Hi! If you've landed here, I just wanted to say... Eight in the Nest is still here!
My life has changed significantly, and I am working more than ever, as is my husband.... and since the kids are getting older- we're getting busier! I don't have the time to dedicate to the blog like I once did, but I plan on keeping it up and accessible.
Please feel free to check out the archived posts.
If you'd like to connect with me, hop on over to Facebook and contact me via Eight in the Nest.
If you like photography, I happen to enjoy taking photographs. My Instagram account can be found here.
I'm also on Twitter occasionally, and you can find me tweeting here.
This information and giveaway has been provided to me by Store Brand Formula. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I don't know about you, but I like to save money when I can. When you have a baby in the home, feeding that baby can be pricey, especially if that little bundle of joy drinks formula!
I've breastfed each of my babies until they were about 4 months old, but after that I needed to use formula for them and the sticker shock was... well SHOCKING. I was very glad for store brand formula, it saved a few dollars per can- and those cans add up!
Store
Brand Formula is nutritionally comparable to nationally advertised
brands, but costs up to 50% less. It’s called formula for a reason.
We
also know every parent has a special formula for how they balance it
all: family, work and “me” time.
We want to know YOUR secret formula to
parenthood happiness. And if a picture is worth a thousand words, using
emojis to show your formula could be worth $1,000 and a year’s supply of
store brand infant formula!
How to Enter
Go to ShareYourFormula.com, enter your name, email address zip code, and your baby’s birth date between now and April 24, 2017
Use our Store Brand Formula emoji keyboard to create your personal formula for parenting happiness
Confirm you are at least 18 years old at time of entry and agree to the contest official rules
There will be six random weekly winners andeach
winner will receive $1,000 and a year’s supply of store brand formula
in the form of 52 containers of their preferred store brand formula
GIVEAWAY!
Leave a comment below letting me know if you've entered to win $1,000 and a years supply of store brand infant formula, and what you'd do with the extra cash!
One person who comments will win a $25 virtual Visa gift card. Winner will be chosen on April 15! Please have an email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win! Winner will have 24 hours to reply to the email I send confirming their win. Prize fulfilled by sponsor, Eight in the Nest is not liable for lost, missing, or undelivered prizes.
Halloween is so much fun! My kids love to get dressed up and pretend to be something new, and I loved to do the same when I was a kid.
I really like trying to find coordinating costumes form my kids since we have so many. Oriental Trading had some great group costumes!
This year, we picked out the rock, paper, scissors costume set... it's a great simple set that makes any outfit a costume.
The kids really liked these and, of course, had to act out the game of rock, paper, scissors at least once.
I like that these costumes are super easy to put on/get off. These are great for the kids to take to school for their Halloween parties! I don't have to worry about them completely destroying them before trick-or-treating.
We also got a more scary costume for our almost teenager. He wanted to stick with his horror movie theme for Halloween.
Last year he went as the guy from Chainsaw Massacre... this year he wanted to be Jason from Friday the 13th. I think he pulls it off very well!
All of these costumes, and many, many more are available from Oriental Trading, as well as other Halloween goodies that you may need!
I received items from Oriental Trading to facilitate this post.
Each year I love to make grab bags for my kids to take to class for their Halloween treats. It's a fun way to let them celebrate. And, of course, there are lots of other ways to hand out grab bags. Whether you're doing a church or community event, or if you just want to hand out things other than candy to the trick-or-treaters coming to your door, Oriental Trading has you covered for all the Halloween necessities.
For our grab bags we used a fun printed bag, a spider ring, a monster tattoo, and a candy stick... then fastened the bag with an orange & black friendship bracelet.
These are fun for the kids to put together themselves and they love giving them to their friends.
Of course, you could put nearly anything in your bags with the amazing selection that Oriental Trading provides! Make them scary, make them religious, make them full of candy- or not! There's something for everyone... really!
And if you need anything else for Halloween, like great Halloween Costumes, check out the other offerings at Oriental Trading!
This is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.
So, our son Liam (11 years old) has been really into everything Native American lately. He has some Native American ancestry, and the knowledge of that has really sparked something in him lately. He's been wanting to bow-hunt, fish (he wishes he could spear), and he's been asking for some Native American style apparel. This kid is SUPER picky about his clothes... all the rest of the kids- they don't care; Liam- it has to fit just right AND be his style. I try to accommodate when I am able, but a lot of local stores don't supply his specific requests.
He wants moccasins, a native styled hoodie, and pretty much anything that resembles or reminds him of Native culture. Well, I hopped on over to Groupon Goods to see if I could find a good deal on any of those things, and I found a really cool sweatshirt that I know he'll love. I also found this sweet Native American coin set that I think will be a great Christmas gift (you can never start too early... it isn't that far away)!
Sometimes you just have to turn to online shopping to get a decent deal and find what you are looking for!
This post is sponsored by Groupon. All opinions are my own.
If I had a dime for every time someone asked how I could afford "all these kids" I might not have to be so frugal. Really, though, I have to be. I am GOOD at saving money (if I do say so myself)!
With school shopping just out of the way, I think it's a good time to explain some of what I do.
I don't want my kids to just wear whatever, either. I want them to be in nice clothes that will last. It's amazing how much money you can save by just paying attention to sales and looking for a coupon.
For example. I do a lot of my shopping for my kids at JCPenney. To get the best deals I head to the clearance rack first. I have no qualms with this because who's gonna know if you bought it clearance or if you purchased it a month or two earlier at full price- it just plain saves you money. In fact, I found many t-shirts on clearance for under $2. That's a fabulous price anyhow, but add in a coupon and make it 25 to 50% off that price- BONUS!
I also tend to purchase items on clearance for the year ahead. Let's say I know I am going to need snowpants for my kids next fall, in the spring I will buy them when they're 75% off or more, saving me ridiculous amounts of money (and I usually can find a coupon for most stores, too! Check out Groupon Coupons). Yes, this takes a little more planning, and sometimes you can't estimate your child's size perfectly, but at the prices I buy most of this stuff at, I don't mind donating it or reselling it if it won't fit one of the kids.
Shoes are one of the most difficult things for me to get deals on. My kids like name brand shoes, and I'd rather have their shoes last the year than buy several pairs of cheap shoes. We actually purchased a pair of Nike athletic shoes for under $11. Again, I looked at clearance and had a coupon. That was a great score to me. This year I was able to find a couple pairs of great Reebok shoes for under $20. When each kid needs at least two pairs of shoes it adds up quick, so I'm glad to find some deals.
Pairing in-store rewards and coupons can also help you save even more. JCP has rewards, as does Kohls, Children's Place and many others. Many times you can use rewards, coupons, sales and clearance prices all combined making for some incredible savings.
I was provided with Oriental Trading merchandise in exchange for this post. Any opinions are my own.
Ahhhhh... SUMMER!
I love summer, and so do the kids, but sometimes the days can be a little uneventful- especially when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Sometimes it seems like no matter how many fun activities you have planned for the kids during summer you can just never keep them engaged. Keeping some structure throughout the days can help, and what better than having some craft time and outdoor play?
Oriental Trading has tons of great summer crafts you can keep on hand for days like that. Most crafts are easy for kids and super cute!
We usually purchase the craft kits from Oriental Trading, but they now have some really great idea pages, too! Check out these cute crafts, click the picture to see what you need to make them!
Or, how about some night-time fun? What makes summer nights more fun than glow-in-the-dark products???
Our kids love glow-in-the-dark tag, or hide and seek. And glow necklaces help us keep our kids visible at night when we are in large crowds (we use these each time we go to a fireworks display!).
There's plenty of other games and activities available as well- great for outdoor fun, parties and get together,s and bored kids who don't know what to do. ;)
Disney-Hyperion sent me this title, and is also providing a prize pack for one winner from my site.
RULES OF THE HOUSE
by Mac Barnett and Matt Myers
In stores May 3, 2016
Ages 3-5
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ian
always follows the rules. His sister, Jenny, breaks them all the
time—especially "Don't pinch." So Ian is thrilled when the house where
his family is vacationing posts a tidy list of rules. But when Jenny
breaks them all, the house itself decides it's time for payback. The
rug, the stove, and the bathtub are hungry for rulebreaker soup, and
they've found the perfect ingredient: Jenny!
Now Ian is faced with a thorny question: What if saving your sister means breaking the rules?
From the New York Times
best-selling team of Mac Barnett and Matthew Myers comes a hilarious
tale of sibling rivalry, moral complexity, and disgruntled monsters,
perfect for sharing with your own favorite rulebreakers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mac Barnett is the New York Times best-selling author of over twenty books for children, including Count the Monkeys, illustrated by Kevin Cornell; Chloe and the Lion, illustrated by Adam Rex; and Extra Yarn and Sam & Dave Dig a Hole,
both illustrated by Jon Klassen, and both winners of a Caldecott Honor
and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. He also writes the Terrible Two series with Jory John. Mac lives in Berkeley, California. Visit him at macbarnett.com.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Matt
Myers studied at the Museum Art School in Portland, Oregon, where he
majored in both fine arts and graphic arts. He has illustrated a number
of books for children, including the Brixton Brothers series by Mac Barnett, Clink by Kelly DiPucchio, and the New York Times best seller Battle Bunny, by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett. Matt lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Visit him at myerspaints.com.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wildly Witty, Vibrant
World of “Zootopia”
Arrives Home on June 7 via Digital HD, Blu-ray™
and Disney Movies Anywhere
Walt
Disney Animation Studios’ (WDAS) comedy-adventure, “Zootopia” has
broken records worldwide earning more than $900 million at the global
box office to date. The best reviewed movie of 2016, critics and
audiences around the world have fallen in love with the wonderfully
innovative animal metropolis of “Zootopia” and the comedic chemistry of
rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and scam-artist fox
Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). It’s been called one of the best buddy cop
comedies in years! Viewers will not only be able to enjoy the vibrant
world of Zootopia and reunite with their favorite characters, but also
discover more about the evolution of this extraordinary tale through
in-depth bonus offerings. The runaway hit arrives home on June 7 via Digital HD, Blu-ray™ and Disney Movies Anywhere.
We all have heard how much better organic food is for us, how leaving the chemicals and artificial coloring, along with genetic modification can benefit us all, but did you know that you can actually have organic candy too?
GoOrganic Organic candies offer up an organic alternative. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Organic means food with no artificial fertilizers, genetic modification, irradiation or conventional pesticides. Who wants any of that in their candy anyhow?
My favorite thing about GoOrganic candies is the wide range of offerings. We were sent their line of candy to try out and let you all know how they went over with our family.
I will say, many of the candies include ginger- and my children were not a fan. I, however, do enjoy ginger. I especially liked the Chocolate Ginger Chews. The kids favorite were the fruit chew candies and fruit snacks ( and I loved these as well...). The hard candies were not anyone's favorite in particular, but they weren't bad. The cherry candy did remind me a lot of cough drops, though.
Ingredients include organic evaporated cane juice and organic brown rice syrup for sweetness.This is CLEAN candy, containing no trans fats, no preservatives, no corn syrup, no FD&C colors and no hydrogenated oils. The line has a 2 year shelf life, is gluten free and Kosher. Adults and kids can feel good about having GoOrganic as a wholesome treat.
I think these candies are a good option for those who are looking for a sweet treat without giving up their commitment to choosing organic goods.
As you can imagine, from my blog header, I'm a fan of owls; all birds, really.
Well, my little brother, who is very artistically talented, has been doing a "How to" series on drawing different things. I requested an owl! He was going to do one of my snowy owl photographs, but I asked if he could do a barn owl. I really love the disk shape to their face, so I thought it'd be really neat to learn to draw.
I'd love to see YOUR barn owl drawings- if you'd like to share yours please post it as a photo comment on this Facebook post!
I received a copy of THE GOOD DINOSAUR for review purposes. No other compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.
If you haven't heard yet, Disney Pixar's The Good Dinosaur is available now! We just watched the movie, and I have to say- I love it. Here's my review (WARNING- Spoilers).
This story is a fabulous story about friendship and courage. Arlo (the dino) is the "runt" of the family, and scared of everything. He struggles to find his place and his worth in the family. The story takes a turn when a family member dies ( why are these always SO sad?!) and when Arlo feels like he is to blame for the tragedy.
After another accident happens Arlo finds himself a long way from home, but with an unusual companion- a foe turned friend. Together they must find their way home, and Arlo has to find his courage to face the unknown along the way.
Okay, so I want to share with you one thing that I think parents should be aware of... if you really don't want specific spoilers, stop reading now.
