***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples and promotional items to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** This is my Yorkie, Trouble. Yes, her name really IS Trouble, and trust me, she can really live up to it at times! We named her this because well, she was a pain in the butt to get. It took a lost debit card, frantic calls to the bank, and a wild goose chase through torrential storms to bring her home. We love her like we love our children, though, so whenever she's naughty, we can't stay mad for very long.
Trouble is 2 and a half now, and has some really odd eating preferences. I hate to say it, but she rejects every single small breed dog food I can find. I have tried dozens, and she wants absolutely no part of it. In fact, she would rather eat the cats' food than small breed dog food. If I buy regular dog food, it's fine. It's just the right food for HER that she tends to reject. (See, I told you she lives up to her name!) Luckily, the vet said that as long as she's eating and maintaining a healthy weight, coat, eyes, etc, she should be just fine, small breed specific food or not. Recently, I was presented with a really fun opportunity. One that could potentially make a positive difference in the life of my favorite pup. The Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge was created with the health and well-being of canine companions everywhere.
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***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** I'm not going to lie....I am having a BAD DAY. (A horrible, bad, terrible, awful, no-good day, to be exact.) The morning started well. I got up, cleaned the kitchen and started a load of dishes, and even got a bit of blogging done before the kids woke up. So far, so good, right?
And then the mail came... And my nice, productive day turned into a terrible day in the time it took me to open an envelope. You see, in the mail, there was an invoice for almost $4500 in my husband's name. Apparently, he thought it was somehow a good idea to buy a fancy-pants Snap-On tool box, and didn't think he needed to mention it to me. Not smart. Not smart at all. There are a few problems with this. First of all, he is not a mechanic. Hasn't been for years. He does not work on cars. He does not have the tools to fill a tool box, let alone have the need for one. Secondly, (and here's the important part) I had absolutely no knowledge of this purchase, even though I am the one who does all of the budgeting and bill paying. So imagine my shock when I opened up that envelope. I about had a heart attack! We certainly cannot afford a purchase of that size, so I have absolutely no clue what was going through his mind at the time. I'm not going to lie, my very first instinct was to call him at work and scream at him. Of course I don't want to be "that wife", so I didn't. He is supposed to be working, after all. My next instinct was to list all of his video games and systems on craigslist. Again, I didn't do that, since the kids wouldn't appreciate it. No need to punish them, too, you know? Have you ever heard of Fairhaven Health? They are an amazing site that helps families to be able to have babies, and then when the babies are here they have amazing products to help out with your little ones! This company is all for families! They are amazing in every possible way! Their customer service receives a 5 star rating as far as this girl is concerned! They have Partnered up with MPM (Mom Powered Media) and 10 participating bloggers like myself to be able to provide you with this amazing giveaway! ALL of our amazing fans will have a chance to win ALL 5 amazing products a value of over 100.00$!! Check out all of the products! Milkies Milk-Saver: Let NO Breast Milk Go To Waste: Ask any mom and she'll tell you: breast milk is a precious commodity. Women will go to great lengths to ensure that not a drop of "liquid gold" gets wasted. That's precisely what makes the award-winning Milkies Milk-Saver such a wonderful invention for breastfeeding mothers. The patented Milk-Saver collects your leaking breast milk as you nurse - allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly with each feeding. Easy to use, simply slip the Milk-Saver into your bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that is leaked when your breast milk lets down. You can store this milk and save it for any time it's needed. Slim and portable, the patented Milk-Saver allows you breastfeed anywhere without the fear of embarrassing leaks or uncomfortable nursing pads. And with its stylish, durable case, your Milk-Saver will stay safe and clean when you're on the go. Like you, we care very much about the safety of the products we use while breastfeeding. The Milk-Saver has been rigorously tested to ensure zero chemical leaching and contains no BPA or phthalates. The only product of its type, the Milk-Saver has received accolades from lactation specialists, pediatricians, and breastfeeding moms the world over. It makes the perfect baby shower/new mom gift - or as a treat for yourself!
Milkies Freeze: Convenient, space-saving breast milk storage:Tired of digging through your freezer to recover lost bags of breast milk? Worried that you are using your frozen breast milk out of order? The Milkies Freeze is the answer to your breast milk storage hassles and concerns. The Milkies Freeze is a "first in, first out" breast milk storage system that fits in your freezer. Simply collect your precious breast milk in any milk storage bag, and place the bag on the metal quick-freeze tray at the top of the Freeze. Once the milk is frozen, slip the bag into the Freeze storage system through the slot at the top, and the bag will fall to the bottom of the storage container. When you need to thaw a bag of breast milk to feed to your little one, pull a bag out from the bottom of the Freeze - that way you are sure to use the oldest milk first! The Milkies Freeze can store up to 60 ounces of breast milk. Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm:Breastfeeding is the most natural way to nourish your baby but it can lead to sore nipples and discomfort for Mom. For some it may just be uncomfortable, for others it may actually keep them from successfully nursing their baby. Our all-natural, organic nipple balm is designed to soothe, protect, and heal sore or cracked nipples. Recommended by lactation professionals, Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm is safe for both mother and baby. Organic herbal ingredients are combined with natural moisturizers to help provide soothing relief, heal affected areas, and even prevent cracks from reappearing. Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm is lanolin-free, is not tested on animals, and contains no artificial colors, preservatives or animal products. Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm alleviates the discomfort often associated with breastfeeding so it can be a joyous and special time for you to connect with your baby. Prevent Stretch Marks the Natural Way with DreamBelly Butter:DreamBelly Butter is designed to help protect and nourish your skin as it stretches to accommodate your growing belly during your pregnancy. Stretch marks are caused by little tears that occur in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin that contains the collagen and elastin fibers that help to maintain the structural integrity of your skin. Unfortunately, the hormonal changes and rapid weight gain that are a normal part of your pregnancy are a lethal combination when it comes to healthy skin, which is why so many women see stretch marks appear during pregnancy. The dramatic (although expected) hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy impact the ability of the dermis to form collagen and elastin fibers, which, in turn, makes it difficult for your skin to maintain its resiliency. As a result, when the skin is forced to stretch in response to rapid weight gain, it is unable to do so without tearing. These little tears that occur in the skin cause the appearance of unsightly lines - stretch marks - that are red and purple, then gradually fade to white or silver over time. Of course, the conditions that cause stretch marks during pregnancy are normal and healthy, and cannot be avoided. And, unfortunately, some women are simply more susceptible to stretch marks due to a genetic predisposition. Therefore, the only hope for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy is to keep your skin as hydrated and suppleas possible. Nursing Blend Breastfeeding Supplement :Nursing Blend is an all-natural dietary supplement that contains a blend of herbs that have been used for centuries by nursing mothers when a boost in breast milk supply is needed, including fenugreek and fennel seed. And, by providing a unique combination of whole fenugreek seed powder along with a concentrated fenugreek seed extract, Nursing Blend offers an equivalent dose of 2 grams of fenugreek in each daily dose. Nursing Blend also includes herbs that provide calming effects for mom and baby, including chamomile and anise. Nursing Blend is the only dietary supplement that combines herbal support for breast milk production with the vitamin and mineral support that nursing moms need to produce quality breast milk. Now that you are breastfeeding you need higher levels of certain nutrients to keep both you and your baby healthy. Nursing Blend was scientifically-designed by doctors