Elf on the Shelf: Meet Chris

A few weeks ago my 8 year old came home questioning what to believe in this holiday season.  He said kids at school told him that their parents were responsible for wrapping presents, not a jolly guy in a red suit.  I know we're quickly approaching the age where kids start wondering what's real, but I'm not ready to give up on the magical spirit of the season. 

So what did I tell him? 

I explained that Santa is as real as he thinks he is, and that I still believe. I believe that there is magic in the holidays, magic in the wonder in a little kid's face seeing holiday lights, magic in spending more time together, hugging each other a little longer.  In a world where are kids are growing up so fast, why not encourage them to believe a little longer?

So, the next day, our Elf on the Shelf arrived.  He was quickly named Chris, "with a 'Ch,' not a 'K.'"  Chris is a little naughty, but has brought with him wonder and excitement.  Confidence in the season has been restored.

Next year may bring more doubt, but for now, I'm grateful for one more enchanted Christmas.

Dump the Frumpy Pregnancy Clothes {contest entry}

There are no announcements coming from me.  Though we would love for our family to grow just a bit in the future.  And if that were to happen, I'd love new maternity clothes this go-round.  Especially because all my maternity wear is from Little Man.  The same Little Man who turned 8 a few months back.

5 Minutes for Mom and ASOS have teamed up on a fun giveaway.  One lucky winner will get 7 pieces from ASOS.  So how would I update my pregnancy look?

I'd love to have the ASOS Maternity Dress With Mesh And Front Knot.


And for more casual days, I'd love the ASOS MATERNITY Boyfriend Tee.

Thankful #2

#3: I'm thankful for my amazing extended family. They're there for the every day things, like kids' soccer games, Sunday dinners, and babysitting, and they're there when life throws a wrench in our plans, offering an ear to listen, a ride home, or a warm place to sleep.

 #4: I'm thankful to have a job. Even though there are times I'd rather be anywhere but there, and there are days when I have the rudest customers ever (ahem, yesterday.) But I'm glad to have a way to help my family financially.

#5: I'm thankful to have a roof over my head. We're in the process of moving and the stress of packing up everything we've ever owned is making me realize just how much we have. We're so lucky to be able to buy whatever we want, when we want (within reason, of course.) So, we've been downsizing our things, donating what we can, hoping that someone else can benefit from it.

Thankful

Day 1:  So thankful to have two little boys to snuggle each and every day.  One who wakes up so happy to see me sleeping nearby, and is completely ecstatic to crawl up on my lap, while yelling "mo, mo" and signing for milk.  And the other who loves coming home to tell me about his day and hasn't yet grown "too big" for my hugs and kisses.

Day 2:  I'm thankful for my hubby who works hard every day to provide for us, helps take care of little ones, and is still willing to cook dinner for us all.

Write to Win Sweepstakes & a Giveaway

Closed: Congrats to slb3334

My oldest has been back to school for almost a month and has come home every day excited to tell me about all the projects his class is currently doing. I'm glad that he has a teacher this year who is encouraging and challenging in the classroom.

Dollar General and Procter & Gamble are celebrating teachers this month as part of their "Every Day Heroes" campaign. To join in, you can honor schools in your community by entering the "Write to Win" sweepstakes.

Customers ages 21 and over may visit Dollar General to submit an essay about why their school deserves to win. Three essays will be selected and the winning schools mentioned in those essays will win $10,000 each. Sweepstakes ends 9/23/12.  

Win It: One luck reader will win a prize pack with samples of

• Tide PODS 
• Prilosec OTC 
• Cascade Action Pacs 
• Ultra Downy 
• Scope Outlast mouthwash 
• Dollar General cosmetic bag 
• Dollar General reusable sandwich container  

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me what school you would nominate.  

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

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• Tweet this giveaway (Leave link/Once a day only) 
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Be sure to leave a way to contact you. Giveaway ends 9/30 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.  

Procter & Gamble provided the prize for our consideration, as well as the giveaway prize. All opinions are our own.

August Birthdays

This past month flew by. We've celebrated Little Man's 8th birthday and Babycake's 1st. There was lots of excitement, cake, and celebration. In honor of Little Man's birthday, we decided we would go out and do eight nice things for other people.

Our (not-so) random acts of kindness:
1. Pay for someone's breakfast. (The waitress later told me that the man said his birthday was actually the next day.)
2. Take donuts for the waitresses/cooks. (We did this at the place I work part-time.)
3. Leave coloring books and crayons in the birth center's waiting room.
4. Tape change to soda and candy machines.
5. Take donuts to the mom & baby group we used to attend.
6. Make cards for people who might need cheering up.
7. Leave quarters in the grocery store toy machines for kids to find.
8. Took cold water to a family who was in an accident in front of our house. It was sweltering out when someone clipped their horse and buggy and they had to wait for a horse trailer to pick them us.


The afternoon was all about Little Man, as we hit an arcade, miniature golf, and dinner at his favorite restaurant with his best friend. The day ended with lots of smiles and a slight sugar crash.

Babycakes's 1st birthday was much more relaxed.  We shared cake (gluten & dairy free) as a family and sang "Happy Birthday."  But, it was otherwise pretty uneventful.  The mess of getting cake out of nostrils and belly buttons was enough to handle.