There is a point in the movie when some dinosaurs seem like they are friends, but they are really the bad guys.... and it's pretty scary, especially for the younger or more sensitive kids. You see a little "critter" be "saved" and then promptly eaten unexpectedly, and it's harsh. These dinosaurs also attack later in the movie and it's a bit frightening then, too. Aside from the frightening parts, there is also many sad parts that will make your eyes swell with tears. The movie is a good movie, but I do wish they hadn't disguised the bad guys as helpers at first.
The ending will warm your heart and overall it's a very powerful movie about facing fears and being a good friend.
Here's a clip from the movie, check it out and check out your local retailer or find The Good Dinosaur on Amazon.
You can also find the new short,Sanjay's Super Team. These shorts have become almost as anticipated as the movies for our family. I enjoyed this one, and I loved how it helped open my kids to another culture, making them curious.
Included in the bonus materials, you can also find "True Lies about Dinosaurs". I loved this bonus material because it tells kids about how this movie is make believe, it's not factual, and that the dinosaurs likely wouldn't have actually seen one another since they live at different times. The other bonus materials include deleted scenes and Recylosaurus: a fun short about how people made large dinosaurs out of only recycled items.
I received these glasses in exchange for this review.
I was recently approached by someone from Firmoo asking if I would try out their glasses for them and tell you all about my experience. Since most of the people in my family wear glasses, I couldn't pass up the chance to try a new pair!
They look great on him, and I'm pretty impressed with the quality.
For $33 they are seriously impressive.
To order, all you need is the glasses prescription and the pupil distance. Just plug in the numbers and you're good to go!
The order took about 2 weeks to receive. Not too bad considering that's about the same turn around time for my local eye doctor's office.
I absolutely loved the extras that came with the glasses. We received a very nice glasses case, a little glasses tool (screwdriver), a pouch and a cleaning cloth! All of these are great to have if you wear glasses.
The glasses themselves seem very high quality. The memory plastic flexes and is perfect for Gavin (who is not so kind to glasses- he goes through a couple pair a year). I do wish there were spring hinges in these, but with the frames being so flexible they may not be necessary. I think these will at least last him through the school year, though.
Check out Firmoo next time you need glasses, you could save yourself some significant money by trying their inexpensive but high quality glasses.
Since I live in Michigan, I love to promote products made in Michigan and I was recently approached by Matt, the owner of LioProducts, to check out a cool product... something that I would have never guessed could have been made.
So, Mason Jars are quite popular. You can find a bazillion different ways to use them on Pinterest.... but would you have guessed they can be made into speakers?
Yep, you read that right. Mason. Jar. Speakers.
Wait, wait... I'll show you...
Image from Etsy
Yes, those are speakers! They really work... and really rock!
So, anyhow, I said of course I'd review! This looks like a fab product and again.... made in Michigan!
I received the speaker super quick and I was impressed with the packing. I was pretty confused by the large box (I stood there wondering what on earth I had ordered...only to remember I hadn't.) but when I opened it I totally had the aha moment. Yes, that's the mail carrier in me... I get impressed by proper packing.
This speaker is heavy. Well, the speaker isn't overly heavy, but that is one heck of a power hook up!
The plug-in is majorly heavy duty and the Mason Jar is a real glass quart size mason jar so it's a substantial piece as well. I really enjoy the decorative look, especially with mason jars being so popular right now.
The speaker itself works well. I have no complaints on the speaker. There isn't an independent volume control, it's all device driven, but when connected to my phone it packs plenty of punch, easily filling a room. (My co-workers were impressed).
The top is covered with mesh, and the ring is secured (I'm assuming glued).
The power cord and jack connect to the side of the jar, and you are good to go, ready to rock, done to dance!
Definitely take a moment to check out this great decorative- but still USEFUL- speaker from Matt over at Etsy!
I was provided with a sample to review by VTech, all opinions are 100% my own.
Do you remember your first baby doll? Mine was handmade... my Great Grandma made dolls. Here's a clown doll I received as a gift for my second birthday!
I remember dolls that peed were all the fab when I was a kid, and dolls you could adopt. Baby dolls have come a long way since we were younger!
Baby Amaze is a new line that uses technology to teach nurturing concepts
and developmental milestones for toddlers whose parents want more from
their role-play dolls. Your little one can talk to the VTech Baby Amaze
Learn to Talk & Read Baby Doll and hear her repeat what they say or
read from the three included vocabulary books featuring more than 70
words about animals, food and household objects.
