Thursday, July 31, 2014

Tiny Love Giveaway


Welcome to the Ultimate Infant Prize Bundle Giveaway!


Sponsored by Tiny Love


Mommy's Obsessions has teamed up with Tiny Love to bring you the Ultimate Infant Prize Bundle; the Tummy Time Fun Under The Sea Mat and Woodland Take Along Arch!



Photo Credits: Tiny Love


When your little one starts to grow and develop basic skills and muscle control, it's important to give them the appropriate amount of daily developmental stimulation that they need to flourish and grow! Tummy time is a huge part of development and although some babies aren't a fan (my first son sure wasn't!), it sure helps them build those neck muscles! As your child grows you will also notice them reaching for toys and developing their grasping reflex, so I always loved having a car seat toy arch for Little Mister when he was a baby. Not only did it provide entertainment for him, but it also gave him visual stimulation and helped him build the skill of reaching and grasping! 

One of our favorite baby brands, Tiny Love, has recently introduced two new products that we are very excited to share with you; the Tummy Time Fun Under The Sea Matt and Woodland Take Along Arch! 




We love Tiny Love for our babies and we know you will too! 

To Purchase: Visit Tiny Love and grab your Tummy Time Fun Under The Sea Mat for $29.99 and Woodland Take Along Arch for $24.99!

To Win: Mommy's Obsessions & Tiny Love want to give one lucky reader a their own Ultimate Infant Prize Bundle (includes Tummy Time Fun Under The Sea Mat and Woodland Take Along Arch).



The Giveaway will close late on the evening of August 14th. The winner will be chosen at random through  Giveaway Tools.  The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on Mommy’s Obsessions Facebook. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their prize otherwise they will forfeit said prize and a new winner will be chosen. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Tiny Love, Mommy's Obsessions and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. US Only. Please direct questions, comments, and concerns to Mommy's Obsessions. Mommy's Obsessions has been provided with product to review by Petite Trinklets but has not been monetarily compensated for this giveaway. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.





Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Why We're Choosing to Homeschool

            Hey folks! I've been meaning to write this post for awhile now, but have forgotten/put it off. But, since my last post was about us starting "tot school", I thought now would be a good time to finally get around to sharing with you our reasons for deciding to homeschool! (In no particular order of importance.)


1) Neither one of us is happy with the increasing focus on test prep in public schools. We want our daughter to develop a lifetime love of learning, not just learning and memorizing something long enough to be able to pass a test. 

2) I would also like Myka to be able to learn at her own pace, whether that be somewhere in the middle, accelerated, or even a little bit slower than "normal". 

3) This kind of goes along with number 2, but individualized attention for our daughter is important to me too.

4) I realize life in general is full of dangers, but I think we can all agree that school violence (and bullying) are getting ridiculous.


5) As I've stated in previous posts, I am very interested in "different" teaching philosophies that incoroporate more of the things our family values.

6) Public school is getting pricey. I realize you will still probably be buying curriculums, computer programs, etc. for homeschool, but from what I have seen, in general it seems like a lot of these can be used for multiple ages/grades.

7) I like that homeschooling will help us stay connected as a family, but there are still plenty of socialization and extracurricular opportunities for homeschooled kids nowadays.

8) Personally, I feel like public schools expect too much of young children too soon.

            When I asked John if I had left anything out, he had these two things to say:

9) She will learn the correct way to do something the first time, not next year in the more advanced class. (He ran into this a lot in math and science classes and it really irritated him, obviously.)

10) Myka will receive just as good an education, if not better.

            Do any of you homeschool? What were your reasons for choosing to do so?

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Nordic Naturals Giveaway

Nordic Naturals Giveaway Sponsored by Nordic Naturals

Hosted by Deals of Sweetness

Co-Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Nordic Naturals Giveaway
At Nordic Naturals, they believe that omega oils are essential to life. By correcting the global omega-3 deficiency, they give each generation what they need to grow healthy and strong. Through science and innovation, they are committed to delivering the world's safest, most effective omega oils.
With Back to School you can support a child in need! For every bottle sold they will donate a backpack full of supplies!
Emilee at Deals of Sweetness knows the importance of omega oils for their children as well as the importance of pure sources and in a form children will take! Of course, Vitamin C is also important and great for immunity support! Check out her full Nordic Naturals children's supplements review and learn more about their Bottles to Backpacks campaign.
Would you like to try these great supplements? One winner will receive a bottle of Ultimate Omega Junior and Vitamin C Gummies! This giveaway begins on 7/29 and ends on 8/4 at 10:00pm (times are Central) and is open to US residents ages 18+. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.
  Disclosure: Emilee from Deals of Sweetness and Pea of Sweetness received free product(s) to facilitate her review. No other compensation was received. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

doTERRA Essential Oils Giveaway

DoTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS GIVEAWAY   
One winner will get this amazing starter kit of essential oils. Sponsored by Card's Essentials and Hosted by Mommy By Nurture. ARV $27 
  doterra-essential-oils-giveaway   
Everyone is talking about the latest and greatest with essential oils but it is more than overwhelming to figure out what they do, how they work, and what they are used for. A starter kit with instructional DVD will help you ease your way in to the amazing world of healthy living and changing the way you attack every day aches, pains, and problems! Not only are they great for your body and things such as migraines and restlessness, the uses are nearly endless! 

