Body Back Book {Review and Giveaway}

After giving birth to Baby C, I thought I would never be the same.  My hair was falling out in chunks, my skin was loose and droopy, and my mind was all over the place.  I was forgetting why I came into this room and bringing the trash out to the washing machine.  I just wanted to be back to me.

I recently received the book, Body Back by Heather Porter, to review.  Heather was born and educated in London and Kent.  She is a mother of 4 boys and stepmother to 2 girls.  Heather is dedicated to charity work and providing for children with disabilities.

This is the ultimate mother's handbook for medical, physical and emotional well-being.  The book describes scientific changes our body goes through during and after pregnancy.  And discusses treatments, therapies, exercises, and products to help women get their body back.  Though this book is geared towards mothers and helping them feel like a themselves again, after giving birth, it provides great tips for all woman.  Just the other week, I pulled my back out playing with my toddler at gymnastics.  The book provided a chapter on how to heal my back and prevent it from happening again.

Another perk, that makes Body Back such a great resource, is that it provides natural and eco-friendly suggestions and tips!  For example, instead of treating lice with those shampoos full of chemicals, try using a tea tree essential oil treatment.  There are many of these natural tips throughout the book, for every part of your body.

You don't have to search the internet or buy loads of books.  Everything you need to get your body back is all in one source.  So, while you are busy taking care of the rest of your family, save some time for yourself with Body Back.

  

To learn more about Body Back or to purchase the book, visit their website.  Connect on Facebook and Twitter.  You can enter to win a copy by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

Catching Up {Insta-Friday}

We are still trying to get back to our "normal" schedule after being on vacation, so here is our past couple of weeks in review.

Baby C was teething a couple of weeks ago.  She is doing well now.  Before she turned one, she never had a problem with teething.  But after that, it's been pretty painful.  Thankfully, she only has a few more teeth to go! 

We took a trip to Wal-Mart and got Baby C her first sand bucket, shovel and rake for summertime.  She loves them so much that she had to eat with the rake.  

Her daddy is her world.  She will go around saying, "daddy, daddy" all day long.  She even loves to jam out on his guitar.

Baby C loves water and putting things on her head.  Put the 2 together and she is busy for hours.

Speaking of water.  We went to a fun water exhibit where Baby C had a blast!

When we were on vacation, Baby C loved the rocking chair in the condo.  I was so excited to score this one at a garage sale.  She's also loving her new sippy cup!

Here is Baby C having fun on mommy and daddy's bed.  Peek-a-boo!

We tried out a new craft this week.  We had so much fun with the homemade sidewalk paint!

What was your favorite part of the week?  

Buffalo Joe's White Water Rafting and Zipline Adventures {Discounts and Deals}

I have never been white water rafting or zip lining before, but would sure love to try it out.  The Arkansas River offers some of the best Colorado river rafting trips. Every year, Buffalo Joe's books Colorado rafting reservations for singles, couples, families and groups of all ages and takes them on guided Colorado rafting trips! Colorado Rafting has quickly become one of coolest additions to your western vacation. Half-day to 6 day Colorado river rafting tours are available on the Arkansas River for all skill levels from Class III (great family trips) to Class V rapids (high adventure). Even if you have never been on a Colorado river rafting trip, or are a non swimmer they have a trip for you.

How about you?  Are you interested in trying out something crazy and fun this summer? Buffalo Joe's has combined with Captain Zip to provide one of the coolest packages in Colorado. Zip Line in the morning and raft on your choice of Colorado's best whitewater in the afternoon. Save 15% off both activities, and have the day of your life. Captain Zip line has 7 zips including a 700 foot side by side racer zip to complete the trip!  Just click here for your discount!  

Disclaimer: I received 2 free 1/2 day whitewater rafting tickets from Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Adventures in exchange for this post.  Regardless, I only share posts that I feel will benefit my readers.  

Homemade Sidewalk Paint {Art Activity}

As a SAHM, I am always looking for fun and educational activities to keep my little girl busy.  We love library story time, gymnastics (when there are good deals), and playing at the park.  Baby C also loves to explore with art.  It doesn't always turn out the way I intend it to, but I guess it's the process not the product, that's important.

Since discovering that Baby C loves to use a paintbrush, I tried to find more fun activities that would help her with those fine-motor skills.  Here is what I found:

Homemade Sidewalk Paint

• bowls
• paintbrushes
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour 
• food coloring

Mix water, flour, and food coloring.  And find a nice, clean sidewalk to paint on.  It's so much fun and looks just like sidewalk chalk when it dries.

Baby C enjoyed mixing all the paint colors, painting all over herself and saying hi to the neighbors as they passed by.  I have to admit, this was a pretty cool art project for me too! 

Evenflo Bebek 3-Handle Trainer Cup {Review}

Transitioning from a bottle to a sippy cup was a big challenge for Baby C and I.  It  wasn't so hard to get rid of the bottle as it was to find a sippy cup that actually worked.  We tried everything.  Either the flow was too fast or the cup leaked all over the place, even if it said "leak proof."  I finally found one that I really liked, and so did Baby C.  Until she figured out how to pop the nipple out.  Ugh!  And I didn't learn my lesson the first time, so this continued to happen over and over again.  When the opportunity came up to review the Evenflo Bebek 3-Handle Trainer Cup, I thought I would give it a try.

Evenflo has nurtured babies growth and development for over 90 years.  They understand what stress-free feeding means and the importance of bonding with your baby.  The Evenflo Bebek 3-Handle Trainer cup provides a smooth transition from bottle to cup.  The soft spout is gentle on teeth and gums.  It is designed with unique and soft handles for small hands.  The one-piece valve and spout is easy to assemble and designed not to leak.

The trainer cup was perfect for Baby C.  She was able to grip the handles easily and we could remove them as well.  I was so happy when we made it through the whole day without one, single leak!  Baby C was pretty excited about it too!

The Evenflo Bebek 3-Handle Trainer Cup is top rack dishwasher-safe.  It is designed for ages 4 months and older.  And BPA-free!  To learn more about the Evenflo Bebek Collection or other products, visit Evenflo online.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media.  All opinions are my own and I was not swayed by any outside sources.  

      

Gratitude {One Thousand Gifts}

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17

I feel it is so important to show gratitude when I receive a gift, service, or kind words from someone.  Whether it's a written card or letter, phone call or special blog post, showing my appreciation to those who love and care about me is so important to me.

I know how it feels when you don't feel appreciated.  When you work hard to bring something special to someone and don't receive a thank you or any thoughts of gratitude.  It hurts.  And I wonder if God feels the same way when I forget to say thanks.

How do you show appreciation for gifts or services received?

Continuing the Joy Dare by counting my 1000 Gifts:

51 My husband
52 My daughter
53 Love
54 Being a mom
55 Being a wife
56 Being a friend
57 Toddler gymnastics
58 Pictures
59 My mom
60 Sunshine
61 Shadows
62 Happiness
63 A cranky toddler
64 Being alone
65 Overcoming struggles
66 BBQ
67 Family
68 Good company
69 Clean bathrooms
70 Water play on a hot day
71 Receiving fun mail

The Children's Museum of Denver ~ Just Add Water

Summer has definitely arrived in Colorado.  With the temperature being over 90 degrees on most days, we have needed something to cool us off.  So Baby C and I packed up our bag with sunscreen, water shoes and a towel, and headed to The Children's Museum of Denver, Just Add Water Exhibits.

It was about a half hour drive and the traffic was a little hairy due to construction, but it was well worth it.  We arrived early and just in time because the parking lot was getting busy and the sun was heating up.  We were ready to Just Add Water  to our day!

Balls and water, two of Baby C's favorite things all in one.  She was at this station for a very long time.  And the sweet volunteer helped Baby C by bringing her balls and showing her how to throw them down the tube.  Baby C laughed so hard as the water shot the ball in the air.  This exhibit was great for Baby C to learn how to take turns, share and interact with other kids.

As you can see, Baby C is just as happy to sit in the puddle of water and play with the water dripping from the hose.  This was not one of the water exhibits, but it sure kept Baby C entertained.  

Being a former teacher, The Blank Slate Gallery was my favorite.  By using a paint brush with water on a chalk board, Baby C discovered fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination she didn't know she had (and to be honest, neither did mommy).  This is an exhibit that would be easy and fun to do at home too!

Though Baby C couldn't pump the handles by herself to make the geyser explode, she certainly gave it a good try.  She had a blast watching and getting wet though.  That's for sure! 

The exhibits are geared for ages 1 - 8 years old.  But I saw much older children having just as much fun as we did.  There is plenty of shade and the area is fenced in, so you don't have to worry about little ones getting too far away.  Thank you to The Children's Museum of Denver for providing us with so much fun and helping us to cool off in this summer heat.  

The Children's Museum of Denver is offering YOU a chance explore their fun too!  Click here for a 2 for 1 Wednesday Night Coupon!

Disclaimer: The Children's Museum of Denver provided free admission exchange for a review.  All opinions are my own and were not swayed by outside sources.  

Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop

Are you ready for summer? Welcome to the Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering and Organic Mama through the Green Moms Network! As part of this awesome event, a group of bloggers is each offering an eco-friendly giveaway worth $25 or more on their blogs! After you finish entering my giveaway, worth over $80, visit the other participating blogs, which are listed below the Rafflecopter form. Good luck everyone!

2 wash clothes of winner's choice from Karnival of Krafts valued at $8

~Etsy Shop~Bath and Kitchen~Lilac Wash Cloths~

Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent valued at $30
~Powdered Laundry Detergent~Tropical Traditions~Virgin Coconut Oil~How to Use Coconut Oil~

Kids Organic Sleeveless Kimono Shirt/Vest and 3 Pocket Shorts from the Teddy Brown Bear Collection valued at $42.90

~Kids Organic~Teddy Brown Bear Vest and Shorts~Shop~

Bathtime Baby Bathing Baby Hair and Body Wash valued at $18.95
~Bathtime Kids~Bathing Baby~Products~

Summer Celebration Spotlight Post {Bathtime Kids}

Summertime is definitely a time for your kids to get messy and have fun.  Whether you are hiking, biking, crafting or playing in the park, you'll need something to help clean your kiddos up after a long day of fun in the sun.  And you'll have no problem with that, thanks to Bathtime Kids, my fourth sponsor for the Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop.

Bathtime Kids and Bathtime Baby are lines of skincare that is safe and gentle for your child.  The products contain organic plant and fruit extracts that not only nourish your baby's skin with vitamins and antioxidants, but protect and care for your child's delicate skin.  This collection of skincare is free of parabens, propylene glycols, and petroleum-distillates.

I was sent Bathing Baby Hair and Body Wash to review for the Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop because we needed something special, safe and effective to clean up Baby C after a long day of play.  This gentle, shampoo and body wash combination cleanses and naturally moisturizes hair and skin with natural nutrients.  Bathing Baby Hair and Body Wash is free from all harmful ingredients.

After our day in the sun at Tiny Town, which included playground time and a picnic, Baby C was covered in sand, sunscreen and lots of food in her hair.  She was desperately in need of a bath that night.  As Baby C enjoyed her bath, I used the Bathtime Baby Hair and Body Wash on her for the first time.  Not only was it gentle, it was also convenient.  I didn't have to worry about using separate shampoo and body wash, it was all in one.  And once Baby C was out of the tub and in my arms, she was so soft and snuggly.  

Bathtime Kids is sponsoring the Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop by providing one blessed reader with Bathing Baby Hair and Body Wash valued at $18.95.  Be sure to connect with Bathtime Kids on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  Visit Bathtime Kids for their entire line of baby and children's skincare, hair care and sun care!

Click HERE to enter!

Disclaimer: I received a free product from Bathtime Kids to review and was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own and I have not been swayed by outside sources.  

Summer Celebration Spotlight Post {Kids Organic}

With all the fun activities and playtime summer has to offer, it's important to keep our babies and toddlers comfy.  And that's just what Kids Organic does!  I am thrilled to share with you my third sponsor for the Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop, Kids Organic.  

Founders of Kids Organic, Revi and Nicolay, create children's clothing (newborn to age 3) made of 100% certified organic cotton dyed without chemicals.  The integrity of the productions process while creating attractive clothing is very important to them.  Their multi-generation clothing is pre-shrunk and can be machine washed.    

Kids Organic is giving away a Sleeveless Kimono Shirt/Vest and 3 Pocket Shorts from the Teddy Brown Bear Collection.  This garment is made from natural and ultra soft, mid weight, knit fabric with chocolate trims.  There are only 2 snaps, which makes it gentle for dressing babies and easy for dressing busy toddlers.  This collection 100% certified organic cotton, left pure and natural or dyed chemical free with natural plant dyes.  This collection is valued at $42.90.

Connect with Kids Organic on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!  

Click HERE to enter!

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post.  Kids Organic provided information and a giveaway for my readers.

Stuck {One Thousand Gifts}

Do you ever feel like you are stuck?  Maybe stuck in a job or relationship?  Last week, I felt stuck in a sad place.  I think I was coming down from all the excitement of Grandma's visit.  We had so much fun, that once she left, I just felt lonely and sad.  I haven't felt that way in a long time.  Probably since we first moved back out to Colorado last July when I felt alone.  I felt like I was just going through the motions and not really living.


I knew this feeling stuck in a sad place wouldn't last forever.  I knew it because I had been there before (and even much worse) and God has brought me through.  But sometimes it's hard to know how to pull through when I feel stuck.  Do I "Be still and know that I am God," or do I move, take action and pray for what God is calling me to do to help move myself out of this stuck place?  Sometimes, it's a little bit of both.  I just need to listen for what God is calling me to do.

What do you do when you feel stuck? 


31 Grandma's gift
32 Baby's art
33 Children's books
34 A heart full of love
35 A full plate
36 Pictures of happy memories
37 Fresh air
38 Bakery's sweet smell
39 Dinner cooking
40 Baby teething
41 House delays
42 No responses
43 Father
44 Psalm 46:10
45 Baby feet
46 Sunshine
47 Pizza delivery
48 A giver
49 Good advice
50 Jokers

Summer Celebration Spotlight Post {Tropical Traditions}

With all the fun summer has to offer, my daughter's wardrobe is sure to get dirty.  From playgrounds to picnics, there is no stopping the messiness.  I'm so thankful that Tropical Traditions is my second sponsor for the Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop.

Brian and Marianita, the founders of Tropical Traditions, wants it's costumers to feel safe when shopping online.  They have committed to not sell anything that is harmful to the best of their knowledge.  Tropical Traditions offers everything you need, from coconut oil and organic food to household goods and skin care products.

I was sent environmentally safe and nontoxic laundry detergent from Tropical Traditions to to review for  the Summer Celebrations Giveaway Hop because with all the fun, games and picnics that come with summer, so does lots of dirty clothes.  Tropical Traditions laundry detergent contains no harmful by-products upon decomposition.  It dissolves and rinses away completely without leaving residue in your clothes.  And you'll be happy to know that the detergent does not contain any dyes, perfumes, fillers or phosphates.

Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent certainly did a job well done for me.  I chose to take the ultimate test by using Baby C's bib.  If you have a baby or toddler, you know that bibs get the messiest.  Check it out.  Baby C started out with a nice, clean bib before meal time.  

Here's the bib after several meal times.  It includes pizza, meatballs, fruit and veggie purees, applesauce, milk, oatmeal, and PB&J.  Just to name a few.  I had to get it nice and dirty for the test.

Tropical Traditions recommends washing clothes with 2 oz. of laundry detergent for normally soiled loads.  For heavily soiled loads, add 2 - 4 oz. of Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach non-chlorine Destainer and Deodorizer.  The picture below shows Baby C's bib washed with just the detergent.  The detergent worked great on Baby C's heavily soiled bib.  

Tropical Traditions is sponsoring the Summer Celebrations Giveaway Hop by offering one blessed reader Laundry Detergent valued at $30.  Be sure to read my review of the Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil where you can find great recipes.

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions to receive discounts, recipes and more.  And connect with Tropical Traditions on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.

Click HERE to enter!

Disclaimer:  I received a free product from Tropical Traditions and was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own and I have not been swayed by outside sources.  

Summer Patio Retreat {Giveaway}

Welcome to the Summer Patio Retreat Giveaway Event brought to you by Mom to Bed by 8 the ‘Iowa-Mom’, Powered By Mom and Mommy and Baby Reviews and Giveaways!

We would like to thank our special co-hosts Another Cent Saved, Giveaway Bandit, To Sew With Love and Opinions of a Moody Mama for joining us for this special event.

What a perfect giveaway to help celebrate summer!  Sweet Tiny Blessings is so excited to help spread the word and bring this Patio Retreat to one blessed reader!

Strathwood Brentwood 4-Piece Outdoor Furniture Set

Gather friends, family, and refreshments and a enjoy a little patio retreat fully furnished with this four-piece set from Strathwood. The Brentwood collection includes two arm chairs, a coffee table, and a loveseat. Designed to withstand the elements, the furniture's frames are constructed of powder-coated steel in an attractive black with bronze flecks. Powder coating gives the furniture great protection against rust. Comfortable, durable seat cushions are upholstered in a polyester fabric designed for outdoors.

Cushion Care and Cleaning: Gently brush off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric and wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. Gently spot clean only with mild soap and cool water using a sponge or soft brush, then air dry cushions in a sunny location. Bring cushions indoors during inclement weather and store in a dry place when not in use.

Strathwood furniture has quality, ease of use, and casual elegance at its core. Each piece is rigorously tested for durability, and assembly instructions have been standardized for simplicity from start to finish. Strathwood furniture is sleekly designed, handsomely finished, and built to last. This classic style and reliable craftsmanship will weather ever-changing trends and regular use for years to come.

One lucky winner will receive a Strathwood Brentwood 4-Piece Outdoor Furniture Set!

{if a winner is selected that resides outside of the US, they will receive a $300 Amazon Gift Card instead}

Giveaway ends July 2nd at 11:59pm, open worldwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Summer Celebration Spotlight Post {Karnival of Krafts}

Summertime is so much fun.  A time to play, swim and try out so many new crafts.  But summertime can also leave lots of messes.  Both on your children and in your home.  That's why I'm so excited to share with you my first sponsor for the Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop.

Kim, from Karnival of Krafts, learned to sew from her grandmother when she was a little girl.  Kim's passion is crocheting, along with her other crafting skills of latch hook, macrame and knitting.  After reading an article in a magazine, in 2009, Karnival of Krafts Etsy Shop was opened.  Etsy has allowed Kim to share her gorgeous work with those who appreciate handmade creations.  From baby blankets to scarves, you'll find something beautifully handmade at Karnival of Krafts.

I was sent a Crocheted Lilac Wash Cloth to review for the Summer Celebration Giveaway Hop because with all the fun of summer, comes all the messes too.  The cloth is made from cotton yarn using a half double crochet stitch and slip stitch.  The cloth is perfect for taking on the go for easy face and hand wash after a picnic or scrubbing up in the bathtub after a long day of playing.  

Last week, I took Baby C to meet some friends at a park we had never been to before.  I wasn't prepared for the water station and didn't know if this park was built on sand or concrete.  We decided to go all out and play in the water and get messy.  After our fun, we had a little picnic in the shade.  By the time we left, Baby C was covered in water, sand and food.  It's certainly was a bath night!

As Baby C played with her teapot set, I washed her up with our  new crocheted wash cloth from Karnival of Krafts Etsy Shop.  The gentle cloth removed the dirt from summer fun, easily.  After the bath, I threw the wash cloth in the washer and dryer with the rest of Baby C's dirty clothes.  And it came out looking like new.

Karnival of Krafts is sponsoring the Summer Celebration giveaway hop by providing one blessed winner with a set of 2 clothes of their choice valued at $8.  Be sure to connect with Karnival of Krafts on Etsy and Facebook!  

Click HERE to enter!

Disclaimer:  I received a free product from Karnival of Krafts to review and was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own and I have not been swayed by outside sources.  

The Classic Nursery Rhymes Collection {Review}

We have a big book of nursery rhymes that Baby C loves to view the pictures and listen to me read.  It is so enjoyable to share with her the same rhymes that I grew up with.  Sometimes, when I'm reading them, it brings up a memory from my childhood.  That's why I was excited when I received the invitation to review The Classic Nursery Rhymes Collection on DVD.

Baby C is pretty picky about the tv shows that catch her attention.  So when I popped in the DVD, I wasn't sure if she would be interested.  She loves many of the rhymes and the children's singing voices are so beautiful.  The short musical vignettes features classic tales such as "Old MacDonald," "Pop Goes the Weasel" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb" - all animated and set to beautifully arranged music designed to introduce tots to creative arts.  For the past 30 years, "The Classic Nursery Rhymes Collection" has won over audiences worldwide.

BabyFirst, the leading baby-focused TV channel, has acquired the rights to air clips from the best-selling franchise, "The Classica Nursery Rhymes Collection."  BabyFirst is a trusted, age-appropriate TV network, website and mobile app creator.  The BabyFirst channel is currently available in the basic package of DIRECTV, Dish Network and Comcast (Spring 2012).  The channel is also available as a premium service in select Time-Warner and Charter markets.  For more information visit www.babyfirsttv.com. 

Connect with The Classic Nursery Rhymes Collection on their website and Facebook.  

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media.  I received a product for review.  All opinions are my own and were not influenced by outside sources.  

Thank You Grandma {Insta-Friday}

For months, we have been anticipating Grandma's visit from Florida.  She finally arrived last week and we headed into the mountains for a much needed vacation.

We rode bikes up and down "hills" and had a few spills . . .

We found lots of fun playgrounds to act like little monkeys . . .

We hiked mountains to seek waterfalls until we all tuckered out . . .

We ate lots of yummy food (usually cooked by Grandma) and had a picnic too . . .

We swam in the pool where Grandma taught Baby C to kick, kick, kick . . .

We rode the gondola high in the sky . . .

We love and miss you so much Grandma!  Thank you for all you do for us.  We can't wait to see you again soon!