Thursday, March 27, 2014

Rainy Day Toddler Activity

It's spring break for us, and it's been raining almost the entire time. So what do you do with two kids when there's nothing fun you can do outside?

Last month, I got to start volunteering in G's classroom again. Last semester, I was helping as much as three times a week. With the return of the actual teacher from maternity leave, and with the addition of my own pregnancy progress. My time has been cut back to once a week. It's sad because I miss working with the kids and getting to spend that little extra time with G, but it's also been nice getting back a little one-on-one time with N.

I got to help out in the class on their 100 Day Celebration. One of the activities was counting out 100 fruit loops ten stringing them onto some yarn for a necklace. (Okay, they weren't name brand Fruit Loops, but the kids will never know or care). Anyways, N was in love with it at first sight, and G didn't have much of a chance to keep the necklace he'd spent so much time working on. Good thing fruit-flavored, circle-shaped cereal is cheap!
Rainy Day Toddler Activity: cereal necklace

Here's how we did it at home:
Rainy Day Toddler Activity: cereal necklace

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

ReCollected Custom Jewelry Review

Last month, I was given the opportunity to work with a local artist who made a custom piece of jewelry for me. Doesn't that just sound posh? I love it. And when I opened the package, I was not disappointed.
Re:Collected Pieces custom jewelry - repurposed jewelry, photo or artwork pendants and ornaments: review

Tabitha is the owner of ReCollected Pieces. She is based here in Portland, Oregon, but ships worldwide.

She used photos of my kids to make a double sided pendant in the shape and metal of my choice. I don't wear a lot of gold jewelry, but I thought it would go well with the sun washed effect in the pictures I chose. I'm so happy with how it turned out. N and I opened this together and we were both very excited about the finished product. I love showing off my kids anyway, and this is just one more option for me!
Re:Collected Pieces custom jewelry - repurposed jewelry, photo or artwork pendants and ornaments: review
Re:Collected Pieces custom jewelry - repurposed jewelry, photo or artwork pendants and ornaments: review

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Spray Pal #miniSPbdaybash Giveaway (closed)

Spray Pal #miniSPbdaybash Giveaway

The creators of Spray Pal are celebrating their son's second birthday this month with a GIGANTIC giveaway. Shortly after getting the Spray Pal on the market, their son (nicknamed "Mini Spray Pal 2.0") was born 3-1/2 months early. They were finally able to bring Mini SP 2.0 home after a seven month stay in the NICU.

There have been a lot of complications due to his early arrival, but he's been a fighter. He's undergone numerous surgeries, has become profoundly deaf in both ears, suffers visual impairment, and he's still having to be fed through a feeding tube - to give you an idea of what his life is like. And with serious lung issues requiring oxygen during flu season, big birthday parties have been out of the question. Having overcome so much, and looking forward to FINALLY receiving his cochlear implant in the very near future, we're all in agreement that some kind of celebration is in order. This kid is an inspiration in overcoming obstacles and remaining positive through adversity. And today is his birthday.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

More Options from eMeals: plus garlic shrimp and linguine recipe

I am an eMeals blogger, and receive my subscription in exchange for promoting their services. I am also an affiliate - as such, I receive compensation if you choose to purchase a subscription of your own through one of my links. 

eMeals has been rolling out quite a few new programs in the past few months. I'm honestly most excited for their new Costco Family Plan. This is great for people (like me) who already have a Costco membership but have always felt like regular grocery shopping needs to be done at a traditional grocery store. The plan is super helpful in that it even gives tips on how to break up and store all the food you'll be buying - even better since the plan accounts for two weeks at a time instead of only one.
eMeals Costco sample plan
I don't mind grocery shopping (although, I admittedly get to go alone), but I know some people who absolutely dread it. Who wouldn't appreciate only having to go every other week? Think of the time it frees up to do more important things. Like read. Or nap. I could so go for a nap right about now...

Monday, March 10, 2014

DIY Maternity Jeans Makeover: no going back

So for some weird reason (maybe it's my new-found money management habits or the fear this truly is my last pregnancy), I've been ridiculously gunshy about buying maternity clothes this pregnancy. The only maternity clothes I started out with this time was a swimsuit - not helpful.

At first, I could get by wearing clothes I'd shrunk out of last year working with Shaklee. Realistically, I should have known that could only last so long. I was lucky at Christmas, and my sister-in-law gifted me a maxi dress, one long sleeved tshirt, and one short sleeved tshirt. Those pieces quickly became the center of my wardrobe when my belly hit a growth spurt in January. 

I finally "splurged" and bought 4 long sleeved tops on clearance from Old Navy, a set of 2 pairs of leggings and a pair of pajama bottoms on sale at Motherhood. Then, I bit the bullet and bought a pair of maternity jeans (on sale) from The Gap. 

Now it's March and those maternity pants are the only ones that fit, aside from a size large pair of yoga pants (thank you spandex). Something had to give, but I just wasn't bringing myself back to the maternity departments. Which brings us here: 
DIY Maternity Jeans Makeover: a cloth life {blog}

Friday, March 7, 2014

Mr. Peabody & Sherman: movie review

I was recently contacted to see if I'd be interested in attending an advanced screening of the latest animated release from DreamWorks, "Mr. Peabody & Sherman." In all honesty, I had no idea what the movie was about. Knowing it was aimed towards kids, I checked in with my 6 year old to gauge his interest and see if this was something we should follow up with. The kid knew EXACTLY what the movie was about. Well, as much as a 6 year old can glean from the trailer, at least. Based on his excitement, plans were made, and our little family of four was set to see a movie in the theater all together.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman: movie review

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

My Health Heroes

Who keeps you healthy? I think we all have different reasons for keeping healthy. Most people will tell you to do it for yourself. While that's great and all - when do you REALLY put yourself first for your own sake? Maybe it's just me, but I rarely (if ever) do.
My Health Heroes: Who Keeps You Healthy?

The fact that I feel better, that I look better, and that I can feel better about myself - it's all just bonuses. I love that I am 1. setting a good example for my kids, and 2. allowing myself to be a better mom for my kids. It's not about being skinnier. Skinnier moms do not better moms make, right? But a healthier mom? A mom who can run and keep up with her kids? Who can provide healthy snacks and activities and participate in her kids lives? Yeah, that's a better mom.