Feel the Love Giveaway Hop {$50 Matilda Jane Clothing Gift Card}

Friday, January 31, 2014

Welcome to the Feel the Love Giveaway Hop hosted by the Blogging Mamas Network.

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches and I've joined with a group of bloggers who want you to Feel the Love this February! Each blogger in this Hop has a giveaway worth at least $25 that you are sure to love!

We have been loving Matilda Jane Clothing for a while now. So I am very excited to have them as a sponsor again for this wonderful giveaway hop.
"It's all about keeping a little girl...a little girl. Keeping her youthful. Keeping her spinning and twirling and carefree. And most importantly, bringing her happiness." – Denise DeMarchis, designer and founder.

One lucky Nanny to Mommy reader will get the chance to win a $50 Matilda Jane Clothing Gift Card.
Entry is easy! Just feel out the Rafflecopter below! Only required entry is to comment. Winner's entries are verified. Must be 18+ to enter, Open to US only.

Enter to #win a $50 Matilda Jane Gift Card during #BMNLove #Giveaway Hop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Once you finished entering my giveaway, hop on over and enter to win the lovely Grand Prize - where you'll find a Maggie Bags Butterfly Bag, a delicious spread of Lovely Candy Co, and a girl's best friend - jewelry thanks to Jewelry in Candles by Karine!

Enter the Grand Prize.

So Easy Being Green, Viva Veltoro, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Feel the Love participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Bringing Home Baby: Birth Plans

Welcome back to our weekly series! This week we are discussing Birth Plans and why you should have one.
I had a birth plan when I had my daughter. But a lot of the things I wanted went out the window because I had to be induced, like being able to walk around to help alleviate labor pains. My mother-in-law scoffed at the idea when she found out I had one, but there are a ton of reasons why you should have one. So let's dig into them.

So what is a birth plan?
According to BabyCenter: "A birth plan is a document that tells your medical team your preferences for such things as how to manage labor pain. Of course, you can't control every aspect of labor and delivery, and you'll need to stay flexible in case something comes up that requires your birth team to depart from your plan. But a printed document gives you a place to make your wishes clear when you have a choice."
You should always talk to your doctor or midwife about your wishes before hand, but it's nice to have a birth plan when you go to the hospital just so the doctors and nurse can stay up to speed on your wishes and needs.

Why do you need a birth plan?
Do you want an epidural, no epidural, or go completely unmedicated?
Do you want a routine episiotomy?
Do you want to breastfeed or formula feed?
Do you want to circumcise or not?
Do you want to bank your child's cord blood?
Do you want to delay your baby's first bath?
Do you want to give your baby a pacifier or not?

These are all questions answered in your birth plan. Hospitals tend to have routines they like to stick to, but your labor is just that...yours. You don't want to feel robbed of a certain experience just because you didn't ask before hand, like having your baby cleaned on your chest so you can start bonding immediately or delay your baby's first bath so you can breastfeed as long as your baby wants to for that first time. Some of the things in a birth plan are routine. But you need to make sure everyone is on board. You have talked to your doctor about your plan and they understand your needs, but that doesn't mean the nurses at the hospital know. You should also talk to your partner/labor team and let them understand your birth plan, so they can get on board and help make sure unnecessary inventions aren't taking over. If you have no certain desires either way or you are a go-with-the-flow type of person, that's great! But even you should still have a birth plan too. It may not be as long or specific as others, but there will be some things that you will want to go one way or the other.

Here is a GREAT list of 10 FREE Printable Birth Plans.

I suggest going through each one and customizing one that's perfect for you. Grab a GREAT & FREE Birth Plan from Earth Mama Angel Baby!

I had a birth plan and no not everything went according to plan, but I am so glad I had one. Some of the things on my birth plan weren't very specific because I truly was go with the flow on most of the topics, but the main things I wanted happened the way I wanted them to and that was because I had a birth plan. So do your research and make an educated decision before diving in. Remember women have been this forever, but you are unique and so is your labor.

Did you have a birth plan? Did everything go according to plan? Looking back, would you change your original birth plan?

Help Your Child Learn to Read with a #FREE 5 Week Trial of #ReadingEggsUS!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Reading Eggs. All opinions are 100% my own.

My daughter is starting 3K this coming up school year. Sign-ups were this past Sunday. I am nervous and excited for her. We got to explore the classroom. There were two that she might be in. Each room she just went in, pulled out a chair, sat down, and starting working on whatever activity they had set out, whether it was putting puzzles together or looking through books. I was talking to one of her possible teachers and when she was going over the curriculum, I felt very confident that SweetPea won't be behind starting out. And with programs like Reading Eggs, I know she can exceed even her teachers expectations.

Reading Eggs is an online learning program with fun games, interactive animations, great songs, books and rewards to help children learn to read. It supports each child’s learning by offering individual, one-on-one lessons that allow children to progress at their own rate. Because it's fun, children will want to play again and again.

When you first log into Reading Eggs, it takes your child through an (up to) 60 question skills test to ensure they are starting at the right level. My daughter is just starting out. So we are starting out at level 1.

Reading Eggs Trial

The program is very child/user friendly. My daughter enjoyed going through the first level. I had to help her through it, but once we went through the first group, she picked it up very quickly.

Help Your Child Learn to Read with Reading Eggs

Help Your Child Learn to Read with Reading Eggs

Older children are not left out either. Reading Eggspress are levels designed for children up to 13 years. With over 1500 e-books in the library and games that help with vocabulary, spelling and reading comprehension, your older child will find tons of books and games to keep their interest.

So what I love so much about Reading Eggs is right now you can grab a FREE 5 WEEK TRIAL to test it out on your very own! Just click HERE or the image below! No credit card required.

#ad Give Your Child a Head Start with a FREE Trial to Reading Eggs PLUS enter to #win a iPad Mini! #ReadingEggsUS

I am excited to continue using Reading Eggs. I love how much my daughter is loving to learn to read, at only 3 years old! After you've checked out your FREE trial, please come back and let me know what you think!

Read to Cure Challenge
Reading Eggs is hosting the Read to Cure Challenge to raise funds for the National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS). The goal is to raise $25,000, and Reading Eggs will match every donation made up to this amount. All money raised will help provide financial, emotional and educational support for children and families battling childhood cancer. You can access Reading Eggs and take part in the campaign too. From February 3 to March 7 children are encouraged to complete as many books and Reading Eggs lessons as they can. Friends and family can sponsor their reading efforts, with all money raised going to the NCCS. There are also SIX great prizes up for grabs: (3) for the most money raised in the Read to Cure and (3) for the most books/lessons completed in the Read to Cure. You can learn more about this challenge by visiting http://thenccs.org/.

Giveaway!
Reading eggs is also giving away an iPad Mini! Just enter via the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open until Friday March 7, 2014. One winner will be selected to receive one (1) iPad Mini valued at $299.99. To enter the giveaway, entrants must register and activate the 5-week free trial on the Reading Eggs website between 1/20/2014 to 3/7/2014 with their name, child’s name and postal address.)

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Reading Eggs. All opinions are 100% my own.

SNOW in GA! :D {WW #62 + LINKY}

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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So how was your week?
I would love it if you'd share your picture posts with me.

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Leave a comment so I can follow back.

Please share the linky:

Please add this badge to your post or side bar before linking up.
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Wordless Wednesday Picture Blog Hop Linky

If you're having trouble adding a badge, click HERE.
I never thought I would have to make a rule to my WW Linky,
but PLEASE do not link up your main blog URL but a direct link to your post.
This is also for Wordless Wednesday posts only, although I appreciate others linking up.
Thank you.

Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday! :D

*Please note that you are NOT required to enter your email, by doing so you may receive a weekly link-up reminder email that you can unsubscribe from at any time.*

Please Vote For Us! :D

Andy Pandy Disposable Diaper Giveaway

Monday, January 27, 2014

Welcome to the Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diaper Giveaway!

A biodegradable, bamboo disposable diaper free of perfumes, latex and antioxidants! 100% chlorine free!

Photo Credit: Andy Pandy

Hosted by: Crunchy Livin Mama Style

A Winter Wonderland Of Babies Event Is HERE! We get to CELEBRATE all the new babies in our lives!

Joy Of Momma Joyner and Mama On A Green Mission are both welcoming their 3rd babies in the next few weeks! Along with a wonderful group of bloggers, they want to offer ONE WINNER an awesome Prize Package full of great items for Mama, Baby, and even for Siblings!

The Prize Package Includes:

That's a Total Prize Package Value of $1,756!!

So, what do you think? Ready to enter? It's simple! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools Form below. There are plenty of entry options, and the more you do, the better your chances of winning are!

The A Winter Wonderland Of Babies Event Prize Package is open to all legal residents of the United States who are 18-years-old or older. This event will run from 12:00am EST Monday, January 27, 2014 through 11:59pm EST Friday, February 14, 2014. Best Of Luck!

Entry -Form

Joy Of Momma Joyner, Mama On A Green Mission, and all the participating blogs are not responsible for the fulfillment of the prizes. The sponsors will send the prizes directly to the winner. We are also not responsible for any unfortunate accidents that may result from the use of any of these products.

Please Vote For Us! :D

We love Step2 Giveaway - ANY $150 Step2 Product!

Welcome to the We Love Step2 Giveaway hosted by Thrifty Nifty Mommy and Viva Veltoro. Here's your chance to win ANY toy (up to $150 value) from Step2.com!

Step2 is releasing brand new toys this spring and we've got your first look! Check out the new Step2 Great Outdoors Playhouse, the Sit & Play Picnic Table with Umbrella, the Sand Castle Play Table, the Home Depot Sizzle & Smoke Barbeque Set, the Busy Ball Play Table, and the Alpine Ridge Climber and Slider. These are just some of the great new products from Step2 that will be hitting the shelves over the next few months!

Visit the Step2 website to see all of the great products they have for sale. Also, you'll want to make sure that you sign up for their Birthday Club where you'll get great coupons before your child's birthday, plus other special offers and deals! Also, make sure you like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Step2, Thrifty Nifty Mommy, Viva Veltoro, and a number of great bloggers have teamed up to bring you a giveaway for ANY toy (up to $150 value) from Step2.com so you can choose the toy that's best suited for your family!

Open to the residents of the 48 contiguous US states, ages 18+. Ends 2/10/14 at 11:59 PM EST. Please enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!

Entry -Form

Disclosures: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Thrifty Nifty Mommy, Viva Veltoro and the participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Giveaway is open to residents of the 48 contiguous US states, age 18+. Giveaway will close at 11:59PM EST on 2/10/14. One (1) winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries. Winner may select any toy from the Step2 website that has an original price (MSRP) of $150 or less; shipping will also be provided free of charge.If the winner would like an item that is more than $150 ARV, he/she will be responsible for the difference plus applicable tax and shipping. Please note, this is valid for ONE item up to $150 original price, not a suite of products. Thrifty Nifty Mommy & Viva Veltoro are Step2 Ambassadors. As a member of this program they receive compensation and products in exchange for sharing their honest opinions.

I've Been Plagiarized...

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Like almost exactly. I have never had this happen to me before.

I created this meme (using my thoughts & phrasing) and posted in on my blog and a few of my other social media outlets back on March 15, 2013. You can see the original post HERE.

Posted on Facebook 3/20/13
Posted on Pinterest (to date) 44 weeks ago
Posted on Twitter 6/15/13

I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger and of course follow their Facebook Page.They posted the following image so I saw that the had a "copyright" at the bottom (you can see when they posted it) to a site called MothersQuotes. I am not going to link to anything of theirs. Not their site or Facebook page or even the picture they plagiarized because I don't want to give them the advertisement on my site. But when I came across it, I got angry.

Going through their photos it makes me wonder who else they have stolen from. It also makes me VERY angry that they are trying to make money through stolen "quotes". And how can they even call themselves that when they don't give credit where credit is due? I have reported the page as spam, as well as the image. Please do the same if you feel what they did was just wrong.

What do you think? Do you think they stole my meme and it's rude they didn't give credit? Or am I overreacting?

Please Vote For Us! :D

Braving Through a Fever {Nuby Medical Kit Review}

Saturday, January 25, 2014

I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger and received the following item complimentary for the purposes of review. All opinions are my own.

Braving Through the Colds - Nuby Medical Kit Review

Braving Through the Colds - Nuby Medical Kit Review

I posted the image above last night after the scare on Instagram.

Last night we had a little bit of a scare. I had put SweetPea to bed at 9 p.m. I was working on the computer at about 10:45 when I heard her call out saying she needed to go to the potty. This is a huge step for her with her potty training process. She is completely potty trained during the day except for naps and we are working on night time potty training. I ran up stairs and she was burning up!

Nuby Medical Kit Review

Her diaper was already wet, but she did want to try and go potty. I brought her down stairs with our first aid kit that my sister made for me as a baby shower gift back in the day. We have an unreliable ear thermometer and of course the battery was dead. Then I remembered that Nuby sent me this wonderful medical kit to review. The thermometer was very easy to use. You put it under your child's arm/tongue, press the button, and wait for it to beep. SweetPea had a fever of 101.3! I immediately cringed. And ran to get some Tylenol and a luke warm wash cloth. Our medicine dropper that came with our Tylenol started dripping and was making it where I couldn't get ANYTHING into it. But the Nuby Medical Kit comes with a medicine spoon that saved the day, PLUS SweetPea thought it was neat to "drink" her medicine from.

I am so thankful for this all in one kit from Nuby. It has everything!
Medical Kit includes:
- Sure-Dose™ Medicine Dropper
- Medi•Nurser™
- Nasal Aspirator with Ear Syringe
- Medicine Spoon
- Nail Clippers
- Digital Thermometer

Available at these retailers:
- www.cookieskids.com
- www.amazon.com

You can keep up with Nuby online at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.

Thank you Nuby for saving the day!
What are some of your go to cures when your little one is sick?

I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger and received the following item complimentary for the purposes of review. I received no other compensation. All opinions are my own.

Please Vote For Us! :D

Bringing Home Baby: Preparing the Nursery & Registering

Friday, January 24, 2014

Welcome back to our weekly series! This week we are discussing preparing the nursery and registering. At 32 weeks preggo, I am just starting to actually get the nursery together. With that comes registering. I just registered. Online only. Mainly because I just found out that I was having showers. With SweetPea, I started registering as soon as I found out we were pregnant and even did walk through of the stores. I had received a ton of things as hand-me-downs, but knew we needed a ton more. The funny thing about registries is, no one seems to buy from them. There are those few people who do. And then there are those gifts that aren't on your registry, but they are so wonderful for different reasons. With SweetPea, everyone bought us clothes. I had received a ton of hand-me-downs from my former boss and although it was nice to have new stuff for her, we were over whelmed with the amount of clothes we had that she wore some things only once and some things not at all. That's one of the many reasons I'm excited about not finding out the sex of this baby before delivery. There are so many things we need again (because we got hand-me-downs the first time around, so although they made it through 3 babies, they weren't going to make it through a 4th) that don't have to be gender specific. Diapers, Lotions, Soaps, Wipes, etc. Plus I did register for some bigger ticket items that I am not expecting anyone to get us, like a new camera, a double stroller, a travel swing, and a Shark vacuum.

gender neutral shower invitation

I honestly didn't think I would be getting a baby shower because this is my second baby and some people keep telling me I shouldn't because there isn't anything to buy since they don't know the sex (I think they are trying to guilt me in to finding out). But my husband's cousin asked about throwing us one because as she said "Every baby deserves to be celebrated". I thought that was just beautiful. And I am excited about the shower. She found these very cute neutral invitations on etsy (I don't know the shop).
The other great thing about registering is the free gifts you get! I registered at Babies-R-Us and Target where I received some AWESOME little gift packages. The best so far was actually from Motherhood Maternity though.

Since we aren't finding out the sex before hand, preparing the nursery means something different for me. We haven't been decorating like we did with my daughter (although we didn't go all out with hers because we were on a VERY limited income at the time).
Click image to view more pictures.

Preparing the nursery this time means shopping sales to stock up on diapers or getting essential items for review to blog about as income. Some of my favorites so far have been my Graco Jogger that included a Graco SnugRide Click Connect™ 35 Infant Car Seat (car seat is ALWAYS a good thing to get NEW with each baby for safety reasons), a sound machine, the Graco Little Lounger (rocker/bassinet), a baby food maker (although we use it for smoothies & pouches for SweetPea now), and a good carrier. Some of the things are already being used like the Talk & Soothe Digital Video Monitor. It has come in handy when I've wanted to spy on my daughter. ;)

A few things I think you should remember going into making your registry and completely your nursery:
1. Not everyone likes registries.
2. You aren't going to get everything you registered for (that's where gift cards come in handy).
3. And you will be grateful for EVERYTHING you get. Regardless on registry or not. Promise.

Below is a linky to share your baby posts. Please feel free to play along! You can view the full list of other posts coming your way, HERE.

Do you have any go to registry items? What's your favorite part about getting your nursery together?

It's Official #BobaAmbassador

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Website - Facebook - Twitter

I am so excited to give baby wearing a real try with the upcoming arrival of baby number two, due late March. I tried with SweetPea, but I didn't have a good carrier like the ones that Boba provides. But running after a 3 year old all day, I am going to have to be able to breastfeed & hold my newborn all at the same time. So that's why I'm excited to announce that I am officially a Boba Ambassador!

Boba has five main products right now that I think you all will love.
The *NEW* Boba Carrier 4G - $128 (review coming soon!)
The Boba Air - $65
The Boba Wrap - $38 (I have my eye on these)
The *NEW* Boba Vest - $55
The *NEW* Boba Hoodie - $70 (so great for the Winter Vortex)
There are also several different accessories you can find, like the Boba Mini (I am loving this & want one for SweetPea), teething pads for your carrier, a Stuff Sack, and replacement parts.

Boba 4G Carrier Dusk

Boba was nice enough to send me The Boba Carrier 4G in Dusk as a welcome gift (comes with an infant insert), so be sure to check back for a full review on that once little Appleseed arrives in late March. I'm thinking based on the stats, that the Hubby could even test it out on SweetPea before then!

The company says, "Boba designs thoughtfully crafted products for active parents who want the time and freedom to create a real and caring bond with their child, while living life to the fullest." You can really see this mission come through in the products they sell. I am so excited to be an advocate for this brand! Make sure to check out Boba at http://www.bobafamily.com/ and be on the lookout for more from Boba!

I’m a Boba Ambassador. I participate in Boba events and online conversations, and receive thank you gifts for my participation, but all opinions and experiences expressed are my own.

Please Vote For Us! :D

Back to the Grind {WW #61 + LINKY}

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Last week the Hubby was on vacation. It was so nice to have him home. We got SweetPea moved over to her big girl room and are starting to get the nursery ready for the newest bundle. Here are some pictures of his vacation. We also celebrated his 30th birthday!

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So how was your week?
I would love it if you'd share your picture posts with me.

And please make sure to keep up with us on Instagram:

Pish Posh Baby - 2014 Strollers Available for Pre-Order

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pish Posh Baby. All opinions are my own.

Pish Posh Baby is a high end baby store, online and also has a physical store located in Jackson, NJ!
Their store is unlike any other because they have a car INSIDE their store to try out car seats for installation. They also have different tracks/terrain to try out different baby strollers. If you live near NJ, I suggest you drop in and check out the Pish Posh Baby store!

With baby number two on the way, I am definitely making sure to check out Pish Posh Baby and all the wonderful strollers they have available for pre-order for 2014. You should check them out too!

Bugaboo Cameleon3 Classic Collection

Baby Jogger City Mini 2014

Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2014

Baby Jogger City Mini Double 2014

Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double 2014

Baby Jogger City Mini 4 Wheel 2014

Baby Jogger City Elite 2014

Baby Jogger City Select 2014

Baby Jogger FIT 2014

Baby Jogger Summit X3 2014

That Double Jogger City Select is my favorite with a second little one on the way. Which are some of your faves?

Make sure to also follow Pish Posh Baby on Facebook and/or Twitter!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pish Posh Baby. All opinions are my own.

Please Vote For Us! :D

Nanny to Mommy

Feel the Love Giveaway Hop {$50 Matilda Jane Clothing Gift Card}

Bringing Home Baby: Birth Plans

Help Your Child Learn to Read with a #FREE 5 Week Trial of #ReadingEggsUS!

SNOW in GA! :D {WW #62 + LINKY}

Andy Pandy Disposable Diaper Giveaway

A Winter Wonderland Of Babies Giveaway

A Winter Wonderland Of Babies Event Is HERE! We get to CELEBRATE all the new babies in our lives!

We love Step2 Giveaway - ANY $150 Step2 Product!

I've Been Plagiarized...

Braving Through a Fever {Nuby Medical Kit Review}

Bringing Home Baby: Preparing the Nursery & Registering

It's Official #BobaAmbassador

Back to the Grind {WW #61 + LINKY}

Pish Posh Baby - 2014 Strollers Available for Pre-Order

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