2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Awards Giveaway

 

We are very excited to announce the 2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Awards, celebrating Eco-friendly product design and creative innovation. The Winter GSM Award Winners include many products designed to meet a unique need for families with kids and encourage sustainable lifestyles. Enter to win a collection of prizes sponsored by these awesome brands!

Prizes

1. b.box Diaper Caddy + Sippy Cup. Award Details
2. ciao! baby portable high chair. Award Details
3. PouchBuddy food pouch feeding attachment. Award Details
4. Darlyng & Co. Yummy Mitt. Award Details
5. Milkies Milk Trays + Softies Nursing Pads + Milkies Nipple Balm. Award Details
6. Genesis 950 Cleaner - 1 gallon. Award Details
7. Liliputi Buckle Carrier. Award Details
8. Little Dundi Recycled Paperboard Clothes Hangers - 2 sets. Award Details
9. Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap + Cozy Blanket Pouch + Ocean Discovery Box by Revelae Kids. Award Details
10. MAM Baby Brush Set + Cooler Teether. Award Details
11. Silkberry Baby Organic Footed Sleeper - Silver Cloud Owl. Award Details
12. Choice of 1 Zippy OneZ, Zipadee-Zip, Flying Squirrel, or Trendy Teether by Sleeping Baby Inc. Award Details
13. Zipzicle Ice Pop Sleeves - 2 sets of 4. Award Details
14. Wristy Buddy Octopus teething wristband. Award Details

Enter to win these fabulous prizes!

This giveaway is hosted by Mommy Scene and the sponsoring brands and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on April 29th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

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Other 2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Award Winners

Buttons Cloth Diapers - Award Details
Coco & Kiwi Sydney Diaper Bag & Training Pants - Award Details
Crane smartDROP Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier & Travel Humidifier - Award Details

 

Enchanted Slumber All-In-One Organic Sleeper - Award Details
Wicks Beauty Baby Butter - Award Details
Woolino 4 Season Sleep Sack - Award Details
Woombie Air-Wrap & Organic Swaddle - Award Details

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated for this post or responsible for prize shipment.

Making a Homestead: The Chickens Are Here!

            Hey folks! The daffodils have already bloomed here in south central Indiana, the “rainy season” seems to be here already, and pretty soon it will be time to start planting already! We've been thinking about all of the outdoor projects we'd like to undertake all winter. It's hard to believe it's time to get them started!

            We had some decent weather a couple of weekends ago, so we did a little yard work and got started on one of the many things on our to-do list. The back of our house faces the north, for the most part, and thus collects a LOT of leaves during the fall and winter. I don't know why, but I hate looking at them and think it looks like crap with them pressed up against the house, so I took care of that. Plus, I don't like them there because I don't want mice and other critters getting the wrong idea and I like using them to prepare the garden.

            I also want to re-do the area next to our walkway. I'm sure it looked nice at one time too, but I think it looks like crap now also. John was a good boy and got started on it while I raked. We plan on moving the rocks, digging up the yucca plants and hostas, removing the black, landscaping tarp stuff, and planting flowers and maybe some herbs. I'm sure it's going to be more of a pain than I realize. Lol

            Most exciting of all, though, we finally got chickens! We learned a lesson too: Don't special order them! We evidently started looking at the chicks at the farm supply stores too early because they didn't have hardly any of the ones we wanted. So, since one store had it set up to where you could special order certain ones, we did that. Here it is almost 4 weeks later and we still haven't actually received our order. We talked to the guy who takes care of the chicks at the store last weekend. Evidently they hadn't called us yet because they were still missing two of the breeds we ordered and he wanted us to get all of them at the same time, which is understandable...but we're impatient. And it has been almost a month! Don't you think some of that breed would have hatched by now?!

 2 of each: Buff Orpingtons, Silver-laced Wyandottes, Black Australorps, Barred Rocks, and Ameraucanas

            We happened to be in town for other reasons, so we decided to stop in and see what they had at the store because it changes some each time we visit. They had every kind but one that we had ordered/wanted, so we went ahead and bought some. So, lesson learned: Be more patient. What is even more silly is that we could have had ALL the ones we wanted by now if we had gotten the bantams we're missing from another farm supply store when they had them. Oh well. I mostly wanted them because they were small and cute, truth be told. Ha ha Novelty. ;)

             Are any of you getting chickens this spring or have chicks hatching? What breeds do you have or what is your favorite one?

