Welcome to Monday Mingle! Please hop over to Eighty MPH Mom's blog to link in your vlog or to watch others. This is a great way to get to know other bloggers and let your readers get to know you.
My video has a little extra time tacked on to the end of it again this week for my "Coffee Talk". So, if you're just here for the mingle, you can stop the video after the last question and you won't have to listen to me ramble on. :) ;)
If you've been following my blog for a bit, you'll know that my son and I have been able to check out the Disney On Ice shows and share with you about our experience. Last night, Alex and I headed out for our "date" to see Let's Celebrate. I'll say right off the bat, this show is still in town through tomorrow and I HIGHLY recommend seeing it.
A friend of mine went to see the show on Wed. and she told me it was her favorite show so far. I was intrigued by that but I waited to see it for myself before I agreed or disagreed with her. Well, I can tell you with confidence that somehow, someway, the Disney On Ice shows continue to get better. I agree that this one is the best yet.
Alex and I really enjoyed this show that covers many different kinds of celebrations. From birthdays, to summer vacation, to Christmas and in between; Mickey Mouse and the gang covers all sorts of fun celebrations. A few of the favorite parts for Alex were the birthday party with Alice in Wonderland, seeing Mickey Mouse in China, and seeing the gang from Toy Story. Personally, I really enjoyed how Princess Tiana was included in the show along with Mardi Gras. It was so bright and colorful and the music was very fun. (I haven't seen The Princess and The Frog yet but will be seeing it for review soon.)
Here are some pictures from our experience:
*Alex and his new binoculars*
*A very merry un-birthday*
*"Girl talk" about Valentine's Day.*
*The toys are back in town*
*Minnie in Japan*
And finally, this is THE moment of the evening that I adored. This little girl wanted to say "Hi" to Minnie so badly but was starstruck instead. Just a piece of Disney magic for you.
**The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way. Other opinions may vary. I received tickets to the show from Feld Entertainment for posting this information.**
Thank heavens, it's Friday! (Don't mind me. I have a sore throat and I'm being a big baby.)
It's time for some "Aloha" fun with Kailani from An Island Life! If you would like to join in, click the link and see her rules on how to play so you can link yours in. Basically, it's a simple question/answer meme. EZ-PZ
Here's my question for the day:
Do you sew, knit, or crochet?
I like to sew from time to time. My most recent project was a crayon apron for Alex's friend. As for knitting and crocheting, that's not my speed. I always say "it's a migraine waiting to happen". For some reason, I just can't wrap my brain around the mechanics of it. However, if I could, I'd be creating some darling hats for Eliana right now.
Here's a pic of the apron for the curious readers. :) *Click it to enlarge.*
Have you heard of Tommee Tippee? I hadn't until just recently and decided to sign up to try out a bottle and sippy cups for my kiddos. Of course, I have to be honest here. When I see new brand names claiming to sell outstanding items for my kids, I tend to get a little skeptical. "How is one bottle possibly better than another?"
I'm happy to report, that we've been using Tommee Tippee products in our home for a little over a week and I, as a mom, couldn't be happier with them.
First up, I'll tell you about our experience with the Closer To Nature bottles. We were sent one bottle and one pack of 3 months+ bottle nipples for Eliana to try out.
Initially, I thought everything about this bottle looked to be unique but I wasn't sure how Eliana would take to a different bottle and if the nipple would be effective in reducing gassiness. After using it, though, I was quite impressed.
The bottle is molded in such a way that it makes holding it much easier for me. (When Eliana begins to hold her own bottle, this shape will be much easier for her to grasp than a round bottle.) Also, the bottle's nipple is made to bend and flex with Eliana's natural feeding habits. I was a tad bit confused by this at first as I had never witnessed her feeding from a bottle that way. However, she was far less messy using this bottle and seemed less fussy overall. It was actually pretty neat and I was happy that she was so content.
Alex was sent a set of Explora Truly Spill Proof Drink Cups in blue/green. These cups are completely different than the other sippy cups I've seen in stores. They're made for children ages 24 months+ and are specifically designed to help older toddlers learn how to drink from a glass.
Alex has been drinking rather successfully from these cups and has a new-found boldness for drinking out of my glass. (Which always makes me giggle.) He's mostly excited to be able to use his own "big boy" cups now that he has the hang of it. However, the "mom" in me really enjoys these cups for my own reasons. I love how they keep his drinks cold for long periods of time and that they're spill proof so he can still drink like a "big boy" on the go without making a mess of my diaper bag. Awesome.