Learning something new is always a scary jump to take but Cassandra from Card's Essentials is more than happy to lend a helping hand and walk you through step by step! This kit is just the beginning of what you could get into when joining the cool kids, because everyone is talking about essential oils now days! Want to know a little more before you jump in? READ A FULL REVIEW HERE from Mommy By Nurture.  

Terms of service: One person may enter per household, Open to USA age 18+. Void where prohibited. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries. Winner has 48hrs from time of contact email to reply or another winner must be chosen. Product will ship from sponsor and normally ships within 2-6 weeks. You may come back daily to get additional entries for the Daily Secret Word or Tweets. Refer your friends for even more entries. Good luck!
  Disclosure: This website was not compensated for this post. My website/blog is not responsible for fulfillment of this prize. Prizes will be shipped by each individual sponsor listed. This giveaway and post are not affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platforms. If you have any questions, or would like to see your product featured on Mommy By Nurture, in the next product review or giveaway, please contact Nichole at Mommy By Nurture

Monday, July 28, 2014

Starting Tot School

            Hey folks! If you have been hanging around for awhile, you will know that I'm a little "coo coo for Cocoa Puffs" when it comes to educational activities sometimes. So, it should come as no surprise that I am starting a modified version of "Tot School" with my daughter Myka.
            In case you're not familiar with the term, Tot School isn't a specific, rigid, curriculum type thing. (I have a feeling another mommy blogger came up with the term to succinctly describe the educational activities, crafts, etc. that she did with her young child(ren) and it just took off amongst the blogging community.) Basically, from what I have come across on the internet, tot school pages provide personal resources on educational activities for very young children, which usually include printable packs on a specific theme (such as letters, numbers, animals, you get the idea), as well as craft projects, book suggestions, and more. There are some really neat and fun ones out there!
            While I'm sure there are PLENTY more sites I just haven't come across yet, I have really liked the printable packs from 1+1+1=1 and oopsey daisy. I have an  animal alphabet that I printed from one of the packs from 1+1+1=1 that I mentioned in a previous post. I intend on using some more of the printable activities from that set as well when Myka gets a little older.
            Speaking of being older, now that Myka is almost 2, she has been showing quite a bit of interest in learning words, letters, shapes, etc. lately. So, I decided now would be a good time to start something I've been meaning to do for awhile now: Introducing a letter of the alphabet and doing activities, crafts, etc. relating to it for 2 weeks at a time. I most recently got some ideas from Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows.


            Naturally, we're starting with the letter "A". I have to admit I'm still trying to get all of my crap together for it, but I did make this cute little felt apple tree and basket that I copied off of something I found on Pinterest. This is a major win because 1) I've been having crafting withdrawals since I didn't bring my crafting supplies with me from Arkansas. 2) It involves felt, which is one of my new favorite crafting supplies because it is so cheap and you can use it in so many projects! 3) Myka seemed to like it and me counting the apples. 4) Anything fun from Pinterest is a win! I also have some craft activities to do with Myka as well as put some flashcard type things on the wall that show pictures that all begin with the letter "A". (I hate wasting ink, so I just printed the black and white versions and colored them in myself. lol)
            Since I will be doing these more often than my seasonal crafts and activities for Myka, obviously, I hope it won't take me too long to get into a rhythm of getting everything ready ahead of time. I have always been a chronic procrastinator, so we'll see. ;) I have my felt bees and hive done already for the letter "B", so that's a good start, right?

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Eco Emi Subscription Box Giveaway

Eco Emi Giveaway Sponsored by Eco Emi

Hosted by Deals of Sweetness

Co-Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Eco Emi Giveaway 

Eco Emi is the first eco-friendly sampling service. They offer the opportunity to review five to ten samples of natural, organic, green, eco-friendly products sent right to your door wrapped in chic earth friendly material made from 100% recycled bottles. All of this for only $15 per month! All of their packages are adorned with 100% organic or vintage ribbons or they will often use 100% bamboo yarns. Part of the fun is that the package will look a little different every month. You will have the luxury of trying out an array of green products in the comfort of your own home or over a cup of herbal tea with close friends.
Emilee from Deals of Sweetness has been loving Eco Emi boxes and shared her thoughts on the June Eco Emi Box in her eco-friendly subscription box review.
Would you like to try great eco-friendly products? One winner will receive a July Eco Emi Box! (Products vary from those pictured.) This giveaway begins on 7/27 and ends on 8/9 at 10:00pm (times are Central) and is open to US residents ages 18+. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.
  Disclosure: Emilee from Deals of Sweetness and Pea of Sweetness received free product(s) to facilitate her review. No other compensation was received. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

#MySummerJourney with Safety 1st Giveaway


Welcome to the #MySummerJourney with Safety 1st Giveaway!


Sponsored by Safety 1st


Summer is the perfect time to travel with the family, whether you're headed out for a summer vacation, a day at an amusement park, or if you're enjoying a staycation in your own "backyard"!