SwaddleDesigns Giveaway

Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, IMHO Views, Reviews & Giveaways, Barbara's Beat, Deliciously Savvy, Dorky's Deals & Seasonal Family Fun

Sponsor: Swaddle Designs

Prize: Winners choice of 2 Muslin Swaddle singles from the black and white collection (Panda, Hedgehog, XOXO, & Lillies)

Wrap your baby in pure softness. Swaddle Designs boutique quality 100% cotton muslin with cheerful designs gets softer with every wash. The open weave increases breathability and reduces the risk of overheating. The generous size, square shape and helpful labels will make it easy to swaddle.

Dates: 3/26-4/9

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Mixed Bag Mama did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Why I've Become a Snap Convert

             Hey folks! While I think all of us who cloth diaper can agree that rinsing poopy cloth diapers out is not fun, I have to admit that I've kind of enjoyed playing around with cloth diapers again with our new baby. (Funny how that works, isn't it? They're so much cuter on a baby than a toddler who refuses to use the toilet, amiright?) Anyways, one aspect of cloth diapering that I've come around to at last is snaps for closures over aplix (aka Velcro).

             Once upon a time, I used to be pretty against snaps. If there was a diaper print I liked but it only came with snaps, I wouldn't get it. Why? Compared to aplix, they seemed like such a pita. I already thought the snap pajamas for babies were a nuisance, so why add more snaps to my life? Recently, though, I've changed my thinking for several reasons.

1. You don't run the risk of getting stuck on them when rinsing. It's not happened very often, but there have been several times in the past (with Myka) that I would not notice that poo had gotten on the Velcro bits from rinsing a poopy diaper out until after I had completely washed and dried the diaper. Ew. I know a lot of you don't even bother rinsing poopy diapers out before the wash, but that majorly grosses me out. Not an option here.
2. Snaps won't stick to everything else in the wash! We've probably all been there: You forget to secure the Velcro to the laundry tabs or they somehow came loose in the wash...and you end up doing a magic trick, pulling a looong line of diapers, clothes, and God knows what else out of the washer or dryer.
3. Snaps won't wear out as quickly. This one is pretty obvious. Yah, aplix is a little easier to use, but it also wears out a helluva lot faster too!
4. Snap diapers seem trimmer. Lots of people like Velcro closures because they feel they can get a better fit on baby. However, I'm realizing lately that there isn't really that much of a difference. (Or maybe I've not had to deal with my baby being “between sizes” yet?) In fact, I find the few diapers I do have with snaps seem to fit better and are more trim.
5. They are harder for older babies/toddlers to undo! I didn't have to deal with this too much with Myka, but I can definitely see why it would be a plus for some!

             So, if you're planning on using your cloth diapers with multiply children or have a miniature nudist in the family, you may want to consider getting cloth diapers with snaps. :)

             What do you prefer? Aplix or snaps?

PeapodMats Giveaway

PeapodMats Waterproof Bedwetting Mat Giveaway!

Sponsored by: PeapodMats

Hosted by: Savory Savings

 

I could definitely use one of these with my 3 year old. She did really well with potty training and didn't even have any accidents at night...until her little sister was born a couple of months ago. I would much rather try one of these out than have to waste money on diapers again!-MBM

Nighttime diaper leaks and accidents can be a real headache when you have to completely strip a bed and put it back together all while half asleep and trying to calm an upset kiddo. So why not make it easier with a waterproof bedwetting mat - the makers of PeapodMats have the perfect solution to help keep beds clean and dry and save your midnight sanity! Enter with the Giveaway Tool below. 

If you have won a PeapodMats giveaway anytime from another blog in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to win this giveaway. The giveaway will run from March 23 through April 6, 2016 at 11 PM CST and is open to US residents, ages 18 and older. Entries will be verified. Winners 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!

Greenchild Creations Diaper Review

             Hey folks! If you've been around for awhile, you know that we are cloth diaper lovers in our house. We used them pretty much all but the first month with Myka, our first daughter, and plan on doing the same with Ripley, our second daughter. However, I have to admit that we are kind of cloth diaper snobs. We use a combination of covers and prefolds/flats and that's pretty much it. I tried using pocket diapers a few times and absolutely hated them. But, since I have worked with Anne of Greenchild Creations before (no, her pocket diapers were not the ones I hated!), I couldn't resist trying one of her new and improved one size flannel fitted cloth diapers!