Freshfoods Mash & Serve Bowl Review & Giveaway

***Closed:  Congrats to Donna***

Babycakes has been eating the same foods as the rest of the family for several months now.  But, with several teeth coming in at once, there are many days where he refuses anything except purees.  Since my freezer stock of baby foods has dwindled, we often mash up fruits and veggies one serving at a time.

The Nuk Freshfoods Mash & Serve Bowl by Annabel Karmel is perfect for mashing fruits and vegetables "to order."  The bowl is designed with ridges, which allows for a chunkier puree consistency, and I love the easy to hold grips on both the bowl and masher.



The Mash & Serve Bowl is perfect for ripe, soft fruits, like peaches, bananas, and pears, or steamed veggies, such as carrots and potatoes.  Babycakes loves when we mash up a little banana with peaches and add a touch of cinnamon.

Win It: One lucky reader will receive their own Mash & Serve Bowl.

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me what your baby's favorite meal is.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
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Giveaway ends 9/18 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

A sample was provided for our review.  All opinions are my own.

11 Months

Babycakes hit 11 months on the 19th.  I can't believe how fast his first year is flying by.


Loves:
Swimming
Headbutting his brother
Napping with mommy
Chicken
Blueberries & watermelon
Coconut yogurt
When momma sings "dancing in my diaper"

Can:
Cruise along furniture
Crawl up the steps
Swim like a little frog

Says:
Momma, Dada, Brother
Buh-bye
Chicken
Moo
Ball

Enjoying Summer with Frozen Treats

One of my favorite parts about summer is ending each day with a sweet, frozen treat without feeling guilty.  We're so busy during the days (and burning a ton of calories), so we really enjoy sitting down with something cold and refreshing.

Recently, MAGNUM, Klondike, Breyers, Popsicle, and Breyers introduced some new flavors for summertime.

MAGNUM, the world’s most luxurious ice cream bar, has introduced the Mini line of petite treats in Classic and Almond. MAGNUM has also added two new varieties to its traditional-sized bars, which include Mint and Mochaccino. 

Breyers Blasts!, the line known for featuring fun mix-ins from the most loved candy and cookie brands has also added four new flavors including Chocolate REESE’S, Golden OREO, Cookies & Cream, OREO Birthday Blast! and Klondike Krunch. Banana Split and S’mores flavors are also available nationwide.

Klondike is taking their famous Original Choco Taco to the next level as they have introduces the Chocolate and Peanut Butter varieties, as well as the new Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich.
Good Humor has added to their classic candy treats after last year’s successful introduction of REESE’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cup. They now offer Mounds and York Ice Cream Bars.


Popsicle recently introduced an unexpected new line: Yosicle, which combines ice pops with combining ice pops and the smoothness of yogurt. Popsicle also partnered with SOUR PATCH KIDS to introduce fruity, candy-inspired pops that replicate the sour then sweet taste of the classic candy.

We had the chance to try out several of the new treats, and Little Man gave all of them a resounding thumbs-up.  His favorites included the Breyers Blasts Golden OREO and the Klondike Caramel Pretzel Bars.  I love the sweet and tart contrast of the Sour Patch Kids Popsicles (and the fact that they're dairy-free).


Samples were provided for review.  All opinions are our own.

Mocafe Matcha Green Tea Recipe Contest

We love to watch shows like Chopped and Cupcake Wars where contestants are given ingredients and have to create an original recipe.  It's always exciting to see how different each recipe is and how the final creation turns out.

I was excited to hear about the Mocafe Matcha Green Tea Recipe Contest through 5 Minutes for Mom.  To participate, we received a sample of the Mocafe Green Tea Matcha Frappe made with real Kyoto grown green tea and came up with our very own recipe for Blueberry-Grape Green Tea Matcha Smoothies.

Blueberry-Grape Green Tea Matcha Smoothies

(Makes 1-2 servings)

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen blueberries
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup grape juice
3 tablespoons  Mocafe Green Tea Matcha Frappe mix
1 teaspoon honey

Directions:
Place all ingredients in blender and mix until smooth.  Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Little Man was my taste tester, since I can't have dairy at the moment.  He gave our drink two big thumbs up, and by how quickly he finished, I assume he was telling the truth.


I love how such a simple recipe could turn into a such a yummy drink, and by using frozen fruit, we were able to skip using any ice in our drink.  We love visiting Common Ground, our local coffee shop, for hot drinks and smoothies, but it's fun to get Little Man thinking about what flavors he can mix at home too.

To see all the other delicious entries in the Mocafe Matcha Green Tea Recipe Contest, check out the linky at 5 Minutes for Mom.   

Samples were provided. All opinions are my own. This post is entry into a contest sponsored by Mocafe and Blendtec.

The Playdate Book Review

As a mom, I know far too well how hard it is to let your kids with anyone else.  Even friends.  The Playdate, British author, Louise Millar's debut novel, explores the fears almost every mother endures. 



Callie, mother to Rae, a sweet, but frail little girl is the new mom on the street.  She is thrilled to be welcomed by Suzy, a mother of three, who seems to have it all together.  Suzy has a beautiful home, no money worries, and a handsome husband.

