Monday, August 29, 2016

Chicken Update: Turning to Pasture & New Baby Chicks!

             Hey folks! Am I totally throwing you off with having the weekly homesteading post on Monday instead of Thursday? And two “regular” posts last week? Or did you even notice? Ha! If it's all the same to you, I think I'll try out having homesteading posts on Mondays and regular posts on Thursdays just because it works out better for me. Anyways, on to today's post...
             I've had a bunch of homesteading post ideas lately...but I was afraid they would be too boring, so I've been putting them off. But who doesn't love chickens, right? (Except for my cousin Kristen who's weirded out by them for some reason. C'mon, girl!) So here we are again, with a focus on chickens. First off, I have a confession to make...


             Yep. More baby chicks. Against our better judgment. (Sort of.) Yes, we have a problem. “Hi. We're John and Alicia and we have a chicken problem.” * In unison from crowd * “Hi, John and Alicia.” Yah. THAT kind of problem! But, in our defense, here was our logic behind buying yet another round of baby chicks (Round #5 in one year! Seriously!):
             We lost FOUR in a little over a week...Really, three in a week. And one of the Cornish Crosses before that. (I haven't talked much about our meat birds on here, but, again, you can keep up with all of our chicken shenanigans in “real time” on my Instagram account, if you like. We also have a Facebook page for our farm now too!) So, naturally, our justification for buying more chicks was that we had lost some. However, we bought twice as many as we lost. Lol We're suckers, though, and feel the need to buy chickens like we're stocking up a Moses' Ark of chickens and buy pairs of the same breeds most of the time. Both so that they will have buddies and just in case one of them croaks. (Sad, but very real possibility.) Plus, Rural King had some “fun ones” in that we had never heard of before, so that was extra tempting for us, shame on them. So, what are these fluffy little guys? (Well, hopefully they're all girls since we already have THREE roosters!)
             We have....2 Blue Andalusians, 2 Javas, 2 Golden-laced Wyandottes, and 1 Buff Brahma. The first four I had never heard of, therefore really know nothing about them, to be honest, but...They look pretty as adults. Ok, truthfully, I partly wanted the two Golden-laced Wyandottes because I think they are pretty as adults too. Plus, we have now lost ALL of our Silver-laced Wyandottes. :( (More on that in a minute.) The Buff Brahma was pretty much all for John because he has an affinity towards Brahmas for some reason. Plus...
            Our female Brahma was one of the ones we lost in a week. She was part of the “Three Amigos”, as we called them: An Easter Egger (who turned out to be a rooster), and two Light Brahmas, one female and one rooster, it turns out. So, we thought we would give Ivan (the Brahma rooster) a new buddy, hopefully...Although he does seem to have an affinity towards both of our Buff Orpingtons, as it turns out, but that's a story for a different time! So, I guess it's good we got a Buff Brahma? Ha ha!
             At one point in time, we had at least 3 or 4 Silver-laced Wyandottes...And they were one of my favorite breeds that we had, as far as looks go. If you've not been following along with our chicken journey for this year, we lost Lacey fairly early on to what we think was a bird of prey. She was SUPER PRETTY. Seriously. She made the Silver-laced chickens at the 4-H fair look like hobos. In fact, she was so pretty that we had a hard time appreciating the beauty of the remaining silver-laced wyandotte that came with her, Victoria. But, alas, Victoria came to an uncertain death the same week (in fact, the same day, I'm pretty sure) as the Brahma. (Hubby thinks it's a fox, but more on that in a minute.) After Lacey's demise, we bought two more silver-laced wyandottes, but they perished within the first week to “natural causes”. (If I remember right, one got “squished” beneath the other baby chicks and the other looked like it died of dehydration...even though we had plenty of water for it, honest.)
             And last, but not least, we have one of the two Easter Eggers from “The Fellowship” (aka Gandalf's Crew) that perished in the same week. Actually, upon further investigation, hubby figured out from her feathers scattered about everywhere that it is probably a fox that is killing off our chickens. :( At least now we know and we can do something about it! They kept disappearing during the day while we were gone with no signs so, until that point, we thought someone was stealing them!


             So, with one of the main reasons obviously wanting to be to keep our remaining chickens safe, we built an enclosed area for them. We had talked about it off and on for several months, intending it to be one of our longer-term goals. However, we were lucky and recently came across some “extra money” and decided it would be a great time to enclose them. Plus, we were really tired of them pooping all over the place by the back door and walkway (some of them are cat food fiends!) and getting into the garden and pecking off things they shouldn't be, so it was a much wanted and much needed time. We still need to work on a “real gate”, but my husband and his parents managed to accomplish all of this in a few hours time! 
 

             Not bad for a few cheap landscaping timbers and off-brand fencing, eh? We'll expand it eventually, whether it's with extra electric fencing or something more permanent like this, but this works for now, whether the chickens are crazy about or not. So far we've only had one escapee who had to get her wings clipped. ;) (Gandalf's always been a cheeky little thing.)

            What's been going on around your yard/homestead?


Saturday, August 27, 2016

Playmobil Carry Case Travel Package Giveaway

playmobil Carry Case Travel Package Giveaway


Sponsor: playmobil

Prize: Carry Case Travel Package, which includes four different Carry Cases (Vet Visit Carry Case, Soccer Shootout Carry Case, Fashion Boutique Carry Case and Police Carry Case), valued at $45.00

Care for all the animals with the Vet Visit Carry Case
             This easy, take-along case has everything kids need to tend to sick pets and help them heal. Set includes one figure, two dogs, one cat, exam table with lamp, stethoscope, medical tools, feeding bottles, medicine, bandages, and tons of other accessories. When playtime is over, simply store the pieces inside the case for next time!

Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure with the Pirate Raft Carry Case
            This easy, take-along case jam-packed and ready for young buccaneers! Set includes one pirate figure, log raft with functioning cannon, barrel, sword, monkey, and lots of additional accessories. When playtime is over, simply store the pieces inside the case for next time!

Create a chic outfit with the Fashion Boutique Carry Case
            Enclosed in an easy, take-along case, this boutique has trendy clothing that can be used to dress up the skilled fashion designer. Set includes one adult figure, clothing mannequins, interchangeable dresses, purse, design and sewing tools, and other accessories. When playtime is over, simply store the pieces inside the case for next time! .

Embark on rescue missions wherever you go with the Police Carry Case
            This easy, take-along case allows kids to help out the police as they race to the rescue. Just jump on the police motorcycle to race downtown to the scene. When playtime is over, simply store the pieces inside the case for next time! Set includes one police figure, motorcycle, helmet, police sign, flashlight, and additional accessories.

Dates: 8/27-9/10
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.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Antipodes Merino Baby Sleep Sack Giveaway

Antipodes Merino 
Baby Sleep Sack Giveaway



Hosted By
Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews

Co-Hosted By:
 Deliciously Savvy
 IMHO Views, Reviews, & Giveaways
  Michigan Saving and More 

Sponsored By: Antipodes Merino
Check them out on  Facebook 

~1 Winner~
Open to US
~Prize~ 
Antipodes Merino 
Baby Sleep Sack 
ARV $99.99

Check out Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews review of this  awesome sleep sack >>> Click Here

Don't want to wait for the giveaway to end? Get yours here on sale! $84.99
CLICK HERE

Thank you to all of the bloggers promoting this giveaway. All of our giveaways are so much fun when we do it all together.

Now for the fun stuff. This giveaway is open to US. There are daily bonus entries for sharing this giveaway on your social media channels. It's okay to share it with your family and friends, they'll want to enter to win too!!