and nutritionists to specifically meet the nutritional needs of nursing mothers and their babies and to aid in milk production. In addition, Nursing Blend is endorsed by leading lactation specialist and MD, Dr. Kathleen Marinelli. This comprehensive formula brings together essential vitamins and minerals to ensure proper nutrition, along with herbal ingredients to support breast milk production. It provides 100% Daily Value of most vitamins and minerals, and extra amounts of vitamins known to be especially important for lactating women, including Vitamin D and the B vitamins. Current research shows that most women are deficient in Vitamin D, which our skin makes when exposed to sunlight, probably because we are so careful with covering up, avoiding sun or using sunscreen. That means that nursing mothers are deficient, as are their babies. Once believed to be important only for bone and dental health, a rapidly growing body of scientific research now indicates that Vitamin D plays a vital role in preventing a wide range of medical conditions, from diabetes to various forms of cancer. Although the current Daily Value for vitamin D is set at only 400 IU, many experts are concerned that this amount grossly underestimates our need for Vitamin D and are recommending that all people, and especially lactating women, increase their daily intake of this key nutrient. By providing 700% Daily Value of Vitamin D, Nursing Blend helps to increase circulating levels of Vitamin D in nursing women, thereby ensuring that the breast milk produced by these women will have enough Vitamin D to prevent suboptimal Vitamin D status in their growing babies. Nursing Blend also contains extra amounts of Vitamins B-6 and B-12, which are necessary for the proper function of the immune system and nervous system and in the production of red and white blood cells. Vegetarian and vegan mothers may be especially at risk for deficiencies vitamin of B-12 because it is naturally found only in animal products. Folic acid continues to be important during nursing to aid in healthy cell production. Nursing Blend also contains zinc to help support a healthy immune system and ensure optimal growth and development. These nutrients, along with other key vitamins and minerals in Nursing Blend, ensure that you and your baby are obtaining the nutrition you need. "Nursing Blend was designed to meet the unique nutritional requirements for breastfeeding women and I would recommend it as the daily vitamin supplement to all nursing moms." - Dr. Kathleen Marinelli, MD, IBCLC, FABM, FAAP GIVEAWAY RULES:
The Wyndham Cleveland At Playhouse Square Offers Family-Friendly Luxury #WyndhamWeekends #Sponsored7/23/2014 ***Disclosure: I received a media rate while staying at the Wyndham WEC through the travel campaign with New Creative Media. All opinions expressed are 100% my own and my family’s. Any additional expenses incurred were my own.*** With 2 kids under the age of 5, going on vacation as a family can be pretty stressful. After all, you never know how a small child will react to travel, new sights and sounds, or just being away from home for the first time. While my 4 year old, Sophie, goes with the flow and seems to be open to anything that comes her way, my 3 year old, Xander, is not as easy to please. In fact, if things aren't just right, he will throw epic tantrums to show his disdain. (Trust me folks, it's not a pretty sight!)
So planning a weekend "staycation" in downtown Cleveland was definitely new territory for us. We wanted to find a decent hotel in the heart of the action that's not only comfortable, but kid-friendly, too. Having kids in tow shouldn't mean sacrificing certain luxuries, don't you agree? If I wanted something devoid of luxury, I'd just as soon stay home and drive 45 minutes to all the Cleveland area attractions. A vacation is all about the experience, and I wanted to make sure my family had a wonderful one. ***Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.*** I come from a very musical family. And I do mean very. My Dad has been in a band longer than I have been alive, and I remember childhood spent listening to band practice tapes over and over and over again in the car and watching his band rock out in someone's basement. (I wasn't old enough to go to the shows themselves.) My Dad sings, plays guitar and the keyboards, and can even dabble in drums a bit.
