Product Review: My First Book Series

Books are big in our house.  Addie has an entire bookcase full of them and she does not share well when it comes to her books.  If there was one thing she had to pick out of all of her toys, she'd likely choose her books.  I think this comes from me being a big reader when I was younger.  I could sit and read an entire book in one day, when I was 10.  It's what brought me a lot of joy, the imagination I got to experience with each book I read.  So books are important to me and to my kids.

So when Sophie Helenek reached out to me to see if I had interest in having Graham review her books I was all over it.  The My First Book series is fantastic for babies because each page includes some great contrasting images.  Those black and white pages for younger babies who see only in black and white.  There are also pages full of color and along with each image is a word the parent can say aloud to help baby to recognize the images by your voice.

The books are great!  Graham loves the eye catching pictures.  There are really so many great features to the books that a parent may overlook.  The black and white pages, the eye catching color pages, the line that borders each page to help draw babies attention back to the subject and each letter of the word is in a different color. 

They're the perfect size for babies little hands and are a sturdy board book for that teething stage that Graham is currently in.  Even at nearly 4, Addie is also digging the books but she is my bookworm!

Check out Sophie's page on Amazon where you can purchase these books.  They make a great baby shower gift to start out new babies book collection.  You can also keep up with the My First Book series via Twitter.

-stephanie

Strawberry Picking

A couple weeks ago I saw that a local farm was promoting their u-pick strawberries so I packed everyone into the car at 8am to race over before the fields were picked over.

Addie was in heaven.  Hardly any strawberries she picked made it into the basket.  Most made it to her mouth and that was it.

Strawberry picking is hard work when you're baby wearing so I highly suggest bringing along a friend or a husband to help out.

I also highly suggest wearing closed shoes.  Flip flops + itchy pokey hay = not a happy girl.

Graham did pass out briefly.  The reflection in my sunglasses is so pretty.  Fields of green.

Addie finally filled her basket full of strawberries.

The farm also had fresh made, warm strawberry donuts.  I'm sort of a plain jane girl when it comes to donuts but omg, the strawberry donut was amazing!

Blackberry picking is next on our summer to do list!

-stephanie

Quirkie Kids

Growing up I was always the quiet kid who didn't make friends easily because I was always in the background.  I nearly won the title 'Most Shy' in my senior yearbook because of it.  I wasn't very confident in myself and a lot of that is because I was super aware of everyone else around me being criticized for what they said, who they hung out with and what they were wearing.  Because of this, I tried my hardest to wear what everyone else was wearing, never standing out and being subject to mean remarks.

As many people do, I grew up and learned a lot about myself.  Looking back, high school was a tough time but I now realize, it was a tough time for nearly everyone for one reason or another.  We're all the same, we put our pants on one leg at a time even though they may be different sizes.  Being more confident and comfortable I've been able to try new things, wear clothes I wouldn't normally wear and enjoy it.  I hope I can pass along the same message to my kids and luckily there are companies like Quirkie Kids who can help.

QUIRKIE KIDS is a line of pink tees for girls AND boys.

Our tees feature playful designs of things not typically associated with the color pink.

We believe that ALL kids should be free to wear pink regardless of their gender.

Some kids like green. Some kids like blue. And some kids like pink and we say: why not?

Let me first say it's really hard to snap a good picture of an 8 month old and a 3.5 year old who doesn't like her brother touching her.  :)

Back to the stuff you want to know about Quirkie Kids...

I love, love, love these tees & onesies.  You can find the tees in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 and the onesies in 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18 and 18-24 months. The soft tees are proudly made in the USA.  You can follow Quirkie Kids on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for all the latest updates.

I seriously cannot  get enough of the cuteness with both of my kids but Graham and that rhino onesie.  dead.

Check them out and tell them I sent you!

-stephanie

Product Review & Giveaway: Matilda Jane Clothing

Over the past 7 or so months, I've fallen in love with Matilda Jane Clothing.  I had a chance to review some of their clothing (or Addie did) back in the fall here and again earlier this year here.  So when they reached out to me again to check out some of their newer items I couldn't resist.  Right now I'm dying over so many cute looks they have to offer.  Some of my favorites are the Ladybug Bubble for the itty bitties and I really like the All a Flutter Peasant Top for Addie.

Addie is wearing the Cloudy Puffer Tee, the Love Bug Knot Top and Sweetheart Ruffled Leggings from the It's a Wonderful Parade collection.  It's all so cute!

One of our favorite things about Matilda Jane Clothing, other than the fabulous quality, is that you can take any item and easily mix and match within the same collection. That means dad doesn't have to worry about matching up your girls.