The more your little
one talks to the baby doll, the more words and phrases the baby doll
will learn and repeat!
Annabelle is loving her Baby Amaze!
She loves being motherly, and she is enjoying teaching her baby to read, and sing. She even gets surprised by the things Baby says, and it's adorable to see her reactions. Annabelle even employs her brothers as babysitters for her doll.
Annabelle hasn't gotten the "teaching the baby to talk" feature, but she really enjoys reading to her doll, and singing with her doll. I know she's going to enjoy the doll for quite some time, and I'm excited to see her motherly instincts grow as she nurtures this little friend. The Baby Amaze range of products is available only at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com.
samples and prizing are provided by Random House Kids
Do you struggle with getting your child to fall asleep?
I think we all do at some point!
Join parents all over the world who have embraced The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep as their new nightly routine.
The groundbreaking #1 bestseller is sure to turn nightly bedtime battles into a loving and special end-of-day ritual. This child-tested, parent-approved story uses an innovative technique that brings a calm end to any child's day.
When
Roger can't fall asleep, Mommy Rabbit takes him to see Uncle Yawn, who
knows just want to do. Children will join Roger on his journey and be
lulled to sleep alongside their new friend.
This book includes instructions on how to read it. It's a long book, but you likely won't finish it! I found my 2 year old squirming and fighting as I read it before nap time, but I could see how sleepy he was getting with each sentence!
When I was asked to submit a photo of MY unique baby, I had a really hard time trying to decide which to choose... I mean, I have EIGHT amazing kids! They are all unique and wonderful.
I decided to choose this photo:
I chose this photo of Luke to represent my 'unique baby" because he is a survivor, a fighter. His struggle to live at the very beginning of his life made his journey unique.
Every baby is wonderful, they all have some fantastic expressions, too... what is your favorite photo depicting your child's uniqueness? That photo could win you $5,000 and a year's worth of formula!
Here are all the details:
Store Brand Formula’s Unique Baby Sweepstakes
When
it comes to infant formula, many factors will help make the decision of
what’s best for your baby, but the name on the container should not be
one of them!
What
most moms don’t know is that the FDA strictly regulates infant formula
to keep little ones safe, so store brand infant formulas, like Walmart’s
Parent’s Choice and Target’s Up and Up, are nutritionally comparable to
national brands like Enfamil® and Similac® and meet FDA standards, at a
much lower cost to your family.
So essentially, the brand of formula you use is not unique, but of course- your baby IS unique.
To
shine the spotlight on the most important part of the formula equation:
your baby, Store Brand Formula is launching a “Unique Baby” Photo
Sweepstakes in which the winner will receive $5,000 AND a year supply of
Store Brand Formula.
Every baby is unique. Show us how YOUR baby is unique. We’re looking for funny, silly, odd, crazy unique baby photos.
Is your baby making a really bizarre expression?
Perhaps your baby is making an angry face?
Or maybe your baby’s hair is sticking up in a funny way.
Whatever it is, we’d love to see it.
How to Enter
To enter the Store Brand Formula Unique Baby Sweepstakes, simply visit http://bit.ly/1Fd2i6yand follow the photo submission guidelines and the on-screen instructions to complete the online entry form. All entries must be submitted between September 28, 2015 – November 5, 2015.
Limit one (1) entry per person, per day for the duration of the Sweepstakes
One
(1) Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 and a one (1) year supply of
the winner’s choice of Store Brand Baby Formula. Five (5) First Prize
winners will receive $200 and a one (1) year supply of the winner’s c
choice of Store Brand Baby Formula.
Oh how our older boys love this show. I was so reluctant to let them watch it, but after seeing many of the episodes, I have to say the imagination that goes into this show is pretty outstanding. The "potty" humor is thoroughly enjoyed by our middle school boys. I'd recommend this show for 10 and up.... and now there's a new DVD out so that you can enjoy it at any time! Arriving on October 6th...
Finn and Jake Return in Adventure Time: The Enchiridion!
The Enchiridion is an ancient book with codes of conduct, guidelines, and
other helpful information for heroes. Watch our hero’s Finn and Jake
unlock the secrets in Adventure Time: The Enchiridion! The 10th volume
release comes packed with 16 full length episodes from the hit-series
Adventure Time.
Adventure Time: The Enchiridionfeatures the following 16 episodes:
