As promised here are some recent photos from December & January.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Purex PowerShot Review (and giveaway!)
I was provided this product for review. All opinions are my own.
With Purex Power shot detergent all you have to do is open the cap, flip the bottle upside down over the washing machine and that's it. The detergent will into the washing machine.
Although I didn't take this video over the washing machine because it's really dark (basement laundry room) and I didn't have anywhere to prop the camera up but you should be able to get the idea of it.
For me this is actually nice because I have a curious one year old who is usually trying to climb up my leg and I don't have to worry about spilling the detergent or dropping a huge open jug.
To celebrate you can enter to win a washer/dryer set from whirpool with winners also receiving a bottle of PowerShot Detergent and all who enter will get a coupon.
You can also enter to win a coupon for a bottle of PowerShot from me.
Ends 2/7/15 Purex PowerShot Giveaway
Enter to win a coupon for Purex PowerShot detergent.
Open to US residents only. Ends 2/7/15. Winners have 48 hours to respond.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Open to US residents only. Ends 2/7/15. Winners have 48 hours to respond.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Reese's Spread ~ Yum!
I received this product from Influenster for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Even though I love them (because of the chocolate mix) I don't really love peanut butter, so I was curious to know how it would stack up.
From that first spoonful I was hooked. It is sweeter than I expected, but not in a bad way. It just means that I can't have a lot of it in one sitting. It does taste a lot like a peanut butter cup which is great!
I tried it with pretzels, bananas, apples and on a sandwich. It was delicious on all. I've been contemplating putting it on bacon because bacon and chocolate seems to be the in thing to do.
You can purchase it at most grocery, convenience and drug stores for $3.89 for a 13 oz jar.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
13/14/15 Month Favorites
Apparently it's Fisher Price month over here.
Fisher Price Smart Stages Vacuum
I won this and she thinks it so much fun to get it out when I vacuum. It lights up and makes music and is pretty fun. It's pretty short though so I worry she will outgrow it soon.
Fisher Price Smart Stages Vacuum
I won this and she thinks it so much fun to get it out when I vacuum. It lights up and makes music and is pretty fun. It's pretty short though so I worry she will outgrow it soon.
Laugh and Learn Lamp
She got this for her birthday and she still plays with it almost every single day.
Fisher price laugh and learn play table.
This was a hand me down and it also gets used almost every single day.
Fisher Price Smart Phone
This was a gift from my friend. She holds it up to her ear and says "hello." She also likes to dance to the music it makes.
She got this for her birthday and she still plays with it almost every single day.
Fisher price laugh and learn play table.
This was a hand me down and it also gets used almost every single day.
Fisher Price Smart Phone
This was a gift from my friend. She holds it up to her ear and says "hello." She also likes to dance to the music it makes.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Eleanor ~ 15 months
(I tried to get a nice picture but she would not still; I'll do a photo dump soon!)
She has had a verbal explosion this month. She is saying so many words - to others they might sound
like jibberish but we know what she's trying to say.
She's finally started saying "mama" again. I hadn't heard her say it for what seemed like months.
- Socks "ock"
- Christmas tree "miss ee"
- "papa"
- "wuff wuff" All animals say this though according to her.
- "Hi" This isn't a new one but she says it all the time. She will get in your face and say it over and over.
- "Hello"
- "Ball"
- "Yellow"
- "Circle"
I'm amazed at how much she understands now. I can ask her to get a book and she will, tell her it's time to eat and she will go to her highchair, and when I say we need to change her diaper she will go right to her changing table.
She can climb the stairs from the basement now. I actually think she probably could have done it before but I never gave her the chance.
She can wave bye bye.
Her 12 months pajamas are starting to feel snug, and some of her 12 month shirts are turning into belly shirts. Pants are 18 month.
She's really starting to imitate actions and remember how things work. For example she will get her socks or shoes and try to put them on.
Eating with a fork and spoon have become a lot easier for her.
She still loves pasta in any shape or form, loves green beans, mandarin oranges, and donuts (although she only gets a teeny tiny bit of those).
She still loves pasta in any shape or form, loves green beans, mandarin oranges, and donuts (although she only gets a teeny tiny bit of those).
Another new tooth popped through. That makes six now and a seventh is getting ready to push through.
Sleep this month was terrible. We are finally getting it back on track. She would be asleep and then I'd lay her down and she would immediately stand up and scream and scream and scream. Get her back to sleep and the cycle would start over. I'd try to lay on her floor and eventually she'd calm down and I'd slowly inch my way out of the room. One night I spend an hour and half doing that only to have her stand up when she could no longer see me and scream. So many nights I gave and bed shared with her. But that wasn't working for me since she was taking up most of the bed. So I set up the pack n play next to my bed and she's used it a few times. I always start with the crib, but keep it there just in case. We also tried cry it out. After a few nights we were up to almost 45 minutes. After that it got easier. I've also been using a glo-worm and working to give her a lovey just at sleep time. I'd tried before to do a lovey but she never took to it.