Giveaway  The great people at Matilda Jane are offering one of my readers the chance to win a $50 gift card to Matilda Jane!

How to Enter  Just follow the instructions in the Raffelcopter widget below.  Make sure you complete the first task as it is a mandatory task.  Once you complete the mandatory task, all other tasks are optional but do increase your chances to win!  The giveaway is open to US only and will close at midnight on Wednesday, June 4, 2014.  Good Luck!

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Addie's First Haircut

Addie is now 3 years and 4 months old and finally got her first haircut.  That's right, the first.  No trims, nothing until now.  Her hair has been out of control, gets tangled easily and just looked like a mess.  After speaking with my hair stylist (who has a daughter) and asked her opinion.  She suggested getting a trim which would probably help out with the thin, fine hair she has that constantly is tangled.

I really didn't want to spend a lot since she was literally getting a small snippet off.  But I decided it was the first so we went to Cookie Cutters.  She asked that Graham come because she was scared but it was nap time for Graham so I promised ice cream if she did well.

Sheepy was able to come though and he got his hair combed.

She loved the place.  They have a play area, games, toy machines, etc to keep the kids occupied.

She sat patiently, though she kept trying to see what was going on behind her.  She ate a sucker and watched a movie while the stylist quickly cut her hair and gave her a cute braid.

Then we had ice cream.

-stephanie

DIY: Dollhouse for Addie

This year for Addie's birthday I knew I wanted to give her a dollhouse but I didn't want to just buy a dollhouse.  One, they're super expensive for a nice one and two, I wanted her to have something she could keep forever that I built her. So I scoured Pinterest to find ideas on what other people did.  I realized I had the perfect starting piece.

This cheap bookcase that I purchased probably 15 years ago from Target when I was 17 living with my parents.  It had sat in our office filled with books we never read until we switched the office into Graham's nursery.  After a little cleaning, painting and "wall" additions, we had a dollhouse in need of furnishing.

I added scrapbook paper that I found at Hobby Lobby & Joann's to each of the back walls with spray adhesive.

The bunting I made out of a piece of fabric and paint cards I got from Home Depot and then cut up into triangles.

This room was intended to be the playroom.

This room was intended to be "Graham's room but that ugly painting needs re-painted.

This room was intended to be "mom & dad's" room.  I made the painting on the left from mini canvas' at Joann's.  

The picture on the back wall was from a frame I found at Hobby Lobby then painted black and inserted the Mr. & Mrs. sign.

This isn't the clearest picture but the little mirror was found at Hobby Lobby.

The fun bathroom.  I found the wooden furniture through Overstock which I would not recommend.  It took me forever to pop each piece out, sand it down and then paint.  Not fun.

I'm planning to keep my eye's open this spring at yard sales to find old dollhouse furniture I can spruce up.

The kitchen is one of my least favorite rooms but again, once I find that furniture it may help out.

This is my favorite wall.  A fun sparkly scrapbook paper with lots of glitter to it.  Furniture sucks but I'm working on that.  The photo here is again one I made.

I found Addie some "people" for her to play with at Hobby Lobby. They're in desperate need of a makeover but that's on the bottom of my list.  I can't wait to see how it all evolves.  Addie isn't really big into it at this point but I think she'll enjoy it more once I get better pieces for her to play with.

-stephanie

Recipes: Bacon & Broccoli Quiche

Last week I posted about all the food we made at the baby shower for our friend Katie.  I hate when blogs don't share recipes so get yourself ready to save these.  So yummy and so easy.  Do we notice a trend there?  I'm all about easy recipes.  This one boggles my mind because the quiches are so good and seem like they would be a lot of work and a lot of ingredients when they're not.  The bacon was the worst part.



Bacon Quiche
1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry
1/4c sliced green onions
1tbs butter
6 eggs
1 1/2c heavy whipping cream
1/4c unsweetened apple juice
1lb sliced bacon, cooked & crumbled
1/8tsp salt
1/8tsp pepper
2c shredded swiss cheese

Broccoli Quiche
1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry
1/4c sliced green onions
1tbs butter
6 eggs
1 1/2c heavy whipping cream
1/4c unsweetened apple juice
1 10oz bag of frozen broccoli
1/8tsp salt
1/8tsp pepper
2c shredded swiss cheese

Line pan with crust.  In a small skillet saute green onions & butter. In large bowl, whisk eggs, cream & juice.  Stir in bacon or broccoli (or bacon & broccoli if you're crazy), salt, pepper and onions.  Pour into crust & sprinkle with cheese.  Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes until clean center.

Enjoy friends!

-stephanie

Product Review & Giveaway: GooseWaddle Blankets

Note: I received this product free in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions are that, mine and true.

