Thursday, 25 August 2011
Kinder Surprise Re-Launch
your kids will still enjoy the same great chocolate, but experience a toy collection featuring over 70 brand new toys. Including some extraordinary bigger, better, more playful toys! Sounds like a good time to me!
Im really excited for this program to start so I can share all the cool stuff they will be coming out with! What a great way to share some of the traditions of our youth with our kids..:)
Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Monday, 13 June 2011
Our winner is......
Using Random.org to draw a number our winner is.....
#44. C.Leclerc81 with the comment entry!!
Please send me an email to jhoward9@hotmail.com with your coordinates!
#44. C.Leclerc81 with the comment entry!!
Please send me an email to jhoward9@hotmail.com with your coordinates!
Baby Kneez Giveaway!
Here are your numbers:
Good Luck!!
- Jennifer Comerford
- Chrissie
- Funky kat
- c.leclerc81
- Judy Dickson
- Melissa McHugh
- amandaruck1015
- tashawilliamson
- Srooney
- Kindergartenconfidential.com
- jade williamson
- shaunmcaff
- Rander Tander
- Naomi Oderkirk
- tanyab79
- Melissa
- Tania
- Andrea Grant
- Corina
- Kirsten Hume
- rlegresley
- breej23
- Randi Thertell
- Mrs.Shopper
- Jaime
- downtimeformomma
- Makeup.Mama
- Beatriz Bailey
- Jasmine
- Diana
- aleclerc
- cindyrobertson77
- Heather Hofer
- Carrie
- shaydon
- Jennifer Sample
- flower_child_23
- only.echos
- S.S
- Katie Despaties
- Patricia Carvajal
- crankybear5
- Tina McNulty
- c.leclerc81 (comment entry)
- KristinG
- wiserwithwords
- Crystal
- Jessica
- Nikki
- bellini_sandra
- Christine M Drumb
- Heidi Coones
- Christy Douglas
- Alanna Rand
Good Luck!!
Friday, 10 June 2011
Product Review: Baby Kneez
Baby Kneez are designed to protect your child's knees from bruises and scrapes while crawling or playing. They are soft and comfortable and are made to wear over bare skin. You can basically wear them all day and one size will fit up to 4 years old. They are machine washable and are a must have for crawlers! My problem with P is that he is very tall and although there are all kinds of pants out there with padded knees, the ones that would fit him at the waist would not allow the pads to be at his knees because of his height.
With these pads though I can place them where I need them and the great elastic at the top and bottom allow them to stay put.
We have all hardwood in our house except for the basement so when he is crawling around I find it very hard on his knees...just try crawling around for 5 minutes on hardwood...then imagine doing it all day? His knees were full of bruises. These pads are great and he doesnt mind wearing them at all. I can imagine that if you have carpet it can also prevent a lot of carpet burn!
The only downside to these is that if you do not have air conditioning these things can get hot! As you can imagine made of cotton and padding they are quite thick. Thankfully we do have AC so its not a problem for us but its something to think about if you are considering buying a pair. But since these are a one size fits til 4 years old you can still get a lot of use out of them.
They are manufactured entirely in Canada which I love and come in a few different colors!
And because my readers are so wonderful I will be having a giveaway for a pair of these great contraptions!! All you have to do to enter is be a follower and you may earn an extra entry if you comment below with a post topic request or product review request. Dont forget as always a follower who gets a new reader follow the blog gets an extra entry! Dont forget the new follower has to comment below saying who referred them! The giveaway will take place Monday! Good luck!
With these pads though I can place them where I need them and the great elastic at the top and bottom allow them to stay put.
We have all hardwood in our house except for the basement so when he is crawling around I find it very hard on his knees...just try crawling around for 5 minutes on hardwood...then imagine doing it all day? His knees were full of bruises. These pads are great and he doesnt mind wearing them at all. I can imagine that if you have carpet it can also prevent a lot of carpet burn!
The only downside to these is that if you do not have air conditioning these things can get hot! As you can imagine made of cotton and padding they are quite thick. Thankfully we do have AC so its not a problem for us but its something to think about if you are considering buying a pair. But since these are a one size fits til 4 years old you can still get a lot of use out of them.
They are manufactured entirely in Canada which I love and come in a few different colors!
And because my readers are so wonderful I will be having a giveaway for a pair of these great contraptions!! All you have to do to enter is be a follower and you may earn an extra entry if you comment below with a post topic request or product review request. Dont forget as always a follower who gets a new reader follow the blog gets an extra entry! Dont forget the new follower has to comment below saying who referred them! The giveaway will take place Monday! Good luck!
30 days til' 30....
Yup....the time has come....the dreaded 30th birthday is a mere 30 days away....Am I depressed...no not just yet...My 25th was hard...I felt like it was officially waving goodbye to my youth and now officially being tagged a grown up....And now with my 30's just around the bend I am waving goodbye to my pregnancy years ( my cutoff was 30), my 20's, and am now officially on the downward slope to my 40's...
I have to say though that thankfully my hubby is 5 years older then me so I get to watch him go through it all first..hahaha. But seriously with age comes wisdom and experience right? We always say if I knew then what I know now things would be so different! But would they? Of everything I have seen and done in the last 29 years of my life would I really want to change any of it? Not sure? Would I have waited to get that really expensive purse when it came on sale for half the price the month after? Maybe..lol But I dont think I would change anything major? With every obstacle came a lesson learnt or a new experience... Sometimes we just have to be happy and know that everything we go through in life is a path that we were supposed to follow and was an experience to make us grow into better and wiser people.
In my 29 years I have 2 healthy children to be grateful for and a 10 year relationship with my best friend who is now the entire other half of me. I have 2 sisters and a brother in law who support me 100% in anything I do. Awesome family in Ontario, who even if I only see them every couple of years, I think about you guys all the time.And I have a great network of friends...even if some of you I haven't seen in person in the past 10 years...(my network of Facebook homies!!) There is just so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to!
So all of you readers who have a 30th coming up and all of you readers who have already passed that milestone, always remember you are only as old as you feel and always be grateful for each day!
