Saturday, March 14, 2015
Disney Side
Saturday, January 17, 2015
ezpz Happy Mat
The Happy Mat is a 100% silicone, BPA-free, phthalate-free mat with built-in compartments for finicky toddlers who like to keep food separated. The back of the mat is smooth silicone and when you place it on a flat surface, it doesn't slide. It makes for a meal with less mess! As an added bonus, the Happy Mat is safe to toss is in the dishwasher.
I was lucky enough to get in on the ezpz Kickstarter campaign so we received our first Happy Mat just before Christmas. I already had to get a second one and stopped myself from buying a dozen so all of the kids could use them. Hey, these aren't just for toddlers.
*The Amazon sale has ended, but you can still find the Happy Mat with free Prime shipping.

Saturday, October 26, 2013
Dream Diapers Review & Giveaway
Especially when that fluffy mail is packaged in pink and looking so sweet. This is fun mail from Dream Diapers!
I've been in a cloth diapering rut lately. I bought several new diapers for Seven before she was born but I was quite convinced that she was a he, so all of those diapers were in "boy" colors or prints. The rest of her diapers have mostly been hand-me-downs from her six siblings. I still use a few of Matthew's old diapers on a regular basis. (He is ten years old!) It was exciting to try something new- a new style diaper and in my favorite color!
Dream Diapers sent me a SoftBums Omni pocket diaper. It's a one size diaper unlike any other I've ever used. Before I tell you about the diaper, I have to point out that Dream Diapers includes a very helpful guide that includes basic cloth diapering tips and washing instructions in their packages. This is perfect for families that are new to cloth diapering because getting started with cloth can seem overwhelming.
The SoftBums Omni OS diapers fit babies from about 5-35 pounds. Seven is about 20 pounds right now so I adjusted the rise accordingly. These diapers actually have little toggles on the inside so it was super easy to adjust. I've never seen toggles in a diaper before! Although there are instructions for measuring and adjusting the elastic, I actually just adjusted the toggles through the diaper and it was very simple.
The SoftBums Omni diapers come with either snap or velcro closure. Although I love snaps for babies, I really prefer velcro for squirmy toddlers. Fast and simple!
I have always been a prefold gal when it comes to stuffing my pocket diapers and that's exactly what I did with this diaper. No leaks! Dream Diapers actually sells several different types of pods to stuff the shells if that's what you prefer.
The fit is perfect on the SoftBums Omni and what they say is true- no red marks on Seven's chunky little thighs. She actually wore this diaper overnight and was not totally awake when I took this photo, but I assure you that she was quite pleased with it too.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, September 3, 2012
PLAYMOBIL Take Along Soccer Match Review & Giveaway
We don't have any other PLAYMOBIL toys so this game was a pleasant surprise. The game includes a 22x33 inch soccer field that folds up compactly with a convenient carrying handle. It comes with 6 soccer players with legs that really kick, goalies that are controlled by joystick (think mini foosball table) and 2 soccer balls.
This game is geared toward children ages 5 to 10 and all six of my children have enjoyed playing it. My favorite part is that the entire Take Along Soccer Match set folds up for easy storage.
You can win your own Take Along Soccer Match by entering the giveaway below. You can also visit Playmobilusa.com to save 20% off Playmobile Take Along items by entering coupon code US72A12C.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The information and gift packs have been provided by PLAYMOBIL USA through My Blog Spark. My opinions are my own.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Redbox Giveaway
Redbox is kicking off the summer by asking moms, "What's your favorite video game to play together?" Join in the fun by entering for a chance to win a giveaway for free video game rentals from Redbox and a chance to win $10,000 as part of the Redbox Summer of Fun & Games Sweepstakes.
It’s game time! Redbox, America’s favorite destination for movie rentals, is now renting video games in 21,000 kiosks nationwide for $2 a day. Redbox is truly a one-stop shop for affordable, family home entertainment with both games and movies.
As a family, we have a weekly movie or game night. For us, this usually means playing a competitive game on the wii. Even my 86-year old grandmother plays the wii! Our favorite game is probably Mario Kart because my kids love to race each other and we are big Mario fans. Sometimes it can get pretty tense when we're all trying to win. It's always fun though!