His love for music of all kinds definitely rubbed off on me. I listen to everything. My music collection looks like it belongs to someone with multiple personalities, actually. I've got rap and R&B, classic rock, heavy metal, country, broadway tunes, and literally everything in-between. When I was younger, I used to sing, play guitar, and play piano a bit, myself. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and it seems that there's not a single important memory that doesn't come with its own built-in soundtrack. There are so many songs that take me back to a different place in time, and of course, they bring back all the emotions I felt, too. Music is a very powerful thing, and I truly believe that it soothes the soul and speaks to us in ways that words alone never could. Now, as a mother, I am delighted to see that my kids love music as much as I do. My daughter in particular. When she was still in the womb, she would "dance" in my belly any time I'd turn The Beatles on. When they were finished, so was she. I don't think this was coincidence. Now at 4 years old, my little girl loves to sing and dance to music of all kinds, and she also has a tiny grand piano and a miniature electric guitar. This thrills me so much, because music is truly one of the greatest pleasures in life, and I am glad she's got such an appreciation for it at a very young age. BabyHawk Mei Tai carriers are Chinese inspired with four long straps and can comfortably carry newborns and toddlers from 8-40 pounds. The three inch wide padded straps and head rest for baby make this carrier super comfortable for parent and child and allow for great back support. I've been eyeing BabyHawk's Mei Tai carrier since before my daughter was born, but never made the leap to purchase. I'm thankful I got to try this baby carrier because it's a perfect mix of security for the baby, versatility as baby grows and it's incredibly easy to manuever. Read the rest of Kara's Deals & Steals' review here. BabyHawk carriers come in a ton of fun and organic prints. You'll have a difficult time choosing one. Be sure to follow BabyHawk on social media for the latest news, giveaways and more! Facebook | Twitter One lucky winner will get to try a BabyHawk Mei Tai carrier. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will end on 8/5 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Please enter on the Rafflecopter below. Disclosure: Participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment. ***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** I have come to the conclusion that children grow up far too quickly. It seems like it was only yesterday that I became a first time Mommy to a little blonde haired, blue eyed bundle of joy. I remember being scared, excited, and completely unsure of myself. After all, I was a pretty young mom at almost 19 years of age. Now my little "baby" is 5'9" and is going to high school! (How the heck did that even happen?! )It's bittersweet, in a way. I love seeing my children grow and thrive, but I miss having a little snuggle-bug whose whole world revolved around his Mommy. Now his world revolves around his friends and potential love interests. Sigh. At least I still have Sophie and Xander, who are 4 and 3, respectively. They are still full of innocence and wonder, and want nothing more than to give hugs and kisses and get their boo-boos made all better by their Mommy. Thankfully, I can hold onto this period in time, even though my babies will inevitably grow up just as quickly as their big brother has been. How, you might ask? By creating a one-of-a-kind item from Made With Love Ceramic Imprints. These beautiful, custom made products allow parents to immortalize their little ones' hand or foot prints forever in high-quality ceramic. They have so many options to choose from, too! There are simple ornaments, plaques, and even photo frames. Oh, and if your babies are of the 4-legged, furry variety, you can have their paw-prints cast in ceramic, too! What’s Your Ride BTS Ride Event
Organized by: Mom Powered Media Grand Prize: BMS TBX EFI Touring Scooter Event dates: 8/4 - 9/4 Giveaway is open to Continental US Residents. SIGN-UP HERE ***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** As the "mama" of 3 dogs and 4 cats, pet hair is definitely an issue in our home. 2 out of 3 dogs are hypo-allergenic "wussy dogs", as my husband calls them, so they don't really shed. (Gotta love Shih-Tzus and Yorkies!) Our other pup, Snickers, is a Shepard mix and she sheds like crazy. This, combined with the cat fur that winds up covering every surface in my home, really makes my allergies act up. I literally wake up sneezing and wheezing, and I end up living in some strange, Benadryl-induced haze more often than not. Not fun. Not fun at all.
I try and make sure to clean and vacuum as often as possible, but some days are just too busy, and it gets left undone. After all, I am only one person and have only 2 hands, which are usually busy taking care of the kiddos. So missing even a day or two of vacuuming can be the difference between breathing easy and turning into a ball of barely-functioning, itchy snot. Sounds pleasant, right? Those of you with allergies know what I'm talking about though. It is miserable. And of course our pets are valued members of the family, so getting rid of them is not an option. Luckily, I have recently discovered the bObsweep Pet Hair. This robotic vacuum is a mother's helper of sorts, since it handles vacuuming up the pet hair while I cook dinner, change diapers, run errands or blog. All I have to do is make sure the unit is fully charged and then just turn it on and let it get to work. I have some lucky winners to announce! I have notified all by e-mail, and winners will have 48 hours to claim their prizes. Thanks so much to everyone who entered, and check back often for more great giveaways!
Without further ado, here are my lucky winners! Congrats! Little Tikes: Amy F. Master Lock: Tina M. HoneyBaked: Zoe B. Motorworks: Michele C. |
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I'm Brandy, a happily married, proud Mom of 3 amazing kids. If you're interested in building a working relationship, please feel free to e-mail me at: NewlyCrunchyMamaOf3@gmail.com Links We Love :Archives
June 2023
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