Mommy's Favorite Things: September 2012



Saturday, September 29, 2012

9 months and Fall Photo Shoot of Kids



Emerson is 9 months old already 3/4 of the way to a year!! NUTS

We go in for his 9m appt on the 8th, so I'm not sure on stats. But he's around 18 pounds and about 29" long (or longer)


 Best picture with the bear... eh, at least it shows his size right?



Avery's fall shoot!
I like this one, except the hair in her eye
 This is my favorite
 Head shot!
And Emerson's shoot!
In the sweater I knit him!
 Love this baby boy!!
I was glad to get my own pictures, that aren't too far from professional with just my little camera in my backyard!!




Weight Loss Challenge OVER!



It has finished and completed. 8 weeks are up and I can't believe the transformation.

I will begin working out now to tone everything up!!

So are you curious how I did in just 8 short weeks?
AND I won the challenge!!!! I was the person who lost the most percentage of weight, so I won! 50% of the pot, so I won roughly $70!!!

I'm below pre Emerson weight. It really does take 9 months to put it on and 9 months to take it off. Emerson was coincidentally 9 months old yesterday! 
I was 130 when I got pregnant with him. 

I was 122 pre Avery, but was super muscular and 16, I know I'll never be back there and I don't want to be. I'm happy right where I am!


Friday, September 28, 2012

Swaddle Designs Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*




I have review for Swaddle Designs many, many, many times in the past and their products never fail me. I love every single one of them and they're constantly releasing new items and new characters. 

I had heard of the SwaddleLite for a little while and then they contacted me to review it! I jumped at the chance!! It's a 3 pack of lite weight blankets. 
I chose the Jewel Tone-True Blue. I also wanted to review a flannel sheet for the cooler months approaching and they sent me the True Blue Jewel Tone Stripes. So it matches his blankets perfectly!


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Car Seat Safety



I'm reposting this!!!

We are huge on Car Seat Safety. Avery Rearfaced until she was 18 months old and she will be extended harnessed. MI law is harnessed until 40 pounds AND 4 years old and then you can switch to a Booster. Avery is currently 5pt harnessed in a Britax Frontier 85 and she is 5 years old and about 37 pounds. Emerson is rear facing in a Britax Marathon 70 and will be until he reaches the 40 pounds weight limit (unless he's REALLY tiny like Avery, at that point I'll probably switch him around 3). 

Please read through these, you could save a child's life!

Not using a safety seat consistently

"We were only going to the grocery store ..." "He hates to ride in his car seat, so just this once I didn't make him ..." "She was having a meltdown, so I took her out of her seat for a minute to calm her down." Safety experts hear these words all too often from distraught parents after tragedy has struck. Remember, a one-time lapse can result in a lifetime of regret.

In any case, using a safety seat consistently and correctly is the law. All 50 states require that children up to 3 years of age (or 40 inches tall in Kentucky) ride in car seats in private vehicles, and many have laws requiring car seats or booster seats until a child is considerably older.

There's good reason for that. Every year, more than 90,000 children under age 8 are injured in car crashes, and more than 1,000 are killed. In fact, auto accidents are by far the leading cause of death for American children.

Safety seats dramatically reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a collision. Stephanie Tombrello, executive director of the nonprofit passenger-safety organization SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., urges all parents to get a safety seat that's convenient to use, and to make buckling your child into it such a habit that you don't even have to think about it.
REAR MORE BELOW.....


Monday, September 24, 2012

Halloween Eco-Friendly Hop Sponsor Spotlight WOOLIES




BuzzWorthy Freebies
My second sponsor for this event is Woolies dryer balls. 

I received a 4 pack of balls in grey and pink and they were scented too!


Sunday, September 23, 2012

Philips Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I don't usually get much for Jon to review. Usually because he doesn't review the items, but when Philips contacted me about reviewing their Pro Bodygroom I said yes!! I could have reviewed it on myself if need be. 

Of course Jon was really excited to get this for review. He's a VERY hairy man and he was looking forward to shaving with this groomer!


