Mommy's Favorite Things: July 2013



Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Off to School We Go Sponsor Spotlight- For Your Boy







For Your Boy had contacted me about this giveaway hop in particular. She specializes in clothes and backpacks for boys. Since Emerson is still so little I didn't get a chance to review anything (which is okay with me!) but I definitely wanted to continue with the giveaway for my lovely readers!




Tuesday, July 30, 2013

40 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes!



I'm always using my slow cooker. I like to use it in the winter to make hearty meals such as roast and soups, but I like to use it in the summer as a way to not heat up my house too much! I'm in love with my slow cooker and you should be too!
Here's a list of great recipes to get you started :)


Appetizers and Sides Recipes
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Saucy Green Beans and Potatoes
Cheesy Cauliflower
Ranch Mushrooms (These are SO good!!)

Chicken Recipes
Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken
Salsa Chicken
Chicken with Bacon, Mushrooms and Onions
3 Ingredient Chicken Cacciatore
Mango Chicken Tacos
Mu Shu Chicken Wraps
Quinoa Chicken Chili
Soy Ginger Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Chili

Other Meat Recipes
Crock Pot Ham
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Spaghetti Bolognese
Sausages with Sauerkraut and Potatoes
Beef Stew
Beef Stroganoff
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches
BBQ Ribs
Boneless Turkey Breast
Meatloaf
3 Packet Roast

Breakfast Recipes
Monkey Bread
Apple Bread
Pumpkin Coffeecake Oatmeal
Breakfast Casserole
Overnight French Toast
Sausage and Egg Casserole

Misc Recipes
Veggie Lasagna
Hamburger and Noodle Soup
Cheesy Potato Soup
Pasta with Eggplant Sauce
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Bean and Spinach Soup



Monday, July 29, 2013

Simply7 Giveaway!



I received a sample from Simply7 for the sole purpose of this review
It's been a long time since we've had chips. We don't eat them at all since they're so unhealthy. Once in a while I'll grab some tortilla chips if I'm making a dip (which isn't all that often). But when I came across Simply7 I just knew I had to contact them. They are 'chips' that are far healthier, while still being affordable. 


Saturday, July 27, 2013

25 Strawberry Recipes!




So, it's summer!! It's definitely strawberry season. If you go picking like we do, I'm sure you have plenty of Strawberries left over and you're wondering what to do with them. Well here's some ideas for those extras and even throughout the year when you want a treat.

Appetizers and Sides
Chicken and Strawberry Salad
Strawberry Avocado Salsa
Strawberry Buschetta
Fruit Pizza
Fruit and Vegetable Salad Supreme
Strawberry Jam
Strawberry Melon Spinach Salad

Main Dishes
Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Split Sandwich
Strawberry Turkey Brie Panini
Spicy Cumin Chicken with Strawberry Coulis
Strawberry Topped French Toast Bake
Fruity Nachos
Strawberry Banana Crepes
Whole Grain Strawberry Pancakes
Grilled Chicken Breasts with Strawberry Balsamic Sauce

Drinks
Orange Berry Swirl
Strawberry Mint Sparkling Limeade
Lemon Berry Smoothie
Watermelon and Strawberry Lemonade
Mango Ginger Strawberry Smoothie

Desserts
Strawberry Buttermilk Sherbet
Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars
Berry Cheese Torte
Strawberry Muffins
Strawberry Cupcakes



Friday, July 26, 2013

Bloom Nation and CAM Florist Review



I received a product from CAM Florist for the sole purpose of this review


I originally came across Bloom Nation they are kind of like an Etsy for flowers. You put in your zip code and they give you a list of local florists that deliver to your area. So I decided to contact them. They gave me a company that was willing to work with me and deliver. That was CAM Florist and they sent me the All Purples bouquet. 


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Off to School We Go GRAND PRIZE Sponsor Spotlight- Gymboree



I received a gift card from Gymboree for the sole purpose of this review



I have always heard of Gymboree, but never actually purchased anything from them. I thought their clothes seemed a tad bit pricey for me. Kids grow so fast. But now that I've had a chance to try them I'm smacking and kicking myself. Truly!!