Wherever you're headed, Safety 1st has an arrangement of products to make your travel plans a little less stressful - from car seats to umbrella strollers, Snack & Go booster seats and 1st Aid Kits! 

Photo Credits: Safety 1st

Mommy's Obsessions has teamed up with Safety 1st to document her #MySummerJourney and enjoy a 2-day staycation with you! She was provided with the Deluxe Sit, Snack, & Go Convertible Booster and Advanced Solutions 1st Aid Kit to accompany on her journey and make her staycation a little easier and safer! Use this link to check out some of the things that she and her family did on their staycation then enter to WIN the products featured!


Want to see what other's are doing this summer with their Safety 1st Products? Search
on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram!

To Purchase: Visit the Safety 1st Website and pick up your Deluxe Sit, Snack, & Go Convertible Booster ($24.99) and the Advanced Solutions 1st Aid Kit ($19.99)!

To Win: Mommy's Obsessions & Safety 1st want to help one lucky reader create their own #MySummerJourney by winning a Deluxe Sit, Snack, & Go Convertible Booster and Advanced Solutions 1st Aid Kit of their own!



The Giveaway will close late on the evening of August 9th. The winner will be chosen at random through  Giveaway Tools.  The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on Mommy’s Obsessions Facebook. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their prize otherwise they will forfeit said prize and a new winner will be chosen. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Safety 1st, Mommy's Obsessions and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. US Only. Please direct questions, comments, and concerns to Mommy's Obsessions. Mommy's Obsessions has been provided with product to review by Safety 1st as well as compensated monetarily for this campaign. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.





Friday, July 25, 2014

I Got a Job!!!


            As some of you may know, the main reason I moved back to Indiana before my husband is so that I could start job hunting and working sooner. I haven't had a "real job" in over a year now, so it wasn't as if anything was "tying me down" when it came to that. Well, I'm happy to say that I finally got a job!...
            ...Assuming I don't carry TB. lol I will be working at a nursing home, so I can understand why that would be a major concern. I actually need to stop back by tomorrow to have my TB test "read". (aka Someone will look at my arm where they did the "test" at to see if I had a reaction or not. The things you learn with new jobs sometimes, hmm?)
            While it may not be glamorous or exciting, necessarily, I think a switch from my "normal line of work" will be just what I need. I used to be a people person (or so plenty of friends and family told me), but I feel like I have overstayed my welcome in the customer service industry, if you catch my drift. As I'm sure many of you can relate, working in the customer service industry can burn you on people in general. I am no exception.
            While yes, I will still have to work with people, of course, and possibly cantankerous ones at that, I won't be working with the public constantly, which I think will be a breath of fresh air. Even though I won't be providing direct care like a nurse, I still look forward to getting to know the residents. I have thought for awhile that a job with the young or elderly would suit me well.
            How do I feel about leaving Myka? Honestly, I am still ready to have some more time away from her. You know what they say: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. lol Plus, it actually works out pretty well because I will only be working part time at first, so we will both have time to adjust to the change. I will say, although I think it will do us both good to be apart from each other some, it still breaks my heart leaving her and seeing her stand at the door and bawl...Even though everyone tells me that lasts all of two seconds after I leave. lol
            So, with all of that being said, don't be surprised if things are still a little out of whack around here. To be honest, I'm amazed that I've kept up this well so far!
            Have any of you gone back to work after staying home for an extended period of time? How did you handle it?

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

10Monkeys Math World Giveaway

10monkeys Math World Giveaway Sponsored by 10monkeys.com LLC

Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Co-Hosted by Deals of Sweetness

10Monkeys Math World
10monkeys Math World is an online Math Program geared for younger elementary aged children around grades K-3. It has fun, eye-catching graphics kids love! 10monkeys Math World takes a progressive approach to learning Math. It uses what is referred to as the “high pedagogic approach,” developed together with top professionals and schools. As they progress, their skills are improving as well - and they're having fun!
As a homeschooling mom, Emilee at Pea of Sweetness loves the progressive approach 10monkeys Math World takes and loves that her kids want to learn Math with 10monkeys Math World! Check out her full 10monkeys Math World math program review on Pea of Sweetness.
Whether you are a homeschooling parent, teacher, or parent (or grandparent) to young children and wanting to enrich their education, 10monkeys Math World offers a quality program anyone can appreciate! Three winners will each receive a one-year subscription to 10monkeys Math World (all levels) for one child. This giveaway begins on 7/23 and ends on 8/5 at 10:00pm (times are Central) and is open worldwide ages 18+. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.
  Disclosure: Emilee from both Pea of Sweetness and Deals of Sweetness received a code for the full version app in exchange for an honest review. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Smart Snugs Cloth Diaper Giveaway

smartsnugsgiveawaybutton
Welcome to the Smart Snugs Diaper Giveaway!

Do you have baby or toddler in diapers? These are some of the most absorbant diapers we have ever tried. Great for new babies and for toddlers alike. They are one size and fit from 8-35 pounds. You can read the full review here.
One lucky reader is going to win their own Smart Snugs Diaper in the color of their choice! To enter, follow the steps in the giveaway form below. This giveaway is open to US residents, 18+, one entry per household. Giveaway will end at 11:59pm on 8/6 PST.
Good luck!
Disclosure: Tales From A Southern Mom and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Participating bloggers did not receive any compensation for this giveaway. If you would like to have your product featured in a giveaway such as this, email julie.talesfromasouthernmom@gmail.com

Thinking About Daycare...


