Happy Halloween from my family to yours!
carving pumpkins on Friday night
Trick or Treating with some friends!
Our family
minus the real life puppy (check out those jack o lanterns!)
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
My (baby's) Bum is Soft, is Yours?
I have found a new cloth diaper that I simply adore.
First of all, who doesn't dig the name Nuclear Pumpkin? I mean, really? Coolest. name. ever. I received the Softbums Basic Pack, obviously in Nuclear Pumpkin- perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, & of course, those previously mentioned Chicago Bears cheering Sundays! The Basic Pack comes with the Softbums waterproof cover (that's the orange part)t & 3 microfiber snap in inserts. The inserts fold over & have a top layer of super soft fleece (this is the part that touches baby's bum).
My favorite part of these diapers? Well, I can't pick just one. You can reuse the cover, 2-6 times! 6 possible times! Amazing! (What, do less laundry? I'm all for that!) You snap in the insert, place on baby, then remove insert & let the cover dry. Next diaper change, snap in new insert and bam! New diaper, less laundry. What's my other favorite part? It's a one size diaper that's actually perfect sized. It has 'tiny snuggers' (as the company calls them) that adjust to make the diaper literally fit babies from 6 pounds up to 35 pounds.
If I haven't convinced you that Softbums are a fabulous new diaper, then maybe this video will convince you. Check it out here.
Now are you ready to try some out for yourself? Here's how...
Head over to Softbums website & purchase some for yourself!
Win one right here! (yes, here!)
Sara has generously offered up some Softbums for my winner, so sign up... Here's how (leave me a comment for each of these possible entries):
1. Go to Softbums.com & tell me what your favorite color of diaper is. Leave me your email address in the comment. This entry is mandatory, all following comments will be null & void. Thank you!!
2. Follow Big City! Baby (this will be verified).
3. Follow Sara's blog, I Love Cloth Diapers (this will be verified as well).
4. Become a fan of Softbums on Facebook.
5. Follow both @mandyw526 & @Softbums on twitter. Tweet once daily, including both @mandyw526 & @Softbums. Also include #clothdiapers & this blog post link. Leave me the link please!
6. Play along! Comment on any other blog post- leave me the link!
7. Blog about this- leave me the link where I can find it!
...Be ready for an extra entry or two... I already have them in mind!
Blog Giveaway ends Sunday, November 29th at 8pm CST. Winner will be drawn via random generator & then contacted via email. Winner has 24 hours to respond to me, before another winner is drawn.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Vacation?
Does a stay at home mom ever really get a vacation?
B & I tagged along with the hubs on a work trip to Indianapolis this week... well actually only for a few days of this week. Hubs convinced us by saying 'it'll be kind of like a vacation for you!' Uh, right, you mean I don't have to change diapers, nurse on demand, carry an overflowing diaper bag, & wrestle my child into a carseat/stroller/sling all day? Cause that would be a vacation. Is someone else going to get up in the middle of the night when B won't sleep in his packnplay? Is someone else going to cook dinner? (okay, okay, someone else is going to cook dinner, so you got me there!)
We left bright & early at 7am yesterday & we'll be returning tomorrow afternoon. 7am is early for B & I, especially for us to be out of the house (so far, not sleeping in = not a vacation! Wife/mommyhood 1- vacation 0). But we made it! We arrived in Indianapolis around noon, their time, as it is one hour ahead of CST. I decided I'd try & keep B on his regular CST schedule, since it's only a couple of days & it's only an hour, meaning, I put him to bed when the clock says 8:30 instead of 7:30. That worked until this morning when we got up when the clock said 7am to take Hubs to work (Wife/mommyhood 2- vacation 0!)