I have to say though that thankfully my hubby is 5 years older then me so I get to watch him go through it all first..hahaha. But seriously with age comes wisdom and experience right? We always say if I knew then what I know now things would be so different! But would they? Of everything I have seen and done in the last 29 years of my life would I really want to change any of it? Not sure? Would I have waited to get that really expensive purse when it came on sale for half the price the month after? Maybe..lol But I dont think I would change anything major? With every obstacle came a lesson learnt or a new experience... Sometimes we just have to be happy and know that everything we go through in life is a path that we were supposed to follow and was an experience to make us grow into better and wiser people.
In my 29 years I have 2 healthy children to be grateful for and a 10 year relationship with my best friend who is now the entire other half of me. I have 2 sisters and a brother in law who support me 100% in anything I do. Awesome family in Ontario, who even if I only see them every couple of years, I think about you guys all the time.And I have a great network of friends...even if some of you I haven't seen in person in the past 10 years...(my network of Facebook homies!!) There is just so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to!
So all of you readers who have a 30th coming up and all of you readers who have already passed that milestone, always remember you are only as old as you feel and always be grateful for each day!
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Review: Aden + Anais Dream Blanket
I have had this dream blanket for about 3 months now and I have to say I LOVE it! P loves it too and I am seriously considering getting one for Nikki even though she is 12! This blanket is the most cuddly blanket ever, it is made of muslin cloth so it breathes well and is never too hot. P sleeps with his every night and he just loves it! It washes well and keeps its shape nicely. It comes in lots of fun patterns and colors and its a great size that you will be able to use from infant to toddler and even beyond and its one of my new top 10 Baby gifts!
This is the pattern I have..but I really love them all!!
This is the pattern I have..but I really love them all!!
A walk in progress..
So here we are and P will be 13 months old tomorrow. I cannot believe this past year has gone this quickly...he is almost walking on his own and it amazes me every single day how much progress he has made since I held him in my arms for the first time.He still needs my hand to sort of give him some confidence, but every now and then he lets go and takes a few steps...the down side I guess you could say is that there is no more just staying in my arms...he ALWAYS wants to get down and walk! We were at Zellers today to do some quick errands and all he wanted was to get down and walk...and WOW quick errands turn into not so quick errands when you are "walking" with a 13 month old. Although I have to say it was super cute and all the shoppers smiled as we passed...so it was well worth it! He also took a great nap when we got home...BONUS!
I wanted to share a topic with you guys, because I am pretty sure that I am not the only one who feels this way from time to time: There are days when I feel that I dont see the time pass.. my days are really routine and I tend to pretty much do the same things at the same times every single day...I feel like I look at the clock when I get up and its 7:30 am and then I look at the clock again and its 10 pm....I go to bed some nights and think that I really have to start to take the time to fully enjoy every minute of my kids. They dont stay young forever and I have to sometimes just ignore the chores and get down on the floor and play! The kids will not remember that pile of laundry but they will remember how many memories we made sitting around and having fun!
Of course its one thing to think that way and another thing to actually do it...the perfectionist in me wants everything to sparkle and be done but the mom in me feels that I am losing precious time with my kids!
So from now on I will try my best to enjoy the precious moments and not sweat the small stuff...
Do you guys have any suggestions of some fun things we can do? Keep in mind that I do not drive and my kids are 11 years apart!
I wanted to share a topic with you guys, because I am pretty sure that I am not the only one who feels this way from time to time: There are days when I feel that I dont see the time pass.. my days are really routine and I tend to pretty much do the same things at the same times every single day...I feel like I look at the clock when I get up and its 7:30 am and then I look at the clock again and its 10 pm....I go to bed some nights and think that I really have to start to take the time to fully enjoy every minute of my kids. They dont stay young forever and I have to sometimes just ignore the chores and get down on the floor and play! The kids will not remember that pile of laundry but they will remember how many memories we made sitting around and having fun!
Of course its one thing to think that way and another thing to actually do it...the perfectionist in me wants everything to sparkle and be done but the mom in me feels that I am losing precious time with my kids!
So from now on I will try my best to enjoy the precious moments and not sweat the small stuff...
Do you guys have any suggestions of some fun things we can do? Keep in mind that I do not drive and my kids are 11 years apart!
Thursday, 26 May 2011
"All my ladies independant..."
I like to think of myself as a very independent woman, I take matters into my own hands when something needs to get done, whether it be building a piece of furniture, making a call or researching something online. I enjoy challenges and love the gratifying feeling of getting things done. If there is a piece of furniture that needs to be built I grab my screwdriver and hammer open up the box and I wont stop until its done..regardless of the task I do my darnedest to get it done!
There is one thing however that has always held me back as far as being completely independent and that is that I do not have my drivers license! it makes me crazy! I took the course when I was 16 years old and I have even had my learner's permit twice! I just never finish it by doing the road exam...I keep telling myself and others that I hate driving but I haven't really done enough of it to even be able to hate it.
Having my license would be so freeing...I could get so much done. Of course my hubby takes me wherever I need to go on the weekends but I hate that our weekends get so busy because we have so many places I need to go! When we decide to not do anything and just relax I am left feeling so unaccomplished and end up not relaxing 100% because all I am thinking about is the stuff that needs to get done, and when we do get it all done, the weekend flies by and we are not able to enjoy it! If I had my license I would be able to get a lot done during the week and that would leave our weekends free to just enjoy! I could get groceries done and any extras that need to be taken care of would all be done during the week. I think its something that I really need to accomplish! If not for me then at least for my kids! Hubby works long hours sometimes and he even has to work some weekends so if the kids need to go somewhere (birthday party, friend's house, ect...) I always have to depend on other people to get them where they need to go. My sister is great, god bless her and takes me where I need to go no questions asked, but I always feel guilty asking her, she works long hours as well and for me to ask her to bring me here or there cuts into her free time as well and I do not like doing that.
So for my big 3-0 birthday this year Mike has agreed to send me to driving school as my gift! And I have a feeling it will be the gift that keeps on giving once I have the freedom of being able to be completely independent! Wish me luck I will keep everyone posted on my progress so keep me motivated fans!!!
There is one thing however that has always held me back as far as being completely independent and that is that I do not have my drivers license! it makes me crazy! I took the course when I was 16 years old and I have even had my learner's permit twice! I just never finish it by doing the road exam...I keep telling myself and others that I hate driving but I haven't really done enough of it to even be able to hate it.
