Join in Some Pinterest Games! #greenworksgames #spon

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Green Works. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and promotional item as a thank you for participating

Being green is definitely on most people's radar "now-a-days". We realize that our actions have significant consequences when we aren't careful. We now see the damage that our conveniences have created. Cars and manufacturing have led to air pollution, our disposable lifestyles have led to overfilled landfulls that take too long to break down...and these things have been building up for years before our impact really became evident. 

Thankfully, there are things that we can all do to help lessen our impact on our wonderful planet. One of those things is use a "greener" cleaner. Green Works is one of those cleaners that can help you be more Earth Friendly. Right now Green Works is hosting a super fun Pinterest game... and the prize is a $500 gift card!

If you haven't used Pinterest before, don't worry... it's easy to use (and pretty addicting)!

Here's how you can play:

Come check out MY #greenworksgames Pinterest board.

From the cooktop to the countertop, Green Works® Naturally Derived All-Purpose Cleaner powers through grease, grime and dirt without leaving behind harsh chemical fumes or residues. Green Works All-Purpose Cleaner is safe to use on multiple surfaces throughout the kitchen and bathroom, including counters, appliances, stainless steel, sealed granite, chrome, cooktop hoods, sinks and toilets.

Green Works® All-Purpose Cleaner is available in a 32-oz. bottle in both original and tangerine scents. It is expected to retail for approximately $3.49.

For more information about Green Works products and tips on making your home greener, visit www.greenworkscleaner.com or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!

I love the new bottles that Green Works uses for the All-Purpose Cleaner! They are recyclable, and they are specially designed so that you can spray every last drop! 

So what about you? Does your family do anything in particular to live a greener lifestyle? Have you used Green Works products before? 

Make Lunch, #MakeItYourMichelinas #ad

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Michelina's for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Michelina's combines Italian heritage with American innovation, offering traditional recipes and new flavors. Our great food is made from fresh ingredients, and comes at a low price because value matters to us. Saving time and money is important to everyone, whatever the day brings, and we believe in making life a little bit easier.

Lunch time can be a drag! Sometimes it feels like groundhog’s day with the same frozen meal every day! Michelina’s is helping you get creative and offering 8 different ideas to Make It Your Michelina’s! So go ahead, play with your food – Mom isn’t going to yell at you this time!

Like it Spicy? Want to up the veggies? Or maybe add some bacon? The options are endless!

I would LOVE to try these recipes:

Stuffed Peppers:

Follow Michelina's on Facebook

Lettuce Wraps

Follow Michelina’s on Twitter

Taco Bowls

Seriously, they all look so yummy, and SO easy! I know we've made something similar to the taco bowls, but I think Michelina’s Lean Gourmet® would make it a really easy lunch for just me (and I like EASY).

I actually have eaten many of the Michelina’s Lean Gourmet® meals by themself...and never thought of switching it up and using them to create other great options.

 How about you, what would you do to #MakeItYourMichelinas?

Sponsored: Headfirst! Expert Advice on Lice – A New Head Lice Resource for Parents

The below content is sponsored by Sanofi Pasteur’s Headfirst! Expert Advice on Lice campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Did you know that at any point, one to three percent of children in elementary school may have head lice? During an outbreak, that number may be as high as 25 percent. As the school year begins, turn to ExpertAdviceOnLice.com for tools and tips on finding, treating, and talking about lice. The Headfirst! Expert panel has the information to arm all parents should they have to battle head lice!

HP ElitePad Giveaway Sponsored:

This is a paid post to help promote this giveaway!

Check out the giveaway for an HP ElitePad below!

Brought To You By Bepoz POS.

BEPOZ is a powerful and cost-effective Point of Sale (POS) Software for any Restaurant, Retail Shop, or combo of the two. Manage One or Multiple Venues. Month-To-Month pricing. No upfront licensing fees. 24/7 Support.

 Visit The Giveaway Page Here

Keepin' it Fresh #LetsTalkBums #ad

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.

As moms, we've likely spent a decent amount of time caring for our children's bums. It's just one of the things that mothers do- but what about our bum? Sure, it's not a topic often discussed, but if someone doesn't bring it up then how do you know there isn't a better way?

That's why Cottonelle and Cherry Healey, a documentary filmmaker, have teamed up to get people talking about their bums and the benefits of the Cottonelle Care Routine. I was given Cottonelle products to try out and share my thoughts about. And I have to say, the clean routine has definitely kept me cleaner and fresher than toilet paper alone.

So, let's talk about this. Moms... you've probably noticed that there are times that toilet paper alone just doesn't cut it. For me, those times definitely include postpartum and dear aunt flo. Since I recently had a baby just 7 weeks ago, the Cottonelle Wipes came at the perfect time. The Cottonelle Wipes really help me feel fresh and more confident, which is pretty important as a new mom- and as a woman in general.

It did take me a little bit to find my own routine with the wipes. I was not used to the moist wiping. I found that for me, it's best if I use the toilet paper, then the wipes, and then pat dry with the toilet paper. This left me more comfortable than ending with the Cottonelle Wipes. The Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths come in a discreet container (above, on the left- below, on the right). This is nice as it's very neutral  and will pretty much fit in with any bathroom decor. I did have a bit of a problem with the threading of the wipes. I'm not sure if I put them in wrong, or what, but they didn't pull through with another wipe ready like I thought they should. I often just opened the container and pulled out a new wipe (which is just as simple, really).  Besides that, I found that the wipes were very helpful.

The Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare toilet paper was strong and yet still gentle- something my postpartum body definitely appreciates!

Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Cleansing Cloths and Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare toilet paper make a great combination that can help you stay fresh and confident- just the way you should be.

What brand of toilet paper do you use now? Would you switch if you were able to find the perfect products for a new clean routine?

Cottonelle wants to get you talking about your bum and on a better way to clean “down there” by using the Cottonelle Clean Routine. By combining the use of Cottonelle Toilet Paper and Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths, the Cottonelle Clean Routine is a revolutionary way to keep your bum cleaner. 

Are you ready? Don’t be shy! Visit http://www.facebook.com/cottonelle to learn more about the Cottonelle Clean Routine and join the clean routine conversation.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.

Did you get a hospital gift? #HALOSleepSack

The hospital where I deliver has always given gifts to the mothers when they deliver their baby there. For the first several children, we received baby books as the gift, along with the usual formula swag bags. I loved the baby books, but the hospital said that many didn't. A couple of babies back, I had a different gift when I delivered. It was a HALO SleepSack Swaddle. 

I have to admit, the first one I received I didn't even pay attention to. I actually ended up donating it because it seemed complicated and unnecessary. Last year, when I had Luke, we received another. Again, I didn't pay much attention at first, but this time it was because he was whisked off to the NICU without me. Once I was able to go to be with Luke, when he was doing a bit better, I noticed that they put him in these really neat blanket things. I didn't realize what they were yet, but I thought it was great because they kept him from pulling his G-tube and oxygen out.

"HALO Innovation’s SleepSack® Swaddle has become the standard for hospital nurseries and parents alike. In fact, 1,000 hospital nurseries use the HALO SleepSack Swaddle instead of blankets through the HALO Safer Way to Sleep Initiative. That is 1.5 million births getting first-hand, in-hospital experience with the HALO SleepSack Swaddle and safe sleep practices! Leading health organizations agree that modeling proper baby care in the hospital is the single biggest influence on how parents care for their baby at home. HALO Innovations also offers free Safe Sleep Practices kits to childbirth educators to help further the cause of SIDS prevention."

Once I checked out the neat swaddle thing, I realized it was a HALO SleepSack Swaddle, and then I realized I had one! I can definitely see why they are used in the NICU, they are SO helpful!

Once I read more about them I realized how convenient these really were- and that they really weren't complicated. No worries about blankets in the crib that could suffocate the baby, super simple zipper access (from the bottom) for nighttime diaper changes, and no need for an extra swaddle blanket!

When I had Orrin, I was glad to see that the HALO SleepSack Swaddle was a gift again. Although we didn't have to deal with the NICU  and the cords and tubes this time, I knew that the chilly fall evenings that will be coming up would cause need for the HALO SleepSack Swaddle. What I didn't realize is that Orrin would quickly outgrow the newborn size SleepSack that we received!  I was happy to have the chance to review a larger SleepSack Swaddle!

HALO sent me a really fun SleepSack Swaddle in the small size. I would say the biggest difference in the newborn size and small size is the length. The small is significantly longer than the newborn size and should fit Orrin until he's at least 6 months old. The SleepSack Swaddles come in several colors and prints. We were thrilled to get one we received since I had only seen the plain colored SleepSack Swaddles. I absolutely LOVE the cute little elephant and the fun colors. We love green, but this pattern is so much better than just simple green!

Another thing that is great is that the instructions for use are ON the product- you can't lose them! You can use the SleepSack Swaddle two ways, arms in, or arms out depending on which your baby prefers. The elephant reminds you to put the baby "back to sleep" for safe sleep. 

While the washing instructions are pretty simple, machine wash with like colors close fastener straps before washing. As long as you remember that last step- you're golden (no really... don't forget to do this). The HALO SleepSack Swaddle is a great way to keep your infant warm and secure during sleep without the fuss or danger of an extra blanket.

HALO is hosting a Baby of the Week Photo contest on Instagram for parents of babies born in a HALO hospital- check it out if your baby was born in a HALO hospital!

HALO SleepSack is offering one reader a SleepSack Swaddle! Enter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nuby One Touch Bottle Warmer

You know, before this summer, I didn't realize how helpful a bottle warmer really could be. Then, I went camping. Now, a bottle warmer is on my camping must-pack list! Seriously, this is a genius idea. If you are camping and have access to electricity, you will want to bring the Nuby One Touch bottle warmer! 

It is so much easier to prepare bottles while camping with this. I used to either use hot tap water from the bathroom who knows how far away, or I would heat up the bottle in a pan on the fire. Both options took forever, but thankfully the Nuby One Touch doesn't!

The 2-in-1 design of this Natural Touch™ Warmer and Sterilizer evenly and safely warms breast milk, formula and baby food. Or you can use it as a quick and easy-to-use sterilizer for bottles and pacifiers. It sterilizes in just minutes! Simply use measuring cup (included) to add water, load the sterilizer and touch the button to start.

It's very helpful around the house as well... baby drop his pacifier (again)? Did the dog try to take a taste?! Just pop it in the One Touch and within minutes it's sanitized! 

There really isn't anything difficult about the Nuby One Touch bottle warmer, and I don't have any complaints about it. I love that it helps heat up breast milk for my husband- and he doesn't have to guess the temperature. He knows that the One Touch will heat it up to "just right". 

Get a #FREE Groovebook!

Check out the GrooveBook app on iOS and Android. Get 100 photos sent to you in a pre-made book each month for only $2.99! First month is FREE with code WHISLER12 ! Try it out, nothing to lose, I bet you'll love it as much as I did!

Taggies Bouncer Review #Sponsored #DDDivas

This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Kids II. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever seen a product made for babies and wished that they made one for adults? Well, the Taggies Soft N' Snug Bouncer is one of those product that made me wish I could have one. It just seems SO comfortable and soft!

The Taggies Soft 'n Snug Bouncer is the perfect place to soothe and relax baby. This bouncer features looped tags for your little one to reach for during playtime or for soothing comfort. The 2-position, full recline seat surrounds baby in plush, cushioning fabric while the removable headrest provides extra support.

The soothing tags, sweet Peek-A-Boo blanket (above) that extends out from the t-strap, and engaging plush hang toys are sure to keep your little one smiling!

              Can you imagine being snuggled by those lovely cushions on the side, and if you could feel that fabric...oh it's so soft! The bouncer also has a vibration mode, as well as several melodies to soothe baby. Both of those options have an auto shut off to conserve on battery, which can be a pro or a con depending on the baby. Orrin doesn't like it when the vibration shuts off in the middle of his nap, so we tend to not use the vibration for that reason. 

When Orrin kicks the bouncer gently bounces. I wouldn't say this bouncer is overly reactive to movement, but that's also good when the baby moves during sleep- with a less reactive bounce the baby isn't jolted from sleep by the bouncing. I also like that the toy bar is able to be removed, or pushed back. The option to just push it out of the way is really nice.

One thing I don't really like about the bouncer is the shade. It only velcros on and isn't very large. The other kids easily knock it off and like to play with it. It doesn't really keep the light out, and I'm not really sure what purpose it serves (other than being pretty). It's easy to leave off, though, if you have too much of a problem with it being disturbed.

Overall, Orrin really seems to enjoy this bouncer and lounges in it frequently during the day! 

There is also a Taggies swing that matches this bouncer, as well as many other wonderful Taggies products available. Keep up to date by following Taggies on Facebook and Instagram!

Add a little #Mombo to your nursing #DDDivas #Sponsored #Giveaway

“This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Kids II. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine." 

We're nursing here as we speak! Orrin is 6 weeks old and still a little guy. I find that I really do need a pillow to help support him while he nurses (or else my arms or back suffer). The Mombo nursing pillow adds the perfect height allowing Orrin and I to nurse comfortably.

Mombo has a unique shape and a two-sided design called Firm2Soft™, with each side offering a different experience. The firm side gives essential support for mommy and her nursing baby. The soft side is extra cozy—an inviting place for lounging or tummy time. And mombo is the only nursing pillow with a vibration feature, to give baby the ultimate soothing experience while lounging. Look for mombo’s assortment of pillow styles and slipcover fashions. Select your style from Standard, Deluxe or Nude™. Then choose multiple slipcover fashions so you'll always have a spare!

 I love the Mombo's designs. They are absolutely gorgeous. This particular design is called Mosaic Moonlight. The choice of either a firm side or a soft side are great as well. Use the firm side for nursing smaller babies, and the soft side for bigger babies and for lounging!

There is also a vibration pod that is in the pillow. Gently press in the middle of the pillow and the vibration turns on and helps soothe baby. Orrin is enjoying the vibration while lounging in this photo! 

One of the best things about this pillow is the washability. Seriously, I am amazed at how clean the cover and pillow get when washed- even with tough stains. The cover zips off easily and you can just toss it in the wash, and the pillow wipes clean really well, too. 

The one downside for this pillow is that it was really tight around my belly. I'm not a small girl, and I just gave birth 6 weeks ago so I'm still carrying extra belly bulge. The pillow does not fit very well around my tummy. 

It has to super stretch, and it's not very stretchy in the middle. However, it didn't rip or become deformed or anything crazy- it just wasn't as comfortable as I would like it to be around my belly. Again, this is the only downfall I can find about the pillow- everything else is wonderful. Perhaps in the future they will have a stretchy middle? 

Lots of moms love the Mombo, and it's even won an award!

So, how about it? Would you try the Mombo? Well... how about a chance to win one? That's right! Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Owl be all set for Fall!

We received the dresses in this post for the purpose of review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Owls are so cute... who can resist them? Well, not me. And, Annabelle is certainly a fan! We recently received two adorable Bonnie Jean dresses to try out. Bonnie Jean's parent company, Gerson & Gerson, Inc., has been a family business since 1935. In 1970, Gerson & Gerson began distributing dresses to department stores under the trademark Bonnie Jean. Throughout the company’s 77 year history, they have adhered to Max Gerson’s basic philosophy: "Make the best product possible, never sacrifice quality, and maintain affordable prices."

Quality is important to me, as is affordability. I mean, I am not a fan of overly priced items for my daughter's every day wear. I was definitely happy with the dresses we received.

Our favorite was the burgundy color dress. It so adorable, and I love the mock-skirt look. The leggings are really nice, and I was happy that they fit Annabelle's long skinny legs! Annabelle wears a 3t or 4t depending on brand because she is so tall. These were both 3t size, and fit her well.

The leggings really make the outfit "play wear", as Annabelle is still learning how to be proper in dresses. With the leggings she can run, jump, and be a little girl without having to worry about her skirt not sitting right. This adorable outfit, as well as the next, are available in Dillards stores.

Annabelle LOVED the owl on this cute fleece jumper. This is a three piece set including the white undershirt, the fleece jumper, and the adorable matching leggings.  I wish this jumper had been a tad bit longer, but the shirt and leggings fit Annabelle perfectly. This set can be found online at GirlsDressShop.com and Belk.com.

I love that with Bonnie Jean dresses my daughter can still run and jump and play...and still be dressed girly. After all, she is our only girl and we love to have her in adorable dresses and pretty things!

Mom, I want a cell phone

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Republic Wireless for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

 

Cell phones are one of those objects that tweens are coveting more and more. I know my 9 year olds are waiting (not-so) patiently for us to allow them to get a cell phone.

There are a few things that keep making us say no. One of them is that we don't really feel like it is needed. We are one of the few families that still have a home phone available, and we don't leave any of the kids home alone at their age. So they currently always have the home phone, or our cell phones available if needed. Another reason is price. We pay nearly $200 a month for our cell phones (mine and my husbands), with several children our cell phone bill could add up to a hefty sum!

However, I have to say, I recently heard about Republic Wireless. After learning about them just last week, I am more inclined to say yes to my boys' requests sooner. Republic Wireless offrs a hybrid phone service (WiFi and Cellular) for only $19 a month with the purchase of the $199 Motorola DEFY™ XT Smartphone.

The Motorola DEFY™ XT Smartphone is the perfect starter smartphone for a kid, or a great tool for the frugal adult!  Here are some of its features:

Front-facing VGA Webcam
Rear-facing camera with auto focus/LED Flash, 4x digital zoom
Android operating system with wi-fi and Sprint® 3G Coverage with dual-band reception
Over 450,000 Apps through Google Play™
3.7 inch Corning® Gorilla® glass display
Dustproof, water and scratch resistant

For about 60 cents a day, I don't know anyone who could pass this up! I know my kids would be beyond thrilled with this fun and tough phone. With the water and scratch resistant features I would be less concerned about them ruining their phone!

What age do you think kids should have cell phones? Is their age the biggest factor, or the price?

Keepin' that #FABsmile #Giveaway #ad

We received items for the purpose of  this review.

What makes me smile? Well, many things make me smile! My children, of course (well, most of the time), my husband, my pets... and sometimes myself. 

I've been dealing with a few health issues recently, and one of my biggest fears has always been surgery. I have always been terrified of general anesthesia. Well, on July 1st I had to face this fear. Something that makes me smile is the photo I took of my (very, very nervous and scared) self while in surgery prep.It's not a very good photo of me, I am teary eyed and faking a huge fake smile. It makes me smile now, however, because I put on that smile and faced my fear... and because I look absolutely ridiculous in a hospital gown and paper cap. No, really, I am proud of this moment, and very glad to have survived to look back on this.

One of my favorite personal features is my smile. It's important to me to keep it looking good. One of the best ways to do this is to brush and floss daily...and of course, to brush and floss daily you will need the supplies to do so! 

Did you know that you are supposed to replace your toothbrush every 3 months? Well, that's what the The American Dental Association recommends. FlossAndBrush.com makes it easy to always have new toothbrushes every three months. How? By paying just $1.00 per month, per person in your family, FlossAndBrush.com will ship a box of fresh, quality toothbrushes and floss to your home – one for each member of your family.

FlossAndBrush.com is the first system in the world that actually helps keep families accountable for daily flossing and changing their toothbrush every three months. More information can be found here: http://bit.ly/19cNlzQ.

We received our first shipment of toothbrushes and floss recently. One concern I had was that we would receive several duplicate toothbrushes (maybe even all the same ones). I was very happy that each of the toothbrushes were different colors (which is very helpful so that everyone can identify their own toothbrush). I was extremely impressed with how much floss we received, 60 yards is a LOT of floss per person. 

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the products that we were sent. They were all quality items and worth every penny the of the $1 per month cost. The syringe you see in the photo is filled with whitener. You can receive this for $1 more per month per member. Shipping is $1 per member, or free if you order 3 or more packages.

GIVEAWAY!

Prize:

The giveaway is valued at $107 and includes the following:

1 Free Annual FAB Membership (every three months, a new toothbrush and 3 month supply of floss will arrive at the winner’s doorstep). 

1 Free Annual FAB + White4Life Memberships (this includes not only a toothbrush and floss every three months but each shipment will also include FAB’s professional grade whitening to be used in custom whitening trays).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cutest Outfit for our Newest Owlet!

We received a promotional sample for the purpose of this review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinion are my own.

As you can see from the blog design here at Eight in the Nest, we are particularly fond of owls! I have to show you all this adorable little romper that WeeUrban sent us for little Orrin. I swear it was made just for me with my love of owls and the color green...

It seriously can't get much cuter than that. This is the romper from their Modern Day Collection, and it is 100% organic cotton interlock. We received the romper in size 0-6 months, which says it will fit 8-15lbs. I do have to say we had to wait about a month for Orrin to fill this romper out a bit. In this picture he weighs 10 and a half pounds, and he still has a good amount to grow into it (which is good, because we LOVE this romper)! I love that this romper can easily be for a boy or a girl, which makes it a great baby shower gift!

The owl design isn't the only adorable thing. These rompers have bootcut legs, which are so unbelievably cute. I especially think they would be darling on those precious babes that are just starting to walk! These threads can be found in sizes up to 12-18 months and are made in Canada, a close neighbor to this Michigan gal. 

Next on my wish list... the WeeUrban baby blanket in Owls. To.Die.For.!