Yard Work in Progress - Part 3

    All of these pictures are from last week, but not much has been accomplished since then. We've been slacking in the yard work department. I need to do some major weeding, which you'll see in the pictures. I still felt like sharing, though!

These are my bleeding hearts. I have always, always, always wanted some and now I have them! I even have one heart already, though it's not "bleeding" yet. 

Strawberry plant in a leftover hay bale from last fall. 

We've actually gotten several more tiny strawberries off of it before these!

I had to pick all of the dead purple flowers off. :( I think more are starting to come on, though. I really need to do some research on these. I just bought them because I liked them. I had never even heard of them before.

We already had a couple of rose bushes in the front when we moved in last April, but I felt like taking a picture because it's pretty. :)

We also had these lilac bushes and irises. I used to not be able to understand why my grandma liked the scent of these so much, but they are starting to grow on me. 

Gladiolus are really popping up!

Finally at least brought the seedlings outside here. Finally got them planted TODAY. Sheesh. 

Some of the corn is coming up. The tomatoes didn't make it. Don't ask. Too soon.

Three sisters stuff. Can't remember which ones, exactly. My husband did them in three different sets. Some with pumpkins, some with zucchini, you get the idea. 

Okra

Onions

The crap stairs that I tried to do by myself...with a pickaxe. If you read my Noxicare review as well, no, I was not joking about using the pickaxe. lol But wait. It gets better...

Now tell me. Does that look more like soil or rock to you?!

    I hope you have enjoyed my little photo review. What kind of outdoor projects are you working on right now? I'd love to hear from you!

Mother Knows Breast Giveaway Event

If you are currently nursing or planning on nursing, I highly recommend you enter this giveaway because this package is AWE-SOME! As any of us know who have even attempted to nurse, comfort and functionality are key when it comes to mama nursing bras/tops. Read the helpful reviews and enter to win some great products designed especially for nursing moms!

Welcome to the Mother Knows Breast Giveaway Hosted by Teen Toddler Newborn, We're Parents?!?, Princess Among Superheroes, Saving 4 Five & Mommy's Craft Obsession!

This giveaway is for a gigantic package of supplies for any nursing or pumping mom or one who plans to be!
Check out our amazing sponsors and make sure to read the Sponsor Spotlight Reviews (you get bonus points on the Rafflecopter for commenting on them)

Here are the prizes:

• Simple Wishes is providing a Hands Free Pumping Bra ($39) to our lucky winner! Check out the product review, with video HERE.
• Undercover Mama is providing a nursing tank in the winners choice of color and size (with exceptions) ($29) You can read the product review for that HERE.
• The Naked Nursing Tank is very generous! They are giving our lucky winner two (2) Luxury Bamboo Tanks and one(1) Classic Cotton Tank valued at $110! See the review, with video HERE.
• Milkin' Cookies is giving our winner a 2 week supply of lactation cookies ($22) in the winners choice of flavor! See the review and some tips on boosting your milk supply HERE.
• Milk Diapers is providing for our winner an 8 or 10 pack of pads (not including XL moisture guard) ($12) See what our reviewer thought HERE.
• Annee Matthew Maternity/Nursing Apparel is giving our winner a nursing shirt ($40). All of their tops are maternity AND nursing tops! See the review HERE.
• One Creative Mama Breastfeeding Advocacy Apparel for babies is offering the winner a choice of onsie, shirt or romper in any design and color available! ($13-$19) See our cute review HERE.
• My Feeding Friend is giving our lucky winner their choice of Feeding Friend nursing pillow. ($40) See the review HERE.
• Itzbeen Pocket Nanny is going to go to our lucky winner! Keep track of everything your baby does including which side they nursed on last! ($25) Check out the review HERE.
• Miny Moe is providing a Nursing Pad Sampler to our winner. This will contain both reusable and disposable nursing pads ($40) Check out the review HERE.
• The Dairy Fairy Nursing and Pumping Bra ($68) is giving our winner this amazing bra that does double duty! (I even nursed on one side while pumping on the other, at the same time!) Check out the review HERE.
• Nuby is giving our winner a set of Milk Storage Containers ($15) There is no review for this item, they were just feeling generous :)

I hope you are as excited as I am for all of the items in this package!! It ends May 20th so get all the daily entries you can! Good Luck!
Use the rafflecopter form below to enter. This giveaway is open US and Canada. However if the winner is in Canada some of the prizes are not able to ship, therefore an alternate US winner will be chosen to receive the REMAINING items.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Getting Green with Baby is not responsible for prize shipment. I was not compensated monetarily or otherwise for posting this giveaway.