            Hey folks! I have been thinking about the "D" word lately. No, not divorce: daycare! It's kind of funny/weird that I'm even considering it since I have always been leery of babysitters taking care of my daughter, let alone send her to daycare. However, as we all know as parents, things change: circumstances, feelings, etc.
            As much as I like staying home with Myka since, quite frankly, I don't trust strangers with her in most cases, I really need some "me time". Some parents feel guilty saying or even thinking that. I, however, am not one of those people. I'm a firm believer that all parents need some time to themselves, whether it be a few hours while your children are at a playdate, a family member watches them for the afternoon, or even just running errands by yourself. I think some alone time is essential for everyone to keep from going insane, especially parents.


            Like many parents of young children, I worry about Myka's socialization too. She's just now getting to the age where she is even showing an interest in other kids, but I want to make sure I'm not keeping her from fun and important socialization opportunities. There are so many things children can learn by interacting with peers, such as emotions and understanding them, appropriate ways to behave, sharing, and so much more. Since we are still planning on homeschooling, I want her to have plenty of social opportunities now so she doesn't turn into a socially awkward individual by the time she's in elementary grades and we join a homeschooling co-op.


            With all of that being said, I have been thinking about trying to find Myka a "special" school to go to for just half days a few times a week. In my case, by "special" I mean perhaps a Montessori or Waldorf school for young children. Not to say I'm too good for "regular" daycare, but as a parent and former early childhood education major, I find both of the above mentioned teaching philosophies fascinating. Both Montessori and Waldorf education have really resonated with me and what and how I would like to teach Myka.
            Fortunately, I have been pleasantly surprised by how many Montessori schools there are for young children around the Indy area. Unfortunately, I recently read a blog post from an educator and former Montessori student that brought up something about it that really doesn't sit well with me or my husband. There are a lot of uni-functional materials in Montessori and evidently educators can be/are pretty strict about not allowing children to use objects in any other way than their intended use. My husband and I are all about open-endedness and imagination, so I think a Montessori school is out of the picture. But, I will probably still incorporate some things from it in our homeschooling endeavors!
            So, now I'm looking more into Waldorf education and so far it actually seems like an even better fit for us than Montessori! Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any schools around here. Oh well. What can you do? (Besides maybe open your own school, but ain't nobody got time for dat!) I did come across a Waldorf co-op group for the Indy area, so I look forward to maybe joining in on that in the future!
            Does/do your child(ren) go to daycare? Do they go out of necessity or do you use it as a way to get some alone time while your children learn as well?


All photos from http://www.montessoricentenary.org/photos/.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Royal Fluff Giveaway-Part of the Crunchy BIRTHday Palooza

Welcome to the Royal Fluff Giveaway!
A One-size diaper that fits 9-35+ pounds!
Photo Credit: Royal Fluff
 
Sponsored by: Royal Fluff
 

Royal Fluff diapers are a One Size diaper that fits about 9-35+ pounds. Each diaper comes with 1 insert, but in purchasing multiples, you're able to double stuff for heavy wetters or for nighttime diapers. The exterior of the diaper is made from PUL to keep cloth dry and the inside of the diaper features a super soft fleece. The inserts are 3 layers of microfiber terry cloth. 4 rows of rise snaps allow parents to adjust in order to get the perfect fit for their little one and a waist snaps allow a comfortable fit in the waist as well. Royal Fluff offers a eco-friendly option in diapering that not only saves money, but also features great colors and adorable prints. Just slip an insert into the pocket of the diaper and fit snuggly on your little one. When the diaper is soiled just pull the insert from the pocket and place in your diaper pail till wash day. Be sure to check out Royal Fluff to learn more about their diapers and see their adorable prints and colors! Connect with them on Facebook . Twitter To Buy: Royal Fluff diapers can be ordered directly through their website for $22.99-$23.99. To Win: Enter to win 2 Royal Fluff cloth diapers valued at $46.00.
This giveaway will begin July 22nd and run through August 5th at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tool. The winner E-mailed and given 48 hours to claim their prize. They will then be announced on the Giveaway Tool. The winner will receive the prize shipped to them from Royal Fluff. Crunchy Livin Mama Style and any other participating blog is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US residents only.
   
 
Disclosure: Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated for the promotion of this giveaway. All opinions are our own and were not influenced in any way. Keep in mind what works for us, our children or our family may not work for you. The sponsor will be responsible for prize shipment. Crunchy Livin' Mama Style and any participating blogger is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway in any way. This disclosure is done in accordance with the FTC. If you have any questions regarding this post, please email Sam at Samantha@Crunchylivinmamastyle.com.

Monday, July 21, 2014

The Dark Side Returns...


