Buzz Spotlight and Give-Away: CurlyQ Cuties: LAST DAY

I was recently introduced to a unique website where you and your child could create a custom plush monster – CurlyQ Cuties. I fell in love with the odd, lovable creations. Someone to hug and cuddle in the middle of the night – because monsters don’t always have to be scary! As it is, my own son Keegan is infatuated with monsters. Loves them. So a toy like this would be perfect for him.

And older toddlers and preschoolers can even sit with you at the computer and build their own monster online using CurlyQ Cuties‘ made-to-order feature that allows you to interactively drag-and-drop from a variety of parts to configure your Monster. The kid-friendly designer lets you see your creation come to life! Once you’re happy with your Monster design and place an order, that unique Monster design is promptly made by hand in Austin, Texas and shipped via USPS Priority Mail.

BUILD A MONSTER?
Yes! Build a monster by customizing its body, eyes, mouth and belly.
BODY: Choose from 11 body types and 12 colors for your monster’s body!
EYES: You have 20 eye choices! One eye, three eyes, lashes or pupils only! Then choose from 11 eye colors.
MOUTH: There are 10 mouth styles to choose from. Plump lips, fangs or maybe a silly smile would best suit your monster!
BELLY: Then there are 7 belly styles to complete your monsters appearance, with 12 colors to make those spots, hearts, flowers and stars really pop!

And this wonderful, custom monster is only $25 dollars! What a wonderful birthday idea! And its a brilliant gift for under the Christmas tree.

There are also collectible CurlyQ Cuties! They are ready made – but still totally unique. Take Splotch, who has a cow pattern. Or take a peek at the unusual shape of Mr. Peepers!

Honestly, I know both my boys would love one. My favorite design is the Dark Green Bongo body with Orange Cyclops Eye, Three-tooth Mouth and Orange Spotted Belly. What’s YOUR favorite?

CONTEST:
The Mom behind the monsters, Stephanie Estrin, is giving away a one-time use promotional claim code worth $30 off an order. This code will cover the cost of shipping a Monster within the United States plus either a $25 Special Edition Monster or a $25 made-to-order Monster.

HOW TO ENTER:
1st: Visit CurlyQ Cuties. Choose the Made-to-Order option and design your own Monster! Copy the description and put it in the comments.

EXTRA ENTRIES: If you do the entry above – you are eligible for extra entries. Leave a comment for each extra entry!
2nd: Follow CurlyQ Cuties and the Mom Buzz on Twitter. Announce this contest!
3rd: Blog about this contest with links to the Mom Buzz and CurlyQ Cuties
4th: Fave the Mom Buzz on Technorati
5th: Tell us your Favorite Collectible from CurlyQ Cuties.

Good luck and buzz the word on CurlyQ Cuties!

Contest Ends the 19th at Midnight EST. US entries only, please.

Book Buzz: Monster Mess

We originally borrowed Monster Mess from the library. My son requested it so many times, that we are now planning to buy it. All I can say is that this is a must-have. And it’s not very often that your child will REQUEST monsters!

The story is about a monster who wakes up at night and goes around cleaning. Every page has a sound you get to make, such as:

“Peek, peek …” as the monster looks under the bed.
“Tiptoe, tiptoe…” as she tries to silently move around the house.
“Whisht, whisht…” as she sprays air freshener.

My two year old will repeat lines with me. Plus, I made actions for each sound. Such as making my fingers walk for “tiptoe” or laying my head on my hands for “Zzzzzz, Zzzzz”. And my son now repeats those actions too!

The monster is not scary at all. It is lizard like with lots of hands, perfect for tickling the little boy at the end.

Overall, I highly suggest this book and look forward to reading more by Margery Cuyler. She did team up with illustrator S.D. Schindler for another book called Skeleton Hiccups which I am anxiously trying to get my hands on.

Author: Margery Cuyler
Suggested Price: $14.99
Suggested Reading Level: 4 – 8*
Pages: 40
Published: Margaret K. McElderry, August 2008

*Keep in mind, my 28 month old LOVES this book!