Joovy Room 2 Ultralight

Life with my second baby is a completely different world. With our first we had all kinds of equipment and I barely used any of it. If she was awake I was either holding her or playing with her on the floor. If she was asleep I was either holding her or she was in her crib. But now.... now life is complicated.

Now I have two children who need my attention and a very different situation in the house. While with my daughter I could put her on a play blanket while I folded the laundry... that isn't a possibility with my son. I have a toddler running around... so anytime he isn't with me he needs to be put someplace safe. This is where my Joovy Room 2 Ultralight  has become a lifesaver!

Our Room 2 Ultralight comes everywhere with us. It folds up nice and small making it easy to take it in the car when we visit friends and family. But it also has a quick fold feature that allows us to have it folded in half making it quick and easy to move it around the house and open it up quickly. This has become our favorite use for it because I take it outside with me every day. This way my daughter can run and play and I have a safe place to put my son if I need to help her get across the monkey bars and push her on the swings.

He absolutely adores being in the Room 2 Ultralight. He has lots of room to practice his rolling. And he rolls himself over to the mesh so that he can look out and see us. I can position the play yard so that the solid side provides some shade and protection from the wind for him. There is also a large pocet on that side where we can keep his pacifier, blaket, and other things we might need on hand. The bottom is nice and soft so he doesn't bang his head when we put it on the concrete. And it comes with a 100% brushed cotton sheet for easy washing (note the sheet is not on in this picture... it was being washed).

The quick fold feature is really easy and I  can do it all on my own. The picture above illustrates how simple it is to just buckle each side and it stays folded up. When folded in half it takes up only 3.5 feet of space making it very easy to store.  The picture below shows just how light and easy to carry it is.

We are so happy with this product. It has met all our needs and expectations. I love that it is so roomy that my son can continue to use it as he gets bigger and move around and play. I am pleased with how light it is and how easy it is to move it around. Having two options for how small I want to fold it out has proven to be very functional for me and my needs. The quality of the product is wonderful and I have every reason to believe that it will last for years. And since the sides are nice and high... I don't see him climbing out of it.

I would definitely recommend this product. I would also suggest that you visit Joovy's website to learn more about the Room 2 Ultralight and all of the other great products they carry. And don't forget to connect with Joovy on Facebook and Twitter for all the news about Joovy and their products.

Bow of the Month with Maddie B's Boutique

Having a little girl was a dream come true for me. I live for all things girly and love to accessorize my little princess. And now that her hair is getting longer (this took forever!) I am all about putting beautiful bows in her hair. There is no better place to find gorgeous bows then Maddie B's Boutique!

Maddie B's Boutique offers the exciting opportunity to be part of a Bow of the Month club. Each month you will receive a beautiful bow available only to members of the club. Each month has a different theme that goes along with holidays and seasons. I love the thrill of finding out what the bow will look like for that month!

Here is a collage featuring the April and May bows for Bow of the Month

The quality of the bowis unbeatable. They are gorgeous from all angles and are truly over-the-top! My daughter loves these bows and has the best time picking out which bow goes best with her outfit for the day.

Aside from Bow of the Month, Maddie B's Boutique offers an amazing variety of boutique bows, character bows, headbands and more. Be sure to check her out on Facebook and Etsy. 

Pampers "Spring Into Color" Facebook Sweepstakes

Enter Pampers "Spring Into Color" Sweepstakes

Open from April 29th until May 28th

Today marks the start of an exciting sweepstakes that will be taking place on the Pampers Facebook page for the next 30 days. From today until May 28th you will have the opportunity to try and win fantastic daily prizes that help us to celebrate the joy and wonderment that children bring into our lives... and of course, diapers and wipes! Plus, each entry will also enter you into the Grand Prize giveaway.... a $5,000 gift card!

Each week, the sweepstakes will take fans through nature's changing color wheel spectrum, celebrating babies' growth and the ways in which they color our world beautiful in so many ways, each and every day. From cameras, to educational toys to high-tech jogging strollers and a pallet of artist tools for your little ones to paint the world remarkable, there are four colorful-themed prize packets that will rotate with the "Spring Into Color" color wheel over the course of the 30 day sweeps, offering you and your family fun items to enhance your time together.

* Pampers provided me with two product coupons for sharing the news of this sweepstakes. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Parenthood

101 Heartwarming and Humorous Stories about the Joy of Raising Children

Parenting - it's a tough job, but also the best. Filled with anecdotes and advice from parents raising children of all ages, this book will uplift, inspire, and encourage you. Other parents, just like you, share their personal stories about all the joys, and the trials, of raising children. This book will tough your heart, make you laugh, and remind you why there is no better job than being a parent!

My Thoughts:

The description of this book truly captures it's essence. Parenting is the hardest, most challenging, most exhausting job I can imagine. We work 24/7 365 days a year. Holidays and weekends we are on duty. There is no such thing as sick days. But through it all... there is nothing I would rather do then be a mommy to my two children.

Sometimes the days are long and the problems seem to come one after another. Just sitting down with this book has helped me to put things into perspective. I have laughed with other parents that I have never met but immediately felt like I knew exactly what they were talking about. I have silently thanked a stranger for putting into word just how I am feeling. And I have sighed a sigh of relief when reading a story that let me know I am not alone and the tough times and issues will get better.

This book is a great collection of stories that represent parenthood. The ups and downs, the laughter and tears. And the realization that life flashes before our eyes and our children grow up way too fast.

This is a wonderful book for new parents and old. For parents preparing for a child and for parents feeling the pain of being empty nesters. And for all of us in between. 

BEARPAW Review

I am a truw shoe lover. But I am guilty of buying the same style over and over. It's hard for me to wander outside of my typical fashion zone. So with my last BEARPAW review I talked about how BEARPAW gave the great opportunity to review a pair of their fashion boots.Thise boots were something that I never would have purchased on my own . I several pair of BEARPAW boots, but nothing like them. But thanks to BEARPAW picking them out for me I was able to try something new and loved them!

You can read more about my last experience and check out the boots I received HERE.

So when I was offered the chance to check out something from their spring collection I was excited. I figured that there was a good chance I would be sent a new style I hadn't tried before... and I was right.

I received a pair of the Holly's, which are a pair of canvas slip-on's. My husband has been a fan of this style shoe so he was really excited for me to have a pair. And now that spring has sorta sprung around here... I have hopped into my Holly's and hit the road to see what I thought.

I would pick three word to describe my new BEAPAW's... comfort, ease, and style. They are comfy. With the canvas staying true to it's shape and the rubber sole providing some support and great tred. They are easy. I keep them right by the front door and can easily slip into them when I run to get the mail or head out to the park with my little ones. They are stylish. Without any extra effort and while still being comfortable they add some style to my casual outfits. They provide me with more support then flip flops but look more stylish then sneakers. They are the perfect "go anywhere" shoe. And like all my BEARPAW's... these seem built to last!

Again, this is a style I probably wouldn't have purchased on my own. But now that I have a pair I want more colors! You can check out the Holly's and all the other cool styles for summer on BEARPAW's website. You can also follow them on Facebook and twitter for all their latest news and promotions. You can also check out BEARPAWstyle.com for some great reading about lots of topics from shoes, to fashion and more.

Crayola's Big Colorful Birthday Adventure!

To celebrate their 110th birthday, the 8 original crayons are throwing a birthday bash at the new fun-omenal Crayola Experience, the world's only interactive Crayola family attraction. Right now, they're out on a colorful adeventure to spread the news, and you're invited to join the fun!

How can you join in on the fun? You can FOLLOW the crayons on their adventure, LEARN more about each color and enter to win a trip for 4 to celebrate their birthday and the Grand Opening of the all new Crayola Experience this coming May, 2013!

Visit the Crayola Facebook page and click "enter now" for your chance to be first in line when the Crayola Experience reopens.

The new Crayola Experience features four floors of new interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind attractions that will bring the magic of color and your child's creativity to life! The winner will be among the first to experience the fun, along with a three-night, all expenses paid stay. It's an experience your kids will never forget - and neither will you!

* All information was provided by Crayola for this post.

New Octonauts Toys!

My daughter is a huge fan of Disney Junior... and I have to say I'm glad. When it comes to watching tv it's something that I like to do as a family. I always like to know what my daughter is watching and spend that time cuddling with her on the couch. Sometimes it can be a little painful as a parent to watch tv with your little ones. But Disney Junior has some really great shows that are entertaining enough to keep my attention.

Octonauts is one of those great shows. While it's entertaining it's also a show with tons of good messages and learning opportunities. Basically, the Octonauts go on missions to rescue all kinds of different sea creatures, teaching kids all about caring about others and working together. All while being introduced to some really cool sea creatures!

So when I learned that they had some out with new Octonauts toys and that we were going to get the chance to check them out.... well, I was super excited... and so was my daughter.

They have a great selection of toys featuring all your favorite characters from the fabulous tv series, including Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso. With Gup A and Gup B, you can have endless adventures. And the toys go in the water.... which was my daughter's favorite part! Bath time just got even better!

We are having a blast with these new toys. My daughter's imagination is running wild and she is amazing me with what she remembers from the show and comes up with some really interesting creatures to rescue in the tub. These toys will also be joining us in the kiddie pool when the weather warms up!

* We received these toys for review purposes. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influences in any way.

Daddy Tie from DaddyScrubs - Review and Giveaway

I know that for my husband the title "Daddy" is incredibly special. Ever since we learned we were pregnant with our first he would talk to my belly and say "Daddy" hoping that it would be my daughter's first word! It also means so much to me that he loves his new title and likes to tell the whole world that he is the Daddy to two amazing kids.

DaddyScrubs is the perfect place to find unique items that help your man tell the world that he holds a very important title. They have everything from Scrubs to hats to sweatshirts. But I recently had the chance to check out something so cool... a Daddy Tie.

The Daddy Ties looked really cute online. They have three different kinds to choose from.... Elegant, Word Search, and Edgy with Hearts.

After looking at all three I decided that the Edgy with Hearts seemed to be the best fit for my husband. I was so excited for it to arrive and I didn't tell him it was coming. When it got here I was so thrilled with it. It came in a fantastic box that truly made it a dressed up gift.

We were going to a Centennial Gala that weekend and I had gotten a beautiful floor length dress. So I walked into my husband's office and told him that since I had gotten a new dress I wanted him to have something special to wear. Then I handed him the box and watched his face light up. He thought it was so clever and cool! And something he could totally use.

What we both love about the tie is that it doesn't look gaudy, it looks like a normal nice tie with the sweet word "Daddy" with hearts. It's the perfect way for him to show his Daddy pride when he's out and about. I would highly recommend this as a fabulous gift for news dads and proud daddy's!

You can check DaddyScrubs out on their website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Youcan also visit their blog!


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* I received a free product for review purposed. However, all opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Mommy Moment

Everyone tells you that time goes so quickly once you have kids. That you basically blink your eyes and they are all grown up. Every day this seems more and more true. I look at other people's kids and I feel like they have been babies forever... but when I look at my own I wonder when they got to be so big.

This week  my son turned 4 months old. He is still so little and so brand new. But in a way he has grown so much. While I won't rule out the possibility of us having another baby... it seems pretty unlikely. It seems like our family may be complete. And that makes it a little bit harder this time around.

When my daughter was a baby I felt like I could really enjoy everything and not miss the stages she went through because I would always have another baby. I had it all planned in my head that there would be at least one more. Now I have that second baby and I am scared to let anything go. I don't want to pack away any clothes that are getting snug. I want to keep the small sizes on him as long as I can.

Time is flying by. And while I can honestly say that each stage they go through is better than the last... I want to hold on to every second I can. I want to hold on to my babies.

FindCNAClasses

If you are interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, now is a great time to look into taking some classes to make that dream a reality. FindCNAClasses.com is the perfect place to get started on the journey by helping you locate classes in your area.

Taking CNA classes online can give you the flexibility and convenience to work around your schedule. This is particularly attractive to those of us with kids and families that we need to be available for. And by heading over to FindCNAClasses.com you can learn all about what the programs would entail and what great schools you can enroll in.

While many jobs are getting harder and harder to come by becoming a certified nursing assistant could open a lot of doors for you. As long as there are people in need of medical care there will be a need for CNA's.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in then I would highly recommend you check out FindCNAClasses.com to learn more. This could be the perfect way to achieve your CNA and increase your chances for job prospects. Not to mention get on the right track for a well paying career.

*This is a sponsored post, however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Shari's Berries Review

Mother's Day is coming quickly and, hopefully, all the dads and kids out there are starting to think about the perfect Mother's Day gifts. I know that there is nothing that I really need. I have too much "stuff"and am desperately trying to simplify our lives by eliminating some of the clutter. So I am hinting to my husband that this year all I want is something I can enjoy but that won't stick around. Perhaps something like... hmm... delicious chocolate covered strawberries!

Yes, I am a sucker for chocolate. And pour that chocolate over some juicy strawberries and I am in my glory! Shari's Berries is the perfect place to find that perfect gift for mom that says you care and that she can really enjoy.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to try the Shari's Berries experience for this review. I got to browse their awesome selection of chocolate covered strawberries, Mrs. Field's cookies, and other yummy treats they have to offer. Once I made my selection I completed the easy step-by-step check out process where I chose my delivery date, filled out a little note to include with my order, and submitted everything.

Just a few days later a lovely package arrived at my door!

What a treat! The item that I ordered was a dozen fancy dipped strawberries with a half dozen chocolate dipped cookies. Yum! We started with the strawberries since we wanted to eat them all up while they were still fresh. Shari's Berries sent the biggest, juiciest berries. They were delectable. But I have to say... the cookies were beyond my expectations! They were moist, soft, chewy, and covered with a thick layering of chocolate. Amazing!

I was thrilled with the entire process from shopping to ordering to having my items arrive in perfect condition. Everything was delicious and enjoyed by my entire family. Even my littlest taste tester was pleased.

I think sending a treat from Shari's Berries would be sure to make any mom happy... hint hint dear husband!

* I received a gift card to purchase an item for review purposes. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Wings of Life on Blu-ray Combo Pack 4/16

LIFE BLOOMS THIS SPRING WITH DISNEYNATURE

DISNEYNATURE'S BREATHTAKING FEATURE

"WINGS OF LIFE" LANDS ON BLU-RAY COMBO PACK,

DIGITAL AND ON DEMAND APRIL 16, 2013,

IN TIME FOR EARTH DAY

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you Eartj, Oceans, African Cats and Chimpanzee, comes Wings of Life - a stunning adventure full of intrigue, drama and mesmerizing beauty. Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world's food supply depends on these incredible - and increasingly threatened - creatures. 

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg, Wings of Life utilizes riveting high-speed, time lapse and macro filmmaking to showcase in spectacular detail these unsung heoes of our planet.

My Thoughts:
This film has left me speechless. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see this and share it with my daughter. So often we plop down in front of the tv and put our brains on a little break while we watch a movie. This film did not let our brains take a break. Instead it took our minds and souls to another world... the word of nature. It opened our eyes to the beauty and our hearts to the reality of what these creatures mean to our existance and the very scary thought of them no longer being around.

My daughter has loved butterflies for quite some time now. She sees them and gets excited. She chases them  around the yard and flaps her wings as if she was one of them. So it was easy to get her to sit down and watch a movie that brought her up close and personal with these beautiful creatures. The butterflies were her favorite part of the film, but I adored that throughout she would ask questions about what she was seeing or pick up on something the narrator said and ask what she meant. It was an incredible learning experience for both of us on different levels.

This film will change the way you look at nature. The camera work is magical.... the details and colors you see are nothing short of amazing. Meryl Streep was the perfect choice as a narrator as you truly feel like you are going on a journey with her. The emotion in her voice transfers so nicely with what you are seeing on the screen.

I think everyone should have the wonderful opportunity to see this film. Kids and adults will find it magical, informative, and eye opening.

Click HERE to learn about some great crafts you can do that have been inspired by Wings of Life.

*I received a copy of this movie for review purposes. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

A Monster in Paris on DVD and Blu-ray 4/16

A MONSTER IN PARIS

Featuring All Star Voice Cast of Vanessa Paradis, Catherine O'Hara, Bob Balaban,

Sean Lennon, Adam Goldberg, Jay Harrington, Danny Huston

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED MOTION PICTURE

FINALLY ARRIVES IN AMERICA!

Available on DVD and Two-Disc Blu-ray 3D combo pack with 

Blu-ray 2D+DVD+Digital Copy

In Stores Everywhere on April 16, 2013

From Shout! Factory

SYNOPSIS

A wacky inventor, his camera-crazy best friend and a madcap monkey make a massive mistake when  let loose in a mad scientist's laboratory. With lotions and potions spilling everywhere, the troublesome trio accidentally creates Franc, the product of a reaction between common flea and one of the scientist's mystery concoction. What they fail to realize, however, is that this 'monster' is actually a soft-centered soul with an astounding talent for music.

With the help of an enchanting nightclub singer Lucille, Franc becomes the talk of the town, just as the stories of Paris's newest monster attract the attention of the egotistical police commissioner, hell bent on securing a big prize to help his batttle to become mayor. The unwitting scientists and the singer team up to protect Franc, a monster with more than a musical career to protect!

My Thoughts:

The music alone is reason enough to watch this movie. Between the music and the scenery I felt like was transported back in time to romantic Paris. It was truly an enchating combination. Then add in some quirky characters and a giant flea and you have the fixings for the perfect family film!

The film is filled with fun while also sending some great messages for the young viewers. These unlikely friends team up to work towards a common cause. They give the unknown (the monster) a chance and learn that not everything is as scary as it seems. 

Our entire family enjoyed this film and I would absolutely recommend you check it out!

TrueManCave

My husband has been itching to have his own man cave for years. And now that we have two kids and are surrounded by toys and baby gear... he's craving that space even more! We have an unfinished basement and part of me really wants to give him that space. A place to unwind, do manly things, and get away from the craziness for a few hours. Another part of me wants to turn it into a playroom... but we shall see which part wins out!

Should we make the move and create his dream man cave we can find everything he would want/need at TrueManCave.  From dart boards, to cornhole supplies, to poker tables and tailgate games... you can find it there! Cornhole would be a must for my husband. His friends have a set and they always break it out in the summer.

That's my hubby on the right!

So check out TrueManCave and see if you can make some dreams come true for the man in your life!

Disney Channel's "Shake It Up: I < 3 Dance" CD

Disney Channel's Shake It Up: I < 3 Dance CD

The stars of Disney Channel's hit television series "Shake It Up." Bella Thorne and Zendaya (currently seen on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" and is one of the youngest contestants to compete), kick off the all-new Shake It Up: I < 3 Dance soundtrack, from Walt Disney Records. 

The collection of 12 dance tracks is featured on the third season of the hit show.

Shake It Up: I < 3 Dance features songs by Bella and Zendaya as well as fellow Disney stars Selena Gomez, Bridgit Mendler, Roshon Fegan and Caroline Sunshine, in addition to up-and-coming stars Coco Jones, McClain Sisters and more. The Shake It Up: I < 3 Dance soundtrack is currently available for $9.99 on both iTunes and Amazon.com.

My Thoughts:

My daughter has just started to be interested in shows with real people. She always preferred cartoons, so I have been trying to check out some shows that are appropriate for her age (almost 4) and can keep her attention. So I caught an episode of Shake It Up on the Disney Channel and felt like she would like it because of the fun, upbeat music. My daughter loves to dance... so I put it on for her a few times. She seems to really enjoy it! She pretends to be CeCe and dances around with a microphone in her hand. So I figured the CD would be a hit!

When we received the CD I popped it in and we had a fun dance party. She tries so hard to learn the words... it's adorable. We love to rock out to "This is My Dance Floor." It's a fun CD with a fun, upbeat feeling that makes you want to dance. 

* I received a copy of this CD for review purposes. However, all thoughts and ideas expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

 
 

Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash Detergent

Purex brand is proud to present the launch of an exciting new fragrance as part of our Natural Elements line. Exotic fruits like pineapple and coconut combine with the distant flowers to take your nose on a tropical vacation with NEW Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash detergent.

As part of our #1 selling Natural Elements brands, this detergent delivers the Bright, White, and Clean you expect from Purex, but with naturally sourced ingredients. Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash offers natural fragrance extracts providing a great scent and a formula gentle enough for sensitive skin. What's more, the biodegradable formula promotes green cleaning practices. 

My Thoughts:
When it comes to laundry detergent my family only uses Purex. We were introduced to Purex through the Purex program and have been so impressed with the quality of the products, along with the affordability. Purex starts out at an affordable price and then is often on sale at my local grocery store. It's become a brand we know and trust. So I was on board to try this new product.

When I opened the cap to pour it into my first load I was impressed. I really didn't know what to expect with this scent. I tend to like the fresh scents that smell like clean laundry. So this was a little out there for me. But when I got my first whiff I was glad I had the chance to try it.

The scent is very different. It really does take your nose on a tropical vacation! What I loved was that it wasn't too strong, but it was present enough to bring you that feeling of relaxation that comes with being on vacation. It reminded me of getting a whiff of sunscreen and automatically being transported to the beach in your mind. I enjoyed the scent and my clothes came out clean and fresh.


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*Purex brand provided me with a sample for review purposed. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Carmex Healing Lotion and Cream Review and Giveaway

What do you think of when I say the word Carmex? I am sure most of you are thinking... chapstick or lip gloss. That's what I always thought of, too. I have been using Carmex to treat my dry winter lips and make my lips shine during fall, spring, and summer. Serioulsy, I always have one of their products in my purse and ready to go.

So when I got the chance to try out their hydrating lotion and healing cream I was totally on board. With increased levels of lanolin, our Healing Cream mimics your skin's natural lipid layer to maximize healing, while petroleum and allantoin soften rough skin and aid in moisturization. Perfect for everyday use, Carmex Hydrating Lotion is loaded with vitamin E and ultra-concentrated aloe vera to soothe skin and deliver serious hydration, without any greasiness.

The winter months have left my hands in rough shape. They have been dry and cracked around the knuckles. Add to it the fact that I am washing bottles in hot, hot, hot water all day long. My hands were screaming for some TLC. So I gave the healing cream a try.

I was really impressed with how after just a couple of applications I could see a big difference in the condition of my skin. They felt moist and the cracks were quickly disappearing. I have been keeping them in great shape by using the Hydrating Lotion. I keep it by the edge of the sink and apply it a couple times a day. My hands look and feel fabulous! My husband has even commented on how soft they feel.

I would definitely recommend these products! Look for them and give them a try!


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* Carmex provided me with samples for this review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us

101 Inspirational Stories of Miracle, Faith, and Answered Prayers

Celestial, otherworldly, heavenly. Whatever the term, sometimes there is no earthly explanation for what we experience, and a higher power is clearly at work. In book of 101 inspirational stories, contributors share their personal angel experiences of faith, miracles, and answered prayers. You will be awed and inspired by these true personal stories from people, religious and non-religious, about angel guidance, miraculous intervention, and love from beyond.

My Thoughts:
The question, do angels exist, is one that can cause a lot of reflection and thought. For me, I think my heart depends on the belief that angels do exist. Not only that they exist, but that when my loved ones pass away they will become an angel. And that those angels, the ones we love so dear, will be among us. That they will know what we're doing, how we're doing. That they can still be a part of our lives. That they can hear us when we talk to them. I need to have that hope and faith.

This book made me even a little more hopeful. Reading about real people.... some who believed in angels and some who didn't.... feel the presence of angels around them in one way or another. It makes you stop and think about life and how there just might be more to it then what we know. And to appreciate the little miracles in life.

I always enjoy the Chicken Soup for the Soul books because the stories are written by all different people from all different walks of life with their own stories to tell. They stories are short and endearing. This one in particular left me with tears in my eyes from some of the stories. It really is like a nice warm bowl of soup to warm your soul.

Forest Has a Song by Amy VanDerwater

Forest Has a Song

by Amy VanDerwater

illustrated by Robbin Gourley

A spider is a "never-tangling dangling spinner / knitting angles, trapping dinner." A tree frog proposes, "Marry me. Please marry me.... / Pick me now. / Make me your choice. / I'm one great frog / with one strong voice." VanDerwater lets the denizens of the forest speak for themselves in twenty-six lighthearted, easy-to-read poems. As she observes, "Silence in Forest / never lasts long. / Melody / is everywhere / mixing in / with piney air. / Forest has a song." The graceful, appealing watercolor illustrations perfectly suit these charming poems that invite young readers into the woodland world at every season.

My Thoughts:

Spring has been creeping up on us very slowly. With a beautiful day here and a snowstorm there. When this book arrived for my review I first read it on my own. I sat on my overstuffed couch and read the beautiful words of the author and got lost in the relaxing watercolors of the illustrator. I was transported through the words and pictures... but something was missing.

I decided that this book deserved to be read outside. So I took my daughter out on a sping-like day and I read her the beautiful poems. This book is intended for older children (ages 6-9), but with my help my almost 4 year old was able to understand and talk with me about the beauty of nature.

As I read this to my daughter I imagined myself back in the classroom. My third graders would have LOVED this book. I always made a big deal out of spring with my students. They start to get cabin fever and spring is a much needed relief for them. We would often go out on sunny days and read or go for nature walks to see the buds starting to peek out. I think that the words and illustrations from this book would really have made an impact on them. Telling us to slow down and take in the beauty. Stop and listen to the sounds around us. The trees blowing the wind, the birds chirping, the sounds or songs of nature.

This book is beautiful from the first word to the last. I love that it is chock full of beautiful poems so you can read a bunch at once... or just a couple here and there. This is the perfect book to celebrate the changing of seasons, poetry month, and Earth Day!

Colgate Optic White

Through Influenster I had the great opportunity to try out some great products from Colgate. I received the Colgate Optic White toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouth wash. I started using them right away... so I am little over a week into it. So... what do I think?

I really like the toothpaste! I think it provides you with the minty fresh feeling that you want after brushing your teeth. My teeth felt very clean and sparkly. But the biggest test was whether or not my smile would be brighter after just one week... and I think it is!

This was me this weekend!

And this was me the weekend before.

What do you think?

Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe

Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe

by Tim Myers

illustrated by Macky Pamintuan

How can a dinosaur stay dirt-free in a city? Welcome to the Dino Wash Deluxe, where dinos go to get soaped, scrubbed, and spotlessly clean. The Dino Wash handles it all: scales, spikes, wings, even frills and horns. BUT WAIT! There's a new customer in town: a T-Rex with sharp teeth, long claws, and a mighty mean personality. What will happen when T-Rex shows up? Filled with dinosaur facts and fun, this hilarious picture book reminds children that tough guys might not be as scary as they seem.