Baby Cargo Giveaway - Part of the Bloom Into Baby giveaway event

Hosted by: My Four Littles, Everything Mommyhood, and Four Littles Media

Sponsored by: Baby Cargo

Special Thanks to Our AWESOME Cohosts

Boys Oh Boys, The Coupon Crazy Mom, Simply Southern Couponers, Fun With Four, Java John Z, Christy's Cozy Corners, Sweet Pennies from Heaven, Totally Temberton, Happy Deal Happy Day, Capri's Coupons, The Born Unique Baby Guide, Stacy's Savings, 70 Words Per Minute, Coupons With Q, and Simply Sherryl

This giveaway is part of the Bloom Into Baby Event.

Be sure to check out all of the current Bloom Into Baby giveaways in the linky below the Giveaway Tools Form.

  Baby Cargo makes everything you need for your on the go baby. With three strollers to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect fit. The Georgi Stroller Bag fits on your stroller handles and will carry all your baby's essentials. Spring has finally sprung and now that your little man or princess is getting bigger, it might be time for a new stroller as well! 

See the full Baby Cargo Review on My Four Littles.

One lucky reader will win Baby Cargo 200 Series Stroller and a Baby Cargo Georgi Stroller Bag.

This giveaway is open to the United States only.

This giveaway will begin 12:00am EST April 28th and end 11:59pm EST May 16th.

All entries will be verified.

Good luck and thank you for entering!

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  Don't stop now!   Enter some more Bloom Into Baby Giveaways! Disclosure: This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way. Social media outlets are in no way responsible for sponsor prize fulfillment. The sponsor alone is responsible for fulfilling the aforementioned prize. This blog did not receive compensation for posting this giveaway. Your information will not be shared with anyone without your explicit consent. This giveaway event is hosted by Amanda from My Four Littles and Four Littles Media. You can contact Amanda at contactus@myfourlittles.com with any questions, concerns, or to see your company featured on a Four Littles Media event.

Peter Rabbit Organics - Review & Giveaway

I just recently got to try Peter Rabbit organics for myself as well (Ok. So my daughter is the one who got to try them) and I am in love! We have been slowly introducing her to "real" food, and their apple banana mix is the first one she would actually eat more than a few bites of! Check out the below review from Momma Lew, then enter the giveaway!

Peter Rabbit Organics Review & Giveaway!

Hosted by:  Momma Lew's Blog

I love these squeezy pouches that purees come in now.  Peter Rabbit Organics is a brand that makes high-quality fruit & veggie blend snacks.  They are so great for babies, toddlers and even adults!  While we are on line at Starbucks, it always seems that these are strategically placed right at my toddler's eye level at the checkout area. I noticed it when my son was a toddler and now with my daughter.  Of course, because it is an all-natural healthy snack, how can  you say no?!  Peter Rabbit Organics recently sent me a few pouches for us to review!

The yummy pouches we got to review!

Peter Rabbit Organics' is a small, privately owned company based out of Oregon.  All of their products are produced there and when possible they use local ingredients.  Peter Rabbit Organics' pouches are 100% organic with no added sugars, salt or anything artificial.  They are 100% BPA free as well.  The cap is made so your little one cannot choke on it, but they are recommended for 6 months and older.  Each pouch contains 1 serving of fruit and is high in Vitamin C.  The USDA Organics stamp is right there in front for all to see.

  My daughter's favorite is the Apple and Grape flavor!

Peter Rabbit Organics makes it easy as a mom to get my little ones to eat their vegetables in a fun and easy way!  These are great for on the go, especially for trips to the park or beach!  This weekend when we were at Starbucks, I grabbed a little bit from my daughter's pouch.  Since I am still eating on the Whole30, this was about the only thing that I knew was safe for me to eat as a snack.  Funny story:  Right after I snapped this photo, my daughter took a straw & put it in the spout and she drank her pouch.  Too funny!

Julia enjoying her Apple & Grape pouch at a recent trip to Starbucks!

Where can you buy your own pouch?  Peter Rabbit Organics can be found in store at places like Walmart, Starbucks, and Whole Foods.  If you do not have access to these places, you can find them online through amazon.com, diapers.com or target.com.