Does your family play video games together? If so, what's your favorite game? Leave a comment on my blogfrog discussion and you'll be entered for a chance to win 5 free video game rentals from Redbox. For one additional entry, tweet or blog about this giveaway and leave a link on the discussion.
Redbox is celebrating summer family time with a great line up of family-friendly titles, awesome savings and two chances to win $10,000 as part of the Redbox Summer of Fun & Games Sweepstakes.*
4 Easy Ways to Enter:
1. Enter your email address at www.redbox.com/summer
2. Rent a movie or game at a redbox kiosk (and provide a valid email address at checkout)
3. Reserve a rental online at redbox.com
4. Text 'SUMMER' to 727272
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Redbox. The opinions and text are all mine.
*Each item rented earns one entry, regardless of how long it is rented, up to three entries per day. Limit 3 entries per day, regardless of entry method. The sweepstakes begins May 27, 2011 at 12:00 a.m. CT and ends on August 1, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. CT. No purchase necessary. See official rules at www.redbox.com/summer.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Libman Freedom Spray Mop
I have fallen in love... with a mop.
I received a Libman Freedom Spray Mop recently and have been using it almost every single day. This mop is amazing. With 6 young children who are running through the house all day long, my floors need frequent TLC. And I can't sleep when my house is a mess. It's a bad combination.
Up until now, I've always used a traditional mop and bucket to clean my floors. I don't like to use harsh chemical cleaners and I don't like the idea of using disposable products in my home. A reusable mop and bucket of water and vinegar (or a "green" cleaner) has always worked for me, although it is a bit more work than some other types of mops. Because of the time it takes to fill the bucket and the little curious hands that often find their way into my bucket, I've been guilty of not mopping as often as I should and instead settling for running the vacuum and wiping spots with a rag by hand. Yes, I am that crazy.
Now that I have started using the Libman Freedom Spray Mop, I'm mopping more often and spending far less time doing it. I am not ashamed to admit that I have fallen in love with this mop. Let me tell you why...
The Libman Freedom Spray Mop is unique because it lets you use whatever type of cleaning solution you want to use and it sprays it right where it needs to be-on your floor. You love good old-fashioned water & vinegar on your floors? No problem. You want to use a certain type of cleaner? No problem. You just want to use plain water? No problem. You want to use more than one type of cleaner for different types of floors in your home? That's ok, too. The Freedom Spray Mop has a refillable bottle that allows you to add your own cleaning solution. You can even get a second refillable bottle and a handy stand to hold a different cleaning solution so that you can easily switch back and forth as needed. It's incredibly convenient.
The Freedom Spray Mop is the perfect green cleaning mop. The cleaning pads are reusable and washable so there is no extra waste. These pads are tough, too. They are made of microfiber and have little layers of scrubby strips that help get up tough, messy spots on the floor. I have been amazed that my mop has cleaned up a sticky glob of peanut butter, smooshed raisins, and even a big splat of spinach and fruit smoothie, without any effort on my part. I just squirt, mop, and I'm done.
One of my favorites things about the Libman Freedom Spray Mop is that it is so convenient. The mop has a little hook that allows it to easily hang for storage. There are no batteries needed to make it spray. The mop head swivels for easy cleaning in hard-to-reach spots. The refillable bottle keeps cleaning solution ready to go so there is no bucket to fill and no measuring needed. I literally just grab the mop and start cleaning. My floors have never been so happy.
The Libman Freedom Spray Mop has a fitting name. This mop gives you the freedom to choose your own cleaning solution, freedom from batteries, freedom from having to buy any kind of refills, and freedom from the old mopping bucket. I have never been so excited about a mop.
Besides all of the benefits of being green, the Freedom Spray Mop also saves money. There are no expense cleaning solutions or costly refills. There are no disposable cleaning pads. And you can even get a rebate coupon to buy the mop. I am still amazed because it's actually cheaper than my regular, old mop and bucket! Visit the Libman website for coupons.
You can enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer and a Freedom Spray Mop from Libman. Just leave a comment telling me any great cleaning tips you have to share. Check out more cleaning tips from Libman and enter for more chances to win at BlogHer.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.

Thursday, April 21, 2011
Birth Matters Giveaway

I am giving away a copy of Ina May Gaskin's new book, "Birth Matters." Ina May Gaskin is America's leading midwife and the author of several books. Her latest book explores modern maternity care in the U.S. and the underlying causes of our poor maternal and neonatal mortality rates. It's an eye-opening exposure of how birth impacts our culture.
For a full review, please check out my main blog.
To enter to win a copy of "Birth Matters," leave a comment on this post.
Giveaway Rules: -No duplicate comments. -You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: a) Leave a comment in response to this post b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post Giveaway ends on May 8, 2011 and winner will be selected at random, using Random.org.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Newman's Own Organics
When cruising the aisle of my local health food store, I can across a shelf of assorted chocolates. I had no idea that Newman's Own Organics made gourmet chocolate bars. For the record, the espresso is my favorite. Heavenly.
I rationed the chocolate bars and told the kids that they were just for Mommy. They were just too rich to share. The kids got to enjoy several different kinds of cookies though, so they didn't really mind.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Petunia Pickle Bottom Abundance Boxy Bag
(The bag pictured above is the Wistful Weekender from the Spring 2011 Collection.) I jumped at the chance to try one of these gorgeous new bags with my crew of multiple multiples. Diaper bags are no stranger to me. I have had at least one child in diapers for the last 8 years and at least 2 children in diapers for the last 6 1/2 years. In fact, when my second set of twins were born I had 6 children under the age of 6 and 5 of them in diapers. Diapers have become part of my life... and to make things even more interesting, I've always used cloth diapers. When you have multiples, you just can't pack light. When faced with the possibility of two (or more) hungry, crying babies needing a clean diaper, you have to be prepared. I always have a loaded diaper bag in my van so that I don't have to worry about running out of diapers or needing a spare outfit when one of the little ones makes a mess on himself while we're out. I pack an extra bag for outings so that we have snacks, extra diapers, and all of the necessities in a bag that can be put into the stroller.
Petunia Pickle Bottom's Abundance Boxy Backpack is the perfect solution for moms of multiple little ones. The bag can be worn as a backpack (to keep hands free!) or carried using the messenger strap. One of my favorite features is that the bag can be used with Petunia Pickle Bottom's Valet Stroller Clips so that it can be securely attached to the handle of your stroller. For me, this is a big deal because our stroller is a Quad Runabout and doesn't have the traditional under seat storage of a standard stroller. There is only one storage basket under my stroller so the ability to hang my diaper bag from the stroller handle is a huge benefit. I can pack everything I need without worrying about carrying a loaded diaper bag.Wednesday, February 23, 2011
So Delicious Coconut Milk
This is sponsored content from BlogHer and So Delicious.
In my never-ending quest to feed my family fresh, healthy, organic foods, I've found a new secret ingredient. Coconut milk! Actually, I have used coconut milk before, but I had never realized that there are so many uses for it and that it even tastes good as a substitute for regular milk.
Several years ago, my oldest son went on a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet. At the time, it was extremely difficult to find alternatives to dairy products that my son would actually eat. These days, we don't have the restrictive diet but we still limit dairy for various reasons. The problem is that many of the dairy-free products just don't taste that great.
I am so excited to have found So Delicious Coconut Milk! Coconut milk is naturally gluten-free and cholesterol-free. It's also a good source of calcium and Vitamin B12. It can be used in place of milk, but it is completely dairy-free. Many dairy-free products use soy (and we avoid soy) so I was very happy to see that coconut milk is a healthy alternative to soy milk as well. So Delicious Coconut Milk is Kosher, vegan and it's made from verified non-GMO organic coconuts. Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which are good fats that your body can easily burn and turn into energy instead of storing as fat in the body. (A natural energy boost? I am sure I'm not the only person who could use some of that!)

In the past I have used coconut milk for cooking. It's perfect for making Thai stir-fry or for drizzling over oatmeal in the morning. But, until now, I'd never thought of using coconut milk as a replacement for cow's milk. So Delicious Coconut Milk is light and creamy and has the same consistency of cow's milk-it's not thick like the canned coconut milk I usually use. I decided to do a little experiment and see if I could completely eliminate regular milk from our diet for a week.
Here's how I used So Delicious Coconut Milk 7 ways in 7 days...
When I have my morning coffee (or should I say coffees) I always use a bit of milk. If I make an espresso drink, I use even more milk. Instead of regular milk, I have now been using coconut milk. I chose the So Delicious Coconut Milk's vanilla flavor for my coffee and it is perfect. It tastes just like regular milk but adds a slight hint of vanilla that makes my coffee taste even better! So Delicious also makes an Original and Unsweetened version of their coconut milk.
For breakfast, my children often have oatmeal (made on the stove or in the slow cooker) or cereal. Yesterday I made a huge pot of oatmeal on the stove and switched up my usual recipe. Instead of using water, I used coconut milk in place of 1/2 of the water. It made the oatmeal deliciously creamy and (in all seriousness) my oldest son declared that it was the best oatmeal EVER. That extra bit of creaminess from the milk was just right.
I often use milk in baking recipes and our family usually has pancakes one morning on the weekend. Again, I substituted So Delicious Coconut Milk for regular milk and ended up with perfect pancakes. They looked and tasted just like regular pancakes but were dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk.
Although we don't drink milk, we do use milk on cold cereal. The ultimate test was to see if I could swap out regular milk for coconut milk in the cereal bowls. It worked. My kids actually preferred the coconut milk over the regular milk. I am really happy about this because I've often considered going completely dairy-free again but knew it would be tough. We do such a good job of limiting it already that I know I could make the switch to coconut milk and feel better about the health benefits.
When warmer weather rolls around I am going to try making smoothies with So Delicious Coconut Milk. Once the berries are in season I can mix up some sweet frozen treats! In the meantime, we are embracing the cold weather and enjoying hot chocolate instead. I made an entire batch of homemade hot chocolate on the stove, using organic cocoa powder, organic sugar, water, and coconut milk. For an even richer taste, I tried the vanilla flavored coconut milk and the hot chocolate was even more creamy and delicious.
One of my favorite dinners (and the first to introduce me to coconut milk) is a Thai-inspired stir-fry. I use some combination of fresh ingredients from my CSA produce box-onions, cabbage, sunchokes, broccoli-whatever I have on hand. I chop the onions and cabbage into thin slices and cook them in oil until they're soft. Sometimes I add some chicken. I mix in a few tablespoons of organic peanut butter and a cup of coconut milk. Then I toss in whatever other vegetables I'm using and cook until they're soft. I serve the whole mixture over noodles. My kids even like it!
So Delicious Coconut Milk makes it easy to enjoy milk and be dairy-free at the same time. You can find more recipe ideas and coupons at SoDeliciousDairyFree.com.
How will you use So Delicious Coconut Milk? Tell me your favorite recipes or uses for coconut milk by leaving a comment below and you could win a $100 Visa gift card.
Giveaway Rules:
-No duplicate comments.
-You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this
post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw and will be notified by e-mail. You will have 72 hours to get back to me or a new winner will be selected. Giveaway ends 3/20. Visit the Official Rules for more information and visit BlogHer for more chances to win.
You can also visit So Delicious on Facebook and enter to win their surprise-a-day giveaway "100 Days of Change." It's a 100 day sweepstakes with a prize each day, leading up to a grand prize 14-day trip for two to the Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa in Thailand. The giveaway ends on May 10, 2011 but you can enter daily for a chance to win.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
GE ecomagination Challenge
This is sponsored content from BlogHer and GE.

Monday, January 10, 2011
Products for Good
Products for Good sells these coins to honor veterans. With each sale, they donate 20% of the proceeds to charities that support military families. In addition, they have a special Honor One in a Million Project that aims to distribute 1 million coins to veterans across the country through various military service organizations. You can purchase coins to be donated to veterans to thank them for their service or purchase a coin for a special veteran in your life.