 I can't ask you to "Like" our pages but, if you see something you like, let us know so we can bring you more of it. 
We LOVE it when you "LIKE" our pages.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
None of the Bloggers promoting this giveaway are responsible for shipping the prizes. If you have any questions about this giveaway or the prizes please feel free to email Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews at grovesamy81@gmail.com or amy@aarlreviews.com

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Breastfeeding Must Have Goodies Giveaway

     Nursing Mamas rejoice! Are you looking for great breastfeeding products made in the USA? Products that are natural and contain organic ingredients, are made consciously by nursing Moms for nursing Moms? Look no farther! Here's a great collection of items that should be in every Breastfeeding Mom's must-have items.
     This Breastfeeding Must Have Goodies Giveaway has a wonderful prize package open to the USA containing the LUCU Nest nursing cover, Balm! Baby Natural Nipple Butter, Nursing Pads from Geffen Baby, a Dreamy Sleep Bra in Midnight Purple by Melinda G. and a Latch Pal and Nursing soothies! Enter below to win!


     The LUCU Nest is a new take on a nursing cover. Designed and produced in California, this lightweight and breathable fabric is both a clothing item and an extremely versatile nursing cover. Available in three color choices, this one size cover is double layered and can also function as a carseat cover. It folds up into it's very own small bag or can be worn even when not nursing baby. In addition, you can get a $10 off coupon by signing up for their e-mail list on their homepage!


       Melinda G. offers an entire line of amazing nursing bras, tops and accessories. Well known for versatility, this night time nursing bra in Midnight Purple can be work both during the day and at night. Made with breathable cotton, nylon and spandex, this bra fits well and is easy to nurse in. At my affiliate, Available on Amazon, you can get this in a great range of sizes from a 30F - 42E.


     I was surprised to learn that the lanolin in the nipple cream my hospital gave me may contain pesticides from sheep. Lanolin, derived from sheep wool, contains whatever else was on the sheep. Scary, right? I looked for a natural nipple soother and was thrilled to find the Balm Baby Nipple Soother! It's made from food grade and organic ingredients, made in the USA and in non-plastic containers. Awesome, right?! 
 
     Ever wish you had an extra hand while nursing? I know I did! Especially when nursing a newborn baby. A newborn doesn't have head and neck control that an older baby does and managing baby's latch and your clothes can be tricky. That's where Latch Pal comes in! Available in a variety of designs and patterns, these clips hold your shirt for nursing, pumping or both! With a clip at the top, these are secure and attractive. In addition, Latch Pal also carries the Breast Soothie designed to provide either warm or cool relief to breasts. Great for engorgement, relieving a clogged duct or just a little pampering time for the girls, these pacs are sure to please. 


     If you love cloth diapers by Geffen Baby, then I'm sure you'll love their nursing pads! Available in Fleece or Jersey, these nursing pads are washable, great for leaks and for increasing coverage in a thinner bra. The Jersey pads are made with Geffen's trademark fiber combination including 60% hemp and 40% Organic cotton jersey. Made in the USA, my affiliate Geffen baby products are fantastic and fit inside most nursing bras and tank tops. 



     For the Giveaway! One lucky USA winner will receive all of these prizes! Open until 9/24, entrants may earn points through the widget below. Entries will be verified and please make sure to give a "like" to these hard working companies and bloggers who love knowing you stopped by! Good luck and thanks.

       Disclosure; This is not a sponsored post. This post may contain affiliate links. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. Open to USA and Canadian residents only, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions about this event contact Mama Banana's Adventures at: MamaBananasAdventures@gmail.com 

Rock 'N Learn Sale on Educents!

            Sale Alert! For just 24-hours, all Rock 'N Learn DVDs and board books are 50% off with FREE SHIPPING on Educents with code BLOWOUT. Rock 'N Learn's award-winning DVDs for children in grades PreK through 8th grade teach and entertain with music, humor, and super fun characters. Tip: if you're new to Educents use code WELCOME16 for and additional 15% off PLUS Free Shipping.  

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Save even more by getting a bundle! Here are my favorites, with each DVD now less than $10.

Multiplication & More Math Collection:

 
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This DVD bundle includes: Multiplication Rap DVD, Division Rap DVD, and Fractions & Decimals DVD. Kids discover what multiplication math is all about, learn facts through 12, and practice skip counting. Plus, kids learn division math concepts and facts and begin working with fractions and decimals. These fun math songs and zany characters hold attention and get results!
     

Early Math Collection:

This DVD bundle includes:Money & Making Change DVD, Telling Time DVD, and Addition & Subtraction Rap DVD. This math DVD set is a fun way to boost math skills for the early grades. Math facts are easy to learn with fun music and exciting animation. Kids learn all about counting coins and bills and practice making change. They'll also learn to tell time to the hour, half hour, and minute using traditional analog clocks.
   

Science Collection:

 
This DVD bundle includes: Physical Science DVD, Earth Science DVD, Life Science DVD, and the Human Body DVD. Award winning actor Vic Mignogna gives a voice to Marko the Pencil, who whisks learners away to his Super Science Station for an unforgettable adventure in learning. Special bonus sections present material as it might be found on a science test. And with Marko's test-taking tips, students are sure to improve on standardized tests.
   

Sight Words Collection:

 
This DVD bundle includes: Sight Words Level 1 DVD, Sight Words Level 2 DVD, and Sight Words Level 3 DVD. Sight words are the most frequently used words in the English language, and these DVDs helps students read them automatically. This set covers all pre-primer Dolch words, all primer Dolch words, all 1st Grade Dolch words, and many words from Fry's list.

            So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this great deal while you still can! Also, be sure to use code GETREADY  for free shipping on ANY order!

Liven Your Little One's Taste Buds!

            Hey folks! There seems to be a misconception that baby's first foods have to be bland and boring...Which is simply not true! We have been slowly introducing purees to Little Bit lately, so I was definitely interested when I came across the book Around the World in 80 Purees: Easy Recipes for Global Baby Food on Mom Bloggers Club recently. Here's a little more about the book:

            The transition to solid foods is a milestone across all cultures. And by sharing a broad range of flavors and ingredients with their little ones, parents can encourage a lifetime of adventurous eating. In Around the World in 80 Purees, Saini shares her research of global first foods and offers developmentally appropriate serving suggestions and tips for safely introducing babies to herbs, spices, and other ingredients. More than 100 quick and easy recipes, accompanied by richly colorful photographs by Christine Han, take readers on a culinary tour of the globe.

             Now, if you're anything like me, I like to find out as much as I can about books before actually committing to purchasing them. I love books, but they can be kind of pricey! If Around the World in 80 Purees sounds like something you would be interested, you're in luck! You can check out a few of their recipes below.













            What were your babies favorite first foods? Did you completely skip purees and go straight to finger foods? Be sure to check back for a full review of the book Around the World in 80 Purees soon!
This Is How We Roll Thursday Party

ethannevelyn
Thinking Outside The Pot
 photo ThisMommasMeanderingMondays_zps5366bef9.jpg

Mommy Scene Baby Registry Essentials Giveaway

             Are you expecting a new baby? Moms know babies come with lots of stuff, but how do you decide which items are most needed? We are excited to feature some of Mommy Scene's Baby Registry Essentials and a wonderful giveaway filled with beautiful AND essential products for moms with babies!

Baby Registry Wish List Giveaway - Mommy Scene Baby Registry 
Essentials

Babee Talk offers organic crib bedding and plush toys designed with health, safety and style in mind. Proudly made in the USA with soft organic cotton, this cozy bedding collection includes a patented organic crib rail cover, fitted crib sheet, matching crib skirt, and two Eco-Buds Take-Along Pals. (crib and side rail covers not included)

The Yummy Mitt is the first patented glow-in-the-dark teething mitten for newborns and infants 3-12 months. It secures to baby's hand allowing them to provide teething relief while simultaneously preventing gagging, need for constant parental assistance, and dropping of the teether. Made with 100% food grade silicone and 100% cotton, the Yummy Mitt is BPA, latex, PVC, lead and phthalates-free.

Revelae Kids makes innovative solutions for playtime, snack time, and nap time. Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches are ideal for holding homemade baby food and allow older kids to easily take healthy snacks to the playground. Cozy Sleeper swaddle transition blankets and Cozy Blanket Pouches keep babies snug and warm within a safe and secure sleep space, perfect for slumber and lounging. Cozy Sleepers and Blanket Pouches also fit in a car seat or stroller!

Surround your child with comfort and luxury! More than a floor pillow: Designed with both parents and baby in mind, the Dakota Aqua Pello Luxe Floor Pillow is the ultimate multi-use floor pillow and play mat to keep a baby comforted, safe and secure. The unique design and materials make this a perfect resting spot for baby and ideal for your child's ever-changing needs.

Buttons Diapers 100% cotton muslin burp cloths & bibs are the perfect baby essential. Works as a contoured over-the-shoulder burp cloth for baby, an large coverage bib during meals, and a handy cloth to wipe up messes. Muslin is a soft, breathable, absorbent, natural material that gets even softer & fluffier each time you wash it. The burp cloth easily converts to a bib by using the sewn-in snap. Set of 2.

Margaux & May is proud to use GOTS 100% certified organic cotton with all their swaddle blankets. These luxuriously soft muslin blankets are decorated with unique stunning prints, perfect for nursery sets and baby gifts. Set of 2.

This giveaway is coordinated by Mommy Scene, sponsored by the participating brands, and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. One winner will be randomly chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on Sept. 7, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated for this post. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

KidloLand 3 Month Subscription Giveaway

KidloLand 3-Month Subscription Giveaway! *5 Winners* ($75 TRV)! 

Sponsored By: KidloLand

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Co-Hosted By:

KidloLand has everything from Nursery Rhymes and songs, to educational games and more! They have fun characters that dance, sing and move about throughout the song or activity your child is viewing. Right now KidloLand has over 300 rhymes and educational songs!
You will find all the popular age-old nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb, all paired with fresh, fun characters.  This app not only has fun songs and lullabies, but it also teaches your child about fruit, the alphabet, vehicles, colors, shapes and so much more!

** 5 Winners **

Each winner will receive a 3-month subscription to KidloLand! ($75 TRV)

Open To WORLDWIDE entries - Must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway Dates ~ 8/23 12:01 AM EST through 9/9 11:59 PM EST Good Luck!

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. Love, Mrs. Mommy received a year subscription to KidloLand at no cost to facilitate the above-mentioned review. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winners will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Soul Tai Giveaway

Welcome to the Soul Tai Giveaway!



Hosted By: Mixed Bag Mama


Sponsored By: Soul Slings

            With so many baby carriers on the market nowadays, it can be hard to choose which brand and style is right for you. Luckily, Soul Slings has you covered! They offer just about every type of carrier you can think of, including full buckle, mei tais, woven wraps, and ring slings. Between their beautiful prints, variety of styles, and affordable prices, you are sure to find one both you and baby will love!

Courtesy of Soul Slings
 
            One lucky winner will receive a Soul Tai in Peace on Blue (which you can read more about in Mixed Bag Mama's review). This contest is open worldwide to participants age 18 and older. Only your email is required to enter (only used to contact the winner), but remember, the more entries you have, the better your chances are of winning! Good luck!


Mixed Bag Mama and participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. Opinions may differ from your own. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with any social media platform, including, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WINNER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CUSTOMS/DUTIES, IF APPLICABLE.

Soul Tai Review


             Hey folks! Being the parent of one child can be chaotic enough. Add in another one (or two or five!) and you pretty much need a free set of hands. Someone is going to constantly be asking for something or needing this or that. That's why, now that I have two children, I have learned firsthand why so many parents are fond of babywearing nowadays. Not only does it free up your hands, but you still get to keep your little ones close without feeling like you're neglecting anybody! (Or anything, for that matter. I'm sure plenty of you out there have done household chores while babywearing!)
             For all of these reasons and more, it is easy to fall in love with babywearing. It also goes without saying that safety and comfort are of utmost importance when choosing the right baby carrier for you and your little one, as well as quality. That's why I'm excited to share with you today my review of a carrier from Soul Slings that gets check marks next to all three of those things!
            As you may have read in previous babywearing reviews/posts, I have an affinity for mei tais. It goes without saying that I was more than happy to try the Soul Tai out recently. For those of you who are into specs, here are a few from Soul Sling's website:

*Weight recommendation: 7 -18 kg (15-40 lb) approx
*Fibre: Woven cotton panel with pure sturdy woven cotton base and straps
*Straps: Hybrid (centrally padded) wrap straps
*Tested for: ASTM F2236-14
*Sizing: 88" waist
*80" shoulder length
*12" width strap at the shoulders
*Soul Tai panel is 16" tall at tallest point to top of the waist band and 15" wide at the top of the waist band measured with soft tape. 
 
             Before I go into details, my initial impression?...
(Please tell me I'm not the only one who's seen "How To Train Your Dragon 2" a hundred times.)

             Seriously, though, I couldn't believe how comfortable this carrier was right from the get-go! I did wash it first, because I am OCD like that, but it's not as if it were “well-loved” and worn in yet. Here's what else I liked about the Soul Tai:

*Extra long shoulder straps compared to the Mei Tai Baby (MTB) that I previously reviewed. As I've mentioned before, I'm a bigger girl and these straps actually reach around to my back again!

Our maiden voyage to *shocker* Rural King. She likes it, I swear! (The carrier, that is. ;) )

*Since they are hybrid shoulder straps and flare out to wrap width, they are SOOO much more comfortable than any other baby carrier I have tried. I'm stubborn and put off trying them out this way for awhile and regret it. They seriously make all of the difference in the comfort to weight distribution ratio.


*The central padding on the shoulder straps is nice and cushy as well (another thing the Mei Tai Baby lacks). They are more like soft-structured carrier straps, which was a nice change.

*I'm still not certain if it's just because the carrier is still new and not “broken in” much, but I have been pleasantly surprised that the wrap straps stay folded in place under the regular part of the straps if you want them too, if that makes sense. I was worried at first that I would be constantly battling them to stay in place while I was trying to get the shoulder straps adjusted. (Not that that's been an issue anyway since I like having them flared out!)

*The Soul Sling has been much easier and comfier for me to fold the seat smaller for Little Bit than the MTB. She likes sitting higher than I feel like most babies her age do and I like that I have the versatility of being able to fold the seat at all (compared to a SSC where you're pretty much stuck with one size) and really get a custom fit.

*It's easy to get baby positioned well with little or no effort.

*Love, love, LOVE that this comes with a nap hood built in!...Even though we've only been able to use it once, really, without Little Bit throwing a full on fit. At least the option is there, right?

*Overall the Soul Tai seems very sturdy and well-made; very strong stitching.


*I have to admit that I was expecting something thinner for some reason, being that this particular mei tai is made of cotton. However, it's still pretty breathable. (I was worried about this since we're trying it out in the middle of summer and we both get hot easily!) We used this at the county fair a couple of times, even with the hood up once in 85 degree + weather, and neither one of us got too hot. Ripley got a little warm with the hood up, but I honestly think that had more to do with the fact that she had her face buried in my chest while sleeping. (Does anyone else have babies that try to smother themselves while sleeping in baby carriers?!)


*As much as I think Ripley and I would both like it, I have not been adventurous enough to try back carrying out very many times. However, after only practicing a few times, I think I was close to where I needed it to be for safety reasons, baby size, and comfort for me, for what it's worth. Back carries seem tricky in any type of carrier! Soul Sling's does have a video on their YouTube channel on how to do a back carry with the Soul Tai. (P.s. You can also do hip carries.)

Our first time with hubby's help. Not bad, but she could have been a little higher.

*There are several fabric types and tons of beautiful prints to choose from!

*Depending on the type of fabric and print, Soul Tais currently range from $52.00 to $86.00, making them an economical choice as well!




Only took me a little over an hour to get her to go to sleep walking around my in-laws house one night. Sheesh...


What I had issues with:

*My biggest issue with the Soul Sling is that, since I'm actually able to tie the shoulder straps around my back, I have a hard time getting it off by myself. I get the knots mixed up and usually end up choosing the wrong one to untie first. (Don't worry. I've not had any mishaps dropping her or anything!) That being said, through my local babywearing group, I have discovered that there are all sorts of “fancy” finishes I can do with the tails so that they do not get mixed up or in the way, so I guess I need to start practicing some of those!

*This isn't exactly an issue, but I'm not really sure how the nap hood is supposed to be secured to the loops. There are two strings and two loops on each side, so I'm guessing this is so there are multiple ways you can tie it depending on preference and how far up or down baby sits in the carrier.



             Never fear! If mei tais aren't your bag, Soul Slings also offers woven wraps, ring slings, and full buckle carriers in both standard and toddler sizes. With beautiful fabrics, affordable prices, and a variety of carrier types to choose from, you are sure to find one you love! (P.s. Did I forget to mention they ship WORLDWIDE TOO?! If you are in the U.S., you can also purchase Soul Sling carriers from Dearest Diapers, 5 Minute Recess, and more.) Be sure to stay up-to-date with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
             Before you run off, be sure to head over to the giveaway page for a chance to win your own Soul Tai in Peace on Blue! (Open worldwide)

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated monetarily for this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from your own.
Thinking Outside The Pot
 photo ThisMommasMeanderingMondays_zps5366bef9.jpg
This Is How We Roll Thursday Party
ethannevelyn

Friday, August 19, 2016

Learn About Less Common Fire Starters with Smokey Bear!

For 72 years, Smokey Bear has been in our homes and in our schools reminding us that WE can and should prevent forest fires.
  Smokey The Bear #OnlyYou #SmokeyBearHug 
 It is the time of year when families are out and about, going on hikes, taking summer camping trips, and just all around enjoying the nature around us. But before you head out on your journey to get away from civilization and relish that invaluable time with your kids, please remember how important it is to take care of the fragile nature you are about to enjoy. We all know the regular things that start fires – the ones we have learned about for years. But – there are SO many things that can start a fire that most people do not even know about!  
The Ad Council, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), have launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) that aim to help prevent wildfires nationwide by increasing awareness about less commonly known fire starts. Did you know? A wildfire can start due to the following:
  • Metal chains hanging from a moving vehicle
  • Parking over tall, dry grass
  • Improperly extinguished fire pit
  • Dumping ashes from a BBQ/grill
  • Dying embers left in a campfire
Smokey The Bear #OnlyYou #SmokeyBearHug  
            Millions of wildland acres will burn unintentionally this year. Much of it because most people are unaware of many things that can actually start a wild fire – things that most people would never think of. When camping, take care when using and fueling lanterns, stoves, and heaters. Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling. Avoid spilling flammable liquids and store fuel away from appliances. Do not discard cigarettes, matches, and smoking materials from moving vehicles, or anywhere on park grounds. Be certain to completely extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them. Follow local ordinances when burning yard waste. Avoid backyard burning in windy conditions, and keep a shovel, water, and fire retardant nearby to keep fires in check. Remove all flammables from yard when burning.
            Although most of us don’t behave this way intentionally, each year we learn of devastating wildfires caused by careless behavior which can impact millions of acres of forest and thousands of homes. Although four out of five wildfires are started by people, nature is usually more than happy to help fan the flames.
 Smokey The Bear #OnlyYou #SmokeyBearHug  
Right now, California and Colorado are being devastated by wild fires! Please – get the word out and remind your friends and family! Share this message, your own camping tips, and fire prevention methods on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #SmokeyBearHug and #OnlyYou! And if you tag @smokey_bear on Twitter – he may just tweet you back! 

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated for this post.