Regardless, we've been spending our time wandering the streets of Indy... or rather, wandering the malls. When given free time with no real home to be at, I do what I do best- shop. However, since having a child, I rarely actually spend money (apparently I'm a window shopper now- boo!) & when I do spend money, it's rarely on myself (the child's needs always come first... yes he needed another cute tshirt from BabyGap, just like he needs those three cloth diapers I'm still waiting on!) Anyway, we checked out one mall yesterday & then came back to our hotel, where I proceeded to drag the packnplay into our oversized bathroom, so B could have some peace & quiet for a nap... good idea mommy! Today, we went downtown & checked out another mall, where I (gasp!) bought myself some jeans & some tops. (I know, I'm as shocked as you are! My how nice it will be to not be yanking up my jeans while carrying an 18 pound baby & his overflowing diaper bag!)
We've grabbed lunch, played on the bed (king size- B loves it too!), went 'swimming' & now B's back in the bathroom for a nap. I decided to grab my MacBook & document this trip a little, when I looked around at the hotel room. Let me paint you a quick picture: clothes draped around the suitcase, towels (from the pool, not the shower!) on the floor, bed unmade (cause those hotel comforters... EW.), Juno on tv, 32 ounce iced tea on the table, toys strewn about as well as items falling out of that darn diaper bag...
Hey, guess what I just realized? ...I don't have to clean this up! I can just throw the clothes & toys in the luggage & go! Wife/Mommyhood-2, Vacation- 75!
I guess I am on vacation! (...and isn't Juno a great movie!)
B & I tagged along with the hubs on a work trip to Indianapolis this week... well actually only for a few days of this week. Hubs convinced us by saying 'it'll be kind of like a vacation for you!' Uh, right, you mean I don't have to change diapers, nurse on demand, carry an overflowing diaper bag, & wrestle my child into a carseat/stroller/sling all day? Cause that would be a vacation. Is someone else going to get up in the middle of the night when B won't sleep in his packnplay? Is someone else going to cook dinner? (okay, okay, someone else is going to cook dinner, so you got me there!)
We left bright & early at 7am yesterday & we'll be returning tomorrow afternoon. 7am is early for B & I, especially for us to be out of the house (so far, not sleeping in = not a vacation! Wife/mommyhood 1- vacation 0). But we made it! We arrived in Indianapolis around noon, their time, as it is one hour ahead of CST. I decided I'd try & keep B on his regular CST schedule, since it's only a couple of days & it's only an hour, meaning, I put him to bed when the clock says 8:30 instead of 7:30. That worked until this morning when we got up when the clock said 7am to take Hubs to work (Wife/mommyhood 2- vacation 0!)
Regardless, we've been spending our time wandering the streets of Indy... or rather, wandering the malls. When given free time with no real home to be at, I do what I do best- shop. However, since having a child, I rarely actually spend money (apparently I'm a window shopper now- boo!) & when I do spend money, it's rarely on myself (the child's needs always come first... yes he needed another cute tshirt from BabyGap, just like he needs those three cloth diapers I'm still waiting on!) Anyway, we checked out one mall yesterday & then came back to our hotel, where I proceeded to drag the packnplay into our oversized bathroom, so B could have some peace & quiet for a nap... good idea mommy! Today, we went downtown & checked out another mall, where I (gasp!) bought myself some jeans & some tops. (I know, I'm as shocked as you are! My how nice it will be to not be yanking up my jeans while carrying an 18 pound baby & his overflowing diaper bag!)
We've grabbed lunch, played on the bed (king size- B loves it too!), went 'swimming' & now B's back in the bathroom for a nap. I decided to grab my MacBook & document this trip a little, when I looked around at the hotel room. Let me paint you a quick picture: clothes draped around the suitcase, towels (from the pool, not the shower!) on the floor, bed unmade (cause those hotel comforters... EW.), Juno on tv, 32 ounce iced tea on the table, toys strewn about as well as items falling out of that darn diaper bag...
Hey, guess what I just realized? ...I don't have to clean this up! I can just throw the clothes & toys in the luggage & go! Wife/Mommyhood-2, Vacation- 75!
I guess I am on vacation! (...and isn't Juno a great movie!)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cloth Diapering
I've recently been talking with a few friends about cloth diapering... & it's hard to imagine how overwhelming it seems to people. At this point it's hard for me to imagine that it scares people & that it seems like so much work. (this is not to sound negative towards people or to call anyone out on this...)