After Callie decides to go back to work and another newcomer, Debs, moves to the street, things change between Callie and Suzy.  Debs, with her sordid past and mental fragility adds to the tension between the once best friends.

It seems that when Rae is in the care of others, bad things are sure to follow.  While Callie is heartbroken to see her daughter hurt and constantly tries to protect her, she also wants her daughter to be able to live her life.

The Playdate starts as the story of neighbors and friendship, but it soon changes to a thought-provoking thriller.  Because it is told from each of the three women's perspectives, I constantly changed my own view about each of the characters.

The Playdate was a quick read,full of likeable, yet surprising characters.  Millar developed the storyline in a way that draws in readers and leaves them wanting to know exactly how each character will fare. 

Buy It:
Purchase The Playdate for $11

A copy of the book was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

Triangles Book Review

When I first opened TRIANGLES, I was surprised at the format.  Ellen Hopkin's writing style is much different than the novels I typically read, as the entire book is written in poetic verse.  But, the book reads just as simply as free prose, and has a way of telling a no holds bar story that will intrigue readers.


The book was a bit racer than I usually pick up, as it explored sex, marriage, friendship, and loss.  But all the topics are so entwined and well thought out that I couldn't put the book down.

TRIANGLES' point of view rotates between three women whose lives are interwoven.  While each has a unique home life, they all share friendships, marriage problems, and the realization that they are "half-way to death."  All three women wonder if this is the direction their lives were meant to go in, and what they can do to feel more alive. 

About the author: 
Ellen Hopkins is the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of eight young adult novels, including Crank, Glass, Fallout, and Perfect.  TRIANGLES is her first adult novel, and Tilt, which focuses on the teen characters from TRIANGLES, will be published in September 2012. Hopkins’ second adult novel Collateral will be published in November 2012.

Buy It:You can pre-order TRIANGLES for $14


A copy was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

DG Every Day Heroes Giveaway

***Closed: Congrats to mightynaynay***

Throughout the month of June, Dollar General has teamed up with Procter & Gamble to honor those Every Day Heroes who have made sacrifices for their families, their communities and their country by serving in our military.

Dollar General was the 2011 Military Officers Association of America Distinguished Service Award winner and was recognized in GI Jobs magazine’s list of Most Military Friendly Employers. Dollar General values these heroes and their experiences and offers many career opportunities for returning veterans.

You can also honor the military heroes in your life by uploading a video to Dollar General's Every Day Hero site.


Win It:  
One lucky winner will receive a Dollar General/P&G Prize Pack including a Swiffer 360° Duster, a set of Pringles red computer speakers, Old Spice Champion Deodorant, Tide sample packs and a Dollar General reusable shopping bag.

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me who is your Every Day military hero.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

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Be sure to leave a way to contact you.
Giveaway ends 6/30 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

Procter & Gamble provided the prize for our consideration, as well as the giveaway prize. All opinions are our own. .

P&G/Kmart Prize Pack Giveaway

 ***Closed: Congrats to smilekisses***

Kmart and Procter & Gamble have teamed up to bring shoppers a great deal.  Starting today, June 24th, until June 30th, you can receive a free Bounce 40 ct (a $2.99 value) when you purchase Tide 75oz.  Tide will be on sale this week as well, at $8.97.

Limit of 1 free per transaction.  While supplies last.

 
Win It:
One lucky reader will win a $10 Kmart gift card and a Tide Pods 35 ct.

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me if you've tried the Tide Pods yet.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
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Giveaway ends 6/30 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

Information and prize packs were provided for our consideration by Procter & Gamble.  All opinions are our own.

Wisk Deep Clean (& a Giveaway)

***Closed: Congrats to Busymom369***

One of our goals this summer is to stay active.  We've been swimming and walking together as a family every morning.  Little Man recently participated in a fun run (dressed as a superhero), and we have quite a few 5Ks on the calendar over the next few months.


But, being more active means even more (and stinkier) laundry.  We were recently introduced to the reformulated Wisk Deep Clean. Wisk Deep Clean targets more than visible stains.  It also rids clothes of the body oils and sweat that get trapped deep in the fabric of garments and build up over time.

Did you know that the average washload contains 20 times more body oils and sweat than visible stains? The photo below shows the amount of hidden body oils and sweat in our clothes could actually look like compared to the average visible stains. Just because you don’t see any stains on your garments, doesn’t mean they’re not dirty.



Because of its cleaning ability, Wisk Deep Clean was recently awarded Product of the Year in the laundry category in a TNS consumer survey.

We had the chance to try out Wisk Deep Clean on some of our dirtiest laundry, and I loved that it came out, not only looking and smelling clean, but also feeling fresh. I am very picky when it comes to detergent, because my little ones have sensitive skin.  And we've had no troubles using Wisk so far. Plus, I really enjoy the light, crisp fragrance.

Win It:
One lucky reader will win a coupon for a free bottle of Wisk Deep Clean and a Wisk t-shirt.