            Someone remind me why we thought it would be a good idea to be apart from each other again? In case you're new, my husband and I decided to move back to Indiana a few months ago. However, since he's the only one working and we're not exactly in a great financial position at the moment, we decided that the smartest thing for us financially would be for me to move back with our daughter first so I can start looking for a job. I haven't had a "real job" in over a year now, so for us this whole scenario just makes sense.
            So, I have been living with my parents for the last 3 weeks while my husband, John, is still in Arkansas waiting to A) sell the house B) get a decent job up here or C) a certain, but yet undertermined, amount of time that we finally just get fed up with being apart. Things (for me at least) weren't so bad for the first two weeks. It was nice catching up with a lot of my aunts and visiting with a few friends. Then things started going downhill, which I expected, but was hoping it wouldn't happen this quickly.
            My mom and I get along for the most part...so long as we're not living together. May I just say that grown adults, especially those with children, are NOT meant to live with their parents again. Ever. But that's just my opinion from my own personal experience. It's not so much that my mom has started driving me crazy as she pisses me off. It's the same crap she used to do back in the day too. She doesn't listen to me half the time when I'm talking to her and the other half she interrupts me mid-sentence about something that is totally and completely unrelated to what I'm talking about. Drives.Me.Crazy. Wouldn't that drive you crazy?
            This week I have just been making an effort to not even say much around her because what's the point? I can also do without the occasional snide comments about stupid stuff too. Regardless, this week hasn't been much better. Now that the "Oh yay, family and friends" newness has worn off, I really miss my husband. He is truly the only person (that I've met anyways) in the world that really "gets me". Add on the stress of both of us waiting for phone calls to see if we got jobs Monday and to hear ANY good news back from the people who have seen the house lately and it has just been a crap week. I felt like the beginnings of depression were settling in all over again and I really don't want and can't afford for that to happen now that I have Myka.
            I don't think I've ever mentioned it on here because there's such a stigma around depression still and, well, I don't really like talking about it much to begin with, but I went through a bout of it in high school and a few times since then as well when I was still in my younger 20's. I've been doing good for several years and I just really don't want to feel like that again. It's just about one of the worse feelings in the world and if you haven't gone through it yourself, you really can't understand what it's like. Sorry, but it's the truth.
            So, Monday and Tuesday were filled with a lot of unwanted advice, preaching, lectures, whatever you want to call it. While I know it was all well-meaning, it's the last thing I wanted to hear. Wednesday and Thursday weren't too bad, so hopefully things will get better before they get really bad. I got out and went for a walk at the park both days and getting outside like that always seems to help me feel better, no matter what. I also went to my aunt Mary's house Thursday evening and I showed her how to make butter, so that was fun. :D Unfortunately for her, she is now the person I go to to vent since my grandma isn't here any more, but I don't think she minds. I hope she doesn't anyways. ;)
            As usual, this personal post has turned into a rambling mess and there are still things I could write about, if you can imagine that! Maybe next time. ;) Have any of you ever dealt with depression? What helped you get through it?

Friday, July 18, 2014

eBeanstalk Toy Review


            Hey folks! I recently had the opportunity to work with eBeanstalk.com again, so in case you missed my first review of their site and one of their toys last year, stick around! eBeanstalk is an awesome website if you're looking for developmental toys for a child. They offer toys for children ages birth through 12 years. I love the way their site is designed because you can shop by age, gender (if you want), top sellers, type of toy (animal, musical, etc.), and more. They even have a section for special needs toys and a Gift Finder feature!
            eBeanstalk was generous enough to let me pick out which toy we would like to review. Since Myka is a lot closer to being 2 years old than 1 year old, I decided to skip the toys for 1 year olds. She seems to like a good challenge, anyways. ;) She was pretty into the haphazard tp roll lacing toy I made (aka a tp tube with holes punched in it of varying sizes and a blunt plastic needle with a piece of yarn) so I decided to go with the Smart Snacks ABC Lacing Sweets from Learning Resources.


            Let's start off with what we did like about this toy. First of all, I thought it was pretty spiffy that there are two sets of holes on each letter. Even if the hole at the top becomes too easy for a child, the one through the center will be more challenging because it's longer!
            I also liked that there are a lot more things a child can learn from these than one might think upon first glance. Not only will kids learn their alphabet, but they will learn both upper AND lower case letters! Even cooler? All of the vowel pieces are red, so you can help teach kids those as well! Then, of course, for younger kids, you can also work on colors as well. I just love learning toys!


            Much to my surprise, Myka wasn't really into actually lacing the pieces together. But, I will get to my theories on why in a minute. She did enjoy "sorting" them...And by sorting I mean making me dump all of them out and putting them back in the container herself. And don't forget the strings. She had to make sure the strings got back in there too, even if I had to help her some. lol
            Since she is young still for learning letters (although I do tell her what they are, I don't expect her to remember or recite them back to me or anything, of course), we did work on colors while we played with these as well. I would tell her what color each piece was as she put them back in the jar. She seems to be picking up on colors somewhat. She can say "purple," if that counts. ;)