Having my license would be so freeing...I could get so much done. Of course my hubby takes me wherever I need to go on the weekends but I hate that our weekends get so busy because we have so many places I need to go! When we decide to not do anything and just relax I am left feeling so unaccomplished and end up not relaxing 100% because all I am thinking about is the stuff that needs to get done, and when we do get it all done, the weekend flies by and we are not able to enjoy it! If I had my license I would be able to get a lot done during the week and that would leave our weekends free to just enjoy! I could get groceries done and any extras that need to be taken care of would all be done during the week. I think its something that I really need to accomplish! If not for me then at least for my kids! Hubby works long hours sometimes and he even has to work some weekends so if the kids need to go somewhere (birthday party, friend's house, ect...) I always have to depend on other people to get them where they need to go. My sister is great, god bless her and takes me where I need to go no questions asked, but I always feel guilty asking her, she works long hours as well and for me to ask her to bring me here or there cuts into her free time as well and I do not like doing that.
So for my big 3-0 birthday this year Mike has agreed to send me to driving school as my gift! And I have a feeling it will be the gift that keeps on giving once I have the freedom of being able to be completely independent! Wish me luck I will keep everyone posted on my progress so keep me motivated fans!!!
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
And the winners are......
The first winner of the set of Guzzie and Guss Mascots is:
Jasmine! I will contact you using the email you registered with! Congrats!
Our next winner is:
Crankybear5! I will contact you using the email you registered with! Congrats!
Or feel free to contact me at jhoward9@hotmail.com with your coordinates!
Jasmine! I will contact you using the email you registered with! Congrats!
Our next winner is:
Crankybear5! I will contact you using the email you registered with! Congrats!
Or feel free to contact me at jhoward9@hotmail.com with your coordinates!
Guzzie and Guss Mascot Giveaway!
Here are your numbers folks! Good Luck! Don't forget there are 2 sets to give away!
1. Kindergartenconfidential.com
2. Christine M Drumb
3. crankybear5
4. Melissa
5. Jaime
6. Patricia Carvajal
7. Katie Despaties
8.Rander Tander
9. Makeup.Mama
10. Crystal
11. Mrs.Shopper
12. Christy Douglas
13. Naomi Oderkirk
14. KristinG
15.Jennifer Sample
16. Jasmine
17. Chrissie
18. Judy Dickson
19. Tania
20. Randi Thertell
21. Funky kat
22. Corina
23. Tina McNulty
24. cindyrobertson77
25. Nikki
26. Srooney
27. Carrie
28. Kirsten Hume
29. breej23
30. jade williamson
31. c.leclerc81
32. tanyab79
33. Jennifer Comerford
34. tashawilliamson
35. shaunmcaff
36. Melissa McHugh
37. Diana
38. aleclerc
39. rlegresley
40. only.echos
41. bellini_sandra
42. flower_child_23
43. Jessica
44. wiserwithwords
45. Andrea Grant
46. shaydon
47. Heidi Coones
48. downtimeformomma
49. Heather Hofer
50. amandaruck1015
51. Beatriz Bailey
52. Heather Hofer ( Comment entry)
53. Amanda ( Comment entry)
54. Heidi Coones ( Comment entry)
55. Shaydon (Comment entry)
56. Cynthia (Comment entry)
57. crankybear5 (comment entry)
1. Kindergartenconfidential.com
2. Christine M Drumb
3. crankybear5
4. Melissa
5. Jaime
6. Patricia Carvajal
7. Katie Despaties
8.Rander Tander
9. Makeup.Mama
10. Crystal
11. Mrs.Shopper
12. Christy Douglas
13. Naomi Oderkirk
14. KristinG
15.Jennifer Sample
16. Jasmine
17. Chrissie
18. Judy Dickson
19. Tania
20. Randi Thertell
21. Funky kat
22. Corina
23. Tina McNulty
24. cindyrobertson77
25. Nikki
26. Srooney
27. Carrie
28. Kirsten Hume
29. breej23
30. jade williamson
31. c.leclerc81
32. tanyab79
33. Jennifer Comerford
34. tashawilliamson
35. shaunmcaff
36. Melissa McHugh
37. Diana
38. aleclerc
39. rlegresley
40. only.echos
41. bellini_sandra
42. flower_child_23
43. Jessica
44. wiserwithwords
45. Andrea Grant
46. shaydon
47. Heidi Coones
48. downtimeformomma
49. Heather Hofer
50. amandaruck1015
51. Beatriz Bailey
52. Heather Hofer ( Comment entry)
53. Amanda ( Comment entry)
54. Heidi Coones ( Comment entry)
55. Shaydon (Comment entry)
56. Cynthia (Comment entry)
57. crankybear5 (comment entry)
Monday, 16 May 2011
Review of the Guzzie and Guss 042 Stroller
I had the great opportunity and privilege of reviewing the Guzzie and Guss 042 Stroller
To start off here is their product video:
Guzzie and Guss 042 Stroller Product Video
I have to say I am a definite stroller-holic, between both my kids I have tried and tested several strollers, I needed something lightweight, versatile and comfortable...and this stroller has it all, some of my favorite features are:
- Reversible seat
- Reversible Handle
- Lightweight frame
- Huge sun canopy
- Basket underneath has a drawstring so nothing falls out
- Brake is on the handle ( No more ruined pedicures from trying to use the brakes while wearing flip flops in the summer!)
There are so many more awesome features:
- It comes with a bassinet attachment which normally you would have to purchase separately.
- It also comes with a rain cover and a foot muff to protect those little legs and feet from getting wet or cold.
- The footrest has changeable positions, and so does the seat itself.
- The handle extends so even taller mommies and daddies can push comfortably.
- We have used the stroller in restaurants as a high chair just by pulling the seat right up to the table.
My son likes to sleep in his crib and only his crib...the rare occasion if he is really tired he may fall asleep in the car. But since he has been born he had never once fallen asleep in his stroller. My daughter was the complete opposite, she would fall asleep in anything that moved. So anyway as you can imagine shopping was a nightmare with him...we always had to plan our trips around his naps and rush back in time for the next one, well that is until now! I went out to the mall with him and he actually fell asleep in this stroller! I think the fact that he was facing me and also that the huge canopy made it a little darker in there made him comfortable enough to take a nap! I Have never felt so free! It was a miracle for me and if that alone does not make you run out and get one for yourself I dont know what will!