You know how you go to your baby shower and you're loaded up with gifts from friends and family?  Inevitably you're going to get a baby blanket.  Scratch that, you'll probably get 5 baby blankets.  There's something about women and baby blankets and they just can't seem to not purchase one as a gift.  If you have that problem, then you're going to want to pay close attention to the rest of this post.  I recently had the chance to review GooseWaddle baby blankets and I am in love.  

"GooseWaddle is an extraordinary new line of ultra-high-quality quality blankets.  Exquisitely soft and oh-so-comfy, our premium blankets are thoughtfully designed and superbly crafted using the finest materials.  Available in classic colors and in full-sized blanket or loveable "blankie size."   

I selected white because I'm a fan of just about everything neutral.  When the package arrived I rushed into the house, opened the box and grabbed the blanket and nearly dropped it.  Seriously, never have I ever felt anything so soft.  If I could have a GooseWaddle blanket come in King size I may never leave my bed.  I instantly pulled the blanket up to my face and rubbed it on my cheeks, signed like I was in heaven and thought, "Graham is going to love this".  



And he does.  He rubs his cherub face all over that blanket and has, on a couple occasions, tried to eat it.  Here's where things get really fun...

Giveaway GooseWaddle is offering one of my readers the chance to win a $50 gift certificate!

How to Enter  Just follow the instructions in the Raffelcopter widget below.  Make sure you complete the first task as it is a mandatory task.  Once you complete the mandatory task, all other tasks are optional but do increase your chances to win! Open to US  only and will close at midnight on Monday, March 10, 2014.  Good Luck!

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S'mores Dessert Pizza

With everyone in my house sick with a cold we spent all weekend lounging around and enjoying some quiet time in.  Last night was the last of those nights before another crazy week started so we decided to make it a pizza night.  Addie made her own little cheese pizza and I made a pizza for Rick and me to share.  We had a little leftover pizza crust so I made a fun dessert pizza with all the toppings for a s'more!

This looks pretty prior to cooking, but still tastes heavenly!

Ingredients
Pizza crust - we use Jiffy
Chocolate of some variety - I used hot fudge sauce
Graham crackers - crumbled up
Mini marshmallows

I highly suggest making your pizza crust and cooking it partially before loading your toppings.

Spread your chocolate around the pizza, then top with graham crackers & mini marshmallows.  Bake in the oven at approximately 425.  Toast the rest of the way until marshmallows start browning.  Cut & enjoy!

-stephanie

Product Review: Little Pim

NOTE:  I received this product free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions are mine and not influenced by the promotional value.

Exposing my kids to different languages and cultures has been important to me.  I feel like children who are exposed to different languages and cultures, grow into respectable, more intelligent adults.  So Little Pim reached out to me recently to review their product and I was excited!

Little Pim is a foreign language company that introduces children betwen the ages of 0 and 5 to a foreign language using DVDs, music CDs, flashcards, and books.  I selected Spanish because both Rick and I took Spanish in high school and we've both been to Mexico several times and will continue to travel there.  

The DVDs arrived in a 3 pack set focusing on different areas children commonly deal with.  Addie loves the little Panda that pops in throughout the show and is now repeating words from the DVD.

The other day she said, "Hola!" to me and I thought, where did you pick that up.  She promptly asked to watch the panda show and started repeating, "los platanos" (bananas).

When you check out the Little Pim's website, a customer service agent chat box will appear to assist in your questions and/or purchase.  There are a wide variety of languages you can purchase from, check out some samples here.  I highly suggest you try out some of their products for your little ones.  This age group is very important for learning new things and we know how "spongelike" their brains are!

-stephanie

Product Review & Giveaway: Matilda Jane Clothing

I enjoyed the Matilda Jane clothing giveaway so much last time that I decided to do another one for you!  I know how much each of you appreciated the opportunity so here it is again!  Addie received so many compliments on her outfit from the last giveaway and when she got the next outfit, we enjoyed it all over again.  

As mentioned in the last post, each item in the collection is meant to be worn interchangeably with the other pieces so you never have to worry about matching items.  

Addie's wearing the Stippling Tee, Gallery Leggings, and the Turtle Dove Knot Top.  I just can't get enough of their clothes!

Giveaway  The great people at Matilda Jane are offering one of my readers the chance to win a $50 gift card to Matilda Jane!

How to Enter  Just follow the instructions in the Raffelcopter widget below.  Make sure you complete the first task as it is a mandatory task.  Once you complete the mandatory task, all other tasks are optional but do increase your chances to win!  The giveaway is open to US only and will close at midnight on Tuesday, January 14, 2014.  Good Luck!