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Lil Helper Review & Giveaway



We all know I love and adore cloth diapers. I have signed up to be an Ambassador for Lil Helper. I had heard great things about their products and I knew I wanted to try them for myself. 
The shipment of products was a complete surprise to me until I opened it. So I was happy to find accessories inside the box. I don't need any more diapers so this was really great!

I received a set of Bamboo Wipes, a Zipper wet bag and a Drawstring wet bag for my review



Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Lazoo Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*




I have done a review for Lazoo in the past before. They have some wonderful products. They have clothes and books, dolls and shoes! 
In the past I received some books and a shirt for Avery. I also got a boy shirt in a 24m that Emerson will be able to wear next summer!

This time around I received a gorgeous romper for Emerson. 
We got the Kiri in an 18m


Friday, September 14, 2012

Green Family Giveaway Sponsor Spotlight NEWMAN'S OWN



My second and last sponsor is Newman's Own Organics I have worked with them in the past and they are just a wonderful company and I was elated to work with them again.

Just like before they sent me a HUGE package to review.


Weight Loss



I'm so happy that I decided to do this.
Ever since having Emerson I was stuck at a weight. I gained 39 pounds with him. I started at 130 and was 169 the day before I delivered. At 2 weeks post partum I was down to 145ish so that was FANTASTIC! However, I was still stuck there as of 6 weeks ago.
My online due date group decided to put together this weight loss challenge, we each put in $10 into the pot and the person at the end of 8 weeks who loses the most percentage will win the money! I'm so glad I decided to join because I feel amazing!!

So what have I done in 6 weeks?
I haven't exercised much that's for sure. I haven't had time and with school starting life was hectic. Now that Avery is in school and I have a jogging stroller I'll be going on jogs in the morning with Emerson.
I have changed my proportions a LOT. I have cut back a ton, but I'm not really watching what I eat much.
I eat a fiber one bar for breakfast every morning, that's it and it usually holds me over until 12 or 1. Then I'll usually jut grab like a sandwich for lunch or 1 pack of ramen noodles and then dinner is a usual dinner that I make, but it's smaller portions.
For snacks I'll grab some fruit or veggies. You need to eat every 4 hours to keep your metabolism up, so keep that in mind. Eating more often helps you lose more weight.

That's it. It has been nothing special, but I have learned that cutting back on proportions makes the world of difference.
So how have I done??
I have also lost 10". 1" from my waist, 3" from my belly button, 2" from my hips and 2" from each thigh! I feel AMAZING and more energized. It's amazing what a little weight can do.

I'm happy where I am. I was wanting to fit into three quarters of my jeans by fall and I've done it. I had to buy size 6 shorts for the summer because none of mine fit me, but I just bought myself a new pair of size 4 jeans and they fit me like a glove. I also wore a pair of capris last week that didn't fit me a few weeks prior. I'm so happy to be losing this weight. 
I would like to get down to 130 where I as when I got pregnant with Emerson. 

But to say I've lost 12 pounds right now is AMAZING to me!!!


Thursday, September 13, 2012

Green Family Giveaway Event Sponsor Spotlight DR. LUCY'S





This is going to be a wonderful event with a Grand Prize package that everyone can also enter!
But for my part of this Giveaway Hop will be 2 sponsors. The first one is Dr. Lucy's Cookies. As the name suggests they are known for their wonderful cookies!

I received a package that contained Brownie Cakes and Snack 'n Go Packs


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Picture Day :)



Yes, it's already picture day for Avery!!
Here she is in her  Tea Collection dress :)

She said it was sunny out (it wasn't) so she couldn't open her eyes! Hopefully her face looks better for pictures!!
I chose a blue background which I think will make her eyes pop and look really nice with this dress and her hair. Can't wait to see what they look like!


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Mega Bloks Lil' Vehicles Giveaway



Mega Bloks newest series, Lil’ Vehicles are adorable little vehicles that come with a few Mega Bloks that are fun to stack up, knock down and drive around! Sonny School Bus "Get your backpack – it’s time for school! Sonny School Bus by Mega Bloks and his friendly driver are ready to teach your child all about the ride to school. Laugh and learn as you and your child wheel this bright yellow bus back and forth. Use the included First Builders blocks to build on and around the bus, creating a different and exciting toy every time. With Sonny School Bus by Mega Bloks, you and your little one will have loads of fun!" 
   