At this point, cloth diapering is something I know like the back of my hand. Before I was pregnant I knew I would cloth diaper. I was introduced a few years ago, by my cousin & his wife. They cloth diapered their son & then their daughter (& will cloth diaper their son, due in November). Hubs & I talked about it, Cousin M reassured us how easy it is, Cousin's wife, K, reiterated that. She was available for any & all questions I had (& I had a lot!) & I spent the majority of my 9 month pregnancy researching which diapers I would choose.
I began with BumGenius 3.0 pockets & a few Indian prefolds/Bummis covers, as I believe seems to be the normal starters. I then purchased some FuzziBunz (my favorite, as you all know!). To this day, the majority of my stash (what us cloth diapering mamas call our collection of cloth diapers- sounds cool, doesn't it) are pocket diapers. I have since bought, sold & traded lots of diapers... I only have 3 prefolds & 1 Bummis cover (although it's too small now) left, from my original purchases.
I used Purex Free & Clear for awhile (after researching detergent choices on this wonderfully informative site: http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/basics.htm ), but have since switched to Rockin Green Soap (love it! Smells fabulous!). I wash every other day or every third day- just depends on what's going on & what time of the day I washed previously (sometimes I prefer to wait until the next morning, rather than after B goes to sleep at night). I have a plastic trash can with a lid that I picked up at Target for less than $15.00 & I have 2 pail liners. After every diaper change, I shake my diaper insert into the pail & toss the pocket shell in as well. On laundry day, I empty the pail liner into the washer (no touching the dirty diapers!) & toss the liner in with the diapers. Easy Peasy. Put my washer on cold soak for 15 minutes (that's what my washing machine has for an option, previously I just did a cold rinse). Then I do one hot wash cycle, which includes a cold rinse. I then throw my inserts, my All in Ones, Fitteds, (I do have a few diapers that are not pockets) & any wetbags/pail liners into the dryer. I choose to line dry my pocket shells, because I think it keeps the PUL in better shape. I have, on occasion, thrown them in the dryer (if I needed one asap or if we're at the in-laws house & leaving soon), but I normally hang them on a drying rack.
If I'm out, I toss the diaper in a wetbag until I get home, where I throw it in the pail.
I still use disposable wipes (maybe with number 2, I'll use cloth?). I toss them into a small trash can that I keep in B's room.
At this point, I can't imagine using sposies (that's cloth diapering mama lingo for disposables). I think sposies smell bad all the time. I am constantly wondering if sposie wearing babies have dirty diapers, because I can SMELL the chemicals & the urine in the diaper. YUCK. (Not to knock any of you sposie mamas- it's just my personal opinion).
You can use Aplix (velcro), snaps, pins, or snappis. You can use pockets, AIOs, AI2s, Fitteds & Covers, Prefolds & Covers. You can use wetbags or ziploc bags. You can use a diaper pail or a trash can. You can online shop or brick & mortar shop. You can use microfiber, hemp, bamboo or prefold inserts (for the record, I prefer hemp, but I do use some microfiber).
You can start in the hospital or when Baby is a few months old.
You can choose exactly how you want to cloth diaper.
The bottom line is, YOU CAN cloth diaper. It's Easy. And soon you'll be saying "At this point, I can't believe I ever considered NOT cloth diapering...?
**I linked to Kellyscloset.com a few times. This is the website I typically use for general purchases. I use specialty sites for certain diaper brands. I find out about a lot of brands through diaperswappers.com; Babycenter's Cloth Diapering forum, Twitter.com, & other blogging moms- I find mom's with experience is much more valuable than just plain googling. Kelly's Closet also has a blog.
At this point, cloth diapering is something I know like the back of my hand. Before I was pregnant I knew I would cloth diaper. I was introduced a few years ago, by my cousin & his wife. They cloth diapered their son & then their daughter (& will cloth diaper their son, due in November). Hubs & I talked about it, Cousin M reassured us how easy it is, Cousin's wife, K, reiterated that. She was available for any & all questions I had (& I had a lot!) & I spent the majority of my 9 month pregnancy researching which diapers I would choose.
