Enter the FairfieldCountyChild.com BACK TO SCHOOL Giveaway! Deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.

I know you're inundated with back to school messages at this time of year. Buy this, buy that... how about some free stuff for YOU and the kids? Now that's more like it! I've acquired some unique back to school stuff over the past couple weeks from great retailers who have kindly donated their products... now it's time to pass the goodies on to you. Some is locally made, some not..but it's all super useful and healthy and guaranteed to start the school year off right.

Giveaway Guidelines

• To qualify for the giveaway, FairfieldCountyChild.com subscribers can simply email me with BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY in the subject line at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact information. BONUS  - if you leave a COMMENT on this post about your favorite item in the giveaway, you'll be entered TWICE.
  
• Not a subscriber yet?  It's quick and easy and free. Just click here to subscribe. 
• All entries must be received by midnight on Wednesday, August 27th.
  
• I'll announce the winner here on August 28th.

Back to School Giveaway Includes

• A green back to school kit from The Green Office. It includes a ton of ecofriendly and non-toxic school supplies. Click here for a photo and details.

• Pack a healthy lunchbox with a family pack of TWIST - a low calorie, non-carbonated, preservative-free, natural water that comes in six kid-friendly flavors. I'm totally hooked on this stuff. For more information visit www.DrinkTwist.com

• Kids are thirsty! So you'll also receive a family pack of Honest Kids low sugar all natural organic fruit drink, made by Honest Tea + a funky pencil case upcycled from Honest Kids drink pouches - great for holding school supplies. For a photo, click here. 

• Speaking of school supplies, CVS.com has donated $20 worth of school supplies as part of the giveaway. Includes a three ring binder, pack of highlighters + more. 

• Merriam-Webster dictionary from Federal Street Press made right in Darien. This is not your mother's  dictionary! They're designed just for stylish kids with colorful covers. Check them out at www.FederalStreetPress.com.

• Keep your kids safe this year with a pack of disposable  ID bracelets and safety shoe stickers from Chicks & Cubs. Click here for photos. 

• Ohhh... my favorite addition to the giveaway is of course, for MOM! Check out these very cute 2009 Weekly Planners from Sarah Pinto. They're made of recycled materials with soy based-ink and you can choose from either the whale (see above) or lattice design. They're so pretty I might have to give up my Blackberry for one these charming planners. Click here for photos.

• Finally, I'll throw in an LL Bean Classic Backpack personalized for your child. I used the same backpack for years and I just think they are the epitome of back to school. The giveaway winner can choose a color and monogram and I'll have it shipped to you as a special gift from me.

GOOD LUCK! Thanks to all the businesses who donated all this cool stuff. Don't forget, email me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com by next Wednesday to enter the giveaway. And don't forget to leave a comment below to be entered twice!

Dan Zanes & Friends are Coming to the Ridgefield Playhouse in October!

In the Meantime, Check Out Dan Zanes' Exclusive FairfieldCountyChild.com Interview Below

When I heard that Brooklyn-based Dan Zanes and Friends had a new children’s CD out and that they’d be appearing at the Ridgefield Playhouse on October 10th, I thought, “Hmmm, this deserves some attention.” So here it is… an interview I did with Dan yesterday plus the latest FairfieldCountyChild.com SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL! I’m giving away copies of his latest CD, Nueva York!, to three lucky FairfieldCountyChild.com subscribers.

Giveaway Guidelines:

• Please enter by midnight on Monday, August 11th
• FairfieldCountyChild.com subscribers can just email me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com with “Dan Zanes Giveaway” in the subject line. Please include your name and email address.
• Not a subscriber yet? Just click here to become one. It’s quick and free!
• The winner will be announced here on Tuesday August 12th

You might recognize Dan from his appearances on Sesame Street, Noggin and the Disney Channel. His albums include collaborations with some of the best artists of our time, including Lou Reed, Sheryl Crow, Philip Glass and Suzanne Vega. I was introduced to his children’s music five years ago when my nephew was just a baby. My brother and sister-in-law raved about his appeal to both parents and kids alike. Now that I have my own toddler, she and I jam out to Dan Zanes & Friends in the car, in the house and yes I even listen to Dan on my iPod when I'm out for a run alone (told you he appeals to adults).

And now onto a Q&A with Dan Zanes who I had the honor of interviewing by phone yesterday.

***

Meg: I’m so psyched to hear you’ll be at the Ridgefield Playhouse on October 10th!What can we expect from your live show?
Dan Zanes: You can expect an all ages party. The kids lead the way, but it’s always an inclusive fun show.