She's moving a lot faster now. I'm not sure if I should call it running, but I will.
She loves to play the I'm gonna get you game. When I come at her she runs away giggling.
She knows where her nose is.
Oh and she's a little stinker. The other day she acted like she was going to drop her plate off her high chair tray. She looked at me and pushed it, and then when I grabbed for it she pulled it back and laughed. Well played Eleanor.
She's moving a lot faster now. I'm not sure if I should call it running, but I will.
She loves to play the I'm gonna get you game. When I come at her she runs away giggling.
She knows where her nose is.
Oh and she's a little stinker. The other day she acted like she was going to drop her plate off her high chair tray. She looked at me and pushed it, and then when I grabbed for it she pulled it back and laughed. Well played Eleanor.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Hoping for a better year in 2015
So it's been weeks since I posted and there is an explanation.
I mentioned a while ago about Rob having some health issues. From the end of September when they began until early December we made 6 er trips, 4 requiring hospitalization. We spent so much money on pain medications and prescriptions flying past that deductible. Doctors visits were at least weekly plus lab work and everything.
At the beginning of the December the decision was made to remove his colon and he had surgery. He spent a few more weeks in the hospital recovering. During the surgery part of his pancreas was damaged so blood sugar levels are now a issue and he takes insulin (although the hope is this isn't permanent and has to monitor his blood sugar levels multiple times a day.
The week after the surgery he had a blood transfusion as well which he was really hesitant to do but knew he needed it.
He hasn't worked in months (since shortly after Eleanor's birthday). He's slowly getting stronger, but is still down 50lbs from when this started and doesn't really have much energy. Really we only leave the house to go to the weekly appointments.
This week he was able to get his drain out that was put in due to fluid build up the week after the surgery. That was a huge boost to his spirits because without it he can move around so much better. The tubing doesn't hang down and get in his way and catch on things.
He still has the illestomy bag and will until the summertime. He will need two more surgeries before he can get rid of that.
On top of his constant frustration at being in pain all.the.time comes the stress at having no income (although the generosity shown to us by friends, family and stranger has been so unbelievably amazing. Seriously we have been constantly overwhelmed and blown away).
I am going to start a babysitting job soon which won't bring in much money at all and will be a lot of work, but it's something and will cover a few of our smaller expenses.
As far as me I've struggled too. I feel like I get overlooked by most in this process but it's been really tough on me. I have had to do almost 100% of Eleanor's care. I have to take care of her, and Rob. It's been hard to balance their needs. And constantly having to be 'on' means no mental break for me. Rob can't even lift her - although now he is able to sometimes sit on the floor with her - so I can't even have him watch her for a few minutes while I run to the store or something.
Anyway 2014 didn't end on the best of notes, but I'm optimistic that 2015 WILL be better.
The week after the surgery he had a blood transfusion as well which he was really hesitant to do but knew he needed it.
He hasn't worked in months (since shortly after Eleanor's birthday). He's slowly getting stronger, but is still down 50lbs from when this started and doesn't really have much energy. Really we only leave the house to go to the weekly appointments.
This week he was able to get his drain out that was put in due to fluid build up the week after the surgery. That was a huge boost to his spirits because without it he can move around so much better. The tubing doesn't hang down and get in his way and catch on things.
He still has the illestomy bag and will until the summertime. He will need two more surgeries before he can get rid of that.
On top of his constant frustration at being in pain all.the.time comes the stress at having no income (although the generosity shown to us by friends, family and stranger has been so unbelievably amazing. Seriously we have been constantly overwhelmed and blown away).
I am going to start a babysitting job soon which won't bring in much money at all and will be a lot of work, but it's something and will cover a few of our smaller expenses.
As far as me I've struggled too. I feel like I get overlooked by most in this process but it's been really tough on me. I have had to do almost 100% of Eleanor's care. I have to take care of her, and Rob. It's been hard to balance their needs. And constantly having to be 'on' means no mental break for me. Rob can't even lift her - although now he is able to sometimes sit on the floor with her - so I can't even have him watch her for a few minutes while I run to the store or something.
Anyway 2014 didn't end on the best of notes, but I'm optimistic that 2015 WILL be better.
Monday, December 8, 2014
14 month update
Sweet girl is 14 months now.
Whens we use disposable we use size 4, although I think they are a smidge to big but I'm out of size 3 and don't want to buy anymore.
She's now in 9-12 month onesies, 18 months tops (with a few 12 month) and 18 month pants. Her 12 month pajamas are getting snug.
She can sign please and I'm still working on all done.
She got another tooth pop through just a few days ago - she's now up to 5.
I've started to notice that she's become more verbal lately. I can pick out a few words. I probably wouldn't be able to tell but she uses them in the right contex "shoes" when she is trying to put hers on, and "iss" means kiss.
She's starting throwing little tantrums when she doesn't get what she wants. It's hard not to laugh.
Whens we use disposable we use size 4, although I think they are a smidge to big but I'm out of size 3 and don't want to buy anymore.