These diapers come with pins (if requested), but you can also request snaps or aplix for an additional cost.)

             Let's get the “cons” out of the way because there are actually a lot of things I liked about this diaper even though it's not a type we generally use! The biggest (and pretty much the only) “bad” thing about the flannel OS diaper is that it is pretty bulky for an infant, even without doing any stuffing of the pocket. But, this is kind of to be expected since it is a one size diaper and not a newborn or smaller sized diaper. Also, I'm not sure how our Best Bottom covers compare size-wise to others, but you will need a generously sized cover. (Greenchild Creations also sells really cute covers, FYI!) For the record, I have played more since I took the photos below and the poking out is no longer an issue.

 This was stuffed with a prefold, if I remember correctly. Obviously unnecessary as little as she was!

             Now that that's out of the way, let's take a look at the good stuff and why Greenchild Creations has made me more open-minded about different types of cloth diapers and a convert to fitteds! First of all, even though it is a bit bulky for smaller babies, it's a great night-time diaper. Even though she's only two months old, Ripley sleeps really well at night, especially if I swaddle her. In fact, I had to stop swaddling her at the beginning of the night because she would sleep all the way through for 8 hours! (Please don't throw anything at me!) My point is that we had no issues with this diaper leaking for that long of a time...And I didn't even stuff it with anything! Needless to say, the nice, soft flannel is very absorbent! 

             Speaking of absorbency, I think this would be a great diaper for older babies/toddlers as well. Since it has a pocket, you can customize the absorbency to your child's needs. Also, since it wouldn't be as bulky on older babies, I think it would be fine to use as a regular, daytime diaper as well.

I think by now it goes without saying that Greenchild Creations OS flannel diapers offer a lot of customization for size and fit. As you can see in the pictures, since the front flap folds down you can make the diaper whatever size you need. The crotch width is generous too, so again, perfect for older babies and toddlers! (I've also noticed that because of the nice width and because the whole diaper itself is absorbent and covers the entire inside of the cover, it's really good at keeping poo contained! In fact, it's better than our regular inserts.)

             So, since I mentioned it's “new and improved”, let's compare it to the old version. The new one is noticeably thicker, come with double-napped diaper flannel for the inner layers, and has serged edges. You will also notice in the pictures that it is slightly wider, but the length of the fold is slightly shorter. (I assure you this doesn't affect the sizing customization!) Even though the new one is thicker and therefore probably more absorbent, I've tried both the old and new versions overnight and they seem the same as far as absorbency goes. I have a feeling as Ripley gets older and pees more I will be able to notice a difference! 

             To purchase your own flannel fitted one size diaper (She also offers them with cotton velour and bamboo velour! Talk about plushy!) and browse all of the great handmade items Anne has to offer, you can visit her on Etsy at Greenchild Creations. Stay up-to-date on Facebook and show her some love on her new Instagram account! And, before you go, be sure to head over to the giveaway page for a chance to win your own one-of-a-kind print flannel fitted one size diaper!

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated monetarily for this review. I received product in order to facilitate my review and give my honest opinion. Those opinions may differ from your own.

Greenchild Creations Diaper Giveaway

Welcome to the Greenchild Creations Flannel Fitted One Size Diaper Giveaway!

Sponsored By: Greenchild Creations

Hosted By: Mixed Bag Mama 

            Hey, cloth diaper lovers and cloth curious! It's your lucky day because Mixed Bag Mama has teamed up with Greenchild Creations to offer one lucky winner this adorable, one-of-a-kind flannel fitted one size diaper pictured above! If you would like to learn more about their diapers, please visit their shop link above and/or check out Mixed Bag Mama's review.

             To enter for a chance to win, simply enter the Giveaway Tools form below. Only your email is mandatory (only used to contact the winner), but the more entries you have, the better your chances of winning! Good luck!

 

Entry-Form

Mixed Bag Mama and all participating blogs are not responsible for prize shipment. No one was compensated for this post. This giveaway is not affiliated with and social media platform, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Milkies Milk-Saver Giveaway

Welcome to the Milkies Milk-Saver Giveaway!

Sponsored By: Fairhaven Health

Hosted By: Mixed Bag Mama 

            Hey nursing mamas! Tired of wasting breast milk and soaking through numerous nursing pads? Then you are going to love the Milkies Milk-Saver!

