MaltaMama - Family Fun Things to Do | Malta, NY, Saratoga County

Sometimes jobs really stink, but this particular task of mine stunk in all the best ways.  I was contacted by Tracie Groff, a Malta gal and independent Scentsy Consultant to see if I'd be interested in doing a review and giveaway of some Scentsy products.  I gladly obliged!  After tweeting "smell you later" to Tracie, she thankfully put my poor-taste humor aside and came over with some products. 

Tracie left me a Scentsy Basket Party, which is a bag filled with more aroma's than one nose could possibly handle!  You could be sniffing for days, and I was.  Contained in the 'Basket Party' bag was other goodies to try out;  A travel scent tin, hand sanitizer, room spray, a plug-in Scentsy Warmer and I'm probably missing something. 

To be honest, I was a little skeptical of Scentsy before I tried it.  I'm not a scented candle lover, and I am very particular about what scents I like.  After a few days with Scentsy though, I was really impressed! 
- Scentsy Warmes use a low-watt bulb to slowly melt the wax
- No flame, no smoke and no wicks
- Over 80 different scents to choose from
- Scents linger pleasantly in the house, but are not overwhelming

I was so impressed the with Scentsy warmer that I was "sampling" (pic above) that I ended up buying it, and a couple more scent bars to go with it. 

Another very unique item Scentsy makes is called  Scentsy Buddy.  Each Scentsy Buddy comes with a a Scent Pak and makes the buddy smell SO good!  Though it says for ages 3 and up, Angie loves our 'Lenny the Lamb' and I think she feels at home whenever she smells him.  Lenny is soft and cuddly and a really excellent quality stuffed toy.  You can switch out your scent pak anytime, but they will last smelling good for several months. There are several other buddies to choose from too, including a frog, lion, elephant, pig, monkey and more! 
 
Want to win this adorable Scentsy Buddy -  Sasha the Bear?
By the way, 100% of the proceeds of this bear go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities

Here's how to enter (4 chances to win):

1 Entry - Visit Tracie's Scentsy Site and comment here about what product you'd most like to try

1 Entry - 'Like' Tracie, MaltaMama & SaratogaMama on Facebook and leave a separate comment here that you do

2 Bonus Entries - Host a 'Basket Party' with Tracie for two additional entries!  (see details below)

Enter until Monday, October 10th 10pmEST - Good luck!

What is a Basket Party?
The idea behind the 'Basket Party' concept is that if you were interested in hosting a Scentsy party, you could either have Tracie come to your home, or you could bring the party to them!  Carry your own Scentsy display basket for 10-14 days and share it with as many people you want.  Take orders, get rewards, smell good! 

Email Tracie to book yours today!  scentsfromtracie@gmail.com

I recently had the pleasure of meeting and working with Kelly Faulkner of Pure Bliss Photography.  Kelly is a mama of one adorable little girl and recently moved to this area from the southern tier area of NY.   We are truly lucky to have her talents here! 

My family and I chose to do a session in Yaddo Gardens in Saratoga.  The night was hot, humid, muggy, and buggy but we pressed on. Throughout our session, Kelly was super professional, patient and up-for-anything.  We tried several poses in various locations and configurations.  She was easily able to wrangle an impatient 3 year-old and a confused 1 year-old and get them both to perform.    

Once our session was complete, Kelly posted a few preview pictures on Facebook.  A week or so later, she had our online gallery ready for viewing.  There were so many beautiful pictures to choose from!  She captured stunning individual shots of each child, gorgeous shots of both kids, pictures that made us laugh, and many wonderful family pictures.    
The result is a gorgeously packaged Pure Bliss keepsake CD containing 25 of our most favorite pictures we will cherish forever. 

On to the best part.... Giveaway!

Pure Bliss Photography is giving away a FREE Photo Session to one lucky MaltaMama Winner!

Package includes a 1 hour photo session at location of your choice (within 30 miles of Saratoga).  Can be family portraits, newborn, engagement, pets, etc - limited to 5 people maximum.   Package also includes an online gallery of your images to share with friends & family & 25 high resolution files on disc and a custom CD case to store and display.   Printing rights are also included. 

Here's how to enter:
3 chances to enter!

1 Entry:   Visit Pure Bliss Photography's website and comment here about anything you like about the site

1 Entry:  Like all three:  Pure Bliss Photography, MaltaMama & SaratogaMama on Facebook and comment here that you do

1 Entry:  Comment here with your favorite LOCAL location for photos and why

You have until noon on Friday, September 30th to enter! 
Good luck!!

Is your husband losing his “man room to the nursery?”  Is your little one becoming a big kid but still has a little kid’s room? Is your play room more like a dumping ground with no room to play? 

Recently I worked with Dawn DiLorenzo at Locust Grove Designs to do a virtual makeover on my son Robby’s room.  My issue: turn Angie's 'butterfly nursery' into a big boy rock star room for Robby.  I sent Dawn some pictures of the room and the dimensions and she pulled together several items from online sources and helped me figure out where to put everything.  She advised me on fabric choices, furniture selection, and other decorative items.  The result?  Well, because of me dragging my feet, I'm not quite ready to give you the before and after room reveal but I can say that it's coming together nicely and will be a room he'll be able to grow with thanks to Dawn's suggestions! 

Giveaway!
Now Dawn wants to help you give your nursery, kid’s room or play room a little lift! 
Today through Monday, October 3rd, visit and LIKE Dawn's Locust Grove Designs Facebook page.  Then leave a comment (or even post a picture) on Dawn's wall and let her know what you would change about your baby’s nursery or kid’s room, or even a playroom. 
Your comment will automatically enter you into a contest for a drawing for one gallon of Benjamin Moore Aura paint, courtesy of Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa. You will also receive the Fall 2011 Pottery Barn paint colors fan deck.

Fine print:
Winners must live in the Saratoga/Clifton Park area. The gift certificate has no cash value and can only be used for one gallon of Benjamin Moore Aura paint in the Ballston Spa Curtis Lumber location. The winning entry will be drawn at random on October 4, 2011 and the winner ‘s name will be posted on the Locust Grove Designs Facebook Page. 
Be sure to check on Tuesday, October 4th to see if you will be painting your room sometime soon! Good luck!