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me whose clothes in your house could benefit from being washed in Wisk Deep Clean.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
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Giveaway ends 6/29 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

Information and samples were provided for our consideration by Wisk.  All opinions are our own.

The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D: Book Review

When we become wives and mothers, it seems like many of us transform into a whole new person.  The woman we used to be is caught only in glimpses and shadows throughout our days.  We have new worries, new struggles, and new priorities, and sometimes it's amazing to look back and see just how much we've changed over the years.


The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. by debut novelist Nichole Bernier explores the struggles many women face when they become mothers.  It is written both as Elizabeth's journal entries and her friend, Kate's reaction to them and to the world around her during the aftermath surrounding 9/11.

Elizabeth Martin dies suddenly in a plane crash and leaves her close friend in charge of her journals, with a letter telling her she'll know what to do with them.  This causes great distress for Elizabeth's widow, Dave, who questions his wife's real motives for taking the trip. Kate spends the summer reading the diaries and realizes there is so much she never knew about Elizabeth.

The book makes readers question just how much they allow others to know about them and how well they know their friends.  It explores the impact of secrets in relationships, the guilt associated with leaving children for work, and the sacrifices sometimes made to protect those we love.

There are many moments in the book that might lead you to tears, it is beautifully written and captivating.  The characters are developed well and reading the journals alongside Kate made me want to know more and more about Elizabeth's life.

Buy It:
The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. is available for $15

A copy was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

Let's Doodle Lunch: Rudi's Organic Bakery Giveaway

***Closed: Congrats to Sarah!***

My son has packed lunch every day since starting school.  That's three years of packing lunches.  Every. Single. Day.  In order to keep his lunches fun, we've cut sandwiches into funky shapes, used bright lunchboxes, and let him help choose what to pack.  But one thing that remains consistent is our use of reusable containers.  I don't even want to imagine how many baggies we'd go through otherwise.

Rudi's Organic Bakery has come up with a way to make your kid's lunch containers even more exciting: the Let's Doodle Lunch campaign.  From May 1st until June 30th parents can upload their children's artwork and receive a free sandwich box with their child's work featured on it.  Plus, those who submit their work on Facebook will be eligible to have their artwork become the Official Sandwich Box of Rudi’s Organic Bakery.

Rudi's Organic Bakery was founded more than 35 years ago on the idea that there is a better, brighter way to make bread, leading the company to become a trailblazer in the bread industry. They have been baking bread free of artificial ingredients and preservatives after pioneering the use of organic ingredients in its breads and baked goods more than 20 years ago.

Rudi's Organic Bakery recently introduced Sandwich and Bagel Flatz to their product line. All of the Flatz are 110 calories or less per serving and have 3 to 5 grams of fiber and 23 to 25 grams of whole grains.  Perfect for the lunchbox!

Win It:
One lucky reader will win a Rudi's art-inspired prize pack!



Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me which variety of Flatz you want to try first.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
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• Submit your kid's art to Let's Doodle Lunch and tell me about it!
• Like Rudi's
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Giveaway ends 5/30 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

Information and samples were provided for our consideration.  All opinions are our own.

The Long Way Home: Book Review

I have finally discovered that if I sneak a book to bed, I can get some reading in (by light from the closet) while everyone else slumbers. While it may not be a perfect solution, it is nice to read a book that doesn't rhyme or include superheros.

When I heard Karen McQuestion was publishing a new novel, I was very excited. You may remember, I sung praises to her other books, A Scattered Life, Favorite, and Life on Hold.  McQuestion's writing style is captivating.  Her characters draw you in and keep you turning the pages.


The Long Way Home is the story of four strangers who come together because of loss and start on an unexpected road trip across the country.  The ladies, ranging in age from a 20-something to senior citizen, each have their own distinct personality.  And, as with McQuestion's other books, each character immediately brought to mind someone from my own life.

The obstacles that arise (from messages from the dead to car troubles to trips to the ER), the friendships created, and the journey of each character will hold your attention from start to finish.  Throughout the book I found myself not wanting to put it down.  I had to know what would happen next!

The Long Way Home would make a great read for a summer book club or in the car on your own road trip. 


Buy It:
The Long Way Home is available in paperback for under $8 or for your Kindle at $4.99

A copy of the book was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

Moms are Every Day Heroes: DG Giveaway

***Closed: Congrats to Zestywonderland***

Mother's Day may be over, but Dollar General is continuing the celebration all month.  As part of their Every Day Heroes initiative, Dollar General and Proctor & Gamble are honoring the sacrifices moms make for their family. To celebrate moms, Dollar General is inviting customers to upload a video describing why their moms are "Every Day Heroes."

If your mom deserves to be recognized, head over to the Dollar General site and share what makes her amazing!  While you're there, you can also enter to win a trip to a U.S. Olympic Training Center by buying participating products and entering the code on their site.

Win It:
To join in the fun, I have a special prize package for one lucky reader that includes: Tide Pods, Febreze Auto Air Freshener, Always Radiant, Tampax Radiant, Secret Coco Butter Clear Gel, Old Spice Champion Deodorant and a Dollar General chip clip.


Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me one thing that makes your mom special (or one thing your kids love about you.)

