Friday, February 28, 2014

Birthday's and Books~ Dr. Suess style

My nephew Trav who turns 4 this year actually shares a birthday with Dr. Suess.  I didn't make the connection until his second birthday which was 'One fish two fish red fish blue fish' themed.  His first had been 'Cat in the hat' themed.  I just thought my sister in law really liked Dr. Suess.

And then my sister will be having a Dr. Suess themed party for my nephew Gabe who turns 1 (on our 3rd anniversary).

I don't think Eleanor will be having a Dr. Suess themed birthday, but she does have lots of Dr. Suess books so there is lots of love for Dr. Suess around here.  

2.13.14


In honor of his birthday and national reading day you can sign up to get 5 books for under $6 with free shipping AND a special free gift.  

Click here to sign up. 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Picaboo Photo Book Deal TODAY ONLY!

I love photo books.  For the most part I've stopped printing pictures (I only do to give to parents or put in frames around the house) and just make photo books. It takes up less space and they are fun to look at. 

I've never made one from picaboo but this is a great price for a photo book - especially a hard cover one.

You can get an 11 x 9 photo book for only $14 with a special voucher (worth $45).

This voucher can also be applied to other photo books that picaboo offers




Click here


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Free Baby Leggings

I love baby leg warmers.  They make diaper changes SOOOOOOO much easier.  Eleanor has over 15 pair (a few of those are newborn though).

Apparently they also make great arm warmers.

None of mine are from this company (so I can't speak to quality), but the deal is to awesome to pass up.  You can get 5 pair free (you just pay shipping).  ANNND it's not a one time use code.  You can use it as many times as you want!


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Swagbucks Bonus Sign Up Code!




I know I've posted before about how I use swagbucks to earn some extra spending money (both through paypal cash and Amazon giftcards).

I've been using swagbucks for about 2 years and have earned $75 in paypal cash & $90 in Amazon gift cards.  This might seem like not very much, but I don't spend a ton of time on the site.  I check in daily and do a few of the quick daily polls and occasionally the surverys.  So maybe 5 minutes a day?

If you want to sign up and haven't already, you are in luck because you get 70 bonus swagbucks when you sign up and use the special code: theurbanfam (through March 7) plus you get 30 after you finish your profile.

Once you earn 450 swagbucks you can get a $5 Amazon gift card (a $25 paypal is 2,500).   Gift cards aren't the only thing you can get though.  They have music, books, downloads, household stuff and more.

Monday, February 24, 2014

The Eleanor Update: 20 weeks



Sleep: I wrote about my lack of sleep, and totally forgot to mention anything about Eleanor.  Ooops.  Anyway I did write a post about her naps recently (read about it here).  Basically she only takes catnaps no matter what I do.

Over the weekend she did take some 40 minute naps on Saturday, and a 2+ hour nap on Sunday! On the flip side she doesn't go down as well at night.  Once she's finally down  (and from the first time she lays down she may wake up once or twice crying; a little shushing and rocking the rock n play works) but then she's out for 6-8 hours.

She usually nurses once overnight and is up between 7 and 8 for the day.

She's still in the rock n play.  I'm starting to get ready to move her, but at the same time I love having her near me.  I'm just reassured knowing I can look over at her and knows she's still breathing of something. 


Breastfeeding: I've noticed she's starting to go longer stretches.  Before it would be about every 2 hours, but know it's closer to 2 1/2 - 3 hours.

She's becoming very distracted when eating especially if Rob's around.  She will constantly pull off and stare at him. 

Misc:  Eleanor had her 4 month check up last week.  She was 75% for weight (just under 15lbs), 50% for height (24 1/4) and 75% for head.   She did great with her shots.  She cried initially, then I nursed her and she was fine.  She was chatty on the way home and I gave her tylenol and she was fine for the next few hours.  Then she cried for a while but really she did awesome!

She did pretty well at her 2 month so I'm not that surprised.

Her pediatrician was impressed with how well she was sitting up and her fine motor skills. 

Her pediatrician also asked if she was eating solids yet.  I'm waiting until 6 months and when I said so he was totally fine with that.  I know some push it a little more, but since she's clearly doing fine on just breast milk and she sleeps okay at night I don't see the need. 

I did put a little breast milk on a spoon and gave it to her and she was a little confused, but she's really interested in anything we have in our hands and are eating/drinking so I think she would be ready.

She started sticking out her tongue this weekend all the time.





Saturday, February 22, 2014

Amber Necklace Review & Giveaway!