Thursday, September 6, 2012

Baby Ankees Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*





I love coming across new and innovative products. Baby Ankees is one of those products that makes you smack your forehead and say "why didn't I come up with that?" It's something so simple, yet something so genius!

Baby Ankees are little bands that go around the bottom of your baby's sleeper and they keep your baby's feet inside!!
I received 3 pair. One in a Medium size and 2 in a Large. Emerson was kind of in between sizes so I was glad they sent me both.


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Lilla Rose Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



My hair is at one of those funny lengths right now, it's too short to pull up into a full ponytail and it's too short to do anything super cute with it. So my solution to that is a half ponytail most of the time. The perfect accessory for any ponytail is Lilla Rose. They are adorable hair clips and they dress up any hair style.

I received the Small Starfish Flexiclip and the Freestyle Headband.



Avery's Haircut



JCPenney was doing Free Haircuts for kids from K-6th grade all of the month of August.
So we made an appt for last Thursday and we went in.
I told the stylist that I thought an a-line would be cute, but didn't know if her hair was thick enough to stack it in the back. She said she could do it, so she did and it's adorable!!

She also listened to Avery who said she wanted it to be about the middle of her neck!
Before
 After
This was after I had straightened it. It looks so much more adorable straightened. It laid funny before it was
I'm in love with the cut and so is Avery. She only took about 1.5" off the front, but in the back it was a good 4" or so


Tea Collection Review



You all know my obsession with Tea Collection they are truly my favorite children's clothing company. The clothes are so soft, not to mention SUPER adorable!

Michelle was very kind to send each child 2 outfits from their Nordic Fall Collection. 


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Tommee Tippee Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



We all know how much I'm in love with Tommee Tippee. I have reviewed everything from their breast pump and bottles, to their sippy cups and more. 
This time around I received some different items for Emerson's new step in development. I got feeding items!!
I received the Explora Feeding Spoons in a 5pk, the Dual Ended Chewther in blue and the Explora Truly Spill Proof Spout Cup


Kindergarten: You have arrived!



It's that time of year again. Back to school! For us here in MI it's law to start after Labor Day. So today was the first day.
Avery was off to Kindergarten this year. She had never been in daycare or preschool before so this was all new.
She was so excited to be there in class, neither one of us shed a tear!! There was only 1 student out of 18 that was crying and clinging to his mom!




MI has also switched to FULL day kindergarten now. So Avery will be in school until 3:20 today and every day!
I'm excited to hear how her first day went, but for today I'm going to sit back and enjoy some of the peace and quiet. When Emerson takes his nap I'm going to clean the house. I might have a clean house for the first time in years today :)


Monday, September 3, 2012

Happy Family Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I have worked with Happy Family in the past before. We had reviewed some of their great baby items. 

This time around she sent me Free Coupons for 2 of their items. The Happy Tot Plus and the Toddler Meal Bowls. I received 3 Tot Plus coupons and 4 Toddler Meal Bowl coupons.


Some Knit Items!



I've been busy knitting again. It feels good. Since Emerson was born I had only knit myself a hat, until just about a month ago. I finally got in the groove of knitting again.
I was sent a tester from a friend of mine to test out a sweater pattern. I jumped on it and was excited to get Emerson a nice sweater for the fall.
So here is his sweater in a 12-18m


Another friend of mine saw it and LOVED it, so I made her one too. Same size, but hers is cotton which knits up a bit bigger.
The buttons are Pink Sparkly!
This is also my FIRST sold item. Everything else I've knit in the past has been for us.

I've also been working on some dish cloths. My best friend and fellow blogger opened up her Etsy shop 2 days ago and I'll be knitting dish cloths for the shop. 
I might also make a sweater in neutral colors in a smaller size for the shop and see if it sells.
I also knit this for a friend's little girl that was born 2 weeks ago
Best picture I have. They were Drying...
And I'm knitting one just like it (different yarn) for Avery right now... In a size 6 :jawdrop: It's taking a while for sure since I'm just knitting it in between other projects. So I've been super busy, but I'm loving it!!