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
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Be sure to leave a way to contact you.
Giveaway ends 5/30 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

Procter & Gamble provided the prize for our consideration, as well as the giveaway prize. All opinions are our own. .

Fresh Produce Review

I love spring weather.  The cool, crisp mornings and breezy afternoons.  But it seems that we practically skipped spring this year and dove straight into summer weather.  I, for one, am not ready for temps in the 80s yet.

Even with the quick rise in temperatures, many mornings are still chilly enough that I need to throw on a sweater to drop Little Man at school.  I recently received the Standing Ovation Cardigan from Fresh Produce and have loved wearing it in the mornings.
The Standing Ovation Cardigan is a lightweight cardigan that is perfect for those days when it's too cold for just a tee, but too warm for a sweatshirt.  It's made of 100% linen jersey and is incredibly soft and comfortable.




I love the dramatic drape offered by the Standing Ovation Cardigan and the angled hem.  Wearing the sweater over any tee or tank helps me to look much more put together first thing in the day.  (Which is never easy when you've gotten very little sleep and are running around getting the boys ready.)

I ordered the cardigan in a M/L and love the fit.  It is a perfect length for my torso, plus the flowiness of the top is flattering and comfortable.  The sweater is also very versatile.  It can be worn in comfort with jeans and flats or added over a sleek dress for a night out.

In addition to cute cardigans, Fresh Produce offers lots of spring clothing, including dresses, shorts, and tees. 

Buy It:  The Standing Ovation Cardigan is $74 and the other casual tops start at $15.99

Product was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

Lansinoh mOmma Bottle Review

Babycakes turned 8 months last week, and I can hardly believe it.  Time has literally flown by, and I can't imagine that it's been that long since we brought him home from the hospital.

At 8 months, we are still going strong with breastfeeding.  The only problem?  I went back to work (very) part-time and Babycakes has yet to take to bottles.  Meaning that one day a week, he eats next to nothing for 8 hours, then gorges himself when I get home.

I was excited to hear about the new Lansinoh mOmma Bottle with NaturalWaveT Peristaltic Nipple. The innovative features of the new bottle include:

• A wide, rounded nipple base which encourages a wider latch-on, similar to how babies latch naturally, and therefore promotes oral, facial, and jaw development. 
• Is made of super-soft and flexible 100 percent silicone that is lined internally with specially designed grooves that are made to optimally compress and control milk flow. 
• Has a hassle-free design with minimal parts that saves mom time. 
• Is available in slow, medium, and fast flow to meet baby's changing needs. 
• Features an AVST Air Ventilation System that reduces the intake of gas, a potential cause of colic or spit up. 
• Is BPA-free.

The first thing I noticed about the Lansinoh mOmma Bottle was the overall design.  It's shaped more like a breast than any other bottle we've encountered.  And we've tried more than our fair share over the last few months.  The soft, pliable nipple is also more "life-like" than other bottles.

While many slow-flow bottles have still proven to be too fast for our little guy, he didn't struggle at all with the Lansinoh mOmma Bottle with NaturalWaveT Peristaltic Nipple. 

From the company, to initiate the first step of breastfeeding, a baby attaches by extending her lips outward to form suction on her mother’s areola. From this position, the baby uses a wave-like tongue motion called peristaltic movement to remove milk from the nipple. To swallow, the back of the baby’s tongue rises to transfer milk down to the esophagus. The NaturalWave Peristaltic Nipple, designed to encourage this same process, helps babies shift seamlessly from the breast to the bottle and back by maintaining familiarity with natural breastfeeding patterns.

While I can't say Babycakes took right to the bottle, I can say we had more success with the Lansinoh mOmma Bottle than with others we've tried.  At this point, I was happy when I came home last week to hear he had drank an ounce and a half from the bottle.  In past weeks, he had drank nothing, or had to be spoon fed pumped milk.

While I think Babycakes will still prefer his milk "straight from the tap," as my hubby says, the Lansinoh mOmma Bottle has become our go-to bottle when momma is away from home.

Buy It:  The Lansinoh mOmma Bottle with NaturalWaveT Peristaltic Nipple is available at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Diapers.com, and Drugstore.com for around $10

A sample was provided for review.  All opinions are our own.

Kidz Bop Ultimate Hits

My son loves to sing along to the radio any time we're in the car. But, I sometimes worry about what kind of songs the stations play. I always keep a stack of CDs nearby so we can listen to songs he likes, but that are kid appropriate too.

I was excited to add Kidz Bop Ultimate Hits to our stash. Kidz Bop is the #1 music brand for kids ages 5-12 and the Ultimate Hits CD offers all of Kidz Bop's most popular songs on one disc.  

4 Ingredients Gluten-Free Cookbook Review

Even though I've been gluten-free for two years, I still have moments where I struggle to come up with a meal plan. Gluten-free eating can be so simple, but sometimes I want to recreate those recipes (filled with gluten) that I grew up with. So, it's great to have a few gluten-free cookbooks on hand for inspiration.