            There were a few things about the ABC Lacing Sweets that I think could be improved upon. First, I wish the container was larger. It was hard enough for me to try and squeeze all of the pieces and lacing strings back in. Myka was getting downright frustrated. (And by "frustrated" I mean throwing a "toddler hissy", of course. :) )
            I also wish that the lacing strings were longer, like shoe string length, perhaps. I think Myka would have had an easier time, but it doesn't help that the pieces weigh the short string down, which makes it even harder to keep the pieces on that have already been laced.
            I think she also had trouble since she has only laced tp rolls before and wasn't used to the thickness of these pieces. But, that's not really a problem with the toy. ;) Most younger kids find chunkier objects easier to hold on to. Myka did get it through the top hole a few times.
            I also have to admit that I completely forgot about the scoop that comes with this as well. Honestly, I don't think it would have been much fun anyways (at least for kids closer to 2) because it would probably be darn near impossible to scoop any of the pieces out of the container because they're so heavy and crammed in the little jar. I do think the scoop might be fun for older kids with better fine motor skills and patience.
            Overall, I did like the ABC Lacing Sweets since you can help your children learn several different things with them and I feel like it's something your child will be interested in playing with for a few years as opposed to a few months. Be sure to check out all of the other great educational toys eBeanstalk offers and stay up to date with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

P.s. We picked out a little doctor kit for our review last time (which was in late summer/early fall of last year) and Myka STILL plays with that thing ALL.THE.TIME.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a product in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and may differ from your own. 

Simplicity Hands Free Pumping Bra Kit Giveaway

Welcome to the Simplicity Hands Free Pumping Bra Kit Giveaway!
Hosted by ~ All About Parents & Deals Of Sweetness
Sponsored by ~
Simplicity Hands Free Pumping Bra Kit
This innovative bra kit gives moms the ability to completely empty their breast with using the Hands on Pumping technique. This has been shown in clinical studies at Stanford University to boost milk supply of new preemie moms by as much as 40%. Simplicity™ can hold your breast pump shields while you massage your breasts to empty them more fully. The secret is that breast pumps, even the expensive ones, do not completely empty your breasts. When you empty your breasts completely this signals your body to make more milk. You must manually massage areas of the breast to completely empty your breasts. Complete instructions on Hands on Pumping using Simplicity™ are included in 28 languages. Using Simplicity™ plus hands on pumping boosts your milk supply naturally!!
You can Find the complete review on All About Parents!


Disclaimer: Mixed Bag Mama did not receive any compensation for this post.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Backyard Baby $15 Gift Certificate Giveaway



Welcome to the Backyard Baby $15 Gift Certificate Giveaway!
Sponsored By: Backyard Baby
Hosted By: Mixed Bag Mama

Hey cloth diapering or cloth curious parents! How would you like to add a new diaper to your stash? Maybe you're just diving in to the cloth diaper world and want to try a few different kinds before committing to one or several brands? Or maybe you like supporting small businesses whenever possible? Whatever the case may be, here is your chance to win a $15 gift certificate to Backyard Baby so you can try one of their diapers for yourself! 

Alicia of Mixed Bag Mama recently had the opportunity to try one of their diapers with her daughter. You can read her full review HERE.

To enter for your chance to win, simply enter the Giveaway Tools form below. Only your email address is required (only used to contact you if you are the winner), but the more optional entries you complete, the better your chances are of winning! Good luck!
Disclaimer: Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated monetarily for this review or giveaway, nor were any participating bloggers. All opinions are my own and may differ from your own. This giveaway is in no way associated with any social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Backyard Baby Cloth Diaper Review


            Hey folks! Most of you know by now that I'm a big fan of cloth diapers and love trying out new ones. Being a small business owner myself, I also love being able to help promote other wahm and small businesses. So, I was excited to recently have the opportunity to review a cloth diaper from Backyard Baby on Etsy!
            Let's start off with the good. First of all, she has super cute prints, which you can find more of on her Etsy storefront. We received this one with black wild animals on a white background to review. Cute for a girl or boy, right? I thought she had a pretty good selection of boy, girl, and gender neutral prints.
            Let's face it: Cloth diapers can be a bit pricy when you're first getting started with them. Backyard Baby's prices are very reasonable, however, at around $15 a pop. You could buy two Backyard Baby diapers for the price of one in some brands!
            As far as functionality, I liked that it had extra hip snaps. I'm not used to having these on our other diapers, but I do feel like they help you get an even better fit on baby/toddler, especially if you have a "skinny" kid.
           I was worried that there might be leaks at the top for some reason if Myka slept on her stomach for a nap, even though the main diapers we use don't have any elastic at the top either. However, this hasn't been an issue so far as I did have her try this diaper out during naptime one day and she does usually sleep on her stomach.
            Now for the not so good stuff...I like to be completely honest in my reviews, but I still hate to say this: We haven't had much luck with this diaper so far. To be fair, though, I really am starting to wonder if it is just the design of the diaper not being compatible with my daughter's shape. (I have tried a similarly designed diaper in the past and had bad luck with it too. Plus I have heard from moms with way more kids and way more cloth diapering experience than me that even they have had one brand/type of diaper work great for one of their children and not others.)
Such a good little model. I told her to show me her belly so I could get a picture of the front. lol

