Sunday, July 10, 2011

Kidco PeaPod Plus Review and Giveaway

I have wanted to try out a Kidco PeaPod for a long time.  It just seems like a great idea when you have a baby or even toddler and would like to spend time outside but worry about the sun or bugs.  Basically, the Kidco Peapod is a small pop tent for babies or toddlers.  It's amazingly easy to set up and is the perfect size for little ones to nap or just hang out and play with some toys. It is also a convenient travel bed for whether you're going on an airplane trip or just to a friend's house and need an extra bed along.  It's way easier to carry the PeaPod carry case than a heavy playpen.

Kidco sent me a PeaPod Plus to review and I had a fun time reviewing it with the help of my family.  It became more like a focus group as we chatted before breakfast!  Overall, the ratings were quite good and here's what we ended up with.

The Set Up

Rather than describe the process, I figured a short video would do a better job of demonstrating how easy it is to set up the Peapod.


Rolling up the flaps and attaching them at the top.
Set up and ready to go!
There's really nothing to it.  The mattress only took a few moments to inflate with the manual pump that comes with it.  We inflated it and then placed it inside which worked okay but you might want to inflate it inside to make it even easier.  ETA:  I just read that you can actually insert the mattress in a zipper at the bottom of the PeaPod on their Facebook page.  I guess we should have read the instructions more carefully.  We'll have to try that next time!

Mattress and Pump
The PeaPod Carrying Case
Testing it Out!

First, we put Connor inside and he's almost 3 years old.  It seemed a bit small for him to actually play in it while sitting up although he did love it.  He enjoyed crawling around in it for a while until the novelty wore off.  I would use it as a place for him to nap though.  It should also be mentioned that it's a great alternative for an indoor bed as well.  It could possibly be used as an alternative to hauling around a playpen to a hotel for example.


Next, we put Aleena inside and it was better for her size.  She's 15 months and was able to sit up inside without her head touching the top of the PeaPod.  She and Connor played around in it and we did our "durability test" because it didn't break despite the crawling and bashing around of a couple of little people.  It's very solidly made and can stand up to some hard use from what we saw.  Once Connor wanted to get out, we left Aleena inside and gave her some toys.  She played quite happily for a few minutes until she was hungry and wanted some breakfast.  I considered that a success.  I would use it again on our deck at home even.  She could sit and play inside and I can read my book or even do some gardening.  It has screens and zippers just like most tents and it has flaps that can be used to cover up the baby completely if they are napping.  Otherwise, you can keep them open and just have the screens zipped up so you can see baby and vise versa.

We like it!
Aleena checking things out.  Of course, she had to smoosh her face up against the screen.
I didn't want to wreck the mattress by testing it out but Connor thought it was comfy!

The Good!
As I said, we were camping with family and they seemed interested in chipping in their opinions for this review.  Here were the positive comments:
  • Amazingly easy to set up.
  • Great features with the screens, zippers, windows, and mattress.
  • A perfect way to keep the sun, wind and bugs off babies and toddlers.  The material offer UV protection and the screens keep out bugs and dust.
  • Easy to take down and it comes with a convenient carrying case.
  • Lightweight and simple to transport.
  • A useful place to put young ones while outdoors.  A good holding zone!
  • Has anchor straps 
Suggestions for improvement:
  • To provide some tent pegs to go with the anchor straps.  I am pretty sure we didn't get any with the product.  It's not a big deal as we can easily find some but it would be a nice thing to include with the PeaPod.
  • Make a slightly larger PeaPod.  It is an ideal size for 0-24 months but we thought it was a bit small for Connor and he's almost three years old.  Connor thought the tent was great fun but his head touched the top of the tent when he was inside.  It would be nice to have one size up for the older toddlers to play in outdoors too!  

The Giveaway!
Kidco is going to give away a PeaPod to one lucky blog reader.  The winner will even be able to choose the model they would like from the Kidco website.

As always, I will number the entries and select a winner using www.random.org.   Each comment counts as one entry so be sure to make separate comments for each entry.

How to Enter:
1.  Tell us what your favourite camping destination is.  If you aren't into camping, just let us know where you like to go for a holiday!
2.  "Like" Kidco, Inc. on Facebook.  It's not required but I'd appreciate it if you could let them know I sent you.
3.  Follow A Sophisticated Mommy via Google Friend Connect in the right sidebar.
4.  "Like" A Sophisticated Mommy on Facebook.
5.  Share this giveway and let me know how.  (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Forum)

This contest will be open until Sunday, July 17th at 8 pm Saskatchewan Time.  I will announce the winner that evening so we can get the PeaPod sent out right away!

Open to Canada and the US.

211 comments:

  1. My fav camping spot is koocanusa BC

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  2. Like kidco on fb - and let them know who sent me!