MR: You’ve been making kids music for years now, but you first made a name for yourself in the ‘80’s with the Del Fuegos. Why the switch?
DZ: FUN! Making kid’s music is fun. Plus, I became a father. My daughter who is 13 years old now was an inspiration. I’ve learned so much from her. Now she’s a punk rocker wearing Doc Martens.

MR: Does she still come to your shows?
DZ: Yes and she’ll be performing with us at our holiday show in New York. She plays guitar.

MR: How can I help instill a love of music in my child?
DZ: Just expose them to it! Sing around the house. Have a backyard concert. I don’t like hearing from parents, “But I’m not musical.” Music is a joyful, social activity! I fondly remember my old man singing Danny Boy and Blue Tail Fly. Do I remember or care if he sang perfectly on key? No, of course not.

MR: What music did you listen to growing up?
DZ: I loved Pete Seeger, Woodie Guthrie, Lead Belly… their music wasn’t perfect, you know? These days so much music is made in a studio and it sounds like an empty swimming pool.

MR: Your latest album is in Spanish. How did you decide to go this route?

DZ: Well I didn’t want to miss out on the party! I wanted to celebrate the beautiful Spanish culture. We’re living in a fearful, divisive climate and I did it in the spirit of inclusion.

MR: You live in Brooklyn where it’s easy to expose kids to live music and diverse cultures. How can us ‘burb parents be sure our kids don’t grow up in a bubble?
DZ: Oh I don’t know, make it a goal? Look around you… if the programs at your local library don’t reflect the community population, do something to change that. My friends from different cultures have really helped me evolve and taught me a lot. Just make sure everyone is invited to the party.

MR: Finally, just two questions from my nephews who are huge fans!
DZ: Ok great!

Will (age 6): We love having dance parties at our house with All Around the Kitchen. Do you have any more DVD’s coming out?
DZ: Yes we do! We’re working on a DVD that should come out next year.

John (age 4): How do you get your hair to do that?
DZ: I just wake up and I don’t touch it. I just leave it as is.

***

Check out Dan Zanes and Friends at the Ridgefield Playhouse October 10th at 4pm and 7pm. In the meantime, enter to win their latest CD, Nueva York! Just email me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com by midnight on Monday! See details above.

Finally thanks to Dan for the fun interview. For more information, visit www.danzanes.com and listen to his music on MySpace.

Planning a BIrthday Party? Enter to Win an Under the Oak Party in a Box (deadline is Wednesday, July 30th).

Ready for another Subscriber Special? Me too. Read on for the rules...

I'm loving Under the Oak Parties for a bunch of reasons. First there's the obvious. These "parties in a box" are not only practical, but they're whimsical and beautiful too - everything a party should be. I also love the story behind this new business. Under the Oak Parties was founded by Megan K., a Stamford nanny to three young girls. In her spare time, she loves to entertain. She turned her passion into a business with Under the Oak and I predict that this is just the beginning for this young entrepreneur. I recently spotted her in the Stamford Advocate and again on Channel 8 News.

So what exactly is a party in a box and how can you get your hands on one? An Under the Oak party in a box consists of almost everything you need to throw the perfect party for your kids (and adults too!). In each box you'll find plates, utensils, cups, paper lanterns and other decorations, favors and even invitations. You pick a theme and all of this arrives at your doorstep for less than $10 per guest. Check out Under the Oak's fun themes for kids' birthday parties, like Way out West, Up in the Sky and Whimsy Butterfly. You really need to visit www.UndertheOakParties.com for the full effect. Everything is beautifully photographed and explained in full detail.

RULES

I'm thrilled to announce that two lucky FairfieldCountyChild.com readers will receive a full Under the Oak party in a box ($95 value each). To win, just email me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com with your favorite Under the Oak party theme for kids or adults by Wednesday, July 30th at 5pm. To be considered, you must be a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber. If you're not a subscriber already, you can sign up simply by clicking here. It's free and easy and as a subscriber you're automatically eligible for this giveaway and all the others I have planned for down the road! Good luck and thanks to Under the Oak!

www.undertheoakparties.com

Congratulations to the Maclaren Giveaway Winner - Kristen Luciani from Stamford!

Thanks to everyone who entered! The response was great and I wish I could've picked all of you, but the winner  of the chocolate brown Maclaren Triumph Buggy has been notified. Stay tuned for more great giveaways for FairfieldCountyChild.com subscribers!

