Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Freshly Picked Moccasins



The Giveaway
Freshly Picked is offering one of you the chance to win a pair of their Moccs! If you've seen ABC's show Shark Tank, you know exactly how hard the creator has worked to make this dream a reality! A huge thanks to Freshly Picked for allowing us to do this! All you have to do is fill out the form above. This is giveaway is open until July 31, 2014. Open only to the US and you must be 18 to enter. 

The Review
Freshly Picked is a self made company, made by a mom who only wanted quality shoes for her babies to wear. So many soft soled shoes don't stay on, that's where the change came. A company forged out of sweat and love for not just this mom's little ones, but for yours as well!

When I first learned about these adorable moccasins, I was shocked and slightly jealous they are so adorable! I still wish they had some for grown ups available! However, I will live through my daughter and enjoy listening to people tell me how sweet she looks in her moccs!

You really can't beat the quality and workmanship. They are so well designed that I have no doubt they will hold up and withstand some beatings! We all know kids are hard on shoes-especially babies who will ruin a pair just from crawling around. Thus far, I have yet to see any wear marks on our pair! They stay on baby feet and you don't have to worry about losing a shoe. This is a huge relief for me as a parent! My little is squirmy, and has managed to kick off shoes quicker than I can catch them.

Freshly picked has a huge variety of moccs to pic from! They range from gender neutral to the perfect boy or girl colors. Below are just a few samples of the colors to choose from!







Birthday, Christmas, or just because, these are the perfect gift! I am thrilled that I am able to write about such an awesome company, who truly values quality and fashion! 

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***I received no monetary compensation for this review. All thoughts and ideas are my own. Covered In Cloth is not responsible for shipment of prize and cannot for any reason be held accountable if prize should not be received.***


Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Just a Mom. . .

So many times I hear these words: You're Just A Mom. And a lot of those times it comes from someone who isn't a parent. Just a mom, huh? Well let's look into what being "just a mom" is.


1. You carried your children for 9 months.
     
38 Weeks
  I wasn't the only person who made my children, but I was the carrier, their life line for the time they were inside me. I took on the hardship of weight gain, morning sickness, vomiting, and every other ugly thing that sometimes accompanies pregnancies. I did it, and I would do it again in a heart beat to see them take their first breath, to hear their first cries, and to see the immeasurable amount of love being released from their Daddy when he saw them for the first time. NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING can ever replace those feelings.
          Labor and delivery isn't something to take lightly. It's painful, it's a transformation, and you are giving something that is beyond words. But, I'm just a Mom.


2. You are the soul source of nutrition. 
First latch 8/12/13
Yes, I CHOSE to breastfeed my children. Yes, I asked for every bit of frustration. But, I am their mother, the one who carried them, and it is my duty as their mother to provide their nutrition now that they live outside of me. Pain, sheer pain, the first couple of weeks; cracked and bleeding nipples, breasts so sore even the shower water hurts, and copious amounts of tears 
There are times when it's not so glamorous to nurse your children. People look at you like you're a weirdo, or like you are doing something wrong.  But, I'm just a Mom. 
3. Sleepless nights.
          Enough said on this one, right? No one understands how difficult getting up in the middle of the night for the fourth time really is. Or, when baby is sick, sometimes every single hour. Luxury of a full nights sleep is lost on those who are getting it. Sometimes, as a mom, you may not see a full nights sleep for many moons. But, I'm just a Mom.

4. You are their doctor, chauffeur, and teacher. 
Their first meeting! My babies!
          I know this is talked about so many many times, but really think about this. For five years, you are their teacher. They rely on you to learn how to talk, walk, crawl, spell, animals and the sounds they make, etc. You, not their Grandparents, aunts or uncles. YOU, their mother (or father).
          Oh, and let's not forget that until they are old enough to drive themselves, you do that for them. Ball games, tutoring, school functions, sleep overs, and the like, that's all on you.   There isn't any one else they rely on for these things, until they're old enough that maybe you may have one of their friends' parents offer to give them a lift.
         Let's play doctor or nurse. Every bump, scrape, and bruise is yours for the diagnosis. You are the one whom they look too for explanation that, "No, it's not bad enough to go to the emergency room." You are that person until they move out, and sometimes, even after that they still call you! But, I'm just a Mom.
My son, 9 years ago!