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  3. already like a sophisticated mommy on fb!

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  4. shared this giveaway on FB!


    I REALLY LOVE the peapod so if there is a giveaway to be won - this is the one!

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  5. my fav camping spot is anywhere that we have family and friends with us! We make the most out of where ever we are! The mountains are nice though, Kananaskis is full of good memories!

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  6. I like kidco on facebook and said you sent me

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  7. i follow A Sophisticated Mommy on google

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  8. I'm not a big camper, so Hawaii is always a great destination.

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  9. I follow A Sophisticated Mommy via GFC.

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  10. I already A Sophisticated Mommy on FB.

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  11. We don't do a ton of camping, but we love vacationing in Mexico.

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  12. I love going camping in Kananaskis; beautiful mountains and a ton of hiking!

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  13. 'liked' Kidco on FB.

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  14. Already liked your FB page!

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  15. Shared the giveaway on FB.

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  16. "Tweeted" the giveaway.

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  17. Hmm. We always camped in a new place every year, so no favorites. I liked Duck Lake I remember, and Tobin Lake is very pretty. We went in the fall.
    Randi

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  18. Already liked S.M. on Facebook.
    Randi

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  19. I liked Sophisticated Mommy on FB.

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  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  21. I haven't gone yet but I would love to go camping at Cultus Lake.

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  22. Liked your page and kidco on face book! Posted to my profile on fb as well. I'm so not a camper, but we go to DH's uncle's cabin at least once a summer, and this would be perfect! We have to boat over, and the pack n play is soo heavy.
    CL

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  23. My favourite camping spot is William's Bay in Northwestern Ontario (on Lac Seul).

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  24. Liked both your blog and KidCo, as well as now following you via Friend Connect :) Shared the giveaway via FB (using the button provided here :) ).

    We've only gone camping once, and while we loved it, it wasn't very kid friendly. We do hope to try out Bon Echo park in the near future, here in Ontario. We also love going by the river at our parents' house, which feels like a vacation as it's so nice and relaxing :)

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  25. I like A Sophisticated Mommy on FB

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  26. I haven't camped in years, but Grand Beach holds some special high school memories for me.

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  27. Blogged about your giveaway!

    http://allaboutthechaosbaby.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-great-giveaways.html

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  28. Favorite camping destination is Three Lakes Camp atJan Lake, SK, great fishing and great people. liked Kidco, Inc, liked A Sophiticated Mommy, shared on FB. Would follow via Google if I knew what that meant.

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  29. Favorite Camping Destination is by far Keji National Park in NS! Beautiful white sandy beaches and amazing sunsets on the ocean!

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  30. I like Kidco already and told them you sent me!

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  31. I "like" A Sophisticated Mommy on FB! She's pretty awesome!

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  32. I follow ASM with Google Friend Connect!

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  33. We go camping at least once a summer. Our favourite park is Balsam Lake, ON.

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  34. I liked "Peapod" & "ASM" on Facebook- and shared this giveaway there, too!!

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  35. I like the peapod plus p201

    talesofmommyhood at yahoo dot ca

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  36. oops. I meant to say I liked Kidco, inc. :)

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  37. GFC follower (mamawee - it won't let me sign into my acct though)

    talesofmommyhood at yahoo dot ca

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  38. "like" sophisticated mommy on FB

    talesofmommyhood at yahoo dot ca

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  39. Favorite camping destination is Three Lakes Camp atJan Lake, SK, great fishing and great people.

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  40. sorry - I meant to add that I don't camp - I like the ameneties of hotels

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  41. liked Kidco, Inc. sent them a message you sent me

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  42. liked A Sophiticated Mommy

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  43. following via Google

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  44. I Liked KidCo and A Sophisticated Mommy on FB and am now following your blog and have shared it. Best place for camping is Sandbanks park, here in Ontario.

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  45. I don't really camp, but would love a great beach vacation somewhere like Jamaica!

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  46. Like KidCo on Facebook and said I was sent from you!

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  47. Now following via Google Friend Connect

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  48. Like A Sophisticated Mommy on Facebook

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  49. Shared the giveaway on Facebook. Hope I win!!

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  50. We like to camp anywhere along the lake in Osoyoos, BC. :) Following you and KidCo on Facebook and via Google Friend Connect.

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  51. Favourite camp spot is Winthrop Washington. Old cowboy town with lots of character and great food!

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  52. Like A Sophisticated Mommy on Facebook

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  53. We love going to Goldstream Provincial Park to camp!
    hun423 at hotmail.com

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  54. I like Kid Co on fb (fb name Vashti McMurray)
    hun423 at hotmail.com

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  55. I follow via GFC
    hun423 at hotmail.com

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  56. I like you on fb (fb name Vashti McMurray)
    hun423 at hotmail.com

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  57. Favorite camping destination as of late, Shuswap Lake BC. Always beautiful weather in July and early August...going to be there soon! Would love to do it with a pea pod!

