I just discovered a cool contest where you can win several types of baby carriers to try out and use with your little one. I am desperate to find some new options for this baby, so this is right up my alley…I love wearing my babies and being able to keep them snuggly and close when they’re small. So here’s the link, if you’re interested. Several of these are on my wish list already, and this package is a great mixture of the different options available for babywearing.

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

(Just an FYI, I do earn extra entries every time someone uses this link…I just want to be clear! But it is a nice package, especially for a new mom who’s eager to try out several different things to figure out what works best for her and her baby!)

Hey, fellow Sanfordians! In case you’ve been living in a cave, I thought I’d toss some stuff to do out there for you.

Tonight (Thursday 7/3) at 7PM is the Function at the Junction. I think a beach music group tonight? We’ll be there, regardless. (And if you think you recognize me, please feel free to say hi! I won’t bite!)

Tomorrow, from 2PM on, there is a family centered 4th of July festival at Depot Park. Lots of traditional stuff, including pie eating, and watermelon seed spitting, as well as lots of fun things for kids.

On July 19, Stepping Stones is having a carnival to raise money for their new playground that will be accessible to kids of all abilities. They’re accepting donations for silent auction items and selling raffle tickets as well, so if you can help out, please get in touch with Emily Page. You can get that contact info and read more here.

The first summer we lived here, we discovered the free concerts at Depot Park and loved them! We had a tiny brand new baby and an almost 4 year old who was sick and tired of being cooped up with a dumb old baby, so every Thursday night we drove through some fast food joint (usually Cook Out, so I could get a shake!) and took dinner down there and enjoyed a little music. Our oldest was able to play with other kids, which was great because we didn’t know anyone in town at that point. My husband and I could relax a little, and the baby just enjoyed hearing music.

They have a little bit of everything…bluegrass, jazz, folk, rock, beach music, etc. There’s bound to be at least 1 or 2 that appeal. It doesn’t much matter to us. We enjoy all kinds of music and it’s not really about the music, really…it’s about a free concert on Thursday evenings in the summer where we can just relax and be a family without the TV, the Wii, the computer, or any of the other junk that tends to distract us if we just hang out at home.

They’re every Thursday night at 7PM in Depot Park, June through September. A concert poster is available here in PDF format. I’ve been waiting weeks for these to start and I’m so glad they’re here!

Now’s your chance. I got one for answering the questions “correctly” (if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!) and it shipped today. I only paid $15 for shipping. Pretty cool…and I’ll report back as soon as I receive mine.

Free Senseo