The cookbook, 4 Ingredients Gluten-Free, by internationally bestselling authors Kim McCosker and Rachael Bermingham offers more than 400 recipes using 4 ingredients (or less) that are compatible with a gluten-free lifestyle.
4 Ingredients Gluten-Free discusses the basics of eating gluten-free and offers a range of recipes including dips, breakfasts, appetizers, salads, and veggies, plus an assortment of main courses and desserts. It also includes a section featuring kid-friendly recipes and one for babies and toddlers.

Since I had an abundance of buckwheat flour on hand recently, I decided to try the Buckwheat Pancakes recipe. They were delicious (even to my gluten-eaters)!

Buckwheat Pancakes
Serves 2

1 cup buckwheat flour
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
tablespoons pure maple syrup

In bowl, mix all the ingredients together with 1 cup water. Add a bit more water if the batter seems too thick. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Dollop in the batter and cook the pancakes for 1 minute. Flip them over and cook for another minute.

We have plans to try the Tangy Chicken Tenders and the Apple Bars soon too.

I love that 4 Ingredients Gluten-Free offers meals that fit my dietary restrictions, but are also flavorful and easy to prepare. The fact that they use minimal ingredients, most of which I have on hand, is an added bonus. It's so encouraging to see a cookbook full of delicious recipes that are quick, taste good, and are completely gluten-free.

Buy It: 4 Ingredients Gluten-Free is available for under $15

You can also watch Kim McCosker demo her recipes on the 4 Ingredients YouTube Channel.

A copy was provided for review. All opinions are my own.

To What Miserable Wretches Have I Been Born? Book Review

I haven't had much time to read lately. Well, no time to read something beyond Goodnight, Moon or Pokemon handbooks. So I was excited to pick up To What Miserable Wretches Have I Been Born? Revenge Poetry for Babies and Toddlers by Suzanne Weber.
It's been said that To What Miserable Wretches Have I Been Born? does for kids and babies what Go the F*** to Sleep did for exasperated moms and dads. The book contains a collection of hilarious poems, written from the point of view of babies and toddlers.

I have to admit, I laughed out loud reading through the poems. I loved that I could read one here and there, letting me feel like I was actually reading a grown-up book again, without taking too much time away from the kids. Reading the poems was the perfect stress reliever.

To What Miserable Wretches Have I Been Born? touches on subjects like swaddling, playdates, co-sleeping, and pacifiers, with humor. For example:

Nipple Confusion
You didn't give birth to an idiot.
I'm not confused.
I just know what I like.

The book is not for the faint of heart (in a good way). There's cursing, brutal honesty, and, it plays on fears we all have as parents, that we're not perfect, and we don't always know what we're doing. It makes you laugh at yourself and see that things don't have to be flawless to be okay.

This book would make a great gift for a new mom or for Mother's Day.

Buy It:
To What Miserable Wretches Have I Been Born? is available for pre-order at about $11

A copy of the book was provided for review. All opinions are me own.

Seriously, Just Go To Sleep Book Review

A few months ago, I heard all the controversy surrounding a book by Adam Mansbach. While I found it funny, I can see why some parents could be offended by a book called Go the F*** to Sleep. Seriously, Just Go To Sleep is the G-rated version of the first book. Chronicling a young child who wants to do anything but go to bed, it contains the same humor and sarcasm, but in a kid-friendly way.

The flowers doze low in the meadows
And high on the mountains so steep.
My life s absurd. This is taking forever.
Stop messing with me, please, and sleep.

At 7, Little Man knows it drives me crazy when he thinks of 24 different reasons why he can't go to sleep yet, so he giggled through the book. At one point he stopped me and asked if I really thought the sometimes. And, of course, he thought it was hilarious when I admitted I do.

We loved reading the book together as a family. Little Man was old enough to get the point of the book and laugh about it, while Babycakes loved the rhythm. I've been running on about 5 hours of broken sleep for 7 months and am exhausted by nightfall, so it was nice to know I'm not the only one frustrated at bedtime.

I highly recommend this to any parent needing a good laugh.

Buy It:
Seriously, Just Go To Sleep is available for around $10

A copy of the book was provided for review. All opinions are our own.

A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventure: Review

Little Man has been sick on the couch for the last 4 days, so our DVD player has been running nonstop. When A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventure arrived, we were excited to have a new movie to watch.Based on the true course of a sea turtle's life, Sammy's Adventure follows him from a hatchling as he makes a fifty year journey through the ocean. Sammy, an extraordinarily cute turtle, fights his way to the ocean, makes friends, has run ins with sharks, and searches far and wide for his one true love, Shelly.

The animation in the movie is amazing, making you fall in love with all the little sea critters. The soundtrack is upbeat, and the voice talents, including Melanie Griffith, Kathy Griffin, Tim Curry, Anthony Anderson, and Stacy Keach, give each character such personality and spunk.

Rated PG, A Turtle's Tale makes for a great family movie. My 7-year-old dubbed it "awesome," and my hubby and I enjoyed it as well.

Buy It:
A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventure is available on Blu-ray and DVD combo pack April 3rd.

A sample was provided for review. All opinions are our own.

Beanfields Nacho Bean & Rice Chips: Review

Last year we were excited to find out about Beanfields chips. Made from beans and rice, the chips are free of all the top 8 food allergens (plus are corn free).