Did I mention Tommee Tippee's products are BPA free? 'Nuff said, right? I love that they're safe for my children to use but affordable at the same time. There's also an entire line of items beyond the bottle and sippy cup I reviewed. I'm very curious about their pacifiers and tableware so if you happen to check those out, you'll have to come back here and tell me what you think.
If you'd like to try these out for yourself, you can visit their website or check your local Babies"R"Us store. Also go ahead and click to read the Company Background to learn more about Tommee Tippee.
I received the reviewed items from Tommee Tippee in exchange for a write up as a reviewer for the Mom Bloggers Club. The opinions expressed are my own and may be different from others.
I've been enjoying and falling crazy in love with my new range and over the range microwave from Frigidaire. (Just for the record, falling in love with an appliance is completely legal.) From having more space, to enjoying the ease of use for faster results, and more, I have A LOT to fill you in on with this range.
I'd like to begin with the "wow" factor, though. So, I'll show you what a difference it's made in my own, humble home. Here's "Before".
Please try not to be too shocked with the before. I do have an explanation for that. When we received the measurements for the over the range microwave, we wanted to make sure it was flush with the bottom of the cabinet next to it after installation. So, we took the original hood off and had someone alter the size of the cabinet for us. I just forgot to get a picture of the hood before it was gone.
Anyway, do you see how crowded that counter is next to the original range? That small area makes a big difference in my kitchen as the other counter tops are pretty well occupied with canisters and small appliances. Also, it was very hard to do any prep work on that little counter for meals.
Sheesh...what a mess. Thank goodness for the "after". Allow me to introduce you to my
Ah, now that looks good. Right? What's that? Oh! You want to know about that extra counter space. Here, have a look-see for yourself.
Like I said earlier, I have a few fun things to show you about these items and I'll be doing that over the next couple of months. Hopefully, you'll find that you get to know these items very well as I learn them and share what I know. So far, I can say for certain, the protective coating on the stainless steel is awesome. I've not had to wipe off any finger prints yet. I feel so spoiled. :)
I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a FrigidaireRange/Microwave to facilitate my review.
There is nothing I enjoy more than making my home displays unique from the "average Joe". I like to put my own, personal touches on everything and enjoy the idea of being "different". If you're anything like me, you're really going to enjoy this post.
Creative Memories is known for their scrap booking items but they also sell wonderful home displays that stylishly hold your personally created display. Whether you want to show off your recent picks, post up a calender to keep organized, or both. These displays offer a clean canvas for you to decorate and change to your heart's content. Allow me to show you what I mean.
This display offers much more than just a blank canvas. I've decided to hang mine in the living room where I can share the latest and greatest things like pictures, my son's art, a calender, cards, etc.
Includes
• 1 Keepsake Display • 6 magnets
Features
• Framed, magnetic front door • Front door stays closed through magnetized closure • Inside features French bulletin board • Main compartment with removable ledge • Hooks • Double elastic strap • Display can turn 180 degrees so door can open to the left or right
I plan on changing mine every month with new background papers, a calender, and any other items I decide to put up. In between months, I can store all of my paper, embellishments, and other items inside. I can also use the French Bulletin board to stick up pictures, leave myself notes, or put up business cards.
I especially like the double elastic that hooks to hold all of my things in place. There's also a hook to hold a spare key inside.
I love it! It's the perfect way for me to be personalize my home while staying organized. The fact that it stores everything I use to decorate it (and then some), is the biggest selling point for me. I live in a small home and this makes life easier as I don't have to find storage space elsewhere.
I'd also like to tell you about the Everyday Display from Creative Memories. This comes in 3 different colors; black, chocolate, and white. I was sent the Everyday Display in White along with the Display Accents for a baby girl and baby boy.
Includes
• An 18 x 18-inch frame with beveled edges • A 13½ x 13½ fabric-covered magnetic board inside the frame • Six white decorative magnets for attaching items to the magnetic board • A thin white ribbon stretched across the lower portion of the magnetic board • Six white clothespins on the ribbon to hang additional items • A white ribbon and a decorative peg for hanging the frame
Features
• Frame finished in weathered-look white
Includes
• 1 sheet of 12-inch double-sided paper • 1 die-cut sheet of 12-inch double-sided paper • 1 12 x 12 sheet of perforated journaling boxes • 1 12 x 12 sheet of die-cuts • 1 sheet of Title Stickers • 8 5 x 7 photo mats • 8 5 x 7 journaling boxes • 1 magnetic pocket • 4 magnets • 1 printed growth chart sheet
I knew right away where this would go. I had the hubster hang it in my children's bedroom and got to decorating it right away for Eliana. Here's what it looks like right now.