* Disclousure:  I received this product for review.  All opinions are my own.  No other compensation was given*

Even before I was pregnant I'd heard about Amber necklaces.  I knew that it was something I wanted to get because I liked the idea of a more natural way of relieving pain.  I'm not anti pain meds at all, but wanted to try something else first. 

Baltic amber is a fossilized resin that contains succinic acid which is found on the outside layer of the Baltic amber.  Not only is the amber good for teething, but it's good for inflammation, headaches, skin irritations and more.  So basically it's pretty much good long past the teething stage.  I actually found it to be helpful after Eleanor got her four month shots this week!

When Spark of Amber agreed to send one for a review I was pumped.  I feel like I get more excited to get things for Eleanor than myself.




I choose the Baltic Amber Teething Necklace in Midnight.  I loved the color of it and was excited to get it.

Shipping was quick.  I had it 4 days later.  Eleanor was sleeping and as soon as she woke up that necklace went on her.

The construction is solid and each bead is knotted individually so if it did break the beads wouldn't go all over and pose a hazard.

It's a little hard to see in the pictures because girl doesn't sit still plus she's got neck rolls that never end.





The first day she wore it, I didn't notice much of a difference.  She still gnawed on fingers and drooled like it was going out of style.

The second day I did start to see a difference.  She cried and cried in the afternoon and I couldn't initially figure out why.  I think part of it was I was hiding in the bedroom (Rob had been gone all weekend and I needed a break), but she'd had it on that morning and was fine.  Once that necklace went on she was a happy girl again.

Now Rob is concerned about choking.  He wanted me to take it off as soon as I put it on her.  I understand his concerns and I just keep a (very) close eye on her with it on. He worries it could easily snag on something.  I don't think that it's as big of a concern because it's not a long necklace (its designed that way), but I agree that supervision is important (as with anything really; kids are unpredictable).

A week and a half of using it and I do think it makes a difference.  I really do feel like she is much happier when she has it on.  She doesn't drool as much and she isn't nearly as fussy.



She doesn't have teeth yet, or even tooth buds but I know the teething process is in process and has been for a while.  This necklace will be a lifesaver for us I think.   I want to do what I can to help my daughter feel better and the fact that this is a more natural solution really appeals to me.






Spark of Amber has offered one of you readers their own necklace.  The winner can choose from any available style of teething necklace.  Open to the US and Canada.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, February 21, 2014

Ultimate Baby Shower Blogger Opp

We are so excited to celebrate Amy from This Mamas Life as she is expecting! What a better way to celebrate than to offer a great Baby Shower Prize Package to our readers!
Event: Ultimate Baby ShowerDates: March  1 – 22, 2014
Hosted By: This Mamas Life & Andersons Angels
Value (Currently, we are continuing to add sponsors): Over $500.00 in Prizes!
Sponsors Participating so Far:  (This list will be updated as sponsors come in)
Lullaby Earth Mattress –  $199 Value
Super Baby Food Book – $19 Value
Pretty Pushers – $90 Value
AuraWeavers – $20 Value
Buttons Diapers – $90 Value
Aveeno Gift Set – $ 29 Value
Glow Bugs Diapers – $12.50 Value
Fair Haven Health –  $61 Value
Bada Boum – $47 Value
Tommee Tippee – $20 Value
Project Pomona – $34 Value
Itty bitty BabyBundle – $30 Value
The Children’s Place – $50 Value
MAM Feed and Soothe Gift Set – $25 Value
Pediped  Shoes – $30 Value
Tortle  - $20 Value
Kushies – $15 Value
Svan Totseat – $35 Value
EVENT DETAILS:
- Each blogger receives 1 free link of choice: (Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram **Facebook is NOT a choice for the free link**)
- Additional Links can be purchased at $3 each and include: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or Pinterest.
-We have 3 co-host spots available for $15 each. This includes your choice of 2 links (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or Pinterest) and you get to host one of the follow pages (Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram) during the event!
- Host pages can be purchased for $5 each.
Blogger Prizes: 
Blogger Referral Prize:
-The blogger who refers the most blogger participation will win a $10 Amazon gift card!Remind people to tell us that you referred them to sign up for the event.
Announcement Post Prize:
- An additional $10 Amazon gift card winner will be chosen from all the bloggers who post an announcement. Everyone who posts an announcement about the event on their blog will be entered in the random drawing.

Read more at http://thismamaslife.com/ultimate-baby-shower-event-sign-ups/#rq1P7jfiIAWBOFe2.99



Thursday, February 20, 2014

Oh My DeVita Baby Giveaway ~Ends 3/3




Welcome to the Oh My DeVita Baby Giveaway!