We received a gift card from Gymboree so we could shop and get what we wanted!
This was our initial shopping trip
Some of the items we got were the Ladybug Daydreamer 2 piece Gymmies, Gem Dolphin Tee with the Embroidered Cuff Jean Short for Avery And a SUPER adorable romper. 
For Emerson the Toucan Tours Tee with the Stripe Knit Short. Also the Teal Cargo Short with the adorable Helicopter Tee and also the Green Terry Shorts that match either shirt. 


Monday, July 22, 2013

Combi Giveaway!



I received an item from Combi for the sole purpose of this review
I have heard of Combi products before. Mainly for their large gear that they're known for. But I was contacted by them about doing a review for the Meal Time Set and it introduced me to a whole new area of Combi that I didn't even knew existed.



Thursday, July 18, 2013

14 weeks!



I can't believe I'm past a third of the way through my pregnancy already.

As of this point I have gained about 1.5 pounds which is AWESOME. With Emerson I had gained about 8 already and was in full maternity pants (because my regulars didn't go over my hips). So far I'm in half maternity, half not. Only because they're more comfortable and have only gained 1.5 pounds!!

My next appt is on Monday the 22nd and I should find out what I'm having about 4 weeks after that!

I have been using my doppler at home and it's hit or miss. I have been feeling flutters since 11 weeks, but this last time I used it I couldn't pick up a heartbeat but baby was kicking and squirming away. I felt my first real kicks at exactly 14 weeks!



Definitely getting plump, but those are REGULAR shorts, not maternity so that makes me happy!!

I'm about 90% sure this baby is a girl. Based on the way I'm carrying so far (no weight gain and just growing in the belly not all over) and based on the first ultrasound I had. 




Friday, July 12, 2013

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport




Are you in the market for a nice SUV that seats 5 and averages 27 MPG? The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport just might be right for you. 


Sunday, July 7, 2013

For the Home Giveaway Hop GRAND PRIZE Sponsor Spotlight- Wood Snap






Some of you may remember my Wood Snap review from a couple months ago. Since Jon and I got married in January we wanted a nice custom photo of one of our pictures and Wood Snap was definitely the place to go for that. 

Here is our image we got.
I promise it's straight and it is clearer in person too.


Saturday, July 6, 2013

For the Home Giveaway Hop Sponsor Spotlight- Wall Slicks





Vinyls on your walls have become all the rage as of late. They are pretty popular and common in your average home these days. 

We actually have a few in our home. We have 1 in our living room, 1 in the laundry room, my sons room has 1 from when it was a playroom and then my daughter's room has a few. We have one put away for our bathroom once we move. I love the look they bring to a home, but are easy enough to remove when your style changes, you want to update the look or you're planning on moving. You just scrape them off and they come off easily. 

Wall Slicks has a lot of different vinyls to choose from.



They have so many awesome decals that you can choose from. They have a very wide array. 

Price: This ranges depending on the size you want and order. The cherry blossom set above is $36. The eiffel tower is $24-$60 depending on height. They are reasonably priced. 

FOR THE HOME GIVEAWAY HOP
For the Home, Wall Slicks is offering a $100 certificate prize to a winner. 
Giveaway goes live on Monday the 8th at 12:01am!!! 


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The Median Mommy: Preference for Prefolds Party GIVEAWAY #3




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Welcome to Day 3 of The Median Mommy's Preference for Prefolds Party!  Prize Pack #3 is another amazing pack, full of wonderful handcrafted cloth diapering goodies!



Tuesday, July 2, 2013

For the Home Giveaway Hop Sponsor Spotlight- Plow & Hearth






Earlier this Spring I was able to review a couple items from Plow & Hearth. They sent me a large Grow Pot and also a raised garden bed so I could get my garden growing. 
So far they have both done wonderful. 

My large grow pot has my 2 tomato plants in it and they are finally producing fruit :) It drains wonderfully and is preventing the soil from molding as well. It has been great and is perfect on our deck for easy access. 

The raised garden bed has carrots, peppers, lettuce and kale in it and it too is doing very well (I'm going to plant spinach soon) and so far have had absolutely no complaints.


Cloth Diaper Stash for Under $100!!



You may not think it can be done, but indeed it can!! 
A whole cloth diaper stash consisting of prefolds and cover for under $100. Wanna know how?