5. Bad dreams at night, Mommy the shrink.
          That's you. their therapist. For ever dream they need interpreted, for every friend that doesn't want to be friends anymore, and when their significant other breaks up with them. You are the one that deals with it. Until the day they realize, you might not know as much as they thought, then they don't speak to you at all about those things! But, I'm just a Mom.

6. You are the one who always has their back--No matter what!
Sibling bonds!!!
          It's like an unspoken promise when you become a mother, that no matter what, you'll protect them. You protected them for the time they grew inside you, kept them safe and in your arms as a baby, and now that they are independent you still must have their back. No one else will be in their corner like a Mom will. No one will help them up and brush them off like a mom. It's a need, a constant urge, to protect them from everything. You are their body guard, their secret service. . . Just you alone, save maybe their Dad. But, hey, I'm just a Mom.

September 2013
This list goes on and on. And I in now way am negating the role their father plays! He is so important! I'm a Mom, so I'm speaking from my point of view. There are so many people out there who forget how important parents are in the lives of their children. So many times, you take for granted everything that was done for you! You wouldn't be where you are, without your parents, especially your mother.

Before you say to someone, "You're just a Mom," remember what all goes into being a mother. Sometimes it's not fabulous nights out and play dates, or Mommy & Me, and it's hard. The worst thing you can do to a mom who is having a rough day is tell her, "Oh, it's OK, you're a mom." Or, when you find out someone stays at home, "You must have it so easy, to be just a Mom." It's not easy, it's hard. Sometimes, it's beyond hard!
April 2014



Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Summer time. . .Busy time

I really suck at blogging sometimes. I apologize. Reviews are slow, as I am still building.

Over the last few weeks, we had the Great Cloth Diaper Change in Springfield, MO! IT was fantastic. There were lots of booths with tons of great information available!

My son started baseball, Rosslyn is 9 months old now! Lots and lots going on this spring and summer! I sure hope to write up more, and be more active! :)
At the Great Cloth Diaper Change!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Godstruck Ministries Introduces New Curriculum For Kids!

Godstruck Ministries has a new curriculum and CD set that is perfect for Worship with your kids! What better way to teach your children about God than by using their new Sunday school/homeschool curriculum? Want to learn more?

About Godstruck Ministries

Godstruck Ministries 4Kids and the “Sing God’s Word” projects emerged several years ago so that the children in vacation bible school could learn their memory verses and lessons in a different way. VBS (vacation bible school) is a short time period, and so many times children don’t retain what they've heard just spoken to them, songs are a great way to help retain information!

From that point things exploded! The CD went on a trip around the world! The makers of this curriculum believe whole-heartedly that God had his hand upon them during this process, and has led them to be a blessing to children all over the world with these innovative and fun lessons!
Time for the review
I love how simple and fun this curriculum is and how easily it can be adapted to any situation! Whether you homeschool or teach a Sunday school class at church, this is a fantastic opportunity to share the love of God with kids!

Each song has a dedicated lesson, and each lesson has a coloring page. Even as an adult, these songs are catchy and are fun! The teacher’s guide has you listen to the song twice which is helpful for younger kids to really grasp the idea and retain the information given to them. I love that Psalms is used, as not only is that my favorite book in the Bible, but I think it’s the easiest for kids to understand. Great lessons as to right and wrong, and how to really understand God’s love.




There are so many great features! Like coloring pages, found here that are fun and easy to color, games that are exciting and encourage the kids to participate, and much more that can be found here. And don't forget, while you're over there to sign up for their newsletter!


Affordable prices that won't have you won’t breaking the bank to provide great lessons for learning the love of God! I am so thrilled to have been able to receive this opportunity to review the product, and introduce it to our Sunday school kids. 

There is a great giveaway for this over at Mommy Hot Spot! Head over so you don't miss out!

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Friday, April 11, 2014

DVD Review: Abner the Invisible Dog



About Movie:
When science nerd Chad Sheppard gets a chemistry set for his 13th birthday, little does he know
he’s in for a much bigger surprise. While experimenting with the kit, his best friend, Abner, a big,
furry sheepdog, suddenly starts talking before vanishing into thin air!

Chad already has enough problems fighting off two bullies who want to wreck his chances with
Sophie, the cute girl next door. Now, he has to hide an invisible, talking dog – who’s a bit of a
wise guy – from his parents and figure out how to get everything back to normal … All while
outwitting a pair of clumsy crooks who are determined to steal the top­secret formula  that gave
Abner his super­spy powers.

With his parents out of the house, Chad and his canine sidekick have to defeat the bad guys, get
the girl and save the day!


Our Thoughts:
When looking for a movie to watch at a school function, it can be hard to find one appropriate. So many times they look at ratings, and if they aren't rated G, you don't get to watch them. And that's a lot of kids movies anymore. I was so excited that this one was allowed to be seen at school!!!

A typical movie about a teenage kid being bullied, has his best friend, and dog to stand on his side and help him. That is however, after the big furry dog started talking and disappeared. Abner, the dog, got mixed up in a science experiment by his human, Chad. Things went wonky, and Abner is a wise cracking invisible talking dog!

Add in even more bad guys trying to get the formula, (stolen from the government) that made Abner invisible, Chad has his work cut out for him. He has to put everything back together, get the girl, defeat the bad guys, and stop his bullies, while his parents are away!

This is definitely a funny movie that your kids will enjoy!

 You can get your copy of Abner The Invisible Dog today, or look for it in your local stores!

Reviewed by Steph

Sponsored Review: Beech-Nut


 Beech-Nut food for babies is made with natural ingredients. That means no artificial colors, flavors,
or preservatives. Beech-Nut takes out everything moms don’t want, and leaves in the essential
nutrients that babies need.

Moms have trusted Beech-Nut for the nourishment of their babies since 1931. They are a family owned
company with several generations of the same families working together.  Partnered with their growers, they harvest the highest quality, most nutritious, best-tasting ingredients, from their families
to yours.

Beech-Nut, the number two leading baby food brand in the U.S., is a subsidiary of Hero AG of Lenzburg, Switzerland, an international leader in consumer goods and infant feeding.

Our Thoughts:
There are so many foods out there for babies, and toddlers now, that knowing which one to choose is difficult! With Beech-Nut, there isn't any guess work anymore. You get only the foods you want: natural, healthy, and no additives.

I was so happy to get the new products for tasting! I tried them myself before I gave them to my daughter. A lot of times what you buy for baby tastes nothing like what they say it is. I found that's not the case at all with Beech-Nut, it really is what they say it is. I love that, as a mom, I am buying real food.

Each of the four jars we received were delicious, according to my daughter! She specifically loved the beets, pear and pomegranate the best! I thought the Spinach, Green beans, and zucchini was a well rounded flavor. Each was unique and gave you something out of the ordinary with baby foods. You feel like you have options, where so many times you feel like you don't!

Beech-Nut has forty new flavors including foods like pomegranate, avocado, papaya and beets. I will definitely be purchasing some of the new flavors! The new line will be available in stores, including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Meijer and Publix, in spring 2014. The suggested retail price of a 4.25oz bottle is $1.09.

Stay connected to Beech-Nut:
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**This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Beech-Nut and MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone and may not represent the opinions of the sponsors.**

Review: Baby Nari Baby Hip Hugger


Baby wearing isn't a new trend, but carriers are! There are many different brands, styles, and designs to choose from; it can be overwhelming! You and baby may not like the same carrier. Trial and error is part of the process! Baby Nari offers the best of both worlds, not to mention a comfortable and stylish design.

Easy to understand, there aren't any complicated instructions. It's really as easy as undoing the velcro and wrapping it around your waist and buckle the safety strap! You're set! It's easy as pie, 
If you got the Eco Plus, I really hope you like it, because I do! I love that you can zip it on (it's really easy!) and you can carry your baby hands free! It is a wonderful idea and allows you the freedom to choose your carrying style. I carry my daughter facing out with the Baby Nari, and she loves it! My other carriers are great for sleepy time or  just to hold her close when she's not feeling well. I love my Baby Nari Hip Hugger as a more sporty option.

My husband loves this type of carrier as well! He feels more comfortable carrying her with this one because it's a solid print. I have a tendency to purchase things based on what I would like instead of functionality for both him and I. So, I got this one in the grey color specifically with him in mind. He actually isn't afraid of carrying her, and is excited to do so when he has the opportunity too!

My husband has chronic back pain, and has had surgery previously, several of the other carriers have caused him pain, and he cannot carry our daughter for very long. Even without the carrier, his time holding her for extended periods is limited. With the Hip Hugger, it really takes a lot of the stress off his back and allows him to enjoy carrying his daughter! This is a win win for everyone!

I cannot get over how much we love our Baby Hip Hugger with the Eco Plus! You really cannot go wrong and they have several colors to choose from! This would make the perfect Easter gift for your special baby! And if you have a spouse who is of the male mind, he may be more willing to carry with a sleeker and less female carrier! I say this all in good fun of course, and really hope that if you purchase this, you enjoy it as much as we do! I use it way more than I should!

Please stay connected with Baby Nari via these links:
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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Share the Love with MAM--Review!!

Parenting can be hard, but your unbridled love for your children drowns out all fears and tears. Share with us what makes your little ones so special, your hopes and dreams for their futures and the joys of parenthood by posting a video, photo or letter on facebook.com/mambabyusa. Eligible entries will be considered for a grand prize of a year’s worth of spa treatments, valued at $2,500. It’s MAM’s way of celebrating you for the love you share.  Enter here: http://bit.ly/mamsharethelove.  Deadline to enter: April 15, 2014.

 Our Thoughts:
MAM was kind enough to send two of their products for review, and, well, we love them both! I have been a fan of MAM for several years; quality products and a reasonable price.
The sippy is playful an d practical. A spill-proof spout or nipple gives you several options of use. Easy to assemble makes cleaning a breeze! The handles are easy for little hands to grasp, come off for when older and cleaning. We take the trainer cup everywhere with us!
The nipple option is great for just starting out and you can graduate to the pink spout with the plastic add in to make it spill-proof. When you baby has the hang of it and is ready to transition to a cup you can remove the plastic piece from the spout for a more cup like feel.

The teether is fun! My daughter loves it! Specifically designed to reach the back teeth, it offers relief from those pesky teeth coming through. Small enough to fit in the mouth but big enough to grasp, it has become more of a toy than a teether. We put it in the refrigerator to get cold and she will gnaw on it for quite a while!

We are thrilled to have these products! they would make a great addition to your home or that of a special baby you know! 
For more on MAM 



Reviewed by Steph


Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Forgotten Pharaoh Release Day Giveaway!!



Purchase


Julie Gerber isn't thrilled to be pulled out of school her senior year to follow her parents halfway around the world to unearth a lost pyramid. However, when the cute British guy and the mysterious financier of their project both fight for her attention, things start to get interesting.

The pharaoh known as Djedefre was cursed for the murder of his eldest brother. The work of the archaeologists brings new secrets to light, ones that prove the fallen god-king wasn't the villain history had painted him to be. Can they prove his innocence?

As the team digs deeper into the mystery, members of the party vanish or end up dead. Someone is determined to keep the truth hidden at all costs, even 4,500 years later.


 Be sure to add The Forgotten Pharaoh to your to-read list on Goodreads and check it out on Manic Readers!



 About the Author


Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama.  Her works include romantic thrillers, paranormal fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult.

  Follow the author Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest




The Giveaway

Author Laura DeLuca has put together a selection of prizes that go along with the story. All the prizes are Egyptian themed. Prize pack includes a decorative wall plague, oil diffuser, incense, book mark, collectible pens, necklace, scarab bead, real papyrus bookmark, pin, and ankh charms. ACV is around $100.





Our friends from Magical Monk Bags have also created a one-of-a-kind Egyptian style handbag depicting a scene of the Great Pyramids. The bag was hand-embroidered and is absolutely beautiful. AVC - $40.


Finally, The Whimsical Pixie has contributed a handmade dowsing board complete with blood stone pendulum valued at $45.99.



One lucky winner will walk away with all these prizes! Total value is over $180. To enter, simply fill out the rafflecopter form below. Giveaway will end on 4/29/14 and is open to the US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: Host blogs are not  responsible for prize delivery. Face book, pinterest, and twitter are in no way associated with this giveaway.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Book Review: Go Take A Bath!

  • Invert the family hierarchy. The tendency of 21st-century parents is to place the child first, a partner second, and the self, third. This is exactly the reverse of a healthy family hierarchy and actually causes stress to children because they are out of place.
  • Be a good role model. Children learn through observation and mimicry, so parents must make sure they are demonstrating the right lessons by living full, balanced lives complete with hobbies, vacations, and, yes, even baths.
  • Balanced, happier parents create balanced, happier kids. Take responsibility for your own happiness and resolve trigger issues. Exploring childhood traumas and experiences helps parents identify their parenting strengths and challenges.
  • Learn the art of letting go. Children can work out many of their stressors on their own, without parental involvement, so encourage them to independently problem-solve when possible. This lesson extends to acting as chauffeur, social director, tutor, and all the other ways parents over-extend themselves for their children. 
  • Choices within Limits.  Parents should provide opportunities for children to make decisions—they might be surprised at all the good choices their children make when given the chance! The caveat is that you must be consistent, calm and follow-through with appropriate consequences when they don’t.
  • Simpler is often better. Fun is a skill that must be taught, as is joyful living, appreciation for both tangible and intangible things, or unplugging from television and the internet. Parents need to create moments for families to rediscover and simplify their lives together.
Our Thoughts:
In this book you are reintroduced to parenting. We learn that parenting doesn't have to be hard. Taking care of ourselves first so that we can take care of our children is important. They actually have the ability to become more independent and better problem solvers. 

Robin gives us the tools to empower our kids, and give them confidence, while at the same time parenting with a firm and loving standard. This book is amazing and really should be given out to parents, new and established alike. You can read this book ten times and take away something different each time you read it. 

Her approach isn't easy and it isn't quick. In order to change how you've started you have to work. It will no doubt cause some rough edges in your relationships with your kids, but in the end you will reconstruct and build a better more loving one. 

The take away's at the end of each chapter are priceless information! I love them. It's an overview, that requires you to take a toll on your own life and delve deeper. I have to say it hurts, to have to look at yourself as a person and take action before you can parent. But, you kids will be better for it; having a whole parent instead of a spaced out, stressed out one. 

Buy the book here.
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Review: Minnie Mouse Precious Petals Walker

Let's be honest, Minnie Mouse is heard of in pretty much every house around. If you have a daughter, at one point I would bet she has had something that had miss Minnie on it. No different from my daughter, who LOVES Minnie, and she is only seven months old.

This walker suits my sweet girl's personality, and cheery nature perfectly! She has so much fun playing with the steering wheel on it, and trying to pull Minnie off! I would have never thought that a walker would be such a high favored gadget for such a little lady!

This was super easy to put together! My husband usually puts together the kids' toys and I watch. But, I took the reigns on this one for the review, and I was surprised by how easy things fell in place. You just need some big muscles to push the toys into the holes. The seat slid right on, and the tabs provide a secure lock to the walker. The metal bars pop into their proper holes fairly easily, I did have a tiny bit of trouble, but that was my own fault! I love the no fuss attitude behind putting this all together!

Within 10 minutes I had it all ready and little miss in it and she played in it for about 30 minutes! She hasn't figured out how to make it move forward yet, but she has it down moving backwards! This was the perfect toy for the perfect time! I cannot wait to watch her grow with this, and really start moving!

You really can't go wrong with any walker, but Disney Baby provides a wonderful timeless addition to your babies growing stash of toys and gadgets! We love ours, and I'm sure that you and your little one will love it too!

Would you like to connect with Disney Baby? Do so by clicking below:
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