Mommy's Favorite Things: October 2012



Wednesday, October 31, 2012

New Jammies Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*




Kids always need pajamas. I find pajamas to be the one thing I buy the mot of in this house. Between the seasons changing and kids growing... I love using organics clothing as much as absolutely possible. I had heard of New Jammies a while back and knew I wanted to work with them. Well I finally got my chance!

They sent us a pair of the Christmas jammies for Emerson in an 18m


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Emerson is 10 months old!



ALREADY!!! 2 more months and he'll be 1!!

He was 17lb 7oz as of the 8th, and 27 3/4" long. Just a tiny little guy! He is standing on his own for upwards of 45 seconds at a time or so and he looks like he wants to take a step, but I don't think he's there yet. Avery was full on walking just past 11 months old, so I'm sure he'll be around the same timing!


Meet Luna!



I don't think I ever did a meet Luna post!!

We rescued Phoenix on Father's Day, you all know that! Well about 4-5 weeks ago now, we rescued Luna!
She's a really good cat, but 2 cats scheme together! They're both just about a year old, so they're young still. They're pretty crazy together, but it's fun!

Pretty much for the first month they wouldn't go anywhere near each other, but then one day I caught them cuddling!

They can't fool me anymore. They're finally friends!
So we have 2 wonderful kitties now and I adore them both!


Saturday, October 27, 2012

MUPS Shoes Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I absolutely adore this concept with these shoes. MUPS Shoes are shoes that have ornaments that velcro onto the toe of the shoes and change the look completely. 

We received the Mini Ballerina with Black Fur Lining for Avery with the Pom Pom Fur and also the Mups Logo ornament


Friday, October 26, 2012

Grace Adele Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I love purses. I think most women do. I don't have a lot of them, but I do love them. I love looking at all the new styles that are out and admiring them!

Scentsy has been mentioned quite a few times here on my blog! Well you know (from me) that they released Velata earlier this year. And recently they released Grace Adele which is purses, cell phone cases, clutches, Jewelry and accessories!

I got a chance to review the Mary Bag in Zebra, the Jane Clutch in Teal and the Teal Bling Clip On


Monday, October 22, 2012

Kelty Review and Discount Codes



I have heard of Kelty camping gear and their baby hiking carriers in the past, but it wasn't until recently that I knew they also made strollers. 

I was in need of a jogging stroller. I used to run track and school and I LOVE running (even if it's messed up my knees terribly), but I couldn't get out and go running with Emerson because I didn't have a jogging stroller. So I would go in the evenings, but that's the worst time to exercise. I contacted Kelty about their Speedster Swivel Deluxe and they said yes! I was sent the orange one for my review!
It came with the main stroller, 3 wheels and the sun shade!


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Newman's Own Pet Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I have done a few reviews for Newman's Own Organics now. I love all of their food and all of the items they have sent me in the past. When they asked if I had a pet and I said I had a cat (now 2!) they offered to send me some goodies for them! 

In the mail I got a bag of Adult Cat Formula as well as 2 larger cans and 4 smaller cans of wet food.


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Umi Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I have done many reviews for Umi now and I love that I'm a part of their blogging program because that means I get a new pair each season for one of my kids! Since Emerson isn't walking yet and doesn't really need shoes, I went with a pair for Avery. I chose the Kyrra in black and just love them!



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Bulu Box Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



Bulu Box is one of those Monthly Subscription Boxes. This one is for Vitamins and Supplements for health. You get 4-5 premium samples!



Litter Robot Review



This is probably one of my favorite things I've reviewed thus far. 

We got a cat on Father's Day, we rescued him from the Humane Society. Well cleaning a litter box is a pain in the butt, especially when nobody feels like doing it, then it piles up higher and higher and gets even stinkier. When I came across  the Litter-Robot I knew I had to contact them about doing a review for their automatic litter box. I was very lucky that they said yes, but they said I had to wait until September to get it!! September couldn't come fast enough!!

I was so happy to open this up!
Looks daunting, but it's really not.


Monday, October 15, 2012

Mi Cielo Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



Handmade clothes are the best, are they not? Whether made by you or someone else, the quality that goes into them is so much... more than regular clothes. I love receiving handmade and unique clothes for my kids and that's when Mi Cielo comes in. 

They sent Emerson this wonderful Kawaii Cooke Monster-ish tee!


ThredUP Review



I love finding wonderful companies that not only offer great clothes but also have great prices on them. ThredUP is like an eBay, but for children's clothes only and they are GREAT quality. You turn in your kids clothes to them in a pre paid envelope, then when they sell you get a profit of them in the form of a check. It's super easy!! I'm going to send in a huge bag of my kids clothes for them to sell.