Win a Maclaren Triumph Buggy! Deadline is Thursday May 15th at 5pm.

First I heard about the free kids' concert at the Maclaren Showroom on Thursday (click here for details) and now they're sponsoring this giveaway! If you're a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber, today is your lucky day. Just email me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com by 5pm this Thursday May 15th to be entered in a drawing to win a Chocolate Brown Maclaren Triumph Buggy (a $175 value)! See the image below and click here for more details about all its great features.

If you're not already a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber, just click here to become one. It's free, quick and easy and as you can see, being a subscriber has its perks. The winner will be announced here on Friday. Good luck!

Thank you so much to Maclaren for donating this great prize! Be sure to check out their concert for kids on Thursday. Details below.

Happy Valentine's Day!

In honor of Valentine's Day, it's time to announce the winners of the latest FairfieldCountyChild.com Subscriber Special. Thanks to Ninorah Brookshire of Caleigh's Curls, Marjorie Alutto of Greenwich and an anonymous reader from Fairfield are now the the lucky owners of a selection of beautiful Valentine's barrettes (shown above). Visit www.caleighscurls.com to see the full gallery of barrettes and other hair accessories from Caleigh's Curls. All are hand made in Rowayton by Ninorah herself, a mom of two. Each piece is a labor of love for girls of all ages to enjoy (don't miss the Easter-themed barrettes - too cute!)

And speaking of winners... there's more to announce! As part of the door raffle at last Saturday's Little Sweet Heart's Valentine's Bash at Swaddle, Toddle & Bump in Westport, Christine Wohl of Stamford has also won some Valentine's barrettes from Caleigh's Curls!

Finally, new mom Kathy Fox, also of Stamford, is the happy winner of month of Stroller Strides classes as part of Saturday's raffle. Thanks to Lynn Blank of Stroller Strides for donating this generous prize. To read more about Lynn and the Stroller Strides program, click here.

Thank you to Ninorah and Lynn for your generous donations and thank you to all FairfieldCountyChild.com subscribers out there. Stay tuned for more information about the next Subscriber Special from Maggie & Lulu! You can't win if you don't subscribe, so click here to become a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber.

Announcing the Next Subscriber Special from Caleigh's Curls!

This Thursday I'll announce the winner of the next Subscriber Special (click here for details about the Subscriber Special program). In honor of Valentine's Day, the winner will receive a variety of Valentine's-themed barrettes from Caleigh's Curls. Good luck!

Congratulations to Julie Foss of Stratford, the First FairfieldCountyChild.com Subscriber Special Winner!

I'm happy to announce that Julie Foss of Stratford is the first FairfieldCountyChild.com Subscriber Special Winner!! She's won a handmade baby blanket with matching burp cloth (a $66 value) from Mary Grace Designs. Thank you to Mary Grace Designs for the generous donation and to Julie for subscribing to the FairfieldCountyChild.com monthly newsletter!

If you're not familiar with the Subscriber Special program, here's how it works: Periodically, I'll announce a free giveway of a product or service that I think my readers would love. Anyone who's already signed up for the FairfieldCountyChild.com monthly newsletter is automatically entered in the drawing to win. If you're still not a FairfieldCountyChild.com newsletter subscriber, just click here to become one. It's free and easy and you don't want to miss out on all the great subscriber benefits or the next Subscriber Special from Caleigh's Curls. Details to come tomorrow!

If you're already a FairfieldCountyChild.com newsletter subscriber, you're in luck! Today is the start of the first Subscriber Special! Here's how it works:

Going forward, I'll periodically announce a free giveway of a product or service that I think my readers would love. Anyone who's already signed up for the FairfieldCountyChild.com monthly newsletter is automatically entered in the drawing to win. If you're still not a FairfieldCountyChild.com newsletter subscriber, just click here to become one. It's free and easy and you don't want to miss out on all the great subscriber benefits.

The first giveaway is a beautiful hand-made baby blanket and matching burpcloth from Mary Grace Designs (a $66 value). The winner can choose from the baby boy, baby girl or unisex styles. Visit www.marygracedesigns.com/ to take a peek at these locally made heirloom-quality blankets. Even if you don't have a baby at home, they make a perfect gift. I'll contact the winner on Monday, February 11th by email.

Keep an eye out for future Subscriber Specials, including free giveways from Caleigh's Curls and Maggie & Lulu. And remember, you can't win if you don't subscribe, so click here to sign up now!