I began with BumGenius 3.0 pockets & a few Indian prefolds/Bummis covers, as I believe seems to be the normal starters. I then purchased some FuzziBunz (my favorite, as you all know!). To this day, the majority of my stash (what us cloth diapering mamas call our collection of cloth diapers- sounds cool, doesn't it) are pocket diapers. I have since bought, sold & traded lots of diapers... I only have 3 prefolds & 1 Bummis cover (although it's too small now) left, from my original purchases.
I used Purex Free & Clear for awhile (after researching detergent choices on this wonderfully informative site: http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/basics.htm ), but have since switched to Rockin Green Soap (love it! Smells fabulous!). I wash every other day or every third day- just depends on what's going on & what time of the day I washed previously (sometimes I prefer to wait until the next morning, rather than after B goes to sleep at night). I have a plastic trash can with a lid that I picked up at Target for less than $15.00 & I have 2 pail liners. After every diaper change, I shake my diaper insert into the pail & toss the pocket shell in as well. On laundry day, I empty the pail liner into the washer (no touching the dirty diapers!) & toss the liner in with the diapers. Easy Peasy. Put my washer on cold soak for 15 minutes (that's what my washing machine has for an option, previously I just did a cold rinse). Then I do one hot wash cycle, which includes a cold rinse. I then throw my inserts, my All in Ones, Fitteds, (I do have a few diapers that are not pockets) & any wetbags/pail liners into the dryer. I choose to line dry my pocket shells, because I think it keeps the PUL in better shape. I have, on occasion, thrown them in the dryer (if I needed one asap or if we're at the in-laws house & leaving soon), but I normally hang them on a drying rack.
If I'm out, I toss the diaper in a wetbag until I get home, where I throw it in the pail.
I still use disposable wipes (maybe with number 2, I'll use cloth?). I toss them into a small trash can that I keep in B's room.
At this point, I can't imagine using sposies (that's cloth diapering mama lingo for disposables). I think sposies smell bad all the time. I am constantly wondering if sposie wearing babies have dirty diapers, because I can SMELL the chemicals & the urine in the diaper. YUCK. (Not to knock any of you sposie mamas- it's just my personal opinion).
You can use Aplix (velcro), snaps, pins, or snappis. You can use pockets, AIOs, AI2s, Fitteds & Covers, Prefolds & Covers. You can use wetbags or ziploc bags. You can use a diaper pail or a trash can. You can online shop or brick & mortar shop. You can use microfiber, hemp, bamboo or prefold inserts (for the record, I prefer hemp, but I do use some microfiber).
You can start in the hospital or when Baby is a few months old.
You can choose exactly how you want to cloth diaper.
The bottom line is, YOU CAN cloth diaper. It's Easy. And soon you'll be saying "At this point, I can't believe I ever considered NOT cloth diapering...?
**I linked to Kellyscloset.com a few times. This is the website I typically use for general purchases. I use specialty sites for certain diaper brands. I find out about a lot of brands through diaperswappers.com; Babycenter's Cloth Diapering forum, Twitter.com, & other blogging moms- I find mom's with experience is much more valuable than just plain googling. Kelly's Closet also has a blog.
Monday, October 19, 2009
I've got a RA(aaaaaaaaarrrrrrr)R!
Recently, I participated in an event that was so fun, I'm doing another. What did I do, you ask? I participated in a Cloth Diaper Swap! It was so much fun! A bunch of us got paired up through Megan, over at Newly Wed, Newly Bred, and we got to buy fluff for each other. I especially enjoyed buying for my partner, because she has a brand new little girl! I never get to buy fluff for a little girl!
I was also really excited to receive my fluff package and I was definitely not disappointed. I received my very first RumpaRooz, which is awesome! It's the Ladder print, which is super cute- Fire engines! I love prints and I LOVE this diaper. I've used it twice so far and it has not disappointed.
...My only complaint? Now I have to pony up the cash to buy more Rumparooz diapers! Dang!
(I will add a picture of B actually in the diaper tomorrow)
I was also really excited to receive my fluff package and I was definitely not disappointed. I received my very first RumpaRooz, which is awesome! It's the Ladder print, which is super cute- Fire engines! I love prints and I LOVE this diaper. I've used it twice so far and it has not disappointed.
...My only complaint? Now I have to pony up the cash to buy more Rumparooz diapers! Dang!
(I will add a picture of B actually in the diaper tomorrow)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fuzzi for your Bunz Winner!
Wow, 250 comments exactly! Thank you so much for participating in my very first giveaway- I so appreciate it! I've got a couple more in the works, so please check back (& definitely keep tweeting with me :) )
Winning Comment #199:
Anna said...
Anna said...
Tweet
http://twitter.com/AnnathanMagz/statuses/4914664334
Anna tweeted... Win a 3 pack of one size @FuzziBunz#clothdiapers from @mandyw526http://bit.ly/Q4nDE
Trouble in TwitterLand (trying to pick the winner!)
In case anyone's checking... I've drawn my winner! However, Twitter is not working for me at the moment (from my computer or my phone- anyone else having trouble too?) so I can't verify the winning tweet yet. I'll keep trying & get the winner post up asap.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Pediped Announces Stars for a Wish
I learned about this through some interaction with Hilary Abbott from Abbott Communications, while discussing a future giveaway for Kushies cloth diapers (that's right- stay tuned for a new giveaway!). I started reading into it a little bit & I think it's such a great cause. I remember as a child, hearing about the Make a Wish Foundation & thinking how great it must be for those children, to get one major wish come true, when they have such a terrible illness.
Definitely take a minute and check this out!
proudly presents
Please help us spread the word!
Stars For A Wish is an online auction of celebrity autographed pediped® shoes with 100% of the funds raised benefiting the
Make-A-Wish Foundation®
Online auction Runs Oct. 25 – Nov. 1 on www.CharityBuzz.com
Find out more about this event at www.pediped.com/stars
Stars Step Out to Join pediped® footwear in Raising Funds
for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®
HENDERSON, Nev. (October 16, 2009) — More than 50 well-known entertainers and athletes will participate in Stars for a Wish, an online auction of autographed pediped® baby shoes to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The auction will run Oct. 25-Nov. 1 on Charity Buzz athttp://www.charitybuzz.com/
Celebrities who signed pediped® baby shoes for the auction include:
MOVIES Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Pierce Brosnan, Andy Garcia, Molly Ringwald, Rachel Weisz
TELEVISION Tim Allen, Courtney Cox Arquette, Marcia Cross, Jennie Garth, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Heidi Klum, Charlie Sheen, Jon Stewart
MUSIC Clay Aiken, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill
SPORTS Jerome Bettis, Anna Kournikova, Shaquille O’Neal, Mark Teixeira, J.D. Drew, David Ortiz
Recipients will receive the shoes attractively displayed in a cherry-finished shadow box or clear acrylic box complete with an engraved plaque.
The Stars for a Wish fundraiser has a minimum goal of $25,000, which will help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. One-hundred percent of the funds raised through the auction will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“We were overwhelmed by the willingness of so many celebrities, many of them already familiar with our brand, to generously help us support this cause,” said Angela Edgeworth, President and Co-Founder of pediped® footwear. “Now it’s all up to the public to bid high for these shoes so they not only receive a beautifully presented keepsake from their favorite celebrity, but more importantly, so they will be helping children facing life-threatening medical conditions.”
To learn more about the Stars for a Wish fundraiser and to view a complete list of participating celebrities, visit www.pediped.com/stars.
About pediped®
Pediped® footwear was launched in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company one of the fastest-growing children's footwear brands in the United States. Pediped® footwear is sold in over 2500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their two lines, Originals and Flex. Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2+) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1-6 years) are available in EU sizes from 20 to 29. For more information, visit www.pediped.com or call 1-702-567-0311.
About the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 180,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Extra Entries for FuzziBunz!
I'm giving away extra entries for the FuzziBunz giveaway!
Just tell me, in a comment on the FuzziBunz review/giveaway post, how you store your diapers...
Easy peasy, right?