If I use Diaper Safari and all their prices here's how to do it!

For 1 days worth of diapers/covers. This means you need to wash your diapers daily. 
12 Newborn Prefolds comes to $21
10 Infant Prefolds comes to $22.50
8 Premium Prefolds comes to $20
4 One Size Covers comes to $35.80

Which brings your grand total to $99.30

That is a full cloth diaper stash from Birth to potty training. Some people don't ever use premium prefolds they do newborn and then infant (My son is 17 months old and is still in infant, premium is just way too large), so that would allow you to buy more and go 2 days between washings. But it's totally possible to do an entire stash for under $100. Cloth diapering does not need to be expensive. 

Most people spend about that amount in 1-2 months of disposable diapering, so why not switch? If it's a lot right out, then buy a few with each paycheck and use them to cut down the cost of disposables too!
Diaper Safari offers free shipping on their covers. 

Now you will probably need a wet bag of some sort to contain the dirty diapers until wash day, but a large wet bag that holds 16-17 diapers is about $19 and will last the entire time as well. It's worth the investment. 

The way I use prefolds I don't even need to use diaper fasteners, I just fold it up and put the cover on over it, it stays in place just fine. But if you choose to you can buy pins for just $1.50 a pair. And the new fancy Snappi's are $3.95 each. So it's very inexpensive!



The Median Mommy: Preference for Prefolds Party GIVEAWAY #2




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Welcome to the second day of the Preference for Prefolds Party, hosted by The Median Mommy!  Today I have another amazing prefold-related prize pack!  Please check out these amazing sponsors below:


Founded in 2000, Babykicks is a family-owned and operated business based out of Maryland, making cloth diapers and accessories with natural and organic materials.  Known for their hemp diapers & soakers, Babykicks are luxoriously soft, incredibly absorbent, and possess anti-microbial properties.


Kirsten Schultz is the artisan behind Sew Little, crafting everything from diaper covers, inserts, wipes to carriers.  Her assortment of items, and colorful prints, make Sew Little a must visit store for new or expecting mamas!


Hybrid prefolds seem to be the newest craze in the cloth diapering world, and Adrianna Knits is the place to go for them!  Adrianna creates beautiful fitted prefolds, and will even convert your old prefolds into fitteds (I'm thinking about doing this with my toddler-sized prefolds).  Not limited to diapers, Adrianna Knits is the perfect place to get adorable knitted hats for your newborn!  You can visit her on Facebook here.


Snappi Baby, creators of the pin-less diaper fasteners, Snappis -- one of the greatest inventions since sliced bread!

One lucky winner will receive:


BabyKicks prefolds: 1 each S, M, L
1 fitted prefold - Adrianna Knits
1 diaper cover - Sew Little
1 set cloth wipes - Sew Little
1 pack of Snappi diaper fasteners


You can enter through the form below:



Monday, July 1, 2013

Action Baby Carrier Giveaway!



I received an item from Action Baby Carrier for the purpose of this review

I'm a huge supporter of baby wearing. I like to wear babies/kids of all ages. My son lived in a wrap the first 4 months of his life. Literally most of the day every day he lived in it. It was truly amazing. 

Then we ventured into soft structured carriers once he hit around 15 pounds and we've never looked back. I use carriers with him often. Any time we go somewhere and I take the stroller I ALWAYS take my carrier with me so if we're shopping I can put him in there if he gets fussy. It works well for us!
Now I'm due in January and I can't wait to wear a squish in a wrap again!!

Action Baby Carriers makes some wonderful baby carriers and we were lucky enough to receive the Robin's Egg Blue toddler carrier for us to use!



The Median Mommy: Preference for Prefolds Party GIVEAWAY #1




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Welcome to The Median Mommy's Preference for Prefolds Party, July 1-21!  July marks The Median Mommy's 1 year cloth diapering anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting her favorite cloth diapering option -- The Prefold!  With so many boutique-y diapers out there, the prefold is often an overlooked and underrated cloth diapering option.  To help spread the word (and prefold love) this month-long celebration is going to feature THREE great prefold prize packages and lots of posts pertaining to everything...PREFOLDS!

Without further adieu, let's introduce the first prize pack sponsors: