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Monday, December 31, 2012

New Years Resolutions

Well its that time of year again. We all make resolutions for the New Year ahead. I try my best to stick to them, but that doesn't always happen. I chose things in several categories to work on for the year. I will share my list here and do updates once a month to let everyone know how I'm doing. Hopefully that will help keep me accountable!

Personal
1) My main goal is to give up soda. It has been something I have been wanting to do for awhile now and I think this year it can and will be done!
2) Exercise at least 3x a week for a minimum of 15 minutes.
3) Grow my own food.

Financial
1) Save more, spend less
2) Make a budget and stick to it!

Family
1) Read at least one book to my kids everyday.
2) Make it a point to unplug for at least 3 hours everyday and use that time to focus on my kids and husband.
3) Write my husband love notes at least once a month.

Friends
1) Reconnect with friends that I haven't talked to in awhile.
2) Make a new friend this year!
3) Tell my close friends how much I appreciate them.
4) Send handwritten letters or cards to my friends.

So far thats all I have for this year. I might add more as I go if I think of something else to work on. Please feel free to share what your New Years resolutions are!
Till next time XOXO

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sunday family update

Well this has been another busy week! My husband had only 2 days of work so he's been home a lot. It has been really nice! I'm trying to savor the next few days he has off since they will be the last till we take our vacation to West Virginia in the spring.
It seems like his vacation time always flys by. I've been in awe of how fast the week has really went thats for sure.
As far as new family stuff my daughter started solid food this week! That is a whole new adventure in itself! She has also started rolling all over the place! I lay her down on her play mat and 2 seconds later she is halfway across the room! It's really crazy how fast they grow.
My son has now mastered my smartphone. He knows how to get his games up without my help. It's amazing a 2 year old can figure that out but yet my in laws can't use a basic cell phone LOL.
Now that the year is coming to a close we are getting ready to celebrate a New Year! We will be spending the night at a good friends house with our families celebrating together. I am very excited and definitely looking forward to it! Tomorrow I'll be posting about my New Years resolutions. Make sure to check it out!
Till next time XOXO

Friday, December 28, 2012

Why I use cloth diapers

When I was pregnant with my son I started looking into cloth diapers. I had an interest in them because it was a greener and cheaper option compared to disposable diapers. My husband couldn't get past the initial "sticker shock" so we went with disposable diapers when our son was born.
Within a week of his birth we noticed a rash. By the end of the first month it was horrible. We tried every brand of disposable diapers on the market and NOTHING helped. It got so bad that the skin on his bottom would peel off and bleed. It was heartbreaking to see my sweet little boy in so much pain. At that point I was able to get my husband on board with at least trying them and seeing if it made a difference. Our first stash was only 4 basic diapers. I would cloth diaper part time during the day and wash them every single night.
Within a few days the rash improved. It didn't completely go away so we knew it was time to invest in more cloth diapers. Sure enough as soon as we switched over to cloth full time the rash disappeared!
It's been 2 years now since I started cloth diapering my son. We now have a baby girl who is also cloth diapered full time. I honestly think that cloth is the way to go. Not only is it better for our environment it is so much better for our childrens bottoms. After the initial cost you start saving money too. A bag of disposable diapers is around $7 for the cheap ones and they last maybe a week. For around $13 you can purchase a diaper cover and 3 prefolds which is good for 3 diaper changes. It can be used multiple times and on multiple children!
I love teaching others about cloth diapers. It is truly a passion of mine. I love helping others discover how great and EASY they can be!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Resolutions to a better you! Event announcement

Resolutions Button

Resolutions to a Better You! Event

Hosted by Mom Powered Media
Prize: $500 Cash
Event dates: 1/3 - 1/31

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Blogger opportunity-your dream stroller

(The picture is only an example)



Blogger free Sign up

This giveaway will be from 


February 1 to February 28, 2013


One lucky winner will win a stroller from any brand they like, it can be with car seat included or just the stroller.

The winner will pick up the stroller from Toysrus.com and will be sent directly from their website.

The stroller can be up to $300 including shipping charges.  

If the winner picks up a stroller with a lower value, the winner will not get the remaining value of the prize.  


The prize can't be changed from any other prize than the stroller.


Any payment from host, host page extra links, etc. will be use for future giveaways.  




Requirements to join


* Free Facebook or Twitter with posting  announcement Here or pay the $5 fee waiver.


*Additional links $1.00 each (optional)

* Host a page $5 fee (Optional)

*Be one of the Host $10.00 (Optional) -Host does not pay additional fee for links but need to post the announcement or will need to pay $5.00 waiver

       As I host you will get:
        -Name with link of your blog as a host on the post
        -Mandatory entry links on the rafflecopter (up to 4 links)
        -Host a page


* Agree to post the giveaway html on the date the event begins and promote at least 3x a week



Please send any payments as gift via Paypal to melisurveys1978@gmail.com









$200 cash sign up Feb 2-14




Let's start the New Year giving  a great prize.

$200 Visa Card giveaways!

Feb. 2 to 14

A gift card will be send by mail.

This is a FREE sign up with announcement, with pay options.

Many of you have worked with me before and know I sponsor most of my giveaways.  I always have help from great hosts :)



Requirements to join

* Free Facebook or Twitter with posting promotional  announcement Here or pay the $5 fee waiver.

We will have 2 RC on this giveaway, one will have the hosts and the follow pages. Second RC will have all free facebook links. 


*Additional links $1.00 each (optional) 

* Host a page $5 fee (Optional)


*Be one of the Host $10.00 (Optional) -Host does not pay additional fee for links but needs to post the announcement or will need to pay $5.00 waiver


       As a host you will get:
        -Name with link of your blog as a host on the post
        - 3 Mandatory entry links on the rafflecopter
-1 Facebook link on the rafflecopter (not at mandatory entry)
        -Host a page



* Agree to post the giveaway html on the date the event begins and promote at least 3 times a week



Please send any payments as Gift via Paypal to melisurveys1978@gmail.com.  If you use any other option, Paypal will charge me a fee!

If you have any questions please email me at nysavingspecials@gmal.com



Sign up Here!!




Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Peek Away review and giveaway

I was given the chance to try out the Peek Away 4 in 1 nursing pillow. I was extremely excited about it because I am a nursing mother who nurses in public a lot. My biggest obstacle while out and about feeding my daughter is having something to help me hold her while she eats.
The Peek Away solves this problem! I have plenty of support with it to hold her property while still being comfortable. The Peek Away also has a great cover that has a built in burp rag. I normally don't use a cover but most definitely need a burp rag. I know sooner or later I will need and use the cover so its fantastic to have!
The cover is a great size. It fully covers myself and my daughter. The fabric is light weight and very breathable. Another great feature of the cover is the top part is made so you can still maintain eye contact with your child.
Yet another great feature of the Peek Away is that it doubles as a changing pad! It is nice and thick. My daughter seemed to really like laying on it. The changing pad part also has a built in wipe case that you can fill with wipes. It come out easily and can be filled easily too.
There are also a few built in pockets. The biggest pocket has a ton of space. I use cloth diapers so of course I had to see how many I could fit in there! The verdict: 3 fully stuffed pocket diapers fit! I normally take 2 pocket diapers, a change of clothes, a small wetbag, disposable wipe and a burp rag with me. I was able to fit all the above into the Peek Away! I didn't need to put a burp rag in there since the cover doubles as one.
All in all I am super impressed with the Peek Away! It definitely has helped me make nursing in public easier! All of the other features are wonderful too and make it the only product you will need!

Now for the fun part! Enter below for your chance to win a Peek Away!

***disclaimer: I was given this product for free to review on my blog. All of my opinions are my own and were not influence.***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Sunday Family Update

Well we had a very busy week and weekend! We went over to my grandmothers Saturday for our family Christmas party. It was a lot of fun and the kids had a great time!
Today we went to the other side of the state to visit my father, stepmother and my 3 brothers. Again we had a fantastic time! It's really been a great weekend visiting with family and enjoying each others company.
I am very blessed to have such an amazing family! I am so thankful for an awesome husband and kids! I'm really looking forward to Christmas morning when my son opens his gifts! I know he will love them.
On another note. My best friend is in town and I'm so excited to see her tomorrow! It's been a few months and I have been looking forward to this visit since she left!
Till next time XOXO

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Juppy Giveaway

Sponsored by  The Juppy
The Juppy Baby Walker is a great product for babies learning to walk. It enables the parent to help support a baby learning to walk without breaking their back! The Juppy Baby Walker fits in your purse and is machine washable. You can also get it personalized. Color choices are black, blue, and pink.
Enter below to win a Juppy Baby Walker for yourself.
a Rafflecopter giveaway US and Canada Only. All entries will be verified. Adventures in Mommyland is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Little Pnuts Giveaway

Hosted By: My Four Littles                                                  Sponsored By:  Little Pnuts
Included in the Age 4 December Special Delivery
Little Pnuts is a quarterly subscription box service with three to five toys that fit your 
child's age and development. This is your chance to win a box for your child. 
The winner will receive the March 2013 Special Delivery from  Little Pnuts
Click HERE to learn more. Here are some item from past Little Pnuts Special Deliveries!
Included in the Age 4 September Special Delivery 
Included in the Age 2 December Special Delivery 
Included in the Age 1 December Special Delivery
Included in the Age 2 December Special Delivery
Included in the Age 4 September Special Delivery
Included in the Age 3 December Special Delivery
Included in the Age 2 December Special Delivery
a Rafflecopter giveaway
All entries will be verified. Adventures in Mommyland is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Woolzies wool dryer ball review and giveaway

I was recently given the opportunity to try Woolzies wool dryer balls. We use cloth diapers so dryer sheets are a big no no. I haven't used conventional dryer sheets in 2 years.
I have heard of and used homemade dryer balls in the past. A friend of mine made me a set of 2 as a gift. I used them for several months and it did cut down on dryer time a little bit.
I was really excited for the opportunity to test out the 6 pack of Woolzies wool dryer balls. I was doing a load of diaper laundry when they arrived so it was the perfect opportunity to try them out. Normally it takes close to 2 full dry cycles to completely dry our cloth diapers. The microfiber inserts take FOREVER to dry on a low setting. I put all 6 dryer balls in and turned on the low heat settings. After the first cycle was done I opened the dryer to check and see if they were still damp. Surprisingly they were all dry!! Not one was damp!! I also noticed my prefolds were a lot softer then normal which is awesome!
Next I tired all 6 on a load of towels. They normally take close to 2 cycles to completely dry as well. Again I checked on them after the first cycle was over. I checked all of them and not one was still damp! Amazing!! I'm seriously impressed at how well they work!
Here is some information about them taken from Woolzies wool dryer balls website:

"Woolzies are pure handmade New Zealand wool dryer balls that soften your laundry naturally without any of the chemicals of conventional fabric softeners. Unlike the plastic dryer balls, they are PVC free and won't fall apart or melt on you. Woolzies save time and energy by cutting down on drying time by an average of 25% per load. They also help reduce static and wrinkles.

Use Woolzies to snuggle up with naturally downy soft laundry that's completely free of harmful chemicals. Woolzies are also hypo-allergenic and totally safe for people with wool sensitivities as they will not shed onto your laundry.

Unlike even natural dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners, Woolzies last for 1,000 loads and are therefore extremely eco friendly. So why risk your health and waste your money with regular fabric softeners when you can save time, energy and money with all natural pure Woolzies!"

Now for the fun part! Enter below on the raffecoptor form to win a 6 pack of Woolzies dryer balls!

***Disclaimer: I was given this product for free to review on my blog. All opinions are my own and were not influenced***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, December 15, 2012

7 month Citrus Lane December box

My daughter box arrived today too! Hers is fantastic as well! I've heard some babies got the Green Toys submarine (which we already have) so I'm actually glad we got something different! Here is what she got.
1) Pearhead Baby Hanging Keepsake ($14.95) How can you go wrong with a keepsake?? Love it!
2) Chewbeads Skinny Charles Bangles ($19.50) this is a 3 pack and I've been wanting some! Blue is my favorite color too! How did they know?
3) Tiny Love Jittering Jay ($7.99) so cute! My daughter will love it!
4) Dapple baby bottle & dish liquid sample packs ( no value listed) we breastfeed so no bottles here!
5) 479 popcorn fleur de sel Carmel ($1.99) a treat for me! Yum!
6) $15 Ecomom voucher

Total value (not including the voucher) is $44.43!!!! Wow!!!

You can sign up for Citrus Lane here.
Use code SPRINGFUN for 10% off!

Till next time XOXO

25 months Citrus Lane December Box

My 25 month olds Citrus Lane box came today!! It's definitely another great one!

1) Green toys airplane ($14.99) we love green toys! He was so excited when he seen it in his box!
2) Pearhead Brag Book ($8.95) definitely a really cute album. I will fill it with his Christmas pictures!
3) Renee & Jeremy It's a big world CD ($12.00) we love getting new CDs to listen to in the car!
4) GoGo squeez fruit pouch ($1.29) we buy them all the time so It's great to get them in our box!
5) Madecasse 75% cocoa mini chocolate bar ($1.50) a treat for me! I love chocolate :)
6) Ecomom voucher for $15! Whoo!
Total value (without voucher) is $38.73!

Sign up for Citrus Lane here use code

SPRINGFUN for 10% off!

Till next time XOXO

Friday, December 14, 2012

Coming soon

In the next few weeks be on the lookout for:

1) Woolzies wool dryer ball review and giveaway
2) Peek Away review and giveaway
3) Citrus Lanes Decembers box
4) Little Pnuts December Special Delivery

Till next time XOXO
I

Thursday, December 13, 2012

(Blogger OPP) New and Nursing mom giveaway

My Four Littles is thrilled to bring you a great blogger opp with products for new mommies and nursing mommies. Current sponsors include Majamas, Natural Newborn, Teething Bling, Rockin' Green, Kissed By the Moon, Milk Bands, and Preggie Pops with more being added each day. There will also be a few Pregnancy and New Mommy Gift Baskets (RV $50-100 each).
If you don't wish to write your own announcement post, HERE is some text for your to use.
Right now we're hoping to run the giveaway from January 14th to February 7th, 2013. We ask that you promote the giveaway at least three times a week.
- Each blogger can have one free link (either Facebook or Twitter) with announcement post.
- A second link is available for $2 (either Facebook or Twitter).
- You can get a Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest link package for $4.
- For $6 you may host a page (host pages will be first come first serve in the order of sign ups).
- For $12 you may be a cohost with up to four links on the Rafflecopter plus your blog name and link in the giveaway post.
The blogger that refers the most other bloggers will receive free cohost (or refunded cohost if applicable).
Click here to sign up. Thanks for participating!

Decembers Vegan Conscious Box

Yesterday I received my December Vegan Conscious box! I really look forward to it every month! It is packed full of vegan food products, health and beauty and even cleaners! Below is the packing list that was emailed to me and also some pictures. You can sign up for your monthly delivery at consciousbox.com
Achiva Achiva Native Energy supplies you with an incredible blend of chia seed and coconut powder to create a balance of nutrients that helps get you going—whether you’re a weekend warrior or marathon runner. Chia provides a dynamic energy source through carbohydrates, fats, and protein, while helping your body retain moisture more effectively during a workout.

Dolphin Organics Dolphin Organics was created for the moms who expect natural, organic products to truly be natural and organic. On top of creating incredible products like DO Natural Shampoo, which combines coconut and sunflower oils blended with sea buckthorn, Dolphin Organic makes ingredients that are easy to read. This means healthier products that don’t strip us of the natural oils we need!