A gentle, vegan option in baby skin care products!
OhMyDeVitaBabyLogo
Sponsored by: Oh My DeVita Baby
DevitaBaby
Crunchy Livin Mama Style received product in exchange for her honest review.
This blog has not been compensated in the promotion of this giveaway.

Since Eleanor was born I've found myself choosing more natural options when possible for her and even Rob and I.  Knowing I'm doing something good for her is something that I am happy about.

On My DeVita Baby offers lots of great vegan skincare products as part of their baby skincare line. Free from chemicals and artificial fragrances, their products are natural and gentle on even the most sensitive of skin. Essential Oils are used for not only naturally scenting, but also offering calming and soothing properties while being a natural antibacterial. The Oh My DeVita Baby line offers quite a variety of products including Butter Cheeks Baby Balm, Hey Sunshine Solar Protections (Coming soon!), Bubbly Babies Shampoo and Body Wash, Flutterby Baby Lotion and Powder Puff Baby Powder.

  DevitaBaby

There are many things that make DeVita different than other baby lines. Their line is 100% vegan, Paraben free and chemical free - so you won't find any animal byproducts in their products and they're not testing on animals. While you definitely don't need to be vegan to enjoy them, it's definitely a piece of mind knowing they are not in the DeVita line of products. With a certified organic aloe vera base, it makes their baby line perfect for little ones. The DeVita baby line is available through their website or at your local Target store.Check out Crunchy Livin Mama Style's recent reviews of both their Butter Cheeks: Baby Balm & their Bubbly Babies Shampoo & Body Wash!
Be sure to connect with Oh My DeVita Baby on
Now it's time to enter to WIN Oh My DeVita Baby Bubble Babies: Shampoo & Body Wash & Butter Cheeks: Baby Balm!
This giveaway will begin February 20th and run through March 3rd at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tool. The winner E-mailed and given 48 hours to claim their prize. They will then be announced on the Giveaway Tool. The winner will receive the prize shipped to them from Oh My Devita Baby. Crunchy Livin Mama Style and any other participating blog is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US residents only.
   
Disclosure: Urban Times in Michigan was not compensated for the promotion of this giveaway. All opinions are our own and were not influenced in any way. Keep in mind what works for us, our children or our family may not work for you. The sponsor will be responsible for prize shipment. Crunchy Livin Mama Style and any participating blogger is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway in any way. This disclosure is done in accordance with the FTC. If you have any questions regarding this post, please email Sam at Crunchylivinmamastyle {at} gmail.com.

Monday, February 17, 2014

The Eleanor Update: Week 19





Breastfeeding:  I like to nurse in the cradle position.  It's not always the most comfortable, but I love that she seems so snuggly with me.

On the flip side, she doesn't empty the breast as well in that position.  I nursed her several times on Saturday in that position and for the first time in a loooong time I woke her up that night at 2 am to feed her because I was so full and heading toward clogged ductdom.

Sleep:
I'm so tired.  I need sleep and even when given the opportunity to nap I just can't shut my mind off.

Misc:  I don't think I've mentioned this, but she's doing pretty good about sitting up.  She can hold the post for a little while before pitching forward or sideways.

She has her 4 month check up tomorrow and has to get shots.  It was so awful last time.  Her sweet little face when they poked her and she got that stunned look on her face and then starting crying.  I hated that moment.  I cried also.

Funny story:  We got Eleanor a high chair on Saturday (the one we had gotten as a shower gift had a narrow seat)  and Rob set it up and no joke, 30 seconds later she had a poop explosion.  Good thing that seat wiped clean so well.  Score one for our highchair.  We got this one, but in a different print.
(Chicco Polly High Chair)





She was so tired she couldn't keep her eyes open; she looked so funny.








A fake flower from my dad.




Sunday, February 16, 2014

Dove Deodorant #voxbox





I was recently given the opportunity to try the latest Voxbox from influenster (if you want an invite leave me a comment).  This one contained Dove's newest deodorant.



Since having Eleanor in October, I've noticed I sweat more.   This product claims to have 48 hour protection.  As embarrassing as it is, there are days where it is evening and I haven't put deodorant on.  I do shower every night so it's not like I smell bad, even with sweating more.  I guess I should make applying it part of my post-shower routine since I'm bound to forget in the mornings.

One of the first things I noticed was how smooth it felt when I applied it.  I felt like it really moisturized my armpits.  It has a slight smell to it, but it's a fresh smell and I didn't mind it.

And it did last for a while.  I didn't and don't want to test out the 48 hour claim, but I felt like it really helped with the sweating issue.

I don't generally have a specific brand preference in deodorant- I use what is on sale- but I have used dove in the past and liked the results.  I would purchase this if I needed it.


"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."