            These diapers aren't as wide through the crotch as the ones we normally use and my daughter is still on the chunky side. For whatever reason, they just don't seem to work well with her. I thought maybe I wasn't getting the extra hip snap tight enough, causing the leg area to be too loose and cause leaks. However, I started double checking that and I don't think I could get it on any tighter without the leg gusset digging into her.
Smallest Setting

            We had leaks the first 2 times Myka wore the Backyard Baby diaper. The first time I think she had drank more water than I realized, though, PLUS I kind of lost track of time and didn't change her until the end of the "time limit" for how long she can go between changes. (2 1/2-3 hours.) The second time she had only had it on for about an hour and the inside wasn't even all that wet. Still haven't figured that one out. Oh. I guess I should also mention that I used the new "usual stuffing" of TWO halves of a flat folded in a certain way and those folded inside a pre-fold. (Yes, the two halves equal one flat diaper, but we just went from using one to two recently since someone is a Betsy Wetsy.)
            The third and fourth time we got to tryout how well it held up to poo. Oh boy. :) It did do a good job of keeping the poo in. Myka's poos are pretty solid, though, so I can't personally say how well it would hold up to runny poop. I have to admit, I found these (being pocket diapers) easier to clean solid waste from than my pre-folds.
            The next time we tried it out during naptime, as I already mentioned, and we technically had no problems then. While it wasn't enough to get her pants wet, I noticed there was some wetness on the outside next to the leg gussets even though the inside was barely wet.
            On a final note, I would suggest making the "stuffing hole" a bit wider if possible. I don't have big hands by any means, but I had some difficulty stuffing this diaper. But, maybe it's just because I'm not used to stuffing. :) I'm sure it doesn't help! lol
            I hope I haven't scared you guys away from trying Backyard Baby's cloth diapers because that's really not my intention. Again, I hate having negative things to say, especially about a wahm business, but I am sharing with you my honest experience. Luckily, I think I may be a rare case judging by all of the positive reviews she has on her Etsy page! So, if you would like to try one of their diapers (or super cute training pants!) on your little one, be sure to click HERE to enter the $15 gift certificate giveaway! Stay up to date with Backyard Baby on Facebook.

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated monetarily for this review. I did receive a product in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and may differ from your own. 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Luv Ur Body Menstrual Cup Review

 Sorry about the glare. I'm not good at photo editing, if you haven't noticed.

            Hey ladies! I am assuming anyone who is reading this is a female because, you know. How many men want to read about feminine hygiene products on their own free will? ;)
            As some of you may have read on my Facebook page, I was recently given the opportunity to review a Luv Ur Body menstrual cup. So, consider this your warning now that there will be lots of talk of "lady parts" and a lot of what most would probably consider "over shares". But, we are talking about a menstrual cup, after all, and I feel like I should share as much about my experience with others as much possible on the off chance that someone may have similar issues as me. So, without further ado, my first experience with a menstrual cup...
            Overall, it wasn't a great experience, but I think it could have been a lot worse, too. To be honest, though, I don't think it was the cup that was at fault for my not so great experience as my own body. While I did receive the "wrong size" according to how their site said to choose the correct size, I decided to give it a whirl anyways.
            As I have heard from EVERYONE who has tried a menstrual cup, there definitely is a learning curve at first. It took me a good 20 minutes to insert it the first time and 10 minutes the second time. I also had to *ahem* lay down to get it in. I tried sitting on the toilet and squatting over it to no avail. Being an avid tampon user for years, you would think I would know where my vagina is by now, right? I guess I should also note that I used the "C" fold...Mostly because I didn't understand the punch down method and it looked easier anyways.
            I feel I should tell my "cautionary tale" before I proceed any further. Needless to say, I  was relieved and felt a sense of accomplishment after taking 20 minutes to get the darn thing in the first time. However, shortly after I sat down on the floor to change my daughter's diaper. Evidently I did NOT have it in all the way/where it should be because when I did this it came out on its own! And it was NOT a very pleasant feeling! Luckily, I was still at home.
            I also have to warn you that if it takes you awhile to get it in the first few times, you will probably have some soreness in your nether regions for obvious reasons. I found that the first couple of times I used the Luv Ur Body cup and DID have it in appropriately, it felt a bit like getting a tampon in wonky. We've all been there, right? However, I didn't really notice it much when I used it the second day.
            All of that being said, those things weren't even my real problems. I'm pretty sure I have a "fat" labia and that is my biggest issue. According to the directions (which for once in my life I actually read!), the little stem you see in the pictures should be sticking outside of your body between your legs. I liken it to that of a tampon string. Well, for me, the stem is nowhere close to being outside of my body. In fact, my hands are on the smaller side and I would have to reach so far up to even be able to get ahold of the stem that I almost couldn't reach it. Needless to say, that kind of freaked me out for obvious reasons. (I know it can't technically get lost in there, but I will talk more about that in a minute.) And yes, I would leave the stem sticking out upon insertion and as soon as I stood up it would, erm, "migrate".
            It freaked me out so much that it was that far in there that I ended up using a tampon overnight and told myself I wasn't going to use it the next day...Then I decided to suck it up for the sake of reviewing (and because it is pretty spiffy and does its job well) and I figured I would only have to change it once or twice throughout the course of the day, so that wasn't so bad, right? That was until my hubby told me of one woman's horror story about her fiasco with a Diva Cup...
            Given it's a different brand, but this poor woman evidently had problems with her cup migrating too...And it got stuck behind her pubic bone. Once she finally released it from there, she ended up still having to go to a convenient care clinic type of place and discovered it was SUCTIONED to her cervix! Ouch! They ended up having to poke holes in the cup to release the suction. This is a rare case, I'm sure, but concerned me nonetheless. I don't think mine would have gone that far seeing as I had it in for 8 consecutive hours the 2nd day, but I wasn't willing to take my chances.
            As far as this cup goes, the only other "bad" thing I have to say about it is that it's not very pleasant taking it out either, if I haven't mentioned that already. I mean besides the fact that I personally have to dig for it. I mean the moment it starts "popping" out. I have a feeling that's not an issue exclusive to this cup, though.
            With ALL of that being said, I did only use the cup for 2 days. However, I would most definitely recommend it still...to any woman with a normal labia and vagina size. lol I received the medium sized cup to review, which is actually intended for woman who have never given birth by c-section OR vaginally, which I obviously have. To be honest, though, I don't think my experience with the large sized cup would have been much, if any, different because the large is actually shorter than the medium cup, but slightly wider in circumference.
Size comparison. It's a pretty big remote.

            Bottom line: It DOES work. Like I said, I used the cup for 8 consecutive hours the 2nd day (which is usually one of my heavier flow days) and it was only about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way full. How awesome is that?! I probably would have had to use at least 3 or 4 tampons in that time!
            I also didn't experience any leaking in that time either, although I did wear a cloth pad just in case. I had a Tampax Pearl Super in for about 3 1/2-4 hours after that with leaking and needed changed, of course.
            You can learn more about the Luv Ur Body menstrual cups and order your own to try on their website. You can also stay up to date with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.

Math Picnic Giveaway

Math Picnic Giveaway!

Win the "100 Ant Picnic Math Activity Set" from Learning Resources!

Hosted by: Savory Savings & Gloriously Green Gal

Co-hosted by: Joy Makin' Mamas

Learning Resources Math Activity Set Giveaway July 16 - 30

Taking a break from school activties does not mean you need to take a break from maintaining and learning skills!  The trick is, to make the skills fun!  Krista over at Savory Savings recently reviewed the 100 Ant Picnic Math Activity Set from Learning Resources.  Check out how it is helping her kiddos stay current on their math skills while having fun, too!
How would you like to win your own copy of 100 Ant Picnic to keep math skills sharp this summer for the little ones in your life?  If you would like a chance to win, enter with the Giveaway Tool below.  If you have won a Learning Resources giveaway anytime from another blog in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to win this giveaway.  The giveaway will run from July 16 through July 30, 2014 at 11 PM CST and is open to US residents, ages 18 and older.  Entries will be verified.  Winner will be notified via email (consider adding gloriouslygreengal@gmail.com to your safe list) – winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim prize or another winner will be selected.
Good Luck!

Rockin' Baby Hero Ring Sling Giveaway

Welcome to the Rockin' Baby Sling Giveaway!
A bold ring sling offering caregivers a way to keep little ones close!
Photo Credit: Rockin' Baby
 
Co-hosted by: Mama Pure
Sponsored by: Rockin' Baby  
Rockin’ Baby isn’t just offering a wide variety of ring slings for baby wearing, they also have a special mission, Mother to Mother, that is near and dear to my heart. For every sling purchased, Rockin’ Baby will donate a new sling to a mother in need while educating them on the importance of babywearing. It’s heart warming to see a companies devotion to families of Haiti and other areas. Their Orange Hero sling is the carrier they use as part of their Mother to Mother mission. The bold orange sling is 100% cotton with red rings and a small zip pockets at the sling’s tail to give you the ability to hold some extra goodies. The slings come in a one size fits all as the carrier can be adjusted by tightening or loosing the top and bottom rails of the fabric. Simply by pulling tight on the tail fabric, the sling will contour to baby while ensuring a correct seating position.
Check out Crunchy Livin' Mama Style's full review of the Rockin' Baby Sling.
You can connect with Rockin' Baby on Facebook . Twitter
  To Buy: You can purchase Rockin' Baby Hero Slings and Reversible Slings though their website. To Win: One winner will be chosen to receive an Orange Hero Sling from Rockin' Baby valued at $70.
This giveaway will begin July 16th and run through July 30th at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tool. The winner E-mailed and given 48 hours to claim their prize. They will then be announced on the Giveaway Tool. The winner will receive the prize shipped to them from Rockin' Baby. Crunchy Livin Mama Style and any other participating blog is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US only.
   
 
Disclosure: Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated for the promotion of this giveaway. All opinions are our own and were not influenced in any way. Keep in mind what works for us, our children or our family may not work for you. The sponsor will be responsible for prize shipment. Crunchy Livin' Mama Style and any participating blogger is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway in any way. This disclosure is done in accordance with the FTC. If you have any questions regarding this post, please email Sam at Samantha@Crunchylivinmamastyle.com.