Earth Friendly Products Earth Friendly Products is a family-owned business that’s been making plant-based cleaners for generations. The result is some of the most incredible, earth-safe products you can find. Hypoallergenic and non-polluting, we put our trust in Earth Friendly Products!

Eyewalker Elements Invigorate the senses with Eyewalker Elements, an aromatic botanical perfume line of pure, organic botanicals that smell amazing and shift your vibration with the power of crystals and shamanic blessing.

L'Ecuyer's Gourmet L’Ecuyer’s Gourmet has a straightforward promise: everything handmade. Working with quality ingredients, L’Ecuyer’s Gourmet creates delectable mixes, like this Dill Mix. Made with Dill weed, parsley, smoked salt, and a touch of oregano, this flavorful blend of spices is sure to perk up any dish in kitchen!

Lush Gourmet Foods Experience artisan-quality, uniquely-delicious snacks with Lush Gourmet Foods, proudly handmade in Kalamazoo, MI. Lush Gourmet Foods are a wonderful alternative to the highly processed snack foods lining the grocery store shelf.

Parma! Think tasty vegan cheese is impossible? Think again! Parma is an incredible vegan parmesan cheese alternative, bringing all foods to a new level of yum! With flavors like garlicky green, chipotle, and original, Parma is an awesome addition to every vegan’s pantry!

Shaman Shack Herbs Raise your vibrational energy! Shaman Shack Herbs brings us daily nutritives, powdered extracts, whole herbs, and chakra formulas from centuries old pre-Taoist health lineages. Embrace healthier living with truly nourishing foods!

Simply Hemp No preservatives, no additives—just Simply Hemp. We love hemp because it is both promising as a staple crop for industry and because it produces healthy, super powered food. Simply Hemp is an excellent non-dairy milk alternative and is completely natural, homemade, and organic. Proteins, omegas, fiber—Simply Hemp has it all!

In addition, you've received one of the following products:

KYI Know Your Ingredients was started to help all of those on the quest for more natural products with natural ingredients, not unnecessary unnatural chemicals. Minimally processed and packed with whole food ingredients, KYI brings us incredible blends of oils, lotions, and serum delicate on your skin, but tough on skin problems.

LaLicious LaLicious was created to smooth, moisturize, and revitalize your skin to perfect. Paraben and sulfate free, then packed with conditioning oils like coconut oil and vitamin E, LaLicious creates truly wonderful products that are effective as they are joyful to use!

Till next time XOXO

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Nuby Facebook Giveaway

I was contacted by Nuby and asked to share this giveaway on my blog.

We wanted to let you know that we are giving away 500 Nuby IcyBite Hand Teethers along with 500 packages of All Natural Pacifier & Teether Wipes!!

To Enter, Entrants Must:

· LIKE Nuby USA on Facebook www.facebook.com/nubyusa

· Fill out the required information at www.surveymonkey.com/s/teetherpacigiveaway

· To DOUBLE your chances to WIN, Share this with your online friends and family!

Till next time XOXO

Monday, December 10, 2012

Happy Family snack review

I first heard of Happy Family snacks over on My Four Littles blog. She had done a review and giveaway. Of course I entered! I love trying out new products so I enter a ton of giveaways. I ended up being the winner and recived 5 coupons for free products. I had a hard time finding them locally so I emailed customer service. I was told to go to Target to find them.
So the next day I headed to Target to pick up some snacks for my 2 year old. My Target didn't have s huge selection but I was able to find 2 different varieties for him to try.
The first one I picked is Veggie Pals carrot orange apple chews. They are little fruit snacks that have carrots in them! How can you go wrong by sneaking a veggie in?? I gave a pack to my son and he immediately gobbled them up! I tried them as well since the package states they are good for ages 2 to 102! I actually liked them a lot. There was a ton of flavor but not to overpowering. Also I didn't taste carrot at all!
The second one I picked out was Happyyogis yogurt & fruit snacks in the mixed berry flavor. My son also really enjoyed them! I tried it too and they tasted just like yogurt!
All of the Happy Family products are certified organic. They are also free of preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors and NO GMO's! That is all things I love in products my kids eat.
You can check out Happy Family's full line of products on the website or look for them at your local Target!
Till next time XOXO

