#SharetheLuv–diapers are a necessity! #spon #ad

A lot of our friends are living the diaper-free life, but we are not quite in that boat yet. I spend a lot of time (& I always have) trying to figure out which diapers are a) the best fit and b) the best deal so I feel as though we’ve tried them all many times!

I’ve been given the opportunity to try Luvs again (thanks, iConnect!) – they have made so many improvements since I last tried them.

Luvs are now softer and more absorbent than ever before and they feature large, refastenable stretch tabs – this is one of my favorite parts because anyone who’s ever diapered a wiggling, squirming kiddo knows that you don’t always get it right the first time! More than that, ensuring that right fit remains through toddler running and baby crawling is important too – the contoured Luvs shape really keeps a great fit adn the softness is gentle on baby’s skin.

The ultra-leakage protection (with Nightlock Plust^TM) is a great quality – sometimes we get busy and don’t get to that diaper change soon enough or sometimes (for those lucky parents….) they sleep a loooong time at night, so that extra protection is key to a dry wakeup!

In the spirit of keeping life as affordable as possible, Luvs is offering a $2 off any diaper pack coupon*. Print this coupon at home and use it any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold –they come in size newborn to 6 with fun designs.  (you might even find some other useful coupons on coupons.com, too!)

 

Don’t just take my word for it, though – Luvs has the Luvs Money Back Guarantee – if you aren’t satisfied with the leakage protection of Luvs, they’ll refund your money – visit www.luvsdiapers.com fo rmore inforamtion. I had no idea they did that!

 

Find out more about Luvs Diapers at their website (www.luvsdiapers.com) or the brand social media channels

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/luvsdiapers)
• Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/luvs)
• YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/luvsdiapers)

 

Check out Luvs (again, if you have in the past), use the coupon and report back to me if you find them to be a great fit for you little one – #SharetheLuv!

 

 

*excludes trial/travel sized diaper packs and coupon expires 30 days from the date printed.

This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.

Birthdays and clean dishes #cascadeshiningreviews {giveaway}

We had a great long weekend celebrating Mike and Jimmy’s, our brother in law, birthdays over the weekend. It was the perfect setting to hold the first of two cooking parties to showcase the cleaning power of Cascade Platinum!
This weekend we had a cookout with all kinds of yummy food, including this deliciously rib-sticking mac & cheese goodness (a la Pioneer Women).

It was seriously SO YUM! I think next time I will use two different cheeses for added flavor though.
I digress.
But really, everyone o like it!

Once we stored the leftovers it was time to put Cascade Platinum to the test on this cheesy dish.

We are pretty brand loyal to Cascade, actually, but hadn’t tried the Cascade Platinum product or the Cascade Platinum Rinse Aid until now.  Cascade Platinum is Cascade’s premium product and it works on that tough, stuck on food. But here’s the key – DO NOT PREWASH! Just get rid of any big food chunks and stick the dish in the dishwasher so that it doesn’t block the sprayer or detergent chamber. This was probably the hardest part for me since my mom ingrained the “importance” of the prewash in my head and I rarely put anything in the dishwasher that has food on it. But that’s the difference with Cascade Platinum – it’s designed to break down the stuck-on food with enzymes that are built into the detergent.
I actually had no idea that most dishwashers were made with a built in garbage disposal in the bottom so that any leftover food isn’t just stuck in the machine or pipes, it is literally disposed of!
I did know there was a right way to load a dishwasher though, I am notorious for re-loading things if they aren’t in there right! Any large dishes should usually go in the back of the bottom rack face down so they aren’t blocking the detergent chamber. Long utensils can go through coffee mug handles so they don’t move around and potentially block the sprayer.
While the dishwasher was running we enjoyed the weather with our family and swam for probably the last time this summer. And cake! (excuse the WAY overexposed pool picture!)

I was honestly impressed when I opened the dishwasher, I figured there would still be SOMETHING left on the pan. But I was wrong!

My sisters were surprised too – we come from the same pre-wash mentality after all.

Everyone that came to celebrate the birthdays and clean dishes with us left with Cascade Platinum and Cascade Platinum Rinse Aid to use at home.

I am seriously so surprised and impressed with this product – you NEED to pick this up and try it for yourself. If you do (or have) tried Cascade Platinum. Have an opinion to share? Head over to the Cascade website to leave a short review of Cascade Platinum www.cascadeclean.com/cascade/review and use #cascadeshiningreviews - one reviewer will win a Kitchen Aid Dishwasher!!
If you aren’t convinced by my review to go pick up some Cascade Platinum on your own – we are going to give some away, too!
Giveaway entry: Leave a comment telling me if you are historically a pre-washer or not to enter to win:

· Cascade Platinum
· Cascade Platinum Rinse Aid
· Whisk
· Spatula
· Cheese grater
· Oven mitts

Bonus giveaway entries:
1) Share this post on Facebook and Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you did.
2) Follow Cascade on Twitter and Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you did.
I’m looking forward to continuing to use Cascade Platinum and not pre-washing my dishes!

[[Giveaway is open until 11:59pm September 12th]]

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

#BabyGotMoves

There is something about my girls and music – they LOVE it! They also LOVE to dance. Like, LOVE! Anything that sounds like a beat you will see both Gianna and Aleesia bee-bopping along.
Aleesia just started to really get into music and dancing, it’s seriously my favorite to watch her little 18 month old booty dancing around the house. She’s hilarious!

In fact, this morning she got up and came into the living room where Mickey was on, and she immediately started bouncing around dancing doing the hot dog dance. A happy baby = a happy family and it was definitely a great way to start my Friday.

You know what equals a happy baby though, right? A dry baby and there is no secret behind my love of Pampers and their ability to move and grove with this little dancing queen. And their sensitive wipes are the best on her sensitive little booty.

She makes this little octopus toy crinkle and I see her bobbing her head. Plus it makes all kinds of noises and plays music so in the midst of her post-dinner silliness I saw her hanging out on the couch jamming (and randomly identifying the color purple, correctly!)

In fact, Pampers is hosting the #BabyGotMoves campaign so everyone with a cute kid who loves to dance can participate! Pampers is going to take some of the videos that have been shared and compile them into a compilation video at the end of the campaign – your baby could be famous! So take a video of your little one in the morning (or in the afternoon, evening, middle of the night, whenever they like to bust a move) and share it with everyone on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #BabyGotMoves – but especially Pampers! You fan find Pampers on Twitter and Facebook too.

I am going to be sharing this awesome video of Aleesia from Disney – it incorporates her favorite things: music, dancing, and cheerios!

But before you run over to Facebook or Instragram to upload your own video – take a second to enter the awesome giveaway in support of this fabulous campaign!
Pampers is giving away a GREAT prize pack (estimated value $100)  which will include:

• Homedics Jam Plus Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (these things are SO COOL!)
• Baby Einstein Octoplush (Aleesia loves it, see above!)
• Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Get Movin' Music Player (Both of the girls actually love this thing, too)
• The Baby Hustle: An Interactive Book with Wiggles and Giggles! (this one is a hit already)
• Pampers Sensitive Wipes
• Pampers Baby Dry Diapers

Simply enter a comment with your favorite song to dance too – what puts you in a good mood no matter what? Mine is Timber if I am feeling spunky, Don’t Stop Believing if I am feeling nostalgic, and pretty much anything with a good beat any other time of day.

Bonus entries for sharing this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook, or through your own blog – just leave an extra comment with the link!

*Giveaway is open through Friday September 5th 11:59pm. Ensure you leave your email (or have your Google account linked to your email) in the comment so I can contact you when you win!*

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

Speedy Firsts {#SwaddlersFirsts campaign}

They always say that any subsequent children after the first one sort of get the short end of the stick when it comes to capturing their “firsts”.

Of course, when I was pregnant with Aleesia I was SURE that wasn’t going to be the case.

And I was of course wrong.

I only remember to update her “first year” calendar once every 6 weeks or so and by then I’m basically making up when things actually happened. First tooth on October 6th, ish. Said “hi” for the first time somewhere in the month of November.  Very precise record keeping.

One thing that I did remember from first baby to second is my love of Pampers diapers (which, you clearly understand by now if you have visited the blog before) but especially Swaddlers.  They are so soft and we never see any skin issues, it’s great.  And Swaddlers come in sizes 4 and 5 now – which is fabulous!

Pampers has come up with some seriously great opportunities to engage mom’s, new and old, including through their “firsts” campaign. 

Being a working mom, I usually miss the ACTUAL first, so I tend to count the first time I see something as “the first”.  (does anyone else do that?) But, Aleesia has been quite accommodating to my schedule and I have been lucky enough to be home for a few pretty big firsts.  The first time she crawled, the first time she pulled up to stand and the first time she took a step.

Wait, what was that? STEPS you say? Check her out:

It’s still hard for me to believe this is happening, and I promise to remember to write this in her calendar soon.  I’m sure it won’t be too much longer before she is walking around the house unassisted with that awesome monster like toddle that I find so adorable.  I remember the day Gianna took her first steps like it was yesterday, these things just come and go so fast it’s unbelievable!

Swaddlers can be there for all the firsts in your baby’s life and to celebrate Swaddlers sizes 4 & 5, Pampers has 30 days of incredible giveaways and a grand price of FREE Swaddlers diapers & wipes for a year. (FREE! A YEAR! yay!) Join the celebration and enter the Pampers’ 30 days of sweeps on the Pampers Facebook page where you can win daily prize bundles, plus the grand prize of free Swaddlers diapers & wipes for one year.

Plusandalso there is a great Pampers #SwaddlersFirsts Twitter Party on December 5th at 9PM EST.  If you joined the last one, you know how great they are. Here are the details:

You should RSVP here: http://twtvite.com/SwaddlersFirsts

Because you don’t want to miss out on any of these amazing prizes, including:

3 celebrating Firsts Gift Packs, ARV ($250), which include:

• Baby’s First Friend Doudou Bear Plush Doll
• Baby’s First Tooth and First Curl Treasure Box
• Baby’s First Words Book
• Baby’s First Steps Plush Toy
• $50 Shutterfly Gift Card to celebrate all “firsts” moments
• Baby’s First Bath Robe
• Pampers Swaddlers

Grand Prize: Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera worth $450! <woot! how awesome?!>

To participate, follow your hosts @DoubleDutyDivas, @BridgetteLA, @CeceliaMecca @AngieKcom @WhatMommiesNeed @RamblingChick, and our sponsor @Pampers.

And because it’s December and everyone is busy to the max, I don’t want you to feel left out of the Twitter party prize greatness if you are busy capturing some holiday firsts. I am hosting a giveaway for everyone!

You can win an awesome Celebrating Firsts gift pack too - the gift pack will include:

· Baby’s First Friend Doudou Bear Plush Doll

· Baby’s First Tooth and First Curl Treasure Box

· Baby’s First Words Book

· Baby’s First Steps Plush Toy

· Pampers Swaddlers

Entry is super easy (and there are 2 bonus entry options!) leave a comment letting me know

1. Tell me your favorite “first” memory – if could be something you remember from your kids or even a “first” in your life!
2. Bonus entry #1: Share this post by tweeting it out on twitter  or sharing the link on facebook
3. Bonus entry #2: Tell me your favorite part about the Twitter party on December 9th

Giveaway is open until Friday December 6th at 11:59 PM EST. Make sure your comment includes a way to reach you when you win!

I can’t wait to hear about your favorite “firsts” memories! I think the first steps are pretty close to the top of my list – nothing like watching that sense of independence on their little faces!

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

Sweet Sleep (please sleep?) #PampersSleepChat

We all know I am a sucker for a sleeping baby.  I take a ridiculous amount of pictures of the girls in their sleep.  See?

Except here’s the thing – that tiny one there, she is not a huge fan of night sleep all of a sudden.   We have a good bedtime. And a quiet routine. And always comfy PJs.

However, we discovered a bit of a wet diaper/leakage issue.  We are pretty loyal to Pampers Swaddlers but for some reason had been using a different brand overnight.  They was weren’t fitting her well enough and we were getting pee leakage out the leg hole! and they were no where near absorbent enough.  So we did some research and decided to pull out the big guns. Enter:

Pampers Baby Dry! Up to 12 hours of overnight protection! And? They make them in a small enough size for Aleesia! We put one on her before bedtime and don’t have to worry about her waking up wet. Since we switched? NO LEAKS at all (which means she is waking up at night for some OTHER reason!). 

I thought this infographic pretty much summed it up the 3 a.m. wake up scenario prettttty appropriately!

Recently, she started only wanting to sleep on or with me. Which, is precious and awesome for a little while, but I really like to sleep myself and co-sleeping is not my thing.  She is slightly difficult to get to stay sleep and then she wants to hang out with me at 4am.  Needless to say, I am tired and she is not as well rested as we all like.  (Her pediatrician did assure me today that 9 month olds go through a change in sleep pattern/separation anxiety, so I am hoping things will get better soon.)

But now we have the other HUGE sleep-game-changer this weekend (Sunday November 3rd at 2:00 a.m. to be exact) – the end of daylight savings time.  Fall Back. AKA the time when all small children get up an hour earlier than normal.  Over half of moms (52%) feel that their baby's sleep patterns are thrown off when the clocks 'fall back' and Daylight Savings Time ends – I am most certainly in that 52%.  Gianna is old enough that it won’t really phase her, but I have been trying to prepare my sweet little non-sleeper Aleesia for the whole “fall back” situation.

Kim West, “The Sleep Lady”, has some really wonderful tips for helping with the end of daylight savings time adjustment.  These a few of my favorite tips, aside from ensuring they have a dry diaper on right before bed, are:

1. Watch your baby’s wakefulness windows. Children have a limited window of wakefulness (the time that they can be awake and alert without meltdowns) between naps and bedtimes. Make sure that you watch your baby for sleepy cues carefully. Make sure that you’re changing your baby’s diaper right before your child goes into the crib for naps or bedtime. Keeping your child dry will help to prevent unnecessary night awakenings, and help to ensure a happy, well-rested baby the next day.

2. Stick to your flexible schedule. If you always have breakfast at 8:00 a.m., then keep your schedule, but make sure that you are following it according to the time change. You can start slowly adjusting your daily schedule forward in 10-15 minute increments 4-5 days before the time change. So if you normally have lunch at 11:30, on Wednesday, have lunch at 11:40, on Thursday, move lunch to 11:50 and so on. The same goes for naps and bedtimes. The idea is that when the time change takes effect your child’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock will already be in sync with the change.

3. The end of daylight savings is a good time to make sure that your child’s bedtime is age-appropriate. Infants and babies do best with a bedtime between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. Later bedtimes have shown to have a negative effect on children’s attitudes and their ability to focus, and can result in instances of early rising. If you find that your baby has been going to bed too early or too late, take advantage of the time change to gradually shift bedtime (back or forward in 15-30 minute increments over the next week).

I feel like I could pick The Sleep Lady’s brain for hours on how to ease into the end of daylight savings and about a 100 other sleep topics (how to help with self soothing at night. easing them through changes in sleep cycles.)  I could also go on and on about how great Pampers products are and how wonderful their customer service is check them out on Twitter (linked below) and Facebook too!  I mean, they sent me a gift when I was pregnant with Aleesia – it was the sweetest, most appropriate onesie ever:

The good news? We can all join Kim West, The Sleep Lady, and Pampers for the  #PampersSleepChat Twitter Party on November 7th at 9pm EST.  Chat about how the end of Daylight Savings Time can affect sleep patterns & get tips on easing the transition from The Sleep Lady, Kim West.

Twitter Party prizes include:

• $50 AMEX Gift Card, $25 Children’s Place Gift Card, Pampers product and book by Kim West.
• $100 AMEX Gift Card, Pampers Product, series of books by Kim West
• Grand Prize: $500 AMEX Card to purchase sleep items such as a new crib, video monitor, etc.
• To participate, follow your hosts @DoubleDutyDivas, @BridgetteLA, @CeceliaMecca @AngieKcom @WhatMommiesNeed @RamblingChick, sleep expert @TheSleepLady and our sponsor @Pampers.

RSVP: http://twtvite.com/pamperssleepchat

I hope you tune in to the Twitter party – the Double Duty Divas put on a great show! But if you can’t make it or you aren’t loving Twitter – I have a little something special for you too!

Leave a comment with your favorite sleep tip or trick (or your favorite way to appear well-rested even if you aren’t!) And maybe YOU could win a pack of Pampers Baby Dry Diapers, and a pair of Children’s Place PJ’s! [which, I love Children’s Place PJ’s, so soft and such cute patterns!]

I can’t wait to hear all your tips!

The giveaway will be open until November 8th at 11:59pm – enter! But don’t forget to leave an email address in your comment (if I can’t reach you through your Google account) so I can tell you that you won!

Don’t forget to join me on Facebook and Twitter too!

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

Boys Need Lovies Too #babyblankets

It is no secret that we have a major love of the lovie in our house.

Both of my girls have one – Gianna has three, actually – and Aleesia is just starting to get the hang of hers.

But it has occurred to me, just the other day actually, that boys need lovies too!  There are some really cute baby boy blankets out there!  Aden and Anais make some of the BEST swaddling blankets ever but they also make some really cute security blankets (or, in my world, lovies!)

See:

Seriously so cute.  And they are really soft and breathable too.  If you are in the market for a cute baby blanket for a little boy – I highly recommend these ones (but there are a lot of other cute options out there too!). Because boys need lovies too, ya know!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Mommy Hot Spot and Babyblankets.com.  The opinions are my own.