             The Milk-Saver is convenient and easy to use. Simply put it inside your bra or fitting tank top on the side you are not nursing or pumping on and let the Milk-Saver cup do the work for you! It holds up to two ounces, so even if you tend to leak quite a bit, you should have no problems. The cup also comes in a handy case that has a spot to stand your cup up while you finish putting your bra back on, get baby situated, etc. You can read Mixed Bag Mama's review here.

             You can purchase your own Milkies Milk-Saver on Fairhaven Health. For a chance to win your own, simply enter the Giveaway Tools form below. Only your email is mandatory (only used to contact the winner) to enter, bu the more entries you have, the more likely you are to win! Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Mixed Bag Mama and all participating blogs were not compensated for this post nor responsible for prize shipment. This giveaway is not affiliated with any social media sites, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Milkies Milk-Saver Review

            Hey folks! I don't know about you, but I am finding out a lot of things about breastfeeding that no one told me about. Sure, I expected occasional leaking, therefore invested in some nursing pads. But I had no idea your milk would let down in both breasts at the same time! Needless to say, I found out the hard way and dealt with many soaked shirts, especially at night. That is, until I started using my Milkies Milk-Saver.

            Milkies Milk-Saver (found on Fairhaven Health) is the perfect solution to wasted breast milk. You simply insert it into your bra (or snug fitting tank top) on the side you're not nursing on and it collects your leaked milk for you! It's pretty fool-proof and the makers of it thought of everything. It even comes with a carrying case that has an area inside where you can stand your Milk-Saver cup up while you finish getting your bra back on, get baby situated, etc.

            The Milk-Saver cup is BPA and pthalate-free. It is also tested to ensure there is no chemical leaching, so you can rest assured your precious breast milk stays safe and pure for baby. The cup holds up to two ounces, so even if you leak quite a bit on your non-nursing side, you should be safe!

I discovered early on that my right side is a lot leakier than the left, so I have loved using the Milkies Milk-Saver! I was actually surprised the first time I used it because while I would usually soak right through my nursing pads, the amount actually wasn't as much as I expected. But, even if I didn't save it, at least I wasn't having to wash nursing pads as often!

            I do save the milk I get from it sometimes, though, if I plan on pumping in the next few hours. I like that it's not getting wasted because I do feel like I'm still not making quite enough for Ripley. It's nice to be able to save it for later and make her pumped milk bottles a little bit fuller. ;)

            I like that the Milk-Saver comes in a convenient case also. I haven't taken it out and about with me anywhere, but it does travel from the living room to the bedroom. Being able to stand it up inside the case is handy, needless to say, especially during the night when there's not much light to see with anyways because I keep it as dim as possible during feedings!

            Just a few more random tidbits...The nipple hole is plenty big, in case you're wondering, so you don't have to worry about getting it on just right. The cup overall is a lot bigger than I expected...then again, it does hold up to two ounces, so I'm not sure what I was expecting. Ha ha

             You can purchase your own Milkies Milk-Saver through Fairhaven Health. (Or enter to win one here!) If you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or nursing, definitely be sure to check out all of their other related products while you're there. (I wish I had known about this site while we were trying to get pregnant! So many helpful items!) Stay up-to-date with Fairhaven Health on Facebook (fertility) (pregnancy & nursing), Twitter (fertility) (pregnancy& nursing), YouTube, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram.

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

Winning Moves Rubik's Key Ring & Brynk Games Giveaway

Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, IMHO Views, Reviews & Giveaways, Dorky's Deals, Tales From a Southern Mom, Tonya's Losing It & Been There Done That With Kat

Sponsor: Winning Moves

Prize: Rubik's Key Ring & Brynk

The Rubik's Key Ring puzzle plays like the original 3x3 Cube! . The key ring is not only way-cool, it really works!

Brynk - Will you be able to place your pieces on the teeter-tottering base and get it to stay? Or will you upset the balance and watch as it all comes crashing down in front of you?

Dates: 3/16-3/30

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Mixed Bag Mama did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Blogger Opp: Milkies Milk-Saver

            Hey bloggers! I would love some help in promoting this giveaway, which starts this Thursday!