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Paying it forward Jayden style

Not long ago a local boy lost his fight with cancer. His story is so amazing and heartfelt. His wish was for every child to have a present for Christmas and for everyone to pay it forward.
Since his passing a truly amazing movement has started. At first it was just locally, but now it is spreading across the country. People from all over are paying it forward "Jayden style" by paying for strangers dinner,paying off layaways for the holiday, handing out cards with a little bit of money, and just spreading this little boys story.
Every day I read the post people leave on the family's Facebook page:
Keep on truckin' team Jayden
And I cry reading about people doing good things for complete strangers and doing so in his name.
I'm paying it forward by writing this post and sharing it with the blogging community. I would love for all bloggers to take a minute out of thier busy day to share this amazing little boys story. My hope is that this story will touch others and they will also pay it forward.
Till next time XOXO

Sunday family update

My son is now 2 years old! I can't believe how fast my baby boy has grown up. He is now talking in sentences and running circles around me! He was born Thanksgiving morning in 2010 so every year we celebrate his birthday at my familys dinner and then we also have a party for him with all of our friends. He is a very lucky kid!
This year we did his party at the bowling ally. He had such a great time! Everyone else did too and that makes me very happy! I loved doing his party there for the simple fact I didn't have to do anything but show up! All of the setting up and cleaning up was taken care of by our party host.
This week has also been a big one for my daughter. She rolled over for the first time! She did it on her pawpaw's birthday too. He really got a kick out of that! She couldn't of picked a better day to do it thats for sure!
That's all the updates for now! Look for next Sundays post for a new update on our family.
Till next time XOXO

Friday, December 7, 2012

Green Sprouts Disposable Compressed Wipes review and giveaway

I recently came across a great product to add to my diaper bag! The Green Sprouts Disposable Compressed Wipes have become my new diaper bag must have.

The tube of wipes is small enough to fit in any purse or diaper bag. The wipes themselves are a little bit bigger then a normal wipe after water is added. The wipe size is stated to be 8.25"x 7.5" once it is expanded. The wipes are very soft. More so then most of the baby wipes I have used. They are also Anti-bacterial & hypoallergenic!

I love that they are so strong and can hold up to wiping off any mess on my toddlers face!
You can check out the disposable compressed wipes on i play's website here http://www.iplaybabywear.com/index.php/greensprouts/feeding/easy-to-go/disposable-compressed-wipe-10pk-with-travel-tube.html

Now for the fun part! Enter to win your own travel tube of Green Sprouts  Disposable Compresses Wipes in the Raffecoptor form below.

*** Disclaimer: I was given this product to review on my blog for free. All opinions on my blog are my own and are not influenced.***





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Code word

If your looking for the code word for the Green Sprouts Disposable Compressed Wipes giveaway you have come to the right place!
The code word is: GREEN

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Citrus Lane November Box

Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for children from birth to age 3. We have been getting the boxes for my son for 9 months and love them!

My son is 24 months and this was his box:
1. Plan Toys Fruit and Veggie Play Set ($8.50) My son really loved them. He sat and played with them for several hours! Any toy that can hold his attention that long is a big winner in my book!

2. Green Eats Set of Four Snack Bowls ($7) Made in the United States from recycled milk cartons, Green Toys are one of my favorite brands! I love how durable they are and its even better they are dishwasher safe!

3. Goodbyn Small Meals ($6.50) BPA free meal containers.

4.Plum Organics Mish Mash Food Pouch ($2) My son will only eat it if I put it in a bowl LOL

(Not pictured)
5. Juice Beauty Nutrient Moisturizer ($9) A gift for mom :)
6. Tiny Prints 20% Off Code and Free Shipping!

Total Box Value $33

You can use my link to sign up and use code SPRINGFUN to save 10%.

Till next time XOXO