Until recently I didn't realize just how many people have to deal with food allergies. I've been gluten free for quite awhile, but in the past 5 months have become dairy free as well. It can be so hard to find quick snacks that still taste good.

Beanfields chips are a yummy, filling snack, that are easy to grab on the go. The newest addition to the Beanfields line are their Nacho Bean & Rice Chips. They offer 4 grams of protein per serving, as well as 4 grams of fiber. Plus they are Non-GMO and vegan.I had to laugh when my (non-allergy suffering, hater of all my "free-from-everything" foods) hubby announced how good the chips were. He is by far the biggest snacker in the house, and the hardest to please, but he loved the nacho chips. They have a great flavor and texture.

Buy It:
You can buy Beanfields chips at a natural food store near you or order online. They retail for $2.99-$3.99 for a 6oz bag or $1.19-$1.49 for a 1.5oz snack size.

Samples were provided for review. All opinions are our own.

DiaperPods

Ever been out when your baby decides it's time to fill a diaper? Happens to us every single time we go somewhere. Which really wouldn't be a huge ordeal, except for the fact that I never remember to take a trash bag with us to contain the stink. And I'd feel way too guilty throwing something that potent into a public trash can.

DiaperPods are an innovative solution to the stinky, stuck without a bag situation. The trash receptacle is actually built right into the back of the diaper. It's completely sealed, to maximize safety, but easy for a grownup to access, allowing for easy disposal of a dirty diaper.Want to try DiaperPods? Well, they need your help. DiaperPods aren't in stores yet, but can be, with your vote in Walmart's Get on the Shelf contest. The contest will help three new products land on shelves. Voting is going on now until April 3rd. You can vote for DiaperPods up to twice a day.

A sample was provided for review. All opinions are our own.

SnoreRx Review & Giveaway

Closed: Congrats to LUCKYLADY48

For months, I've gotten very little sleep. Babycakes has been fighting relux, and nights really take their toll on us. Add to that the fact that my hubby snores so loudly, he often wakes himself (and us) up, I am exhausted.

When I was introduced to SnoreRx, I was excited to give it a chance. There was no way it could make things worse. But, I had my doubts. Over the years, we've tried snore strips, the tennis ball trick, and a good swift kick every now and then. None of them worked.

SnoreRx are liners, infused with eucalyptus, neroili, marjoram and other essential oils known to relieve snoring symptoms, that you place inside your pillowcase. As you sleep, SnoreRx naturally enhances the air you breathe, opening up your nasal passages.

Each liner is high pressure-infused so it is completely dry, and because it adheres under the pillowcase, it is the first completely non-invasive delivery system for essential oils. It’s also hypoallergenic and safe for children.The first night hubby put the liner inside his pillow at bedtime, I was skeptical. He fell asleep in seconds and started snoring away. But within 30 minutes, the snoring stopped. For the first time in years, our bedroom was peaceful. SnoreRx has made a huge difference for us. We are now on night number 3 of silence. And it is so nice to finally get a decent night's sleep (even if I'm up every few hours with the baby.)

Buy It:
SnoreRx is now available to order. A 30-day supply (10 liners) can be purchased for $29.99

Win It:
One very lucky reader will win a one month supply of SnoreRx (10 liners)

Mandatory entry: In honor of National Sleep Awareness Week, tell us what your husband’s snoring sounds like. (Mine could easily rival a freight train.)

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
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• Tweet this giveaway (Leave link/Once a day only)
• Blog about the giveaway with a link to this post. (Leave your link)

Be sure to leave a way to contact you.
Giveaway ends 3/25 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email, so be sure to leave a way to contact you. Open to US only.

Samples were provided for our consideration. All opinions are our own.

NurturMe Review

NurturMe recently partnered with Feed the Children to create the Open Your Hearts, Nurtur For Nutrition collaboration. NurturMe, who produces the first and only quick-dried, organic baby food, is donating one 18-serving variety pack to Feed the Children for every one purchased by a consumer.

The donations will benefit Feed the Children’s Americans Feeding Americans Caravan with a goal of donating over 100,000 meals to children and families between February and August. Consumers can also elect to donate their purchase at time of check-out, thus doubling the donation to 36 servings directly to Feed the Children.

The Feed the Children’s Americans Feeding Americans Caravan has helped more than 335,000 families across the country since it began in 2009. Feed the Children’s tractor-trailers deliver a 25-pound box of food, a 10-pound box of personal care items and a box of Avon products to families in need. The boxes are designed to help a family of four for up to one week.
NurturMe is such an innovative product. Each pouch contains quick-dried, organic fruits or veggies. All you have to do is add breastmilk, formula, or water. What's great is you can easily add as much or as little liquid as you need, eliminating the need for various "stages" of baby food. Plus, I can get sneaky and mix a little into my 7-year-old's food for added nutrition.

I also really love the pouch itself. They are easy to toss into my diaper bag when we're out and about and weigh very little. Since my diaper bag typically weighs more than Babycakes himself, I'm happy to not add the weight of baby food jar too.

NurturMe flavors include Plump Peas, Hearty Sweet Potatoes, Scrumptious Squash, Sweet Bananas, Crunchy Carrots, and Crisp Apples.