-One winner will receive a Milkies Milk-Saver from Fairhaven Health
-Open to the U.S. and Canada
-Runs from 3/17-3/31
-One free link for posting and promoting, additional links available for $1 each
-More info and sign-ups HERE

Mommy Scene Eco-Home Giveaway

 

We're celebrating the coming of spring with our Eco-Home Giveaway, sponsored by Mommy Scene and featuring products that help make life more Eco-friendly! All of the sponsoring brands offer products designed with families in mind, to encourage greener lifestyles. Check out these awesome brands and enter to win an amazing prize set below!

Thinkbaby | Thinksport

Prize: Thinkbaby GO2 Container + GO4TH 350ml + Stainless Steel Baby Bottle OR Sippy Cup OR Thinkster - winners choice + Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen, 6 ounces
Thinkbaby and Thinksport's founder, Kevin Brodwick, brought his interest in health and preventative medicine and his background in biotechnology together to form a company whose sole purpose is to create alternative products for babies to athletes alike. With a team of physicians and scientists focused on the latest biological and chemical sciences, Thinkbaby and Thinksport continue to lead in the usage of safe, non-toxic materials for consumer goods. Thinkbaby and Thinksport's efforts are further energized by working with both leading child and health advocacy partners and like-minded individuals. Learn more at gothinkbaby.com.

Crane

Prize: Crane Grey Droplet Humidifier
Crane's Droplet Humidifiers are a half gallon cool mist humidifier that runs for up to 15 hours. They are whisper quiet during operation, do not require a filter and they are energy efficient requiring less energy than a standard household lightbulb to run. All Crane cool mist humidifiers use an anti-microbial material to help fight bacteria buildup. Crane USA was founded with the continuing goal to "Design for Better Living." For everything from natural cold and flu remedies to relieving croup in infants, Crane's cool mist humidifiers are the perfect addition to any child or adult's room. Learn more at crane-usa.com.

Fresh Wave

Prize: Full Size Set of Fresh Wave products
Fresh Wave natural odor-removing products use simple, pure and natural ingredients to actually remove odors from your life. No harsh chemicals. No harmful ingredients. No masking fragrances. Fresh Wave products remove the odor at its source - on the molecular level. With Fresh Wave, odors go away. Happiness stays. Products are available at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and Ace Hardware. Learn more at freshwaveworks.com.

Little Dundi

Prize: 2 sets of Eco-friendly Hangers - choose from 6 designs
Little Dundi brings to life products inspired by baby. Our innovative line of Eco-friendly clothes hangers started with a cloud shaped infant sized model has grown to include hangers sized for toddlers & kids clothing. These hangers come in 6 attractive prints and are made of thick and sturdy recycled paperboard with an aqueous coating for a more polished look. All glues used are vegetable starch based and the inks are water based. Our hangers are our way of being friendly to the Earth. Learn more at littledundi.com.

Beachfront Baby

Prize: Recycled Beachfront Baby Wrap
Beachfront Baby makes fashionable water baby carriers! Each Beachfront Baby Wrap made with 100% Repreve PC polyester contains approximately 15 plastic water bottles! Each Recycled Wrap comes with its own matching drawstring carry bag, which is also made with Repreve, and our packaging for this wrap is printed on 100% recycled paper. Made in the USA, all our carriers are sewn with care by work-at-home-moms in the San Antonio, Texas area. Learn more at beachfrontbabywraps.com.

Wicks Beauty

Prize: Gift set of top sellers: Neem Skin Salve, Bentonite Clay Mask, Sea Salt Face Scrub, and Lavender Goat Milk Soap
Wicks Beauty is offering a gift set of a few of our top sellers: Neem skin salve, bentonite clay mask, sea salt face scrub, and lavender goat milk soap - a $36 value! Wicks features a family-focused array of products made with all-natural oils and butters that detox and heal skin while protecting its natural moisture. Our products help soothe and prevent eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Breathe new life into tired skin the natural way. Check out our line for babies and pets! Learn more at wicksbeauty.com.

Silikids

Prize: $50 gift set including newly released silicone cups, straws & universal fit straw and sippy tops
Siliskin Silicone Cups are made with 100% food grade silicone with an embedded stainless steel ring so they won't collapse when gripped. Dishwasher safe and great for indoor and outdoor use.
Siliskin Universal Silicone Sippy Tops fit over any size cup. The silicone top grips the cup top while air suction keeps it in place. The spout is free of intricate valves allowing for easy use and cleaning. Also dishwasher safe and perfect for on-the-go and indoor and outdoor use.
Siliskin Universal Straw Tops stretch over and grip the top of glasses of multiple sizes, while also kept in place with air suction. Use with a Siliskin silicone cup or a glass of your choice for an instant, no-spill straw top cup.
Silikids products are safe, modern & practical, easy to clean, and made from 100% food grade silicone. A great alternative to plastic! Learn more at silikids.com.

Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap

Prize: 12 oz. tub of Sudsy Dough with surprise toy inside! Fragrance of choice
Sudsy Dough is an interactive bath toy that doubles as a moldable scented dough and a cleansing soap. Kids can squeeze and squish Sudsy Dough in the bath, rub it on as body wash, or take it outside the tub and make custom-shaped soaps that will dry when left out in open air. Sudsy Dough is scented and infused with moisturizing ingredients such as Shea Butter and beeswax. Each ball also has a surprise bath toy hidden inside! Available fragrances include Merry Mango, Sassy Strawberry, Awesome Apple, and Bubbly Blueberry. Learn more at revelae.com.

Yummi Pouch

Prize: Set of 3 cloth snack or sandwich bags, style of choice
Take snacks on the go with Yummi Pouch cloth snack and sandwich bags. Our cloth bags are lined with a moisture resistant interior and decorated with colorful prints, choose from 16 cute patterns! Perfect for crackers, sandwiches, and dry snacks, or small items like bottle parts, teethers, and hair accessories! They open with a silent zipper that's simple enough for a child to use. Reduce the trash during lunchtime or organize your purse with our modern cloth bags. Learn more at revelae.com.

Back Buddy

Prize: Back Buddy Support Pillow
Back Buddy is an award-winning maternity and feeding support pillow, designed by a Chiropractor and nursing mother. It alleviates common back pain during and after pregnancy, and provides comfort and support for mom while holding or feeding baby. Made in the USA from high-quality structural foam that is certified to be made WITHOUT harmful PBDE flame retardants, phthalates, CFC's, formaldehyde, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, and is tested for performance, durability, and emissions.
Learn more at back-buddy.com.

hipNgo

Prize: hipNgo - brand new, black on black design or color of choice
The hipNgo provides the ideal child carrying solution for the family with an active lifestyle and a busy toddler. The patented saddle seat centers the child against the adult hip and provides proper weight distribution, relieving strain on the arms, shoulder and hands. The simplistic shape, size and weight offer families on the go, a handy solution to the challenges of traveling with a toddler. The hipNgo can be adjustable for male or female versatility, left or right handed dexterity, as well as large and small build body types. Say goodbye to the bulky stroller and say hello to the 5-ounce hipNgo with its own storage bag. Available in several colors as well as classic black. Learn more at hipngo.com.

Enter to win these great prizes!

 

This giveaway is sponsored by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on March 28th, 2016. Mommy Scene and the participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Breastfeeding: It Ain't Easy!

             Hey folks! I felt like sharing my breastfeeding struggles today for two reasons: 1) To vent, because this is my blog. Hear me roar. ;) and 2) In hopes that other new moms out there who might be struggling come across this post and know they're not alone. While I definitely don't think we should go around telling a bunch of horror stories to expecting or new moms who are considering breastfeeding and potentially scare them away from even trying, but I feel like there is this common misconception that breastfeeding is easy just because it's natural. I, and many other mothers out there, beg to differ. Here's our story thus far...

             I guess it started with Ripley's two week check-up. She still (supposedly) wasn't gaining weight quite as fast as she “should” have been, so the doctor suggested seeing the in-office lactation consultant. I wasn't so much worried about her weight since she was still gaining and was and still is in the 50^th percentile for both height and weight, but I thought it might be a good idea since it hurt like hell to nurse her on my left side. Even for being the first time that I had breastfed exclusively, I knew it wasn't supposed to still hurt that bad. And so the lactation consultant appointments started.

             Normally I absolutely loathe going to the doctor, but “Kathy”, our LC, has been great. She has been super helpful. I like that she actually takes plenty of time for her appointments and even sends helpful email links for how to build your supply, info on tongue ties, etc. Speaking of tongue ties...

             She's the one who noticed that Ripley has a tongue tie. So, since nothing else was really working as far as different positions, working on her latch, and whatnot to make nursing hurt less, I decided to have it revised by one of the doctors in the main office she works at. No one pressured me by any means to have it done, but I originally didn't want to have it done...until I talked to several people who also had their children's done and they said how helpful it was.

             So, we had it done (she was actually the first baby he had performed it on after receiving his training!)...and there wasn't much noticeable improvement right away. Although I told myself beforehand not to expect a miracle right away, I couldn't help but feel disheartened. Especially since a friend of mine had her baby's done a week before and said it was better instantly as far as the pain went and her emptying her breasts a lot faster.

             Since it was suggested and our insurance covers it, we started physical therapy the following week. It's supposed to help loosen muscles that she may have been overcompensating with and hopefully help her nurse more effectively. We were also given “exercises” (stretches) to do with her at home as well. I have to say, the physically therapy seems to be helping a lot more than the actual tongue and lip tie procedure. (If you're not familiar with what this is, they snip the frenulum under the tongue and between the upper gums and top lip.)

             While it's still not perfect, I no longer dread breastfeeding Ripley. I don't scream and curse when she latches on to my left breast, but, again, it's still not comfortable by any means. She does seem to be improving as far as how long it takes her to finish too. Before she would usually take an hour altogether, by which point she would still be hungry again a short time later. She seems to be staying sated for longer, thank God. I was starting to go a little insane. Actually, I started supplementing with formula around the time she was 3 weeks old because it was to the point I dreaded feeding her and was crying almost every time from frustration over it all.

             Speaking of formula, that's a whole other can of worms, kind of. I'm really trying to wean her off of it altogether. I've been doing what the lactation consultant suggested and nurse her from both sides each time and only supplement after if she still acts hungry. Before I was giving her 2-3 four ounce bottles of formula a day and giving each in one sitting instead of just a little bit here and there throughout the day. It's been almost three weeks and we haven't been able to cut down as much as I would like or was expecting, but hey. I'm sure I could probably cut the formula out entirely...but she would literally be attached to me all day and that's not really feasible, especially with having a 3 year old as well. But, she's only been having around 6 ounces of formula a day now, so it's not that bad.

             So yah, we've had all kinds of fun. As usual, I could go into more detail about certain things, but I'll stop while I'm ahead. Again, I'm hoping someone out there who may be struggling with breastfeeding comes across this post and knows they are not alone. I definitely recommend seeing a lactation consultant if you are able to. If nothing else, try to find a local breastfeeding group that has meetings so you can get some help in-person and ask questions from other women who may have gone through similar issues.

             Now, if you are considering having your child's lip and/or tongue tie corrected, I have some food for thought on that as well. While there are many people who notice an improvement with nursing right away, others, like me, do not. However, having these things corrected can help avoid speech impediments and dental issues later on. I definitely recommend seeing a physical therapist of some sort in conjunction with the procedure. Actually, I would recommend going beforehand if you are able to see if it helps. You may not even need to have the revision done if physical therapy helps!

             What breastfeeding issues have you encountered? Did they ever get better for you or did you struggle during your entire breastfeeding journey?

Alvin & The Chipmunks Road Trip Prize Pack Giveaway

Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, IMHO Views, Reviews & Giveaways, Dorky's Deals, My Silly Little Gang & Barbara's Beat

Sponsor: Entenmann's

Prize: One download code to access the Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip on Digital HD, two boxes of Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip-Munk Muffins and four Entenmann’s Little Bites coupons RV $50

Dates: 3/12-3/19

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$50 in Usborne Books & More Giveaway

Winner's Choice of $50 in Books to Usborne Books & More Giveaway!

Love, Mrs. Mommy is hosting a wonderful giveaway for 1 lucky person to win their choice of $50 in books from Usborne Books & More! Plus, FREE shipping! 

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Chicken Crescent Roll-Ups

        Hey folks! It's time for my biannual recipe post! Seriously, though, if you were to look up any food related posts, that's probably about how often I post them. Rest assured, though, I don't post recipes I come up with unless they are A) easy and/or B) kid-friendly since I am kind of a picky eater myself. ;) These take hardly no time at all and even the kids could help you make them! Enjoy!

1) Roll your crescent rolls out.
2) Place shredded chicken.

3) Sprinkle on shredded mozzarella, provolone, or whatever cheese you think would go good with these or that you prefer. We used mozzarella here, but think provolone would give it some more flavor!

4) Roll crescent rolls up starting from the big end. I suggest trying to tuck the ends too so you don't have gooey cheese escaping afterwards.

5) Spread melted butter generously on top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
6) Bake according to crescent roll instructions, but keep a close eye on them as they may get done sooner rather than later because of the butter on top.