I assembled the stroller on my own in about 10 minutes, very simple and easy to follow directions. The customer service is great and there is a one year warranty on the frame and a 6 month warranty on the fabric.
They also sell the universal car seat adapter which is great for moving those newborns from the car to the stroller without waking them, and allows you to use your own brand of car seat instead of forcing you to buy a compatible one like the other travel systems do.
I have tested it on all kinds of terrain, grass, sand, gravel, and thanks to the huge air filled tires it drives like a dream on any terrain.
Here again are some pictures of the stroller as I tested it.
It retails online and in store for about 599$, but this is a stroller you will use from birth until they are out of the stroller, and even when you are done with it, will still have a great re-sale value!
The stroller comes in a variety of colors, gray, blue, red, beige and black.
Here is a link you where you can get some discount coupons on the different models they offer:
Click here to get to the Guzzie and Guss Discount link!
Now its time for the giveaway! The awesome people at Guzzie and Guss have provided me with 2 sets of these great mascots to give away to some lucky followers!
So as usual my followers each get one entry, plus an extra entry for any new referrals and for your chance at another entry, in the comments section of this post tell me the top 3 things you look for in a stroller.
The draw will take place Wednesday evening at 8 pm!
Good luck!
To start off here is their product video:
Guzzie and Guss 042 Stroller Product Video
I have to say I am a definite stroller-holic, between both my kids I have tried and tested several strollers, I needed something lightweight, versatile and comfortable...and this stroller has it all, some of my favorite features are:
- Reversible seat
- Reversible Handle
- Lightweight frame
- Huge sun canopy
- Basket underneath has a drawstring so nothing falls out
- Brake is on the handle ( No more ruined pedicures from trying to use the brakes while wearing flip flops in the summer!)
There are so many more awesome features:
- It comes with a bassinet attachment which normally you would have to purchase separately.
- It also comes with a rain cover and a foot muff to protect those little legs and feet from getting wet or cold.
- The footrest has changeable positions, and so does the seat itself.
- The handle extends so even taller mommies and daddies can push comfortably.
- We have used the stroller in restaurants as a high chair just by pulling the seat right up to the table.
My son likes to sleep in his crib and only his crib...the rare occasion if he is really tired he may fall asleep in the car. But since he has been born he had never once fallen asleep in his stroller. My daughter was the complete opposite, she would fall asleep in anything that moved. So anyway as you can imagine shopping was a nightmare with him...we always had to plan our trips around his naps and rush back in time for the next one, well that is until now! I went out to the mall with him and he actually fell asleep in this stroller! I think the fact that he was facing me and also that the huge canopy made it a little darker in there made him comfortable enough to take a nap! I Have never felt so free! It was a miracle for me and if that alone does not make you run out and get one for yourself I dont know what will!
I assembled the stroller on my own in about 10 minutes, very simple and easy to follow directions. The customer service is great and there is a one year warranty on the frame and a 6 month warranty on the fabric.
They also sell the universal car seat adapter which is great for moving those newborns from the car to the stroller without waking them, and allows you to use your own brand of car seat instead of forcing you to buy a compatible one like the other travel systems do.
I have tested it on all kinds of terrain, grass, sand, gravel, and thanks to the huge air filled tires it drives like a dream on any terrain.
Here again are some pictures of the stroller as I tested it.
It retails online and in store for about 599$, but this is a stroller you will use from birth until they are out of the stroller, and even when you are done with it, will still have a great re-sale value!
The stroller comes in a variety of colors, gray, blue, red, beige and black.
Here is a link you where you can get some discount coupons on the different models they offer:
Click here to get to the Guzzie and Guss Discount link!
Now its time for the giveaway! The awesome people at Guzzie and Guss have provided me with 2 sets of these great mascots to give away to some lucky followers!
So as usual my followers each get one entry, plus an extra entry for any new referrals and for your chance at another entry, in the comments section of this post tell me the top 3 things you look for in a stroller.
The draw will take place Wednesday evening at 8 pm!
Good luck!
So much has happened!
So sorry to my followers! I haven't put up a post in the longest time...and I have so much catching up to do! As you know the cold season has come and gone and come back again...I think we have each had our turn at least twice with some sort of cold or virus. But now we are all back to healthy and so much has been happening in my life! We are looking to buy a house..and so far we must have visited at least 30 homes and maybe 2 or 3 have really caught our eye...it is such a huge decision and so stressful. Its a huge investment and you basically work your butt off to pay for it for the next 20 years so you want to make sure you make the right decision...we might have something now that we really love but I don't want to talk about it yet, in case I jinx it! As we go along our journey I will keep you posted. Thankfully we have a great, wonderful, understanding Realtor that we work with who is able to help us every step of the way! If anyone out there is looking for a Realtor send me a message and I will provide you with his coordinates, its the best decision you will ever make.
Ok next...my son turned 1 last week and what an emotional milestone it has been for me...part of me is so proud that he has grown into such a smart and healthy big boy! But part of me is so sad, since he will be our last baby....I feel this past year just flew by and I feel nostalgic that he will never be that teeny tiny baby ever again...I know that we have so many exciting and amazing memories ahead of us...but I think every mommy wants their kids to stay young forever...
I have a ton of new product reviews coming up starting with my review of the Guzzie and Guss 042 Stroller with a giveaway! That will be coming in the next few hours so make sure you check back later today!
Ok next...my son turned 1 last week and what an emotional milestone it has been for me...part of me is so proud that he has grown into such a smart and healthy big boy! But part of me is so sad, since he will be our last baby....I feel this past year just flew by and I feel nostalgic that he will never be that teeny tiny baby ever again...I know that we have so many exciting and amazing memories ahead of us...but I think every mommy wants their kids to stay young forever...
I have a ton of new product reviews coming up starting with my review of the Guzzie and Guss 042 Stroller with a giveaway! That will be coming in the next few hours so make sure you check back later today!
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Awesome sites!