Buy It:
Order NuturMe online for $10/8 pouches or find NuturMe at Whole Foods, Target or other select retailers

Samples were provided for review. All opinions are our own.

Cranberry Naturals: Giveaway

Since Babycakes keeps me on my toes all day, I sometimes realize it's the middle of the afternoon and I've yet to eat. Juice, coffee, and water are my best friends most days. Without them, I don't know where I'd get the energy to make it through my mornings.

Recently, Old Orchard Brand introduced the Cranberry Naturals line, featuring six naturally sweetened juice-cocktails blends. Each juice contains natural ingredients, is sweetened with Truvia, and contains 40% less sugar than traditional cranberry juices. Plus, there's only 70 calories in an eight ounce glass.
Cranberry Naturals flavors:

• Classic Cranberry
• Cranberry Blueberry
• Cranberry Pomegranate
• Cranberry Grape
• Cranberry Apple
• Cranberry Raspberry

We had the chance to try Cranberry Grape and Cranberry Raspberry. Everyone in our family enjoyed the subtle sweetness and tang. Little Man loved adding just a little bit of lemon-lime soda to his juice for a delicious, bubbly treat.

Buy It:
Find Cranberry Naturals in your grocer's juice aisle for $2.99

Win It:
One lucky reader will win a coupon to try a bottle of Cranberry Naturals for themselves.

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment telling me which flavor of Cranberry Naturals you want to try first.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
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• Follow me on Twitter (Leave your username)
• Tweet this giveaway (Leave link/Once a day only)
• Blog about the giveaway with a link to this post. (Leave your link)

Be sure to leave a way to contact you.
Giveaway ends 3/14 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email, so be sure to leave a way to contact you. Open to US only.

Samples were provided for our consideration. All opinions are our own.

SNAP Infusion Candy: Review

Everyone in our house has a definite sweet tooth. While we try to satisfy our cravings with fresh fruit or other healthy desserts, sometimes we just want candy. And really, who can blame us?

SNAP Infusion candy is a "supercandy." It's loaded with B vitamins to boost energy, antioxidants to support the immune system, and electrolytes to balance hydration. SNAP candy comes in four flavor varieties Mel, Bean, Tart and Gum.
We tried the Mel, Bean, and Gum. The Mel is a chocolate covered caramel, which was a hit with my son. While he rarely needs a boost in energy, I liked that I could offer him an all natural, low calorie candy.

Hubby was a fan of the Bean. He loves jelly beans and enjoyed the fruity flavor of SNAP. He was sure to let me know that if I didn't want my half of the pack, he'd be happy to take them off my hands.

My favorite of the three was the Gum. The citrus flavor was light, but offered a punch of pep in the middle of my afternoon. And what mom couldn't use that?

Buy It: You can find SNAP at select stores or order online.

Samples were provided for review. All opinions are our own.

Honor Heritage Sweepstakes from Dollar General & a Giveaway

***Closed: Congrats to Dara Nix***

February is Black History Month and to celebrate, Coca-Cola is partnering with Dollar General to offer customers a chance to win a family trip for up to 10 people to the 2012 Essence Music Festival. Presented by Coca-Cola, the Essence Music Festival, held July 6th through 8th in New Orleans, is the country’s largest annual African-American music and empowerment event.

The Honor Heritage Sweepstakes is the first of several Dollar General initiatives to honor "Every Day Heroes." The year-long program will honor community heroes, from firemen and veterans to teachers and caregivers.

Along with the trip, shoppers who purchase qualifying products can also enter to win instant prizes, including $50 and $25 in Live Nation Concert Cash. For a chance to win, Dollar General shoppers can check their receipt for a special code upon purchasing qualifying products. For complete sweepstake rules and to enter, visit Dollar General. Hurry though, the sweepstakes ends February 26th.

Win It:

To start the celebration, we have a special Dollar General Black History month prize package for one lucky reader which includes: Olay Firming Night of Olay Cream, CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara, Febreze Auto in Linen & Sky scent, a Dollar General calculator and a key chain.

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing to buy at Dollar General.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
• Grab my button
• Add me to your blog roll
• Follow me on Twitter (Leave your username)
• Tweet this giveaway (Leave link/Once a day only)
• Blog about the giveaway with a link to this post. (Leave your link)
• Follow Dollar General on Twitter
• Like Dollar General on Facebook
  

Be sure to leave a way to contact you.
Giveaway ends 2/26 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email, so be sure to leave a way to contact you. Open to US only.

Procter & Gamble provided the prize for our consideration, as well as the giveaway prize. All opinions are our own.

Our Week 2.6

These two are so funny. I swear the cat thinks Babycakes is a kitten sometimes.

Little Man turned 7 1/2 this week. We celebrated with 1/2 of a cake, gifts, and fun. I don't know where the time goes. I've decided I just want to keep both boys little forever.

Babycakes now thinks he need to wake up at 6:45. Momma is not so fond of mornings after being up with him at 11, 12, 1, 1:30, 2:15, 3, 4, 5, 5:15, 6, and 6:45.

I call this one his sassy-pants face. I swear this kid has so much attitude already. He just can't hold it all in.