Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy Day! Celebrating 6 years and 4 years!

So, today is a good day!

On December 30, 2004 I married my wonderful husband.



Here we are, six years later! 
We've had some rough times but we have stuck through them and the good times make everything worth it.
I love my husband so very much, and I am so glad we are able to share our lives together.

Aaaaaannd

Four years ago today our son, Gabriel, decided to join us!

Birthday Boys! Left- Gavin Right- Gabriel
Gavin also celebrated his 7th birthday recently (on the 26th!).

My babies are all growin up and gettin so big!

Gabriel made quite the entrance four years ago! I went into labor at 9am, I arrived at the hospital at 12:15pm and he was born at 12:27pm. That's right, I was only in the hospital for 12 minutes before he was born!
Laboring in a car is NOT fun...but at least I didn't deliver in the car as well.
He was our very special anniversary gift!

So, today is a happy day!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Finally!!!

After about a MONTH of delaying finding out what was wrong with my domain name settings

WWW.SIXINTHENEST.COM 

IS LIVE!!  :)

Thank you to all the loyal readers, and I apologize if the switch has caused anyone problem.


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Purex Complete Crystals Softener!





I have been selected to be a Purex Insider! I am very excited, and a few days ago I received my first product sample! I received Purex Crystals! 

Purex Crystals are a new product. You use Purex Crystals in place of your normal liquid softener.

I have to say I LOVE the smell of these crystals! I received a sample of the Fresh Spring Waters Purex Crystals.

You add the Crystals to your wash load at the beginning of they cycle, along with your detergent. This makes it very easy! I have a hard time remembering to put liquid softener in at the right time!

I have only been able to use the crystals in one load of laundry, and I am a little disappointed that the smell wasn't as strong as I had expected. I used them in my kids' pajamas load, as I cannot usually use softener because it is bad for the flame retardant...however Purex Crystals CAN be used!

Purex Crystals don't leave an oily residue on fabrics like normal softeners, so they will preserve your athletic clothings' wicking ability, allow your towels to be more absorbent, and preserve the flame retardant on children's pajamas! 

Purex Crystals are safe for HE washers as well! Just put them in the washer drum along with your clothing and you're good to go!

Purex Crystals will be available at Wal-Mart stores today, and other food, drug and mass retailers in January. 








I am a Purex Insider. While I do receive complimentary sample products from the Purex® brand, my opinions are my own.

Applied Labels Review



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With six kids there comes a lot of labeling.
Seriously, EVERYTHING is labeled. Coats, gloves, hats, shoes, boots, backpacks, pencils, lunch boxes, sippy cups, bottles, blanket etc. etc. ALL labeled.
Labeling all those things by hand isn't easy!

Applied Labels is the perfect solution!

We received some labels to try out, and I LOVE them!

I have put them on hats, gloves, shoes, and more. They are so much easier than hand labeling, and much more neat. My handwriting is pretty sloppy, so I like that I don't have to worry about if someone can read what I have written in permanent marker on my kids' clothing.

The label looks much more neat doesn't it?!
The tag label above is on a hat.


The tag labels come with a backing, which is a little difficult to use as you must get them lined up just right, but I found after putting a couple on I got better. TIP- use your thumb as a guide on the short edges...you can line them up more easily that way!

The shoe labels come with a clear cover, as you can see above. This was the very first one we put on and it is in a very little shoe, so it was difficult to place. For other shoes I placed the clear cover on the label before placing the label in the shoe. That made it a lot easier to place the label properly.

So why try Applied Labels? Here is some information from their site:


BETTER ADHESION

Our labels have twice the adhesive strength of most labels.  It is so strong that it is classified as permanent.  The labels can be removed but it takes deliberate action.  That means your labels should stay put until you want them removed. 


BETTER PRINTING TECHNOLOGY & INK
We use a proprietary print technology to produce durable, long-lasting labels that easily withstand harsh environments (such as your dishwasher).  The image is permanently affixed onto the label, providing a durable, robust marking.  This simply means that the ink won't wash off.

BETTER RESOLUTION 
We use high resolution, professional grade print technology to produce sharp, crisp images.


BETTER INNOVATION
We provide a simple, quick method to label clothing with tags that does not require any sewing or ironing onto the fabric or marking the fabric with ink. 


BETTER QUALITY CONTROL & SHIPPING

Our labels are 100% inspected.  We typically print and ship within one to two business days so you get your labels quickly.  Any rare exceptions to our shipping policy will always be posted.  We will also send you both order and shipping confirmations.


BETTER EXPERIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BASE
Applied Labels LLC was founded by a degreed Chemical Engineer and mother of two.  She was a key engineer in charge of labeling for a leading aerospace company and has put her experience with cutting edge technology to work for you.

BETTER MATERIAL SELECTION

We have given careful consideration to the selection of the label materials.  Superior materials yield labels that offer unsurpassed performance.  Basically, these labels are tough.


BETTER SAFETY PROMISE AND MATERIALS KNOWLEDGE 

We promise to always screen our materials for safety of use.  Applied Labels LLC restricts the use of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) / polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEPH) and Bisphenol (BPA) in all of our products.    We also had an independent,  third-party laboratory test our Applied LabelsTM and Baby TapesTM for six banned phthalates and heavy metals.  We met or exceeded all government standards. We care about performance but always put safety first. This is our promise to you.

I love that Applied Labels LLC was founded by a MOM! I also love that they are dishwasher and laundry safe, so you know they will be there when you need them to be!

I really had a great experience with Applied Labels and highly recommend them to anyone else who could use labels! 

Applied Labels also has a great selection of products for baby bottles, so if you need labeling for bottles (breastmilk, formula, dating, name, etc) check it out here.




I received the above item for review free of charge. I was not paid to post this review and my opinion is my own. :)


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Busy Busy!

My oh my do I have a LOT to catch up on!

I have a lot of reviews and some very exciting giveaways coming up!

Some reviews that will be posted and giveaways that will be starting soon are BabyLegs, Charm Factory, Lots to Say Baby, and several more! Keep an eye out!

As for the family, we are bustling for sure! We have 5 birthdays (3 nephews', two of our kids'), Christmas, our Anniversary and the new year....all between Dec 20th and Jan 1st! 

I can't wait to show you all this GREAT ornament that we got today, but we got the same ornament for a couple family members also (who may read this blog) so I need to wait.

So, if things seem slow around the blog for a little bit please know it is only because I am so busy, not because I am trying to neglect all my wonderful readers. ;)

I really hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, or other holiday if Christmas isn't your celebration of choice.

<3  Jenilee


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Lunar Eclipse, Winter Solstice, and Yule!

I stayed up for the Lunar Eclipse! 
I hadn't planned on it, I have to be up rather early in "the morning", but I ended up awake anyhow.

Here is my best lunar eclipse photo:


Today is also the Winter Solstice!
The shortest day of the year, and longest night.


AND! For some it is also Yule! 
So Happy Yule! :)

Hope everyone got a chance to see the lunar eclipse! If you took a photo, leave a link- I would love to see yours!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Wubbanub Review!


  


Annabelle loves her pacifier...and so do I! Unfortunately, pacifiers have a way of jumping out of baby's mouth. Have any of you ever held the pacifier in place just so that baby will sleep?

Well, the creators of WubbaNub have! In fact, that is how they got the idea for WubbaNub! When their baby was 3 months old they had a problem; their baby would only sleep at night if the pacifier was held in his mouth! So, the ingenious idea of sewing a pacifier to a stuffed animal was born. The slight weight of the stuffed animal helps keep the pacifier in place, or at least nearby.

Annabelle was lucky enough to be able to test out the WubbaNub for this review. We received the Tabby Kitten WubbaNub.... it is so cute!

  

Annabelle loves to grasp things, and she quickly grasped for the little kitty! She usually goes right for the handle of her pacifier....and then pulls it out, but she seems to like to just hold on to this kitty, and so the pacifier actually will stay in her mouth longer. We really liked how each of the four paws had little beads in them. The beads weighed down the WubbaNub just enough to keep it in place; it is in no way "heavy", however. I also liked that the legs of the animal spread out, it helped keep the WubbaNub in place better.

Overall, we really like the WubbaNub!

Here is a more detailed report:

PROS
Soothie Pacifier- the pacifier most babies will receive in the hospital.
Small size- doesn't engulf little babies.
Light- the WubbaNub is very light, but has weighted paws (not too heavy though).
Secure- The pacifier is sewed right into the stuffed animal, no losing this pacifier!
Adorable!- The pictures say it all...they are SO cute!

CONS
Only Soothie- if baby is particular, and doesn't like Soothie brand pacifiers, then WubbaNub can't help.
Permanently attached pacifier- when the pacifier wears out a new WubbaNub is needed.
Hard to wash- you can't wash each piece separately so you will need a pacifier cleansing wipe and have to surface clean the toy part or throw the whole thing into the wash (which is what the company suggests, and then suggests you air dry).




So what if you REALLY like the little stuffed animals, and your little one doesn't like Soothie, or doesn't take a pacifier?


Then check out the Wubbie blanket

Perfect for the little one who doesn't care for a pacifier, or for the little one who is no longer in need of the Soothie pacifier but still wants the adorable animal!

Click HERE to find out where you can purchase your WubbaNub!



I received the above item for review free of charge. I was not paid to post this review and my opinion is my own. :)



Saturday, December 18, 2010

Cowgirl Chocolates Review



I had the pleasure of experiencing these interesting chocolates from Cowgirl Chocolates. These are not your run of the mill everyday chocolates, they have kick!

I, personally, enjoyed the chocolates. I am not a huge fan of hot spices, but the spice mixed with the sweet chocolate really worked for me. Of course, with 6 kids, it was hard to keep them to myself...so I did let the little ones try them.


Liam was not as big of a fan as I am. 
Neither were the rest of the boys...in fact, I had saved two chocolates for my husband and this morning Gabriel was in our living room screaming....he had found, and ate, the remaining two chocolates! 
So maybe, just maybe, I could buy these chocolates and the kids wouldn't  hound me for them? Bonus!

We got to try these flavors:

Truffles

MILD TRUFFLE FLAVORS:
Pure Milk Chocolate -
milk chocolate plain and simple

Double Dark Chocolate -
pure dark chocolate plain and simple

Ivory Orange -
white chocolate with a creamy milk chocolate orange infused center

Raspberry lemonade dark chocolate -
an old cowgirl recipe blended to perfection with raspberry, lemon and deep dark chocolate

SPICY TRUFFLE FLAVORS:

Spicy Double Dark Chocolate -
pure dark chocolate with a taste of spice

Spicy Raspberry Dark Chocolate -
the taste of fresh ripe raspberries blended with a very spicy dark chocolate

Spicy Hazelnut Milk Chocolate -
wonderful taste of hazelnuts mixed with milk chocolate and spice

Spicy Cappuccino -
dark chocolate outside with a spicy milk chocolate inside blended perfectly with espresso and crunchy biscuit bits.. a favorite at the ranch




Caramels

Buckin' hot Habanero Caramels -
soft buttery caramel with a jolt of Haanero pepper, SPICY!




I loved all the flavors except the caramel. Let me tell you....that was HOT! Oh. My. Goodness. Eye watering hot! I am about 99% sure we got the Habanero one (they make a chipotle one too).

So, if you are looking for something for a chocolate lover (or perhaps, yourself) I recommend you check out Cowgirl Chocolates!


I received the above item for review free of charge. I was not paid to post this review and my opinion is my own. :)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Well isn't this lousey....

I am embarrassed to write this post...not that I should be, but I am.
Yesterday two of the boys were sent home from school because lice were found in their hair.

I have never had an experience with lice, and I never thought any of us would ever have it...well, I thought wrong.

I have done a lot of searching in the last 12 hours about head lice, and how to rid my children and home of it. We have washed bedding, thrown away and bought new pillows, bagged stuffed animals and vacuumed, cut kids' hair and treated them with the special shampoo stuff....now it is time to wait and see.


This little bug is very transmittable. It can ride on hats, hair brushes, or stray hair and find itself a new home. While headlice aren't particularly harmful, they don't carry disease, they are very annoying and if they are allowed to get bad enough they can cause damage to the scalp. Occasionally children can scratch their heads enough to make themselves bleed, and these sores can become infected.

Lice prefer CLEAN hair, as they can hang on to the hair much more easily and their eggs stick better. Head lice are not a "dirty" thing. It is suggested that any child who comes into contact with other children use hairspray, gel, or mousse daily as to make it less appealing for the lice to stick to their hair.

From what I have read there are MANY alternative treatments. Some include Vaseline, mayonnaise, lysterine and vinegar, and tea tree oil. While all of these probably will get rid of the lice, the only way to get rid of the nits (lice eggs) is to comb them out. So, we will be combing very carefully, daily. 

The good thing is neither of the two boys who had it had it too bad yet. Only a couple of live lice and from what I could see, no nits. Here's hoping our lousey problem goes away easily!



Luster Premium White Review and Giveaway! *CLOSED*

Have you ever had a really important event that you wanted to look the best for? 
Have you ever wondered how your smile might influence a job interview or date?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, or if you just would like to have whiter teeth, Luster Premium White Oral Care has a product you!

I had the chance to review Luster's Weekend White teeth whitening system.

The Weekend White system claims to whiten your teeth 6 shades in just 3 days!

I was so excited to try this product out....but, when I had my husband look at the shade guide he told me my teeth were already a 1...two at the worst. I didn't feel it would be fair for me to use the product when my teeth were already white.

So.. I asked my husband to try it out. My husband only drinks Pepsi and Coffee, so naturally his teeth are fairly stained.  Here are the photos from before, and after 3 days of the Weekend White system.


I really don't think the pictures show the change very accurately, his teeth really did get whiter. My husband's teeth started off at a 13 on the shade chart, and at the end of the 3 days, I would say his teeth are between a 8 and a 9. So, that is 4 or 5 shades whiter in just 3 days!

I think the Luster Weekend White system is a great value for the results, and much cheaper (and more convenient) than professional whitening. The product is definitely worth trying!

Luster Weekend White can be purchased for $19.99 in Luster's store


I received the above item for review free of charge. I was not paid to post this review and my opinion is my own. :)








Thursday, December 16, 2010

Costume Squad Review and Giveaway! *CLOSED*




We've got another great giveaway here! Read the post and enter below!

Do you need a Costume? Having a theme party? Want to put on a play? Getting ready for Halloween?

Well click on over and check out Costume Squad!

Costume Squad has a costume for pretty much every man, woman, child...and DOG!

They also carry great T-shirts. You can get funny T's, vintage T's, and even zombie T's!

I was sent a t-shirt from Costume squad a couple weeks back. I had gotten it for my husband since none of the girl's shirts would fit (darn my "big bones" ;) ). 

Raymond chose the Callahan shirt....
Raymond and Nolyn 
The T-shirt is soft and cozy. Raymond got an XL even though he normally wears a L, in case of shrinkage, and it was a good thing he did. This shirt did shrink, we washed it in cool water and tumble dried on low heat, but it still shrunk some. 

Other than the moderate shrinkage, this shirt really is great. My husband loves it and it has quickly become one of his favorite shirts!

I received the above item for review free of charge. I was not paid to post this review and my opinion is my own. :)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Baby it's cold outside!

We had a nice little snowstorm this weekend in Michigan. In fact, it was so "nice" that there were 163+ schools closed on Monday! Thankfully it has calmed down out there, but it is
C-O-L-D! 

The boys loved the snow, and all I heard was "can we go play?!?"...in the freezing cold with 40+mph winds. Yeah, it didn't happen. Mama needs to get some snow gear soon, though, so I can go outside and play with the little ones. I miss making igloos and snowmen! 

In other news...  Annabelle had her 2 month well baby check up. She has a HUGE umbilical hernia, but the doctor insists that it will go away on it's own.
(I do not suggest you Google umbilical hernia...there are bigger ones than hers, and just trust me, you don't want to see them.)
She was mad- she isn't a fan of baths. But look at her poor belly button! :(
Other than her belly button, she seems to be doing alright. She is at the 50th percentile for height and weight...so good there. 10lbs 8oz and 22inches long. :) I can't believe she is TWO months old already.
*sigh*


Monday, December 13, 2010

Baby Bond Update!


I have been informed that I have been using the Baby Bond nursing cover incorrectly! 
Gasp!
Indeed I have been! 

If the Baby Bond nursing cover is over the right shoulder, you should nurse on the left side- and I had been nursing on the right side with the cover over the right shoulder, left with the cover on the left shoulder.

So, here's my Homer Simpson style "Doh!".

Let's try this again...

Baby Bond over left shoulder, nursing on right side...
I *think* I have it right this time....this was my first time using the Baby Bond like this, so it wasn't perfect.

Here are a few more pictures:






The Baby Bond did seem to cover better this way, once I got it situated, but I still had the same problem when trying to latch Annabelle on....maybe it's me? 




Zylie the Bear Review!

   
  


I had the pleasure of meeting Zylie this weekend, and boy was it FUN! 

Zylie is an adorable 12 year old bear who lives in New York with her Aunt Willa, a world famous journalist, and her little brother Theo. 

She is designed to be dressed and played with like a doll, but she is a much more cuddly companion than any doll could ever be!

Zylie arrived to me quickly, in a rather large box. When I opened the box I saw an adorable face staring back at me, Zylie! She is 18" tall, and her arms, legs and head are all jointed so she can be posed. She is fashionably dressed in an adorable outfit and also comes with an orange tote and a story book. 
Zylie's orange tote has her diary, a map, and her passport in it.


 Super cute, huh?!

Zylie's clothes are all very well made, and very fashionable as well! I wouldn't mind owning Zylie's super cute outfit!

      

Here Zylie is without her jacket, and then again with her jacket and tote!

The detail in her clothes is astounding, check out her jeans' pocket stitching:


Zylie also currently has 3 extra outfits available:

 

As you may have noticed in the first picture up there, Zylie also comes with a story book. This book introduces Zylie and takes her readers with her on adventures in New York. One thing, as a parent, that I really liked about the book is that it features educational adventures, and it also has a glossary in the back!

Zylie has won several awards:




Overall, Zylie is an amazing toy that any little one will LOVE! I highly recommend Zylie. If you are looking for a special toy that will last and be enjoyed by a special child for a long time, Zylie is the toy to get! 


I received the above item for review free of charge. I was not paid to post this review and my opinion is my own. :)





Friday, December 10, 2010

Sweet moments....

Gabriel "reading" to daddy.. :)

Baby Bond Review and Discount


Please see an update HERE


Any mom who has breastfed has faced the issue of how to nurse when not at home. Nursing in public can be quite the taboo subject to many people, and for some mothers it is an uncomfortable thought.

I have nursed all of my children for a minimum of 6 weeks. However, Annabelle has been the first baby I have used a special nursing cover with. I have always used receiving blankets with the rest of the kids but this time I had gotten a special nursing cover that looks like a blanket with a strap around your neck. While this style of  nursing cover works, it can be a hindrance as well.

A blanket, or blanket type, nursing cover blocks your view of the baby... it also gets really hot under there (especially true with blankets). 
Nursing is supposed to be a bonding experience as well as a way to feed your baby. If you cover your baby the ability to make eye contact and talk to your child is restricted.

BabyBond covers the mother, not the baby. This allows the mother to nurse while maintaining her modesty.

I was lucky enough to be sent the BabyBond Couture to review.


I picked the Couture because it is the most versatile.  I don't own very many nursing tops, so I often nurse by lifting my shirt...however this leaves my stomach exposed. Let's just say, after all my kids, no one wants to see my abdomen. 

The BabyBond doesn't cover the baby, it is a much different nursing cover.

Wonder what it looks like in action? Here are some of my pictures:

From afar...what most people would probably see.
What *I* see!

Another picture from my viewpoint.


Closer photo...just a small enough slit for baby to be latched on.
I chose to take pictures of us using the nursing cover "sash" style, as ALL BabyBond nursing covers can be worn this way. 

  


Now, let me tell you a little bit about my experience with the BabyBond Couture

I LOVE the idea behind this nursing cover, however, I do find using the BabyBond a little intimidating. I still have not used it in public because I don't have getting it adjusted down pat yet. I think I will always use a blanket to cover us while I get Annabelle latched when I use this cover. After Annabelle latches, and I have adjusted the material, I feel comfortable enough to nurse without a blanket. Perhaps with more practice I will find a way to get her latched without exposing myself, and you may find it easier than I did.

When I use the BabyBond Couture under my shirt, I again have the problem of getting it adjusted without showing off more than I care to. I found I had to lift my shirt to put the cover on properly and adjust it. I think an easy fix to this would be to step into the bathroom to put the cover on.

I am incredibly shy and very self conscious, and I think if I were more comfortable and open with nursing in public I would really enjoy the BabyBond covers.

So, my final opinion of BabyBond is:
While I wouldn't want this to be the only nursing cover I own, I think this cover is a valuable piece to have in your collection of nursing gear. I think this is the perfect cover for a less shy nursing mom.

Please see the review update HERE!

BabyBond has offered up Six in the Nest readers a GREAT deal.

A 75% discount on their site for any reader who orders a BabyBond on babiesrus.com.

 So, you will be able to buy 2 BabyBonds for less than $46! Awesome deal!
 All you need to do is email a copy of your receipt from  BabieRus or ToysRus  to missy@babybondnursing.com and she will reply with the discount code that will allow you to order another BabyBond on their site with 75% off!







I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
 
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