Just bought some stuff from this site it has really cute stuff!
https://www.mommyandkidsallure.com/
This is where I bought Portland's birthday themed things:
http://www.celebrateexpress.com/
Another cool site for baby stuff:
http://www.onestepahead.com
Suzy Shier is having a one day 40% off everything in the store today only!
http://www.suzyshier.com
Enter code MOTHERS2011 to get 20% off on the Robeez site!
http://www.robeez.com
https://www.mommyandkidsallure.com/
This is where I bought Portland's birthday themed things:
http://www.celebrateexpress.com/
Another cool site for baby stuff:
http://www.onestepahead.com
Suzy Shier is having a one day 40% off everything in the store today only!
http://www.suzyshier.com
Enter code MOTHERS2011 to get 20% off on the Robeez site!
http://www.robeez.com
Built in babysitter?? No thanks!
So when I am out with both kids I get many many remarks from people about the 11 year age gap between them, everything from "wow what a lucky brother to have a great big sister" to my favorite..." wow you are so lucky to have a built in babysitter"...I cringe when I hear that. People automatically assume that I must have waited that long between children in order to get off scott free when it comes to a babysitter...well they are hugely mistaken...while yes she is a great help and can be my extra set of hands when my other 8 hands are occupied she is not and will not ever be asked to watch her brother so I can relax, go out or nap...this is my baby not hers and its not her responsibility to take care of him. Again I am not saying she cant help me out now and then but I do not ever want her to feel like she is a "built-in-babysitter"!
My little guy is feeling better although he was starting with a weird cough this morning that I am not to happy about...he hasn't coughed again since but I will still be on the lookout!
My hubby is away for work this week and I plan to get a lot done before he gets back...you see he is a worrier....he doesnt like when I take tasks upon myself that I dont have to, so when he goes on business trips I take care of all those things that make him cringe...this weekend for example I am going to change our clothesline..replace the light bulb above the garage, do some landscaping, clean the garage and throw tons of stuff out...He is quite used to it by now and I am sure he just braces for it when he gets home...always thinking in the back of his mind " what did she do?" lol But in the end he is always happy with the progress I have made!
I have finally finished the planning for Portland's first birthday, I procrastinated, but I got everything booked and ordered this week, so now I just sit back and wait for the big day..I cannot believe he will be 1 in 12 days....makes me so sad and happy at the same time! Sad because he is my last "baby" and happy to see how happy and healthy he has grown to be! Now its time for my sister to have a baby so I can get my fix of baby from her little one!!
My little guy is feeling better although he was starting with a weird cough this morning that I am not to happy about...he hasn't coughed again since but I will still be on the lookout!
My hubby is away for work this week and I plan to get a lot done before he gets back...you see he is a worrier....he doesnt like when I take tasks upon myself that I dont have to, so when he goes on business trips I take care of all those things that make him cringe...this weekend for example I am going to change our clothesline..replace the light bulb above the garage, do some landscaping, clean the garage and throw tons of stuff out...He is quite used to it by now and I am sure he just braces for it when he gets home...always thinking in the back of his mind " what did she do?" lol But in the end he is always happy with the progress I have made!
I have finally finished the planning for Portland's first birthday, I procrastinated, but I got everything booked and ordered this week, so now I just sit back and wait for the big day..I cannot believe he will be 1 in 12 days....makes me so sad and happy at the same time! Sad because he is my last "baby" and happy to see how happy and healthy he has grown to be! Now its time for my sister to have a baby so I can get my fix of baby from her little one!!
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Hockey Fever!
Ok so I admit that I only watch hockey during the playoffs...and only if the Canadiens are in the playoffs...otherwise I just dont care...its kinda like the super bowl where I pick my favorite color jersey to win...I know all you hardcore sports fans are cringing...hahahhaa
My little guy was sick over the weekend, we went over to my in-laws for Easter dinner and he started to feel a bit warm...then he got crabby then a full blown cry fest..I knew something was up so after supper we went home. You can always tell your kids arent feeling well by the way they act...all he wanted to so was snuggle and lay on me...so not like him he is usually hyper and wanting to play...we basically spent Sunday and part of Monday alternating between mommy and daddy and snuggling while we watched some episodes of Oso. My poor boo boo...if there is one thing that can bring a mother to her knees its a sick child...we are helpless and would do anything to trade places with them..its so hard for us to see our kids like that..On the bright side he was feeling better today..not 100% but we are getting there.
My little guy was sick over the weekend, we went over to my in-laws for Easter dinner and he started to feel a bit warm...then he got crabby then a full blown cry fest..I knew something was up so after supper we went home. You can always tell your kids arent feeling well by the way they act...all he wanted to so was snuggle and lay on me...so not like him he is usually hyper and wanting to play...we basically spent Sunday and part of Monday alternating between mommy and daddy and snuggling while we watched some episodes of Oso. My poor boo boo...if there is one thing that can bring a mother to her knees its a sick child...we are helpless and would do anything to trade places with them..its so hard for us to see our kids like that..On the bright side he was feeling better today..not 100% but we are getting there.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Thank you Listen to Lena!!
A fellow blogger wrote a tribute to all us Product Reviewing Bloggers! She is 100% right! Here is her post :
I've been wanting to write this post for quite some time, and since I'm currently "unplugged" due to my Reno-cation, I figured it's an opportunity to power up the emergency laptop and begin typing away.
Today I'd like to recognize, salute and celebrate every review blogger out there who has ever been labelled "that lucky b*tch who gets all the free stuff." Now although I'm not a full-time reviewer, I do count myself in this category, and yes, we're pretty lucky.
But it's a terrible misconception that we receive items for free. On the contrary, we work very hard for the items. And the majority of us are also balancing kids and a household to boot. Still skeptical? Let me break it down for you, speaking personally from my own experience:
1. Before I receive an item to review, I can exchange up to 10 e-mails, phone messages or a combination of the two with a company. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes! I wish the products could just magically appear on my doorstep, but alas, they don't. (Most of the time; I must admit I've received a pleasant surprise once or twice.)
2. Once I receive the item, I have the responsibility of testing it in a timely fashion, noting interesting user facts, and writing a fair and impartial review. The feature can include pictures, videos, and sometimes requires much time leafing through press info. Yes, it can be fun, but it's also my reputation (and the reputation of the sponsoring company) on the line, and that's an awesome responsibility.
3. Then, most often, I coordinate a reader giveaway, which necessitates promotion, follow up and further exchanges with the company and readers.
And the thing is, I'll go through the exact same steps when reviewing a $20 hat or a $200 high chair. I think I can speak for most review bloggers when I say that sometimes the time spent on reviewing and writing about a product far outweighs the retail value... but we still do it, especially if we believe in the product or know our readers will love it.