She was mad I kept making her take a photo!

Peter Rabbit Organics has so kindly offered 1 lucky reader the chance to win 10 assorted pouches!  

The giveaway is open to all US Residents, 18 years of age and older!  Please enter using the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

            I am a big advocate of getting outside, especially when it comes to children. There are so many benefits to getting outside. Obesity is a growing issue in the United States, as most of us are aware. Getting outdoors and going for strolls downtown or hikes in the woods can  help people feel good about themselves and start the road to becoming a healthier weight.

            Doing activities outdoors can also help with depression, especially with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Getting extra vitamin D from the sun will help anyone feel better, but taking the time to “smell the roses”, meditate, and just enjoy the simplicity of nature will help clear your mind of everyday problems and stress. Who couldn’t use a little de-stressing every now and then, right?

            Spending time outdoors with your children is a great learning opportunity for them. (You may be surprised what you learn as well!) Children, especially younger ones, learn primarily through exploring on their own terms and playing. Let them wander around your yard at home or take them to a state or national park; these places generally have wonderful people who thoroughly enjoy what they do and love teaching others about different aspects of the world around us.

One of the main reasons I’m writing this post and subsequently holding a giveaway for Jennifer Ward’s “I Love Dirt!” book is to help people become unafraid of the outdoors. Many people nowadays seem to be scared to death they (or their children) are going to burst into flames or have an accident as soon as they step foot outside. Don’t get me wrong. You should still take the necessary precautions when doing outdoor activities, whether it be applying appropriate, more natural-based, sunscreen, wearing the proper attire such as sunhats, or wearing baby in a breathable carrier. What I am suggesting is that we all put our smart phones down for awhile, turn the computer off, unplug the video game system and spend some time getting re-acquainted with Mother Nature. There are more pros than cons. :)

NOTE: Original contest has been removed and a new, revised version will be up shortly! Thank you!

DIY Wednesday: Mother's Day Planter

    With Mother’s Day right around the corner and having an abundance of used containers, I thought of this easy and cheap idea. This project would be especially good for teachers or grandparents to do with kids so that the final product can remain a surprise for mommy.

    Word of warning: I am a scatter-brained idiot and did this bassackwards, so the pictures aren’t exactly going to match up with the instructions. The finished product is still the same, but I will be explaining it in the EASIEST way to do it, not the way I did it. (The sad part is that I had it planned out in my head and I still got ahead of myself. Lol)

What you’ll need:

-cylinder can, jar, etc.

-potting soil or dirt

-seed or flower that has already popped up some

-construction paper

-glue

-scissors

-markers

1)     Make sure your can is nice and clean on the inside and fill with potting soil or dirt. Make sure you don’t fill it all the way to the top so you have some room when you water your plant. NOTE: It may be a good idea to poke some holes in the bottom of the can for drainage if you have something to set it in.

2)     Plant your seed however deeps it needs to be buried and cover with dirt. (You could give this as a present right away, but I think it would be more fun if you did it a couple of weeks ahead of time so that your seed has sprouted some by the time mom receives it.)

3)     Now, this is where I boo-booed. You can measure and cut your construction paper to fit the can now, or go ahead and decorate it (the construction paper) first, making sure to leave ample room at the top so you don’t have to cut any of your pretty designs off when you trim!

4)     Once you are done with your design on the construction paper and all the glue you might have used on there is dried, fold your paper around the can and glue.

5)     Be sure to trim the excess off at the top.

 

That’s it! Not only will kids feel good about making something for mommy, but this is a perfect opportunity to teach them about plants and growing things, along with helping them work on fine motor skills while decorating.

(Now you can see why it would have looked better if I had decorated it before I glued it on like I had intended. Whoops!)

Next Step Baby Monitors Wireless Camera: Bloom Into Baby Event

Hey folks! How would you like to win a new baby monitor? Better yet, how would you like to win a new baby monitor that you can view on ANY wireless device, such as your smart phone?! If so, here is your chance!

Hosted by: Everything Mommyhood, My Four Littles, and Four Littles Media

Sponsored by: Next Step Baby Monitors

Special Thanks to Our AWESOME Co-hosts

Boys Oh Boys, The Coupon Crazy Mom, Simply Southern Couponers, Fun With Four, Java John Z, Christy's Cozy Corners, Sweet Pennies from Heaven, Totally Temberton, Happy Deal Happy Day, Capri's Coupons, The Born Unique Baby Guide, Stacy's Savings, and 70 Word Per Minute

This giveaway is part of the Bloom Into Baby Event.