ThredUP agreed to let me review their wonderful service! She sent me a code for $20 off and this is what I got (with FREE Shipping)
I got 4 articles of clothing in 18m for a total of $19.96 and the code she gave me included free shipping. The jeans I ordered are lined so they're nice and warm!



Kicky Pants Review



I have done a review for Kicky Pants before. I want to say it was 2 years ago now. They sent Avery a nice pair of pajamas and they're so soft. They still fit her (well they're a bit short), but we both love them. They have held up amazingly well and are doing just wonderful for her!!

So I was happy to contact them again and very happy when they said yes! This time they sent Emerson a pair of pajamas. The Twilight Caterpillar set!


Sunday, October 14, 2012

Zutano Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*




I love good quality clothes for my children. Clothes need to last a long time for them. When I had originally heard about Zutano I knew I wanted to try their clothes. I heard about them a couple years ago and I tried to win clothes of theirs in giveaways and I was never very successful. So I was lucky when I finally got a chance to review the line!!

I received Cowboys Baby Applique Tee and the matching Cowboys Baby Pant. Although this isn't my favorite set of theirs it's super adorable in person!
They randomly sent this outfit and must have known that Orange is Emerson's color!


Halloween Costumes Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I had Avery's costume all set and ready to go for this year (unfortunately it's too big and we had to choose another one) But I NEEDED one for Emerson. There were 4 costumes that I was in love with, but the 1 I loved the most was over everyone's review budget! Then I was finally able to secure another one of the 4 that I loved through Halloween Costumes. I couldn't wait to get our Monster costume and try it on Emerson.



Friday, October 12, 2012

25 DIY Christmas Gifts for Kids



Thanks for stopping by to check out my 25 DIY Christmas Gifts for Kids!

Times are tough, so making DIY Christmas Gifts makes things a lot cheaper and more affordable!

  1. Learn to Sew Kit (simple tutorial + photos)
  2. Candy Cane Playdough (tutorial + photos)
  3. Bucket of Fish(ing) (photos)
  4. Shape Stretchies (tutorial + photos)
  5. Mini Snuglet (tutorial (on another page) + photo)
  6. Glitter Playdough (tutorial + photos)
  7. Glitter Flats (instructions + photos)
  8. Art Caddy (simple tutorial + photos)
  9. Friendship Bracelet Kit (simple tutorial + photos)
  10. Girly Spa Kit (simple tutorial + photos)
  11. Bugsy Tic-Tac-Toe (simple tutorial + photo)
  12. Play kitchen from Entertainment Center (photo)
  13. Dino Hoodie (tutorial + photos)
  14. Family Photo Memory Game (tutorial + photos)
  15. Baby Animal Hats (tutorial + photos)
  16. Bean Bag Toss Game (tutorial + photos)
  17. Faux Makeup (simple tutorial + photos)
  18. Finger Puppet Kit (tutorial + photo)
  19. Snowman Kit (simple tutorial + photos)
  20. Pizza Shop (tutorial + photos)
  21. Hide & Seek Baby Jigsaw (simple tutorial + photo)
  22. Gnome Playhouse (simple tutorial + photo)
  23. Sock Bunny (tutorial + photos)
  24. Farmhouse Doll Bed & Bedding (tutorial + photos)
  25. Science Kit (supplies + photos)


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Halo for Pottery Barn Kids Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*




You all know my infatuation with Halo by now don't you? Well now they have released their new line Halo for Pottery Barn Kids. Let me tell you about the AMAZING new sleepsacks they have offered for Pottery Barn.
We received the gorgeous Jackson Whale for Emerson in the Medium which is for 6-12 months


25 DIY Halloween Costumes



Thanks for checking out my list of DIY Halloween Costumes for kids!

Growing up I had a few handmade costumes. I remember one year my mom made an Angel costume for me and she put a lot of time and thought into that costume. Sometimes handmade are the best :)

Here is a list of 25 DIY Halloween Costumes for you to check out and maybe make your child!!
Check out Slap Dash Mom for even more Halloween Costume ideas