So do we receive stuff for free? Nope. We work for it, just like everyone else. If I returned to the workforce I could conceivably just buy all the items I currently receive and skip all the steps above. But I enjoy blogging so much that it seems like a fair trade-off, and am fortunate in that tons of awesome folks take the time to read my blog every day. (LOVE my readers! xo)
And while on the subject, I'd like to extend a very special thank you to all the companies who believe in bloggers - who value our opinion, appreciate our influence and reach, and allow us to formulate our own conclusions without coercion.
So to all my fellow reviewers out there... here's to all the hard work you put in to earn that stroller! Or set of labels! Or bottle of shower gel! Whatever it is... HIGH FIVE Y'ALL!
She is so right! Thanks for representing us all Lena!
You can follow Lena's blog at: http://www.listentolena.com/
I've been wanting to write this post for quite some time, and since I'm currently "unplugged" due to my Reno-cation, I figured it's an opportunity to power up the emergency laptop and begin typing away.
Today I'd like to recognize, salute and celebrate every review blogger out there who has ever been labelled "that lucky b*tch who gets all the free stuff." Now although I'm not a full-time reviewer, I do count myself in this category, and yes, we're pretty lucky.
But it's a terrible misconception that we receive items for free. On the contrary, we work very hard for the items. And the majority of us are also balancing kids and a household to boot. Still skeptical? Let me break it down for you, speaking personally from my own experience:
1. Before I receive an item to review, I can exchange up to 10 e-mails, phone messages or a combination of the two with a company. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes! I wish the products could just magically appear on my doorstep, but alas, they don't. (Most of the time; I must admit I've received a pleasant surprise once or twice.)
2. Once I receive the item, I have the responsibility of testing it in a timely fashion, noting interesting user facts, and writing a fair and impartial review. The feature can include pictures, videos, and sometimes requires much time leafing through press info. Yes, it can be fun, but it's also my reputation (and the reputation of the sponsoring company) on the line, and that's an awesome responsibility.
3. Then, most often, I coordinate a reader giveaway, which necessitates promotion, follow up and further exchanges with the company and readers.
And the thing is, I'll go through the exact same steps when reviewing a $20 hat or a $200 high chair. I think I can speak for most review bloggers when I say that sometimes the time spent on reviewing and writing about a product far outweighs the retail value... but we still do it, especially if we believe in the product or know our readers will love it.
So do we receive stuff for free? Nope. We work for it, just like everyone else. If I returned to the workforce I could conceivably just buy all the items I currently receive and skip all the steps above. But I enjoy blogging so much that it seems like a fair trade-off, and am fortunate in that tons of awesome folks take the time to read my blog every day. (LOVE my readers! xo)
And while on the subject, I'd like to extend a very special thank you to all the companies who believe in bloggers - who value our opinion, appreciate our influence and reach, and allow us to formulate our own conclusions without coercion.
So to all my fellow reviewers out there... here's to all the hard work you put in to earn that stroller! Or set of labels! Or bottle of shower gel! Whatever it is... HIGH FIVE Y'ALL!
She is so right! Thanks for representing us all Lena!
You can follow Lena's blog at: http://www.listentolena.com/
Hot deal!
Groupon has a hot deal today!! You can grab $40 worth of General Mills Products for $20!! I just bought this one! What does the General Mills purchase come with?
The deal is $20 for a General Mills Sampler Pack, Coupon Book and Shipping…which doesn’t sound very sexy, but then you figure out what’s actually in the sampler pack:
- 12.8 ounce Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- 13 ounce Reese’s Puffs cereal
- 12 ounce Kix cereal
- 12.8 ounce Cascadian Farms Organic cereal
- 5.8 ounce Fiber One 90-Calorie Chewy Bars
- 5.8 ounce Hamburger Helper
- 11 ounce Green Giant Corn Niblets
- 9.5 ounce Old El Paso Tortilla Stuffers
- 5 ounce Fruit Roll-Ups
- 10.5 ounce Chex Mix Muddy Buddies snack mix
- 17.5 ounce Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie mix
- 13.7 ounce Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken dinner kit
All that AND a coupon book. The terms say that there is a limit of 2 per person, plus an additional 2 that can be purchased as gifts.
Awesome deals!
Get 15% off Personalized Children’s Books at ISeeMe!. Use code EARTHDAY15
I See Me! is celebrating Earth Day with a special 15% off deal. Use code EARTHDAY15 to get 15% off your purchase.
I See Me! personalized children’s storybooks make unique gifts that are cherished for a lifetime. The goal of their books is to show each child how absolutely unique and special he or she is, to teach the child how to spell his or her name, and to build vocabulary skills.
Dresses and Skirts (6 months – 5 yeas) On Sale at Old Navy. Free Shipping on Orders Over $50
A large selection of girls dresses and skirts are on sale at Old Navy. Happy Shopping!
Get $25 OFF When You Spend $100 or more at Roots.com. Limited Time Free Shipping With No Minimum Order Amount
Spend and Save is back at Roots.com. Get $25 OFF When You Spend $100 or more. You also get Free Shipping with no minimum order amount until 04/26.
Save 32% on Maternity Belly Bands at Tummy Tankz
TummyTankz stands as the essential wardrobe accessory for any woman! An exceptional maternity belly band that grows with your belly. A practical nursing undercover that covers exposed skin while breastfeeding and doesn’t cover up baby, enabling open bonding with your little one. Not pregnant, no kids, no problem, because TummyTankz is designed to provide everyday style. Extend your wardrobe, express yourself, stay comfortable, and best yet, it’s absolutely affordable!
Get a Free Gift with Any $30 Purchase at The Body Shop
Choose your indulgence free gift! When you spend $30, select one FREE body lotion ($12 value). When you spend $40 – $49.99, select one FREE Jumbo Shower Gel ($15 value). When you spend $50 or more, select one FREE Spa m Item($16- $28 value). This is a limited time offer.