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Toddler Activities

I'm officially back to work from maternity leave. I'm sad because I didn't have the luxury of taking off 12 weeks like I did with Addie.  Benefits this time around just weren't what they were last time.  It sucks.  I'm not happy about it, but I tried to appreciate the days I did have with them.  While I was off I tried to get out a bit with Addie to make sure she got to enjoy my time with her.  I know she was aware how much time I was spending with Graham and wanted to make sure she felt like she was getting some attention as well.  So each week, I tried to do something with her in mind while keeping on a budget.  Again, those benefits...

Week 1 - Chick-fil-a.  What kid doesn't love Chick-fil-a?!  Lunch and play time, it doesn't get much better than that.  Cost:  FREE plus the cost of lunch.

Week 2 - DeMonye's Greenhouse.  It's a local greenhouse that sells your typically plants in the spring/summer, pumpkins in fall and Christmas trees & wreaths in the winter.  DUring the entire month of October they had the place set up for kids to enjoy.  Bounce house, creepy popcorn hands, various crafts, kid friendly haunted house, baby pigs and each kid got a small pumpkin, flower to plant and a goodie bag.  Cost:  $6.

Week 3 - Easton Splash Pad.  In Columbus, we're lucky to have a great mall.  Seriously it's amazing!  In the summer, they have a splash pad with fountains for the kids to play in.  On my third week of leave we had an 80 degree day so I grabbed her swimsuit and let her run!  Cost:  FREE

Week 4 - Creepside.  In our local community, they have a big event every Halloween for local businesses to set up and pass out candy to little trick or treaters down the main road.  Addie loved it though she was creeped out by a few costumes.  Cost:  FREE.

Week 5 - Local metro park.  We're lucky enough in Columbus to have several great metro parks so we love to take advantage of them.  We're even luckier to have one nearly right around the corner from us.  Addie loves gathering all the acorns and buckeyes on the ground.  Cost:  FREE.

 

Week 6 - IKEA.  Who doesn't love IKEA.  It's an addiction for me.  Rick hates it.  I don't think Addie loved it either but her and Rick had a good time riding around in those spinning carts.  We stopped in KY to eat lunch at a German place and she slammed on some food.  Cost:  FREE plus the cost of gas and lunch.

Week 7 - We skipped a week.  Stayed home and enjoyed our time together.  We ate some popcorn and watched some movies.  Cost:  FREE.

Week 8 -  Chick-fil-a.  Because who doesn't love Chick-fil-a more than once?

Moral?  There are plenty of ways to enjoy your maternity leave with your newborn as well as your toddler.  Just do some googling and if you have a local Macaroni Kid, sign up because they always have great free activity suggestions.

-stephanie

Product Review & Giveaway: Matilda Jane

I recently had the opportunity to try out Matilda Jane clothing and fell in love.  I absolutely love Matilda Jane for their unique clothing options for kids.  How cool is it that you never have to worry about matching up an outfit because all of their clothes are designed to be interchangeable and match up with any item.  This is especially awesome in our house because Rick doesn't know which shirts go with which pants in her drawer.  Let's be honest, the guy asks me everyday what color shoes he should wear with his black belt!

When Addie received her package she couldn't wait to try on the clothes.  In fact, she wore the outfit on my discharge date from the hospital for our first family photo!  Super cute!  We got to try out the Skyview Puffer Tee, leggings and Turtledove Knot Top which are all part of the Paint by Numbers collection.  I actually didn't realize Matilda Jane also sold women's clothing and am loving that Addie and I can coordinate outfits without completely matching.

Ignore the shoes, remember Rick is dressing her.

Giveaway  The great people at Matilda Jane are offering one of my readers the chance to win a $50 gift card to Matilda Jane!

How to Enter  Just follow the instructions in the Raffelcopter widget below.  Make sure you complete the first task as it is a mandatory task.  Once you complete the mandatory task, all other tasks are optional but do increase your chances to win!  The giveaway is open to US only and will close at midnight on Monday, August 4, 2013.  Good Luck!

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Product Love: FabKids

I recently found FabKids and am loving it! It's a monthly subscription where you get to choose outfits for your children based on their style profile.  So the first thing you do is complete a style profile quiz, based on the results, FabKids will show you what fits that style as well as all the other style options for the month.  If you like what you see, you purchase your months subscription!  Here's one of Addie's outfits.

It also came with a skirt but it has been a bit chilly to rock the skirt look.

FabKids will cost you $39.95 per month for the outfit you choose.  If you decide you don't like the months options or just want to hold for a month, you simply go into your account and skip the month!  Best part of all, your first order is 50% off!  That means you can get an entire outfit for $19.95.  You should totally sign up at least for the first month since it's such a great deal.  Read more here. 

-stephanie