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  58. Shared on twitter
    https://twitter.com/#!/MamaHunfy/status/90648940030083072

    hun423 at hotmail.com

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  59. I liked sophisticated mommy on fb

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  60. I am originally from northern BC and would love to go back to the camp grounds there :)

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  61. My favourite camping spot is Norway Lake in Killarney park. It's a secluded little lake that takes 5hrs (give or take) of canoeing/portaging to get to. But oh so worth it - the lake is crystal clear and it's so serene there.

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  62. I'm now following this blog via Google connect!

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  63. I love camping in Parc de la Jacques Cartier in Quebec.

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  64. I liked this blog on facebook.

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  65. I liked Kidco on facebook.

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  66. I am following this blog through google connect.

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  67. DeniselovesMike from WBJuly 12, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    We don't camp much but will start again, love Elora Gorge and Guelph Lake

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  68. DeniselovesMike WBJuly 12, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Liked Kidco on facebook

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  69. DeniselovesMike WBJuly 12, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Can't see where to tell Kidco that you sent me to facebook

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  70. DeniselovesMike WBJuly 12, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Going to set up an account to follow A Sophisticated Mommy via Google Friend Connect

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  71. DeniselovesMike WBJuly 12, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Liked A Sophisticated Mommy on Facebook.

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  72. DeniselovesMike WBJuly 12, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Posted on my wall about this giveaway

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  73. My face camping spot is Rushing River, Ontario!!

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  74. Favorite camping spot is Algonquin, but if I win, I'm totally bringing this on our Caribbean Cruise! this would be GREAT for our son's sleeping space in the tiny cruise cabin, since we could just fold it up! PLUS it would be great for the beach!

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  75. I shared this giveaway on Twitter!

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  76. My favourite camping spot is Keats Island, BC

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  77. We like to go camping in the Drumheller area
    pjkmitchell at hotmail dot com

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  78. Follow with GFC
    pjkmitchell at hotmail dot com

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  79. Like you on facebook as Paula M-B
    pjkmitchell at hotmail dot com

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  80. Just re-entering what I did since I put it all in one post!
    Liked A sophisticated mommy on FB!
    CL (C_C)

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  81. Liked Kidco on FB!
    CL (C_C)

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  82. Shared this contest on FB!
    That's 4 of 5, I can't follow on google connect, my work browser apparently is not supported.
    CL (C_C)

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  83. Oh how nice

    Our favorite camping spot is out in Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario... such a beautiful place to be :D

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  84. am a gfc follower (who wouldnt be ;))

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  85. We like to go to Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta for holiday! It's such a beautiful places!

    sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

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  86. Follow you via GFC (Sweet Panda)

    sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

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  87. "Like" A Sophisticated Mommy on Facebook (Precilla N.)

    sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

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  88. "Like" Kidco, Inc. on Facebook (Precilla N.)

    sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

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  89. tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/PandaSweetSweet/status/91128770798432256

    sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

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  90. We enjoy trying different campgrounds every time we go camping. When we lived on Vancouver Island we never went to the same campground twice and the up side was no bugs. Now that we are back in Ontario bugs is definitely something to contend with. The last few times we have gone camping we have tried different areas in Algonquin park.
    san_javier@hotmail.com

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  91. I like Kidco Inc on facebook
    san_javier@hotmail.com

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  92. I follow your blog via GFC
    san_javier@hotmail.com

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  93. I like a Sophisticated Mommy on facebook
    san_javier@hotmail.com

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  94. We have a favorite spot at our local camp ground we have went to since I was little
    alliejunk@yahoo.com

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  95. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  96. Liked Kidco on FB
    alliejunk@yahoo.com

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  97. Followed SM on FB
    alliejunk@yahoo.com

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  98. FB shared the giveaway
    alliejunk@yahoo.com

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  99. the beach in Hawaii..didn't get to camp on the beach when I lived there but would LOVE to someday when I go back to visit.. for now, lakeside will do.
    dani fouts
    sample1987@hotmail.com

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  100. July 13 --When our children were younger, we camped. Now my idea of a Holiday is to visit Cape Breton. el03ro

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  101. July 13--I 'liked' KidCo on facebook--el03ro

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  102. July 13--I followed A Sophisticated Mommy via Google Friend Connect--el03ro

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  103. July 13--I 'liked' A Sophisticated Mommy on Facebook.--el03ro

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  104. My favorite camping site is my back yard as we live in the country. Would love to go to Hawaii for a holiday. Thanks for the great giveaway!
    goldiez at hotmail dot com

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  105. "Like" Kidco, Inc. on Facebook as Diana Z
    goldiez at hotmail dot com

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  106. I "Like" A Sophisticated Mommy on Facebook as Diana Z
    goldiez at hotmail dot com

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  107. Follow via GFC
    goldiez at hotmail dot com

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  108. My favorite camping destination is Blue Lake in Ontario!
    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

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  109. I like Kidco on FB (Suzanne K)
    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

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  110. GFC follower of yours
    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

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  111. I like Sophisticated Mommy on FB (Suzanne K)
    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

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  112. I shared on FB
    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=200023950046391&id=611836186
    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

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  113. I follow you, I like you & I share you (on fb) :)

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  114. We love camping at the beach here in Southern California. Heinzmom at hotmail dot com

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  115. I like you on facebook. heinzmom at hotmail dot com

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  116. I like KidCo on facebook and thanked them. heinzmom at hotmail dot com

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  117. new gfc follower. heinzmom at hotmail dot com
    sometimesuwin.blogspot.com (if you want to follow back)

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  118. Haven't camped in a while, but would love to go this year. Diefenbaker Lake has lots of cool places.

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  119. I love camping in Pancake Bay, Ontario...

    melacan at hotmail dot com

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  120. July 13--I shared the link to this giveaway on Twitter today --el03ro http://twitter.com/

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  121. July 13--Shared this giveaway on Facebook with the link to your blog being given-el03ro
    Link:http://www.facebook.com/

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  122. Chanda says Our family loves many camping locations but Waterton is one of our favorites.
    chanda_mierau2@yahoo.com

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  123. Chanda says I already like Kidco on fb
    chanda_mierau2@yahoo.com

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  124. I already am on Google connect with sophisticated Mommy
    chanda_mierau2@yahoo.com

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  125. I already like sophisticated Mommy on fb
    chanda_mierau2@yahoo.com

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  126. I have shared the giveaway on fb
    chanda_mierau2@yahoo.com

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  127. Whenever we go camping we go not too far from our home to a nice local park for a few days.
    jross at voxscripts.com

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  128. I don't love camping, but I'd love to travel to the West Coast (Vancouver, Victoria, etc) and experience some of the amazing nature there!!

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  129. My grandson would love this.

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  130. I love camping anywhere that there is a beautiful sandy beach.

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  131. Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/mominworkPJs/status/91206772991340544

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  132. fav camping spot is Lake Cowichan....

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  133. liked KidCo and said you sent me :)

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  134. We like to go to Florida for the sun and sand!

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  135. liked kidco and told them you sent me

    talesofmommyhood at yahoo dot ca

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  136. Our favourite camping destination is at our camp on St. Joseph's Island.
    cleaningrhouse at yahoo dot com

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  137. Our favourite camping destination is in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, usually around North Conway.

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway. ~Pauline

    dod@rogers.com

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  138. I am a fan of Kidco Inc. on Facebook.

    Facebook ID: Pauline Milner Pike

    dod@rogers.com

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  139. I am following your blog publically with Google Friend Connect.

    GFC ID: dod

    dod@rogers.com

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  140. I am a fan of yours on Facebook.

    Facebook ID: Pauline Milner Pike

    dod@rogers.com

    ReplyDelete
  141. I tweeted about your giveaway today:

    http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/91774627730296832

    dod@rogers.com

    ReplyDelete
  142. Karen Jaster-LaforgeJuly 15, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    My favorite place to camp in wherever the campsite hasn't been flooded out, which is rare in SK this year!

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  143. Karen Jaster-LaforgeJuly 15, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    "like" you on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  144. Karen Jaster-LaforgeJuly 15, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    "like" kidco on facebook

    ReplyDelete
  145. I will be going to Michigan at my inlaws during the holidays.
    amramazon280 at yahoo dot com

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  146. liked kidco in fb

    amramazon280 at yahoo dot com

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  147. shared on fb
    amramazon280 at yahoo dot com

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  148. shared on twitter
    amramazon280 at yahoo dot com

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  149. gfc follower
    amramazon280 at yahoo dot com

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  150. google +1 it
    amramazon280 at yahoo dot com

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  151. I liked kidco on FB
    Celia

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  152. I already follow you :)
    Celia

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  153. I already like you on FB :)

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  154. Shared on FB
    Celia

    Oops the anonymous above is me too :)

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  155. Our favorite place to camp is anywhere we are allowed to bring our doggie :)

    Celia

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  156. Favorite camping place - The Ovens in Nova Scotia :)

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  157. My favorite camping spot growing up was Kokanee Creek Park and sleeping in a tent all summer in my own backyard.

    Tamara H.

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  158. Shared on Facebook

    Tamara H.

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  159. I liked KidCo on Facebook and told them you sent me.

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  160. I like you on Facebook!

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  161. We love camping at the Pinery Provincial Park.

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