Ages 4 - 7

My Thoughts:

This book is fun and adorable! My daughter has been a fan of dinosaurs since she was little, so she couldn't wait to sit down and hear the fun and silly story about dinosaurs going to a car wash. I love that this book is full of fun dino facts. It's a great way to make learning fun! It also teaches a great lesson about facing your fears and learning that not everything is as frightening as it seems.

We had a lot of fun reading this book together. It's the perfect book for laughing, learning and talking about important social lessons. I would definitely recommend this book for little boys and girls!

Soft Scrub Advanced Surface Review and Giveaway

Soft Scrub Advanced Surface

NEW Soft Scrub Advanced Surface is the rinse-free gel that cleans and polishes granite and marble countertops, glass cooktops, and stainless steel. Soft Scrub Advanced Surface is both tough on stains, and gentle on even your most delicate surfaces. Now you can get the cleaning performance you've come to love from Soft Scrub in an easy to use gel.

Just apply to the surface and wipe away with a sponge, cloth or paper towel. You'll be amazed at how easily grease and grime disappears.

Tough on stains, Gentles on Surfaces

• Specially formulated for granite and marble countertops, stainless steel sinks and appliances, and stovetops
• No rinsing required, just wipe away with a damp sponge, cloth or paper towel
• For more information, visit www.softscrub.com

My Thoughts:

Cleaning the kitchen is a never ending chore. My family spends  most of the day going in and out of the kitchen. Our counter is a dumping ground for mail, food, bags, and pretty much anything else we bring into the house. And with an infant in the house I don't like to mess around with getting my kitchen clean. So I am constantly using disinfecting wipes to get all the germs off my surfaces.... but while they may kill germs they certainly don't get to the grit and grim and leave my counters sparkling.

I was really excited to use the new Soft Scrub Advanced Surface because of how simple it seemed. All I had to do was squirt and wipe. Adding this granite cleaner to my disinfecting routine was simple and convenient. But now my counters are sparkling, too! And it seriously did wonders on my stainless steel sink. My sink goes through a lot and is always filled with dirty dishes. So I was thrilled to see it shine again.

I would definitely recommend this product because it is so quick and easy and leaves you with immediate results. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* I received a free sample for review purposed. All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Vera Bradley Baby!

As you all know... I was very excited when Vera Bradley announced that they were going to have a baby line. Then when it came out earlier in March I couldn't wait to get into the stores and check it out. But then I got the best news yet... the chance to pick two pieces from the new collection and do a review!

Choosing two pieces was tough for me because they have such a great variety. From towels to blankets to diaper bags and more. But from the moment I saw ads for this new line I was in love with the little bunnies.

I thought that this little sweetie would be the perfect spring treat for my little girl. The Lilli Bell print is just perfect for little girls. When it arrived I just fell in love... so much so that I ran out and got the bear for my son. I think that the Tutti Frutti print works for little baby boys, and all the ladies in the store agreed!

Don't they look perfect in their Easter Baskets?

He loves it!

I was very pleases with the size and the quality. They are soft and cuddly and perfect for decorating the nursery or cuddling!

The second item I chose was a bit  more funtional... the Messanger Baby Bag in Midnight Blues. 

This was an easy choice for me because I knew the style was going to meet my needs. With two kids in tow I don't have a free hand for a diaper bag. I needed something that could go over my shoulder and not fall directly to my side where I would be holding a little hand. This bag is just what I need. It's not a huge bag but it accomodates everything I need for a day out with my little guy. It's comfortable and lightweight (well, until I load it up.. hehe), while still feeling sturdy. This is now my go-to bag. I even pass on taking my purse and toss my wallet right inside. 

I also love that this bag has a flap. I have another Vera Bradley diaper bag that has a zipper opening. I don't usually bother zippering it, which makes it easy to grab things out of it. But it has also led to things falling out. So with this it's easy for the flap to just cover everything up and I can still get in quickly and easily. 

The Vera Bradley Baby collection has everything you need to shower a new mom and baby with beautiful, high qaulity baby gifts. I would highly recommend you check out their great selection of items.