On this display, I plan to use the display accents to update the pictures of Eliana as we watch her grow over her first year. There are note cards where I can keep track of her growth, write her a note about different things like why we chose her name, and there are papers just waiting for her milestone photos all the way up to her first birthday. I look forward to changing the display and keeping the notes I write for her in the little folder that's stuck on the display board with a magnet. Using the clothespins on the ribbon makes it fun to add little things or more photos and give the display another dimension.
Finally, I'd like to share with you about the Picfolio Milestones albums, sleeves, and kits. Since I'm not big into scrapbooking, this is the perfect option for me. They can be easily put together and changed. To show you a bit about them, I've put together a video review for you.
These items from Creative Memories make the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys adding their own personal touch to the things they display or share with family/friends. Visit the website for even more gift ideas, plan a party for your home, or become a consultant.
THE GIVEAWAY!! (Now Closed)
You can win 1 of 4Everyday Displays for your home!!! That's right. Creative Memories will give one Everyday Display to 4 winners. :) (A $52.00 value per display.)
To enter:
Visit Creative Memories and tell me one specific thing you found that you would like for yourself. (i.e. a scrapbooking kit, embellishments, etc.)
Your initial entry and each extra entry should include your e-mail address. If it's not included, you're not entered.
For additional entries:
Blog about this giveaway with links to this giveaway and Creative Memories. *3 extra entries* (comment with a link to your post. leave 3 numbered and separate comments to make sure you get all 3 entries.)
Grab my button for your sidebar. (Click "Grab a button" on my sidebar)
Grab my April Showers event button for your sidebar.
Subscribe to my blog by e-mail through feedburner(at the top of the right sidebar. comment with the e-mail address you subscribed with)
Subscribe to my feed (at the top of the right sidebar)
Follow my blog (the middle of the left sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter @TheMrsC (comment with your twitter name)
Tweet about this giveaway with “Win 1 of 4 Everyday Displays from Creative Memories! (A $52 value) @TheMrsC @Creative_Mems” (comment with a link to your tweet)
Once daily retweets are available for extra entries. Leave a comment with a link to your daily tweet
Please leave a separate comment for each entry. This giveaway will run until March 10th at 11:59pm ET. The winners will be selected by using random.org and will be contacted and announced on March 11th. If the prizes are not claimed within 48 hours, I will randomly select another winner(s).
** Thanks to Creative Memories for displays and an album with sleeves to review.**
**This review is based strictly on my experience and opinion. I was not compensated in any way for the review itself or to influence my choice of words. Others may not agree with my opinion.**
Welcome to Monday Mingle as hosted by Eighty MPH Mom! If you'd like to play along, just click the link to get over to Jen's site. Today, I'm answering her questions and also throwing in some "Coffee Talk" about house hunting.
Here are the questions for this week:
1. Name your 5 favorite movies 2. What is the most requested/favorite meal in your house? 3. Is your husband/partner/significant other into sports? If so, does it irritate you when he/she watches, or do you join in?
During my childhood, I can remember seeing Johnson's Baby products in my home all the time. I remember their scents and pair those memories with everything from splashing in the bath tub to helping care for my brother who is 8 years younger than I am.
Now, as a mom of 2, my first instinct is to buy the same products for my kids. I love the smell of my children's hair after using the shampoo and the smell of my baby's skin after putting the baby oil on her skin. And as if that weren't enough, I'm thoroughly enjoying the newest item from Johnson's Baby for it's calming scent and gentle care; Bedtime Bubble Bath. It's made to give off a calming scent when added to warm water so it's the perfect way to end a day and get my little ones ready to dream.
I was recently sent the following items for review in my home: Johnson’s Pink lotion, Head to Toe Wash, Desitin, Johnson’s Gold Shampoo, Oil, Powder and the new Bedtime Bubble Bath. I felt like I had received a full care basket for my 3 month old, Eliana. And really, these items are all you need to make a great gift for a new baby or expecting mom as Johnson's Baby is a timeless and classic brand to buy from.
One great way to gift these items is in a diaper cake. Like this one:
Not only can you decorate the outside of the cake with items, but you can also use full size products in the center of the cake. This makes that perfect gift. It is something that everyone can use as they welcome a new baby into their home.
Interested in coupons to use toward your next purchase? Click here and look on the right sidebar to find the most recent coupons available from Johnson's Baby.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf ofJohnson’s and received samples of Johnson’s Baby products to facilitate my review.