Ready, Set, go!
Just tell me, in a comment on the FuzziBunz review/giveaway post, how you store your diapers...
Easy peasy, right?
Ready, Set, go!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Blog Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event!
Beth over at Happily Domestic is hosting a week long cloth diaper giveaway event! That's 7 days of giveaway goodness- sounds amazing, right? I am super excited for it and I hope you are (not really, cause I don't want you to win- I want to win!) too!
Anyway, to be fair, I'll tell you to go check it out right here! I love to support my fellow bloggy mommys, so definitely enter to win some!
Anyway, to be fair, I'll tell you to go check it out right here! I love to support my fellow bloggy mommys, so definitely enter to win some!
PR Policy
Big City! Baby is a personal blog written solely by me & anyone I give strict permission to. Posts & review are honest & true to my thoughts & feelings. At this time, I do not accept paid advertising or sponsorship, however, I'd like to keep that door open, so my policy may change.
Big City! Baby enjoys learning about new products & I am willing to do reviews and/or giveaways for my readers & friends. I will accept & keep free samples from organizations & companies who agree to work with me as a sponsor, however, I will maintain an honest & truthful review of my experience with each product.
If I am working with a sponsor on a giveaway, I ask that the sponsor provide a sample for both myself (to review) & for my giveaway winner, as well as the shipping costs to the winner, within 48 hours of notification from me. If the sponsor would prefer to have a discount code, rather than a sample, given to my readers, that is something we can discuss as well.
As a business owner, I am available to provide sponsorship/sales to other blogs, as well as individuals. If you are interested in learning more about Cookie Lee jewelry, please contact me! It's a great business to be involved with, especially if your desire is to work on your own time, wear your product, attend parties rather than sales meetings & be your own boss.
If you would like to work with me, please do not hesitate to contact me at amandawallace526@gmail.com. I look forward to working with you & providing my readers with information about great products that are available.
Big City! Baby enjoys learning about new products & I am willing to do reviews and/or giveaways for my readers & friends. I will accept & keep free samples from organizations & companies who agree to work with me as a sponsor, however, I will maintain an honest & truthful review of my experience with each product.
If I am working with a sponsor on a giveaway, I ask that the sponsor provide a sample for both myself (to review) & for my giveaway winner, as well as the shipping costs to the winner, within 48 hours of notification from me. If the sponsor would prefer to have a discount code, rather than a sample, given to my readers, that is something we can discuss as well.
As a business owner, I am available to provide sponsorship/sales to other blogs, as well as individuals. If you are interested in learning more about Cookie Lee jewelry, please contact me! It's a great business to be involved with, especially if your desire is to work on your own time, wear your product, attend parties rather than sales meetings & be your own boss.
If you would like to work with me, please do not hesitate to contact me at amandawallace526@gmail.com. I look forward to working with you & providing my readers with information about great products that are available.
Taylor Swift
My son is totally in love with Taylor Swift. This love affair has been going on for awhile now- probably 4-5 months or so. He can be completely freaking out and if he hears Taylor, or especially when given my iPhone with her playing, he becomes completely calm & mesmerized by her. It's a little strange, a little risky- handing over my iPhone in the midst of a meltdown, but it's pretty cute (and besides, there's a year warranty on the phone and I'm generally willing to risk all things for B).
...today she was on Oprah. He was one lucky little baby.
...today she was on Oprah. He was one lucky little baby.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
My New Crush
I am in love...
With my brand spankin' new MacBook Pro.
It's no secret that I've been having issues with my old Gateway laptop, but my Accidental Damage Plan from Best Buy ran out while our friend was borrowing my computer, so I was pretty much SOL. Until today, when Hubs left church and drove us to Best Buy, where he proceeded to buy me my new best friend (after him & B, of course!). So far, I've turned it on, gotten my wireless internet up & running, & now, I've blogged. And it. is. wonderful.
Swoon.
With my brand spankin' new MacBook Pro.
It's no secret that I've been having issues with my old Gateway laptop, but my Accidental Damage Plan from Best Buy ran out while our friend was borrowing my