Don't Marry Charity

My dad published another book!  This one is a action/comedy.  It is a very fun, entertaining and clean book.  I like to read and am always looking for my next book.  A lot of the books I read can be slow and boring, but not this book.  There were quite a few twists and turns that I didn't expect.  If you are looking for something to read I highly recommend it.  The ebook is only $2.99 on smashwords.  Check it out.

And I am really always looking for books to read so if you know of any great ones please comment below.

Kiss InstaWave

When I first saw the Kiss InstaWave automatic curler I thought it was too good to be true.  It is this cool curling iron that you just hold your hair next to while it spins itself.  

When I first tried it I had a hard time getting the hang of it.  But once I did it a few times it is pretty easy.  Even easier then a regular curling iron because you don't have to worry about twisting and turning your hand.  

It can turn two different directions, has high and low heat settings, and automatically turns off after 90 minutes.  I wish my straighter did that because I accidentally leave it on all the time!

Below is a picture of Penelope's hair after I curled it.  

She was so excited to have curly hair.  Scarlett has curly hair and I think Penelope sometimes she wishes she did too.  She always asks me to curl it like Scarlett's.

Here is a simple video tutorial explaining how to use the curling iron.

This post was powered by brandbacker.

Sleep Sack

Leon recently started waking up a couple times at night for no apparent reason.  The only thing I could think of was that it is getting colder outside and so he is getting cold.  He never keeps the blankets on so it made perfect sense.  So he got this adorable Merino Kids sleep sack.  And so far we love it!  He completely stopped waking up in the middle of the night and he loves it.

It's like his own little sleeping bag.  He really thinks he is so funny with it on.

I love all the baby swaddles but this is our first time trying on on a toddler.  I wasn't sure if he would get upset when he can't walk very well but he doesn't mind at all, he thinks it is funny.  I went with the 2t-4t size because I wanted him to wear it for a long time.  As you can see in the picture it is big on him but the extra material doesn't bother him at all.  I'm considering putting Penelope and Scarlett in one too because they never keep the blankets on.

I feel better at night knowing that Leon isn't in his crib cold and not able to tell me.  They make such cute and practical parenting things these days, I am lucky to be a mom.

Easy Patches Giveaway

Tucker rips through almost every pair of jeans he owns.  That is why when I heard of Easy Patches I thought they were so neat.  These patches don't require any sewing or ironing!  It is crazy but they just stick on.  I also love them for decorating the kids backpacks and toys.

I let my kids each pick some for their backpacks.  I've seen a lot of kids at the school with the same backpacks.  This a a great way to personalize them.

I thouhgt it was funny that Scarlett wanted the LOL.  She has no idea what it means but picked it because it is pink.

Easy Patches has agreed to giveaway two $30 gift certificates to their website.  Thats enough to buy quite a few patches.  Just follow Raffelcopter for the giveaway and Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cuddly Bandages

I think these cuddly bandages are such a good idea I wanted to share with all the other moms out there.  They are these cute little animal band aids that can help kids feel better when hurt or even when scared.  Penelope often gets scared in new situations and I think one of these on her will really help comfort her.

They are like soft animal stickers.  I can already tell we will probably use one for her first day of school.

Anniversary Gift Ideas

As you know Bob and I just celebrated our 8th anniversary.  The years keep going by so fast coming up with a gift can sometimes feel like a burden.  That is why I wanted to make a post talking about perfect anniversary gifts.

Now this isn't an all inclusive list, it's just a few things I like.  I am big into gifts that are meaningful. If I can tell the giver put some thought into the present that makes it ten times better.  I also love photography and not spending a lot of money.

Here are a few of my favorites, a few from my past and hopefully some from the future (hint hint).

1. Anniversary Card- I'm not talking about a boring run of the mill card you pick up at the grocery store.  If you go here and have a look they have tons of anniversary cards where you can upload your own pictures to make it unique.  Just write a meaningful and personal message inside and you have a great gift to either add on to something else or stand alone.

2. Iphone case- It seems like everyone these days has a smart phone so what better then a new case it your picture on it?  They have some really cute designs that would not only make your phone stand out but look amazing at the same time.  The thing I like about this gift idea is that it will actually get used.  So often it seems like presents get put up on the shelf and ignored but this is something that will get used day in and day out.

3. Photobook- One of my favorites.  Think about making one with pictures of the last year together.  Or maybe one with your wedding pictures that never get looked at.  We have given these as gifts several times and they are always a big hit.  Go here to check them out.

4. Photo pillow- These photo pillows are adorable and really comfy.  You can have one made with your exact bedroom or living room colors.  Or one with a funny saying, or even a picture of you guys as a couple.  The possibilities are endless.

I think I need to email this post to my husband for our next anniversary.

Swimsuit Season

Summer solstice was on Saturday making it officially summertime and swimsuit season.  Are you ready?  ASOS has this fun new bikini mixer to help you find the perfect suit (They also sell some pretty awesome one pieces suits). It let's you mix and match different tops and bottoms.  The best part is that you get to see exactly what they will look like together.  Plus it is sooo easy to use.  And if you are not sure, they have an inspire me button where they set up a match for you.

Check out this adorable polka dot halter and high waisted bikini bottoms.  High waisted bottoms are pretty popular this year, but can be hard to find.

I wanted to be as modest as possible when getting mine, and so I wanted the high wasted bottoms.  Unfortunately they were out of stock in the color I wanted so I got the hipsters instead.  For the top I chose the Longline Bandeau Bikini Top with detachable strap.  I wanted the detachable strap for tanning purposes.  Go here for the combo I got.

I was a little weary at first getting a swimsuit online because I really wanted it to fit well.  I've heard different things about sizes running big or small. But I just followed their measuring guide and it totally fits!

I had to show the inside of the swimsuit.  The quality is amazing, especially for the price!  They have swimsuit bottoms for as little as $12.  The top is fully lined and even has underwire.  Trust me, this is not a cheap flimsy type swimsuit.  

I really can't think of anything bad to say about it.

Soxxy Air Compression Socks

I have a couple air plane trips going on this summer so I was very excited when I got my first pair of compression socks.  Compression socks are great for reducing swelling.  Perfect for travelers or sports or even medical reasons.

Soxxy Air is the only company I know about that designs stylish and high quality compression socks. Plus they give back.  $8 from each pair sold goes toward a specific charity.  Go here to read more.

I had a couple concerns when I first got them.  Number one was that they would fall down.  And the second was that my feet would get really hot.  Amazingly neither was true.  I wore them all day and they worked out perfectly.

Go here to shop for socks.  Soxxy Air is offering 20% coupon code for my readers!  Just use the coupon code: SoxxyAirs

Watch What I'm Wearing

The daily deal websites are becoming more and more popular.  At first I was hesitant to shop online but these sites have such great deals it is hard to resist.  I just got two new things from one of those sites called toADORN.

Instead of the usual Sunday outfit this week I want to share two more casual outfits.  Both of these are every day clothes that I would wear around the house or to my daily errands.  The first outfit gets way more dressy when I throw my boots on.  I like how comfy the shirt is.

Shirt: toADORN  Leggings: Ross  Boots: FredMeyer

These pants are neat because they are like leggings but loose.  I feel like I can wear them without trying to wear an insanely long shirt to cover how tight the leggings are.  Almost like harem pants but without being so extremely loose at the top.  Plus they are super comfy.

Shirt: h&m Pants: toADORN Shoes: Payless

The most clicked on link was by...

Bacon Time with the Hungry Hippo

An InLinkz Link-up

Watch What I'm Wearing

I love love love my new eshakti skirt!  It is most definitely my favorite thing in my closet.  High waist, layers, and don't forget pockets, what else could a fashion blogger ask for?  Even both my daughters agreed by telling me I looked like a princess.  I got more compliments on this skirt the one day I wore it than I can remember getting in a long time.

Skirt: eshakti  shoes/necklace: f21  shirt: Rue 21

Even looking at these pictures I can tell how well it fits me.  And the fit is probably the most important part of any article of clothing.  You wouldn't wear something way to big or way to small regardless of how amazing it was.  With eshakti you can input your exact measurements and get a dress perfectly tailored to fit you.  You can also customize things however you want.  For example this skirt is knee length.  But it is also available in short, above the knee, below the knee, and mid-calf.  I couldn't decide between knee length or below the knee.  I liked the knee length look but I really wanted to make sure it hit more at the bottom of my knee.  So I went ahead and ordered it in knee length but I put my height in at 5'6" instead of 5'4 1/2" giving me that extra inch in length  making it just perfect.

I've only worn this skirt once so far, but I can almost feel all the possibilities.  It so so versatile I had a hard time choosing how to style it.  In the end I went with a flower lace shirt and nude heels in honor of spring. 

The back has a small bit of elastic making sure it still fits me even after I eat a huge piece of chocolate cake.

This skirt is just so fun I wanted to twirl around in it all day.

The most clicked on link was...

by Marci

An InLinkz Link-up

Ear Warmer Giveaway!

Last week Alyssa from Impractical Composition send Penelope this adorable ear warmer and she has been wanting to wear it every day since.  She actually cried when I took it from her because I didn't want her to loose it before I had time to take these pictures.  I think she especially loves the bow.  That and the fact that she has seen me wear my similar ear warmers.  I have two.

I love how soft the yarn is.  And I love the bow too.  I have a hard time getting her to wear hats and  sometimes when its really cold outside I wish she would wear them.  This head band she doesn't complain about at all.  And another bonus is that she can easily wear it when her hair is up in a pony tail.  We do it that way a lot and it makes any kind of winter hat hard to put on.

Alyssa has all kinds of different designs, including adult ones, at her shop and she sells them for only... wait for it... $11.  I think that is a good deal.  Especially if you think about how long it takes a person to crochet something.  I've made a few baby hats but have never sold any because I would have to charge about $100 because they take me so long.

But lucky for you Alyssa is giving one away for free!  Just enter the giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baby Food

Now that Leon is eating a lot of solid food I started making my own.  I've always made my own because it is just so much cheaper and not very difficult.  About a week ago I got these need baby food trays that make things so much easier.  

I used to mash up the food and store it in an ice tray.  It works ok, but these trays are so great because they have a lid, and because the food is easy to get out.  So about once a week I mash up a bunch of vegetables, put them in the trays and freeze them.  Then when I need them I just turn on the sink and pour some hot water over the back of the tray and the food slides right out.  Next I easily microwave the food, or if I'm going to be gone I just leave the food frozen and let it thaw as I'm out and about until I'm ready for it.  Plus these trays stack very nicely to fit perfectly in my freezer.

I really like my Mumi and Bubi trays!