu!” in the title, you will never find us :-(

~ Google lists sites that you have already visited in purple (vs. blue) – so that should help you scan the listings more quickly – just look for the purple links!

~ Google wants people to stay on a site for roughly 3 minutes to be registered as a good fit.  If the Scavenger Hunt takes you less time than that (hopefully it will) – just be sure to keep your browser open to our page for a little bit longer to meet that minimum requirement.

RULES:

~ You may enter daily (the clues will change each day)

~ Your e-mail must include both the Google page you found us on and the special word of the day to be eligible for the “zap”!

Zoolu!’s Scavenger Hunt (Day 2)…play for your chance to be “zapped”!

Congratulations Jerrinne Haas – you are the lucky winner of our first-ever St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt!  Our leprechauns have been hard at work changing up today’s clues to ensure another round of fun!  Do you have 5 minutes (at the most)?  Then why not play along for your chance to be “zapped” with a $20 Gift Coupon to Zoolu!  (Please remember to stay on the site for at least 3 minutes – thanks!!!  If you finish early, simply leave your browser open for the remainder of the time.)

***Scavenger Hunts will continue daily throughout this weekend and then weekly thereafter!***  (See below for Rules, Tips and more!)

A little background for the newbies :-)

Why a Scavenger Hunt you might ask? First and foremost, we are always looking for fun ways to interact with our fans.  Secondly, Zoolu! is working on improving our ranking with Google – and these will help greatly!  Apparently, if a shopper searches for a term and then clicks on our listing and stays on our site for a while, Google will see that as a great match for that search term.  The more “great matches” we log in their eyes, the higher up we will move in their listings – which is a big deal for any online store today!

So…not only are you receiving a great chance to win a $20 Gift Coupon, but you will also be helping us improve our Google ranking along the way – it’s a win-win situation!!!

HOW TO PLAY:

1) Enter Baby Boutique in Google’s Search box.

2) Search for Zoolu!’s listing (I’ve found us anywhere from page 8 to page 15 – but it varies for everyone!)

3) Click on that link to be brought to our site and look for the clues on each page.  Each clue will be marked with *** both before and after.  The clue on our Home Page reads: ***Click HERE to begin***

4) The last clue will provide you with a special word (both the clues and the special word will change daily).  E-mail that word and well as which number Google page you found us on at ZooluCares@shopzoolu.com and you will be entered to be zapped.  (For example, my latest search for Baby Boutique on Google found Zoolu! on page 8.  If I followed the clues and was given “lucky” as my special word, I would e-mail “I found you on page 8 and the special word of the day is lucky” to the e-mail address above.)

5) Check back on our Facebook page every day you participate to see if you were the lucky Scavenger Hunt winner :-)

HELPFUL TIPS:

~ Zoolu! is currently listed only with the title Baby Boutique – so please look both for that title and for our address: www.shopzoolu.com to ensure that you don’t miss us in the search.  If you simply look for “Zoolu!” in the title, you will never find us :-(

~ Google lists sites that you have already visited in purple (vs. blue) – so that should help you scan the listings more quickly – just look for the purple links!

~ Google wants people to stay on a site for roughly 3 minutes to be registered as a good fit.  If the Scavenger Hunt takes you less time than that (hopefully it will) – just be sure to keep your browser open to our page for a little bit longer to meet that minimum requirement.

RULES:

~ You may enter daily (the clues will change each day)

~ Your e-mail must include both the Google page you found us on and the special word of the day to be eligible for the “zap”!

~ If you are “zapped” – you will have 24 hours to contact us to receive your special code.

Zoolu!’s first ever Scavenger Hunt…play for your chance to be “zapped”!

Calling all Zoolu! Fans!  Today is your lucky day!  Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s Day – a lucky day indeed – but it is also the first ever Scavenger Hunt being hosted by Zoolu!  With only 5 minutes (at the most), you will follow a number of clues on our site to receive the special daily word.  E-mail us this special clue at ZooluCares@shopzoolu.com and you will be automatically entered to be “zapped” with a $20 Gift Coupon to Zoolu! 

Why a Scavenger Hunt you might ask? First and foremost, we are always looking for fun ways to interact with our fans.  Secondly, Zoolu! is working on improving our ranking with Google – and these will help greatly!  Apparently, if a shopper searches for a term and then clicks on our listing and stays on our site for a while, Google will see that as a great match for that search term.  The more “great matches” we log in their eyes, the higher up we will move in their listings – which is a big deal for any online store today!

So…not only are you receiving a great chance to win a $20 Gift Coupon, but you will also be helping us improve our Google ranking along the way – it’s a win-win situation!!!

HOW TO PLAY:

1) Enter Baby Boutique in Google’s Search box.

2) Search for Zoolu!’s listing (I’ve found us anywhere from page 8 to page 15 – but it varies for everyone!)

3) Click on that link to be brought to our site and look for the clues on each page.  Each clue will be marked with *** both before and after.  The clue on our Home Page reads: ***Click HERE to begin***

4) The last clue will provide you with a special word (both the clues and the special word will change daily).  E-mail that word and well as which number Google page you found us on at ZooluCares@shopzoolu.com and you will be entered to be zapped.  (For example, my latest search for Baby Boutique on Google found Zoolu! on page 8.  If I followed the clues and was given “lucky” as my special word, I would e-mail “I found you on page 8 and the special word of the day is lucky” to the e-mail address above.)

5) Check back on our Facebook page every day you participate to see if you were the lucky Scavenger Hunt winner :-)

HELPFUL TIPS:

~ Zoolu! is currently listed only with the title Baby Boutique – so please look both for that title and for our address: www.shopzoolu.com to ensure that you don’t miss us in the search.  If you simply look for “Zoolu!” in the title, you will never find us :-(

~ Google lists sites that you have already visited in purple (vs. blue) – so that should help you scan the listings more quickly – just look for the purple links!

~ Google wants people to stay on a site for roughly 3 minutes to be registered as a good fit.  If the Scavenger Hunt takes you less time than that (hopefully it will) – just be sure to keep your browser open to our page for a little bit longer to meet that minimum requirement.

RULES:

~ You may enter daily (the clues will change each day)

~ Your e-mail must include both the Google page you found us on and the special word of the day to be eligible for the “zap”!

~ If you are “zapped” – you will have 24 hours to contact us to receive your special code.

“Would You Rather…” Wednesday Shopping Spree or a day at the Day Spa

It’s Wednesday again! And that means today is Zoolu!’s “Would You Rather…” Wednesday! We all know that “Me” time is hard to come by once we are graced with little munchkins. Today Zoolu! wants to know…Would you rather indulge in a shopping spree or pamper yourself to a day at the Day Spa?

I’m 39 weeks and the doctor keeps throwing all these numbers at me…what do they mean???

Just tonight I received a call from one of my closest friends who is 38 weeks and 6 days (but who is counting right?).  She was driving home from her doctor’s appointment and was dying to know if what her nurse had told her – “You are 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced” -- was “good news” or “bad news”.  Going into labor, we all know that being 10 cm dilated and 100% effaced is our goal…but we aren’t always sure how the information the nurse or doctor tells us during an appointment relates to our ultimate goal. 

So…for those of you that are dying to know – here’s the low-down on dilating (the opening of the cervix) and effacing (the thinning of the cervix)!  I have an analogy – bear with me!  If I were to give you a balloon that was as thick as a rubber eraser – you probably would not be too successful at blowing it up, right?  Most people when handed a balloon will stretch and pull it for a few seconds before blowing it up.  Why?  To thin the latex so that it stretches and expands more easily, right? 

With that analogy in mind, during the early stages of pregnancy, your cervix is closed and thick (just like the rubber eraser).  As the end of your labor approaches, your cervix will ideally begin to thin to make it easier for it to open, or dilate.  As a doula, I am far more excited for the expecting Mommy if she is effaced, than if she is dilated.  If you are 0 cm dilated and 70% effaced…that means that your cervix is much more similar to a stretched balloon and is likely to dilate much more easily once the contractions set in.  On the contrary, if you are 2 cm dilated and 0% effaced, your body is going to have to work a lot harder to open your cervix (which is still as thick as an eraser) and labor will therefore, in most cases, take a little bit longer. 

The bottom line, take your doctor’s updates lightly.  You may be 0 cm dilated and 0% effaced at your appointment, go home, your water breaks and you are holding your baby in your arms before sunset.  Or…you might be 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced (like my friend) and still hold out for another few days (or weeks in some cases) without going into labor.  Just know this…the more effaced you are, the more effective each contraction will be in helping you dilate to 10 cm!

~Megan Glynn, Childbirth Educator and Doula

If you have any questions regarding Pregnancy, Childbirth or Parenting, please do not hesitate to e-mail me directly at megan@shopzoolu.com.  I LOVE working with expecting couples and would love to hear from you!