She's now in 9-12 month onesies, 18 months tops (with a few 12 month) and 18 month pants. Her 12 month pajamas are getting snug.
She can sign please and I'm still working on all done.
She got another tooth pop through just a few days ago - she's now up to 5.
I've started to notice that she's become more verbal lately. I can pick out a few words. I probably wouldn't be able to tell but she uses them in the right contex "shoes" when she is trying to put hers on, and "iss" means kiss.
She's starting throwing little tantrums when she doesn't get what she wants. It's hard not to laugh.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolate
I received this product complimentary for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Marie Cavanaugh spent hours in her South Dakota farmhouse each Christmas season making pecan rolls and homemade chocolates for holiday gifting.
"It started when my aunt sent her pecan-rolls recipe," Mrs. Cavanaugh recalled. "I gave the recipe my own touch and started making the yummy specialties. Then I began dipping chocolates. Our friends and neighbors loved these treats, encouraging me to start a candy business. Finally, I decided it might be a good idea.'"
Her husband and children helped fill demands for her homemade sweet and in 1972, the family moved to Utah, leaving good friends and their beloved cattle ranch.
"It was a difficult decision, especially for George," Mrs. Cavanaugh said. "He was excited about making our new venture, which we chose to call Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies, a great success. We felt Utah was blessed with good chocolates and that we would enjoy - and could compete with - those who pride themselves on making excellent chocolates."
Millions of pounds of chocolates later, Mrs. Cavanaugh's candies have earned a reputation for unquestionable excellence....
"It started when my aunt sent her pecan-rolls recipe," Mrs. Cavanaugh recalled. "I gave the recipe my own touch and started making the yummy specialties. Then I began dipping chocolates. Our friends and neighbors loved these treats, encouraging me to start a candy business. Finally, I decided it might be a good idea.'"
Her husband and children helped fill demands for her homemade sweet and in 1972, the family moved to Utah, leaving good friends and their beloved cattle ranch.
"It was a difficult decision, especially for George," Mrs. Cavanaugh said. "He was excited about making our new venture, which we chose to call Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies, a great success. We felt Utah was blessed with good chocolates and that we would enjoy - and could compete with - those who pride themselves on making excellent chocolates."
Millions of pounds of chocolates later, Mrs. Cavanaugh's candies have earned a reputation for unquestionable excellence....
You know this is a product to be excited about when my husband who is dealing with major stomach issues really is bugging me to let him have one.
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The carmel one was awesome! This is the one we fought over. The carmel was really rich and creamy.
This cherry cordial was amazing! I love these things. The cream was a lot lighter than in the more commercially produced ones. . That's the best way I can describe it.
Surprisingly I haven't devoured the box yet so I haven't tried all the kinds yet.
I also had a white chocolate coconut almond bar which was good. I'm not a huge fan of white chocolate (I love the dark chocolate the best), but I still liked it.
Readers will receive Buy 1 lb Get 1 lb FREE of Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolateswhen they use promo code: usfamily2014 http://www.mrscavanaughs.com
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The carmel one was awesome! This is the one we fought over. The carmel was really rich and creamy.
This cherry cordial was amazing! I love these things. The cream was a lot lighter than in the more commercially produced ones. . That's the best way I can describe it.
Surprisingly I haven't devoured the box yet so I haven't tried all the kinds yet.
I also had a white chocolate coconut almond bar which was good. I'm not a huge fan of white chocolate (I love the dark chocolate the best), but I still liked it.
Readers will receive Buy 1 lb Get 1 lb FREE of Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolateswhen they use promo code: usfamily2014 http://www.mrscavanaughs.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Baby Banana Brush Review & Giveaway
I was provided with this product for review. All opinions are my own.
So when the opportunity to check out the banana brush presented itself I hoped it would be a good fit. The brush says its for babies up to 12 months, but Eleanor is close to the mark and with the teething symptoms I had to try it.
The brush was invented by a mom who is also a hygienist. It is made of silicone and helps to soothe sore gums. The handles are easy to hold on to and it's dishwasher safe (which I think all kid products should be) and is safe for the freezer - which I haven't tried yet.
It arrived, I opened it up and washed it, and handed it to her. Or tried to, she didn't take it. So I showed her what it was supposed to do, and handed it back to her. She chewed it for a moment and then dropped it and wandered off.
The brush was invented by a mom who is also a hygienist. It is made of silicone and helps to soothe sore gums. The handles are easy to hold on to and it's dishwasher safe (which I think all kid products should be) and is safe for the freezer - which I haven't tried yet.
It arrived, I opened it up and washed it, and handed it to her. Or tried to, she didn't take it. So I showed her what it was supposed to do, and handed it back to her. She chewed it for a moment and then dropped it and wandered off.
She didn't care to much for it. It's not a product issue, but more so that she just wasn't interested. I guess she really was to old for it. Thus the reason for the blurry pictures. I had to try to be fast and failed.
I do plan to just keep it in her toy bin and I'm sure she will find it and love it periodically.
If you have a teething baby you can enter to win one!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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