Be sure to check out all of the current Bloom Into Baby giveaways in the linky below the Giveaway Tools Form.

Next Step Baby Monitors has several video baby monitors and web based video monitors to choose from. Everything Mommyhood received the Next Step IP Pro in exchange for her honest review and giveaway of the same item. Check out the Next Step IP review from Everything Mommyhood.

The Next Step IP Pro can be used in the daytime and night time with ease. It can be used on any of your wireless devices, from your PC, Mac, Android Tablet, Smart Phones like iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, or Blackberry, Kindle, etc. It also has audio that is clear as day as well as 2 way audio!

You can purchase the camera directly from their site here.

One lucky reader will win a Next Step IP Pro camera with a ARV of $199.00.

This giveaway is open to the United States only.

This giveaway will begin 12:00am EST 4/21/2013 and end 11:59pm EST 4/28/2013.

All winning entries will be verified.

Good luck and thank you for entering!

 

Entry-Form

Don't stop now!   Enter some more Bloom Into Baby Giveaways!    

Disclosure: This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way. Social media outlets are in no way responsible for sponsor prize fulfillment. The sponsor alone is responsible for fulfilling the aforementioned prize. This blog did not receive compensation for posting this giveaway. Your information will not be shared with anyone without your explicit consent. This giveaway event is hosted by Darci from Everything Mommyhood and Four Littles Media. You can contact Darci at everythingmommyhood@gmail.com with any questions, concerns, or to your company featured on an Everything Mommyhoood or Four Littles Media event.

Noxicare Natural Pain Relief Cream Review & Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

    

    Hey folks! I’ve been getting really into researching natural ways to treat all kinds of ailments and skin problems lately, especially with herbs and essential oils. My Noxicare natural pain relief cream could not have come at a better time and, even better, all of its active ingredients are healing herbs!

    As I mentioned, I couldn’t have gotten this product at a better time. I’ve been getting neck aches from sleeping funny AND I decided to “dig” out more steps in the slope in our back yard to make working in our garden easier. By “dig” I really mean chisel with a pickaxe. I wish I were joking or over-exaggerating, but I’m not. Arkansas terrain is not great.

    Anyways, Noxicare has really helped with my sore muscles. I used it once on my neck for my funky sleeping pain and it felt fine the next day. No more kink. My sore neck and shoulder muscles from “mining” feel a lot more relaxed after using the Noxicare cream as well. It’s amazing, really, because I didn’t even realize how tense I was until after I used it! The aching has significantly decreased as well.

    I had my husband try some as well because he has major knee pain and problems from being in the military, like bad enough that he’s getting ready to see an orthopedist finally and will eventually need replacement surgery, more than likely. He said he didn’t notice the pain nearly as much after using Noxicare and that they didn’t feel as stiff. Yay!

    One of the aspects of this product that I really like and think is neat is that it’s not designed just to help with muscle pain. It’s also formulated for nerve and joint pain. It’s pretty odorless and has a nice, slight cooling sensation as you’re rubbing it in, which is nice if you’re not fond of products like IcyHot that are a little intense as far as odor and sensation go. I will admit I wasn’t expecting it to be yellow in color (I’m guessing it’s from the tumeric), but if you’re weird about how things look, don’t worry. It doesn’t turn your skin yellow or anything.

    Now for the fun part! If you would like to try out Noxicare for yourself, enter the giveaway below or visit their website here to purchase some. (They also make capsules if you prefer.)

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 *Disclaimer: I was not compensated monetarily for this post/review from Noxicare. All opinions expressed within are my own. I received a sample of their product for an honest opinion/review. I am not responsible for product shipping.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Blogger Opp/Upcoming Giveaway: Hyland's Mommy Starter Kit

Awesome Blogger Opportunity! Hyland's is sponsoring a giveaway for a "Mommy Starter Kit". Prize package worth over $115. 

We're looking to team up with 15-18 bloggers to help us promote this amazing giveaway running  from 5/1-5/20.

Free option available. Only two co-host spots, one "task" page available. First come. 

Sign ups:  Here

Questions? Email Michelle from The Nurse Mommy

Preference for Prefolds Blogger Opp

Help me celebrate a year of cloth diapering, (my son’s 1st birthday),

and prefolds, of course!

I’m looking for 18 other bloggers to sign on to party with me!

I’m also looking for prefold/flat diapering related guest posts.

Bloggers are allotted 1 free link on the giveaway form for an announcement post AND promoting (blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) a minimum of 2X per week of giveaway.  One additional link may be purchased for $3.

Email me with any questions.
Go here to sign up.

DIY Wednesday: Silhouette Pictures

DIY silhouettes, the easy way

i remember my kindergarten teacher making DIY silhouettes of us throughout the year. she put a big black piece of paper on the chalkboard, and after situating us in front of the paper at just the right angle, shined a light on our profiles. we then would have to sit very still while she traced the outline of our shadow onto the paper with chalk. once finished she would cut out the outline, glue it to white paper and a masterpiece was created. im not sure if my mom still has mine or not, but i remember it fondly, and wanted to recreate that moment for my boys. unfortunately my 11 month old has other ideas about what he wants to do, and its not sit still while momma traces his outline. even my 5 year old could barely sit still, and the end result looked more like the monster under the bed than my darling boy. lucky for me (and you) i thought of a much easier and painless way to get the silhouettes i wanted while playing around with my iphone (it doubles as my camera) and in a few quick and easy steps, i had gorgeous keepsakes of my boys, and effectively froze this moment in time.

supplies needed:

one piece of construction paper (or scrapbook paper) in color A

one piece of construction paper (or scrapbook paper) in contrasting color B

8x10 frame

scissors

pencil

camera

computer with printer

glue

1. first you must take a picture of your subject's profile. depending on the subject this can take a few seconds (child1.0) or a few hours (baby2.0) to get the right angle.

2. next you need to print the photo. you can upload your photo to the computer using a cord, email to to yourself and save it on your computer, any method you like. make sure the picture size is "full paper" so it turns out large enough.

3.once the photo is printed cut out the outline of the silhouette.

4. using the pencil, trace the outline onto the piece of construction/scrapbook paper in color A.

5. cut out the outline (again) along your pencil line.

6. glue to the construction/scrapbook paper in contrasting color B and frame!

i made one of each of the boys and positioned the silhouettes to look at each other. you can make shadow pictures of any outline using this same method, so get creative! 

this post was writtern by princess among superheroes. visit their site and check out other crafts/recipes/giveaways and witticisms here.

Stokke MyCarrier Giveaway - Bloom Into Baby Event

Hosted by: My Four Littles, Everything Mommyhood, and Four Littles Media

Sponsored by: Stokke

Special Thanks to Our AWESOME Cohosts

Boys Oh Boys, The Coupon Crazy Mom, Simply Southern Couponers, Fun With Four, Java John Z, Christy's Cozy Corners, Sweet Pennies from Heaven, Totally Temberton, Happy Deal Happy Day, Capri's Coupons, The Born Unique Baby Guide, Stacy's Savings, and 70 Words Per Minute

This giveaway is part of the Bloom Into Baby Event.

Be sure to check out all of the current Bloom Into Baby giveaways in the linky below the Giveaway Tools Form.

Stokke is your one stop shop for all things baby - with products ranging from trendy strollers, carriers, highchairs, creative sleep solutions, and more, you're sure to find the high quality things your baby needs. 

Spring has sprung (Ok. Maybe not for some of you. ;) and warmer weather is imminent. 

There's no better time to find that perfect carrier for you and baby to go and enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and style!

One lucky reader will win a Stokke MyCarrier (RV $250).

This giveaway is open to the United States only.

This giveaway will begin 12:00am EST April 14th and end 11:59pm EST April 20th.

All entries will be verified.

Good luck and thank you for entering!

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Don't stop now!

Enter some more Bloom Into Baby Giveaways!

Disclosure: This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way. Social media outlets are in no way responsible for sponsor prize fulfillment. The sponsor alone is responsible for fulfilling the aforementioned prize. This blog did not receive compensation for posting this giveaway. Your information will not be shared with anyone without your explicit consent. This giveaway event is hosted by Amanda from My Four Littles and Four Littles Media. You can contact Amanda at contactus@myfourlittles.com with any questions, concerns, or to see your company featured on a Four Littles Media event.