  1. Toddler Sheep (photo)
  2. Train (photo)
  3. Zookeeper (simple tutorial + photos)
  4. Rainbow and other costumes (photo)
  5. Baby Octopus (simple tutorial + photo)
  6. Monarch Butterfly (tutorial + photo)
  7. Magician (simple tutorial + photo)
  8. Gnome (tutorial + photo)
  9. Artist (simple tutorial + photo)
  10. Super Mario Brothers (photos)
  11. Bright Peacock (simple tutorial + photos)
  12. Pink Owl (tutorial + photos)
  13. Peter Pan (tutorial + photos)
  14. Beauty Queen (simple tutorial + photo)
  15. Sunflower (tutorial + photo + video)
  16. Robot (tutorial + photo)
  17. Rocket Man (simple tutorial + photo)
  18. Detective (photo)
  19. Little Miss Sunshine (simple tutorial + photo)
  20. Pig in a Blanket (simple tutorial + photo)
  21. Peacock (tutorial + photo)
  22. Pippi Longstocking (simple tutorial + photo)
  23. Raggedy Ann (photo)
  24. Giraffe (tutorial + photo)
  25. Pochahontas (photo)


Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Natural Remedy: Elderberry Syrup Recipe



You all know how miserable the flu can be right? It's pretty terrible. 2 years ago the 3 of us all got sick with the Norovirus (not the real flu, but a different strain), it was terrible and we all got it one after the other so for a whole week one of us was sick. At that time I was just learning about Elderberry Syrup. I purchased a bottle on Amazon and I paid about $18 for an 8oz bottle. That was the sale price too.
Although this was worth it at the time and we started taking it and didn't get sick again the rest of that season (no colds or anything) once I learned I could make my own for a LOT cheaper I jumped on that chance.

Elderberries have been shown to prevent flu and speed recovery of those with the flu. It also helps lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health, and for coughs, colds, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis.


Natural Remedy: Master Tonic Information and Recipe



Have you heard of Master Tonic? I've been looking up natural remedies for sickness a lot lately. Usually around this time of the year we get lots of colds. We don't usually get seriously sick, but colds come and go like hot cakes. And now with an even younger one in the house it will be great to start treating for these sicknesses' now before they even start. Especially since Avery's in school and she comes in contact with AT LEAST 25 other students every day, she's bringing home a lot more germs.

Master Tonic is a natural treatment for a lot of infections. Mainly it can cure the common cold. It's anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial.

The reason it's so powerful is because of the fresh ingredients and because they are designed to stimulate blood circulation (which is quickest through the mouth) which helps introduce the detoxifying ingredients into your body.


Monday, October 8, 2012

Rothschild Review and Discount



Growing up I had heard of Rothschild many times. I used to have dressy coats from them with the muffs and everything. My grandma worked at Hudson's (now Macy's) and used to use her discount to buy me nice dressy church coats. I loved looking nice in my sharp coats in the winter. I LOVED those furry muffs they used to come with. 

I was super excited to get the chance to work with Rothschild for Avery. We don't need a dressy coat though, so I let them know a casual one would be best and they sent us the  Belted Swiss Dot Parka Coat in Black in a 5/6


Sunday, October 7, 2012

Boon Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I have very little experience with Boon, but the experience I do have is very good!

Last time we reviewed the bug pod and this time around they asked if I wanted to review the Whale Pod. I of course said yes. Now that Emerson is here and he plays with bath toys it's great for him to have his own pod to store his toys and bath products in. 



Saturday, October 6, 2012

Tiny Love Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I last reviewed the Mobile from Tiny Love and although Emerson never really used it as a mobile much, he LOVES the portable radio part of it and he loves the music it makes. He has even learned how to turn it on himself which is really cute. 

This time around we received 2 new toys to try out. We got the Follow Me Fred and the Musical Stack and Ball Elephant. 


Rainbow Polish Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I'm addicted to nail polish. I actually think that might be an understatement. I LOVE nail polish and I strive to have one of every color I can find. I have over 100 bottles (is that sad?) and yes they all get used :)

When I came across Rainbo Polish is was pretty different from anything I'd ever seen before so I knew I had to try it! I don't do very many sparkly polishes as they are difficult to take off, but I was willing to chance it with this because it's so gorgeous!
I received Scarab Beetle and Bubblegum



Thursday, October 4, 2012

Whole Fruit Review



I love finding new products to try, which was my main reason for starting a review blog. Not only did I want to find new products, but I wanted to introduce my readers to new products. So when J&J Snack Foods contacted me about reviewing their Whole Fruit Smoothie Cups I said YES!!

I got 1 package of each variety. 4 cups in each package.


Monday, October 1, 2012

Zolo Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*



I had heard of Zolo in the past, but never had any experience with them first hand. 
They have some VERY adorable items and I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. 

I received a set of Beanstax for Emerson and also 2 Zolo Creativity Sets, Gro Chart, and Round the Garden Book and Cards for Avery!