Julius Jr. Julius' Invento-Cycle Review #JuliusJrPack #Chatterbox #toyreview #Fisher-Price

Julius Jr. Julius' Invento-Cycle Review  #JuliusJrPack #Chatterbox #toyreview #Fisher-Price

 

    My two sweet little's have recently discovered Julius Jr. and fell instantly fell in love with the show, so when the opportunity to review Fisher-Prices' Julius Jr. Invento-Cycle came about  I was ecstatic! The package arrived a few weeks after I was notified by email that my family had been considered for the Julius Jr. Chatterbox. In my Chat Pack full of wonderful goodies we got:

- 1 Julius Jr. Invento-Cycle

- 1 Julius Jr. coloring page

- 1 Activity sheet

- 6 Coupons for additional Julius Jr. toys or play sets (to share with friends and family)

 

                                                            

The Fisher-Price websites states the Invent-Cycle is for ages 2 and up. It features a vehicle that "zooms along when pulled back" and a removable figure (Julius Jr.). You can purchase the toy directly from their website for $12 or find it in a store near you.

My son was really excited to rip into his new toy the minute it was delivered to our front door. I was only able to distract him long enough with the help of the  Julius Jr. coloring page to take a few pictures. His little sister got a little jealous that there was only one coloring page so I had to whip out a coloring book for her to keep them from arguing over the who got to color what and which color to draw with.

It didn't take them long to complete their "masterpieces". Nor did it take them long to learn the pull back mechanism to make Julius Jr. race forward across our hardwood floors. My little princess had a hard time with puling it back far enough (but since she is only 15 months I was expecting that). Her brother however had no problem with getting him to "race fast" as he kept yelling every time he let Julius Jr. speed past. My toddler's only issue was the Julius Jr. removable figurine would fall out of the cycle sometimes.  

 

 

Once my son mastered the pull back method he got more adventurous on where he sent the cycle zooming off too. Jumping ramps and flying down the front porch stairs were just a few dare devil stunts he had Julius Jr. complete. My kids can be pretty rough on toys so after about an hour of dare devil stunts I am pleased to see that Julius Jr. and his cycle are proving to be very well made and will last to achieve many more adrenal pumping stunts.                                                            

I think this toy set would be the perfect addition to child's stocking this upcoming holiday season and will be recommending it to all my mommy friends.

 

***I received the Julius Jr. Pack via Chatterbox for free in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

Remembering and Honoring #9/11 #neverforget

 

I remember sitting in my first period class (sophomore year) reverently cramming every last bit of notes in my head for a test we were about to start when we heard screams from the hallway. Our principle was running down the halls telling the teachers to put the news on. As we watched in horror as the events of that day unfolded there were many reactions. Most sat motionless in their seats, myself included. It's a day I will never forget. A day that has changed this country and those in it. Since then I have had many friends and relatives serve this country, many have returned home wounded physically and mentally. Its humbling the sacrifices that these individuals have and will continue to make for our country.  What were you doing on 9/11?

(image found on Google Image finder)

Summer Recap

Miss Priss learned to stand up, climb onto things and of course blow kisses to her "boyfriend" Mickey Mouse. (Minnie better watch out!!)

We spent a lot of time at a few different zoos, and animal parks this summer.

I broke my foot :( Not my finest accomplishment over the summer but one that impacted us greatly.

 

 

 

The talented hubby graduated and started his first "big kid" job. BRING ON THE PAYCHECK!!

Little Miss Priss turned one!

Uma helped us move, unpacked for us and also helped us explore the new town until I got off crutches.

 

 

My sons first hair cut #kickedandscreamthewholetime #firsthaircut #mustbeaneasierway #joysofmotherhood

In my ideal world my children's first hair cuts would be a low key event. We go in get it cut while they sat in a race car or animal seat happily eating the sucker the stylist gives them. I'd save the curly locks for their albums and afterwards we go to the park or out for ice cream to celebrate. Boy was I dreaming. . . .

Took my little prince to get his first real (not by my hubby) hair cut today. I'm not a drinking woman but after the last snip of the scissors I was ready for some alcohol. Since moving to a small town I didn't know where to take him- and lets face it the options were very limited. So after driving around the ENTIRE town I found a place that looked like it could work. I mean, the sign did say "Family" and lets face it driving around the entire town only takes 5 minutes.

 

My little prince was not so charming from the time we walked in till the hair cut was complete. I sat holding him while she cut his hair. It was painful! Screaming, crying, thrashing about. I'm surprised the stylist didn't accidently cut him or me for that matter. Oh the joys of motherhood. . . . . How did your kids take their first hair cut?

Gallon Challenge #agallonaday #jumpstartingahealthylifestyle #stuffedballoon

I read somewhere on my Facebook newsfeed where (wish I could find it again- but wasn't able to) some lady decided to drink a gallon of water a day and document her experience for 30 days. If I remember correctly after about a week her face was clearer, she looked a few years younger and yada yada yada.  . . .

I'm interested in seeing if I have similar results- or if anything really changes at all other then the fact that I will probably be peeing x10 more often then I do now. . . . So here it goes. I am going to take the gallon challenge by the balls and see what happens.

Day 1: Today started off good- drank half of the gallon before I finished my lunch. Peed about 5 dozen times. The second half of the gallon was harder to drink. Just made me realize how much I HATE drinking plan water. But I did notice I didn't snack much during the day. Probably because I felt like a stuffed water balloon . . . .

Day 2: Still hate water. . . .but its getting easier to drink. No noticeable difference in my skin, my pee on the other hand has never been so clear.          

Mastitis #gameover #istillhateyou

 

 

Well Mastitis you gave a good fight but I beat you, maybe not fair and square but I beat you! Best part of all- my milk flow didn't suffer! Pretty lil princess will be able to continue nursing till she decides other wise! Thankful to have that over with!

Mastitis 1 Me 0 #swollenandred #Ihateyou

Oh Mastitis how I hate you! I started feeling some pain, and tenderness in my left boob yesterday while at the park playing with my kids. I didn't think much of it until we got home and went to nurse my pretty lil princess and noticed just how red my boob was. And then came in the headache. I knew right then and there I was in for it!

I've experienced mastitis before- and boy was it a dozie. I decided to take a hot shower  and message the lump out (or try too- if you've ever experienced this type of thing before you know even the slightest touch can cause massive pain). Sleep was nonexistent. And of course every time I would look over and see Mr. Handsome sleeping soundly it took all that was in me not to smack perfectly resting face.

 He did wake up (finally) around 4 am because I was "moving too much and making too much noise"- I should have hit him them. But after searching the house for what seemed liked hours for the heating pad he did the most loving thing for me :) He went to Wal-Mart to buy me one. It helped majorly but I am sitting here waiting for my doctors office to open so I can have them call in some antibiotics and pain meds. . . .

So for now Mastitis you may have won the battle but I will win this war. I'm coming for you and I am coming hard and fast. Watch your back.

Giveaways Oh Giveaways . . . Oh how I love you! #giveaways #freestuff

People think I am crazy but I love to enter giveaways. Its a great way to try new products, get to know new brands, treat yourself to fun new things, or simply get free Christmas gifts for your friends/family. I have been entering giveaways since my pretty lil princess was growing in my belly. Since she was my second child I didn't think I would have a baby shower but still wanted/needed a few things that we didn't have on hand from our first child (mainly clothes - since our first was a boy). I did some research on some of the couponing blogs I followed and found that entering giveaways can be simple, and take very little time and effort. I started entering and started winning almost instantly!

To-date I have won:

• $10 gift card to Simple Addictions (great online jewelry and clothing store!) Check them out at http://www.simpleaddiction.com/
• An Auburn Toddler headband from So Tweet Designs (she makes wonderful headbands and does special orders!! https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoTweetDesigns
• 2 Nuk Bottles (from two different giveaways)
• $50 gift card to PinkBlush Maternity
• So Tweet Blanket Bundle
• Comfort & Harmony Swing
• Monkey Mat (check them out!- This company has been on Shark Tank!)
• Origami Owl Necklace with Charms
• Custom Shirt from Lissy Loo Boutique
• $50 Preggers gift card
• $50 Vintage Pearl Gift card
• Sweet Baby Dolly hat pattern
• Max It Out Maxi Dress from Honey and Hive
• Farmhouse fresh pajama past yogurt Mask and Shea butter soap from Dockside Elizabeth City
• Cardigan, watch, necklace/earring set from Anna Design Co
• Binky D Diaper
• Taylor and Chloe hair accessories
• $60 Umi gift card
• Look Sharp Target Coupon Booklet
• Mia Mariu Rejuvenate Your Skin Anti-Aging Pack
• Tiny Love Play Mat
• Really Wolly: 12 Little Blessings Children's Book
• Sprout Snacks and coupons
• 2 Zipadee Zip's (from two different giveaways)
• BabyHatIsland baby hat
• Knot Ring
• $25 gift card to Target
• 3 Plant Potter Wraps
• Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag (only the BEST diaper bag out there! Love Love Love mine!)
• A printed family tree from Jena Glantz Design Creatives
• My Baby Can Sign DVD
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle cooler for stroller
• infant pajamas
• Pedipad kids shoes
• $50 Umi Shoe gift card
• Minky binky
• Oh, Baby Book
• Frozen CD
• Shopkins prize pack
• Azure Naturals Vitamin C Serum
• Hyland’s Prize Pack
• Plaid scarf from Everyday Pitter Patter Shop
• $50 gift card to 9th & Elm
• Necklace from Emma Sophia
• tulle skirt and a sweatshirt from The Girl That Loves
• Saints and Soldiers DVD
• Zoey's Attic Gift card
• KidCuteTure Dress
• Noah Book
• 3 pairs of earrings from LovelyFluer (an Etsy shop)
• $100 gift card to Pretty Bandit 
• Framesi Shampoo/Conditioner
• Gift card to ICreate Custom labels

There are a few items I haven't mentioned because I don't have them physically yet. I never count a win until I have received my prize. Keep in mind most prizes take 6-8 weeks to get to you once you have won.

If you have entered any giveaways what have you won?

Changes- Lots and Lots of Changes

Its been crazy busy here on the home front - I broke my foot about a week before Mr. Handsome graduated. Which means I cancelled the family pictures I had scheduled because I didn't want my brother-in-law/podiatrist to see me attempt to take the pictures in my heels. Plus who wants the ugliest boot in pictures you want to in large and put in your living room! Urgh!  On the bright side I wasn't able to help move :) so Mr. Handsome and his family did pretty much all of the packing, loading, moving, unloading and unpacking! Yeah for me :)

Graduation was AMAZING! I didn't realize how emotional it was going to be until Mr. Handsome walked across the stage and received his diploma. Lil Handsome man screamed "That's MY DADDY!" and let me tell you at that point I lost it! Not just a tear or two - I made puddles at my feet! Its been a 6 year journey for us (4 years in graduate school and two in undergrad). I journey I was so ready to complete until the day after graduation, when the real world hit. And when it hit it hit HARD! Broken foot expenses, moving costs, new housing costs, set up fees for all the utilities, old cars breaking/fixing and breaking again, not to mention diapers, gas and food. Lets just say that first paycheck couldn't get here fast enough. In my head I had already spent that check 10x over. I just wish I got to spend something - any of it really - on something I actually wanted not needed. Real world problems right?

Outside of my broken foot the move went better then expected. Lil Handsome and Pretty Princess took the road trip well. Only getting too fussy a few times. My MIL helped out by driving and staying with us for two weeks until I could drive again and walk around without crutches. By the end of the two weeks I'm not sure who was more excited to see the plane arrive to pick her up- Me, Mr. Handsome and my MIL. Love her to pieces but home girl and I don't see eye-to-eye on many things.

Pretty Princess also just celebrated her very first birthday! I was one excited Mama. Since Mickey Mouse is her boyfriend and all we went all out on a Mickey and Minnie themed party! My mom and two of my siblings were able to make the trip to come see us and celebrate with us. Pictures to come soon- as soon as I figure out this whole blogger.com thing. Technology and I aren't friends and it doesn't look like that will be changing anytime soon- Maybe I should invest in Blogging for Dummies???

Graduation Dress Drama

So my hubby graduates from Optometry school mid May and I am on the hunt for the perfect dress to wear to the event. Only problem is I have been searching for what seems like FOREVER! Its not that I cant find anything I like its the fact that I can't find anything that I can nurse in, is modest, and won't be too hot. The graduation ceremony is indoors but we are having a professional photographer (Jana from Jana Grady Photography- if you haven't used her check her out! She is amazing!) to take family pictures directly afterwards. Since we'll be taking pictures outside I'll need something that I won't have a heat flash in because lets face it Alabama in May is HOT!

I went to the mall yesterday and tried on a few things but found nothing that I felt comfortable in. I haven't lost the baby weight from giving birth last year so I am in the awkward stage- you know the is she pregnant again or still trying to lose the post baby belly. So not only was it depressing learning what my current size is, but it was rough finding anything that didn't look either too baggy or too tight. Needless to say I left with no purchase or direction on where to go next.

I did hop online and saw a few things I liked.

Tell me what you think . . . . .

http://www.limelush.com/peach-lace-dress/

I'm thinking I can just pull the top down slightly to nurse.

or

http://www.modernvintageboutique.com/daddys-girl-cinch-waste-dress.html#.U002y2CPKpo

or maybe this (if it comes in on time- but I'd also have to buy a cardigan or something to go over it)

http://www.modernvintageboutique.com/heavenly-chevron-maxi-gray.html#.U003H2CPKpo

Decisions, Decisions . . . I just hate ordering online from stores I haven't tried before. I prefer to try things on before I buy them.

Till next time

 

Annie’s Homegrown Frozen Entrée Review

****I received a complimentary frozen entrée for testing purposes from Influenster.

 

Like many mommies with young children, dinner time is (or the preparing of dinner) can be pretty hectic. Even with all the chaos I want my children to experience good quality sit down family dinners, with wholesome, nutritious, and also yummy foods. However, expectation and reality can have two totally different outcomes! That’s why when I was invited to review Annie’s Homegrown Frozen Entrée, I was really excited! I’m all for readymade food- but have sworn off of them recently because they tend to be loaded in salt and preservatives. Annie’s is different however; it is all organic (which I love!), and made with 100% real cheese (which is a MUST in my house- I am a bit of a cheese snob).

While browsing around Target I decided on getting the Family Size Frozen Lasagna with Meat Sauce. My hubby and kids love lasagna and I never make it, so I thought it would be a nice treat for them.

 You have two options when preparing- microwave and oven. I decided to prepare mine in the oven. You bake it at 350 degrees for 40 minutes with the cover film left on, and after 40 minutes you remove the film and bake for another 25 minutes. I have to admit that when I first opened the box the lasagna looked small and I was afraid it wouldn’t get the entire family full. My son and hubby might be on the thinner side but they can sure put away food.

I wasn’t completely impressed when the final product came out of the oven. The cheese on top seemed to be lacking. Again, I am a cheese snob and like my food generally covered in melted, cheesy glory.  I solved this problem by adding some of my own cheese on top while it was still hot. Overall, it was great and I will definitely be purchasing this product again!






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