Get the Hockey Mom a perfect MDAY gift. $10 Off $100 or more on NHL Hockey Jerseys and Apparel at IceJerseys.com! Coupon Code: MDAY10OFF
Get the Hockey Mom a perfect MDAY gift. $10 Off $100 or more on NHL Hockey Jerseys and Apparel at IceJerseys.com! Coupon Code: MDAY10OFF. FREE SHIPPING in Canada with any purchase of $85 or more at IceJerseys.com
25-50% Off Every Card at Tiny Prints
25% off all Swimwear and Accessories at Please Mum
This is an online exclusive offer.Get 25% off all Swimwear and Accessories at Please Mum.
Get $1 off eBooks at Kobo eBooks. Use Code KoboSpring1
Kobo is a global ereading service for smartphones, desktops, ereaders and any other device consumers use for reading. Kobo features over 2 million ebooks, including classics and bestsellers. You can get $1 off eBooks by using Promo Code KoboSpring1
Get $5 off when you spend $50 or more at Sears.ca. Use code 941612869 at check out
Get $5 off when you spend $50 or more at Sears.ca. Use code 941612869 at check out
Sears Canada is committed to improving the lives of our customers by providing quality services, products, and solutions. Sears has an excellent Baby and Kids selection of products at affordable prices.
Toy Clearance Sale at Chapters.Indigo.ca
Webkinz! Corolle! Lego and more! Chapters.Indigo.ca have big toy brands at big discounts. Save up to 50% on all of your favourite toys today!
30% – 80% Off Childrens’ Books at Amazon.ca
Amazon.ca have a wide selection of children’s books at 30% – 80% off in their loonie deals section.
Up to 50% Off Boys and Girls Crocs At Crocs.ca
Crocs are having a massive sale on all season crocs including Kids Blitzen, Croccasin Boot and many more.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Coupon crazy
Ok so everyone is talking about that new show on TLC Extreme Couponing... No matter how many times I watch it I am amazed at how this could be possible? So this is my experiment..I will try my best to see how much I can save on a shopping trip. I mean I use coupons here and there but I have never really really thought about what I could save..so I know the USA has different policies about doubling coupons and in store cards and stuff and I dont plan on buying 600$ of groceries and paying 6$ but I would like to see how much money I can truly save if I put my mind to it..also I will only buy things that I will actually use unless its free then I will donate it. We will see what I can come up with!! Stay tuned!
Today we had a consultation with an oral surgeon for Nikki. She was born with two extra baby teeth called "Mesodens" they are tiny little baby teeth that are high up in the pallet and are very rare. When she was 7 we had one of them removed but the other one was too high up in her pallet. So last year when we went to see an orthodontist about getting braces he told us that in order for the braces to do their job we would have to get the other tooth removed. So here we are now seeing the Oral Surgeon. They took a few more x-rays and she told me she had never really seen a tooth in that position...great...
She said she has never gone in to get a tooth and come out no being able to get it. The downside....she would have to be put to sleep for the surgery....not too crazy about that part. I told Nikki that since this was an aesthetic issue and was not impeding in her health that the choice would be hers..The surgeon also said that if we were to wait another 2 or 3 years we could also have her wisdom teeth removed at the same time, so that it would just be one surgery instead of multiple...
At this point she is leaning towards just leaving things the way they are as you can imagine any child is afraid of the word surgery, so we will wait for now and see how she feels a little later on, at least now we know what it will consist of! I am very impressed with the Montreal Children's dental clinic, they are just awesome with the kids and I would recommend them to anyone!!
Today we had a consultation with an oral surgeon for Nikki. She was born with two extra baby teeth called "Mesodens" they are tiny little baby teeth that are high up in the pallet and are very rare. When she was 7 we had one of them removed but the other one was too high up in her pallet. So last year when we went to see an orthodontist about getting braces he told us that in order for the braces to do their job we would have to get the other tooth removed. So here we are now seeing the Oral Surgeon. They took a few more x-rays and she told me she had never really seen a tooth in that position...great...
She said she has never gone in to get a tooth and come out no being able to get it. The downside....she would have to be put to sleep for the surgery....not too crazy about that part. I told Nikki that since this was an aesthetic issue and was not impeding in her health that the choice would be hers..The surgeon also said that if we were to wait another 2 or 3 years we could also have her wisdom teeth removed at the same time, so that it would just be one surgery instead of multiple...
At this point she is leaning towards just leaving things the way they are as you can imagine any child is afraid of the word surgery, so we will wait for now and see how she feels a little later on, at least now we know what it will consist of! I am very impressed with the Montreal Children's dental clinic, they are just awesome with the kids and I would recommend them to anyone!!
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
The routine...
When my daughter was born I was quite young so my knowledge of parenting was very low, my mother had my youngest sister when I was 13 so I did have some experience with babies but compared to what I know now, I knew nothing!! My daughter was a fairly easy baby thankfully, and she was very portable, we had no routine, she just slept when she was tired, wherever she was....in my bed, in her bed, in her swing, in her high chair...anywhere..so I just came and went as I pleased and she was content to follow along...
My son on the other hand is the complete opposite!! He needs a structured routine and will only be content if he is sleeping in his bed...not once since day 1 has he ever fallen asleep in his stroller, and he is just now starting to fall asleep in the car if the ride is longer than 30 minutes.
When he was born it had been 11 years since I had last taken care of a newborn so it felt like the first time all over again..this time however I was not on speaking terms with my mother and my dad lived in Ontario, so I basically had nobody to ask questions to. This was Mike's first baby as I had only met him when Nikki was 3 years old, so I was basically relying on the things I could remember from my first experience ( which wasn't much, I think my memory is fading) and I also relied on books and the Internet. I cant say that one particular book or site was the Bible of parenting for me but I was able to take little pieces of each one and piece them together to see what worked.
Portland spent most of his first 4 months in my arms...he was happy there and pretty much refused to sleep elsewhere, and I found myself getting into the habit of rocking him to sleep...then I would slowly creep up the stairs and delicately deposit him in his bassinet and tip toe out...now as you can imagine the gentle depositing didnt always work and there were many rinse and repeat nights...sound familiar?
I was never able to get anything done...by the time Mike would get home at night I would beg him for just 5 minutes to take a shower because I was so drained....I dreamed of being able to put my baby awake but drowsy in his crib...turning out the lights, whispering goodnight, and closing the door...but I was far far from that..many nights he would wake up and realize he was no longer in my arms and start to wail.. I would have to take him to bed with me out of pure exhaustion ( in our co-sleeper of course)!
Then I started to read about routines in my Baby Whisperer book...was this possible? A routine? Predictability? Ability to function? But my first hurdle was getting him to sleep in his crib on his own....I reached out for some help from my network of Facebook moms and the same methods of letting him cry were being suggested. I was not a fan of this method, I hated hearing him cry and I didnt want him to think I was abandoning him. My friend Cassie told me to let him cry for 5 minutes the first day then go in and check him, comfort him, then go again for 5 more minutes...the next day go in after 10 minutes and then 15 minutes and so on until he is able to sleep on his own..I literally sat by the clock and watched the minutes pass.
But wait...could it be? After 20 minutes he was sound asleep..in his crib...alone....MY ARMS WERE FREE!!!!!! I couldnt believe it!! From that day forward he falls asleep on his own in his crib no problem! It was probably the best decision I ever made! I am not saying it would be that easy for everyone but the trick is to be consistent.
Since then we have been following a routine that is basically ruled by I know that his limit of being awake is usually 2-3 hours after he has woken up..so it goes a little like this:
7:30 - Wake up, Bottle
8:00- 8:30- Play
8:30 - Cereal and fruit
9:00 - Nap
10:30 - Wake up
10:30- 11:30 play
11:30 - Bottle
12:00-12:30 - Play
12:30 - Meat and Fruit
1:00 - Nap
2:30 - Wake Up
3:00- 3:30 - Play
3:30- Bottle
3:30-4:30 - Play
4:30 -Nap
6:00- Wake up
6:00 - Veggies and fruit
6:30-7:30 - Play
7:30 Bath
8:00- Bottle
8:30 - Bed
This obviously can vary depending on the way he sleeps, ect... but this is mostly what I stick to. A routine is great for predictability and babies love to know what comes next, BUT.....if you have to plan an outing or do something that throws off the routine it can sometimes cause major havoc!! That would be my only irk with it. But since we are home more then we are out it really isnt that big of a problem. As he is getting older he is able to adapt more and more to the change. I guess you learn new things with each child as each of their personalities are different and different tactics work for different babies. I really enjoy learning new things with him and I really enjoy sharing some of the things that worked with others..if I can help just one mother free her hands and get control of her days back then I will have succeeded!!
I have so much to write about but I am just so exhausted tonight so I will continue tomorrow! Lots of stuff going on!
Oh yeah and wanted to let you know that little boy from my bike thief story got his bike back!! I am so glad!
My son on the other hand is the complete opposite!! He needs a structured routine and will only be content if he is sleeping in his bed...not once since day 1 has he ever fallen asleep in his stroller, and he is just now starting to fall asleep in the car if the ride is longer than 30 minutes.
When he was born it had been 11 years since I had last taken care of a newborn so it felt like the first time all over again..this time however I was not on speaking terms with my mother and my dad lived in Ontario, so I basically had nobody to ask questions to. This was Mike's first baby as I had only met him when Nikki was 3 years old, so I was basically relying on the things I could remember from my first experience ( which wasn't much, I think my memory is fading) and I also relied on books and the Internet. I cant say that one particular book or site was the Bible of parenting for me but I was able to take little pieces of each one and piece them together to see what worked.
Portland spent most of his first 4 months in my arms...he was happy there and pretty much refused to sleep elsewhere, and I found myself getting into the habit of rocking him to sleep...then I would slowly creep up the stairs and delicately deposit him in his bassinet and tip toe out...now as you can imagine the gentle depositing didnt always work and there were many rinse and repeat nights...sound familiar?
I was never able to get anything done...by the time Mike would get home at night I would beg him for just 5 minutes to take a shower because I was so drained....I dreamed of being able to put my baby awake but drowsy in his crib...turning out the lights, whispering goodnight, and closing the door...but I was far far from that..many nights he would wake up and realize he was no longer in my arms and start to wail.. I would have to take him to bed with me out of pure exhaustion ( in our co-sleeper of course)!
Then I started to read about routines in my Baby Whisperer book...was this possible? A routine? Predictability? Ability to function? But my first hurdle was getting him to sleep in his crib on his own....I reached out for some help from my network of Facebook moms and the same methods of letting him cry were being suggested. I was not a fan of this method, I hated hearing him cry and I didnt want him to think I was abandoning him. My friend Cassie told me to let him cry for 5 minutes the first day then go in and check him, comfort him, then go again for 5 more minutes...the next day go in after 10 minutes and then 15 minutes and so on until he is able to sleep on his own..I literally sat by the clock and watched the minutes pass.
But wait...could it be? After 20 minutes he was sound asleep..in his crib...alone....MY ARMS WERE FREE!!!!!! I couldnt believe it!! From that day forward he falls asleep on his own in his crib no problem! It was probably the best decision I ever made! I am not saying it would be that easy for everyone but the trick is to be consistent.
Since then we have been following a routine that is basically ruled by I know that his limit of being awake is usually 2-3 hours after he has woken up..so it goes a little like this:
7:30 - Wake up, Bottle
8:00- 8:30- Play
8:30 - Cereal and fruit
9:00 - Nap
10:30 - Wake up
10:30- 11:30 play
11:30 - Bottle
12:00-12:30 - Play
12:30 - Meat and Fruit
1:00 - Nap
2:30 - Wake Up
3:00- 3:30 - Play
3:30- Bottle
3:30-4:30 - Play
4:30 -Nap
6:00- Wake up
6:00 - Veggies and fruit
6:30-7:30 - Play
7:30 Bath
8:00- Bottle
8:30 - Bed
This obviously can vary depending on the way he sleeps, ect... but this is mostly what I stick to. A routine is great for predictability and babies love to know what comes next, BUT.....if you have to plan an outing or do something that throws off the routine it can sometimes cause major havoc!! That would be my only irk with it. But since we are home more then we are out it really isnt that big of a problem. As he is getting older he is able to adapt more and more to the change. I guess you learn new things with each child as each of their personalities are different and different tactics work for different babies. I really enjoy learning new things with him and I really enjoy sharing some of the things that worked with others..if I can help just one mother free her hands and get control of her days back then I will have succeeded!!
I have so much to write about but I am just so exhausted tonight so I will continue tomorrow! Lots of stuff going on!
Oh yeah and wanted to let you know that little boy from my bike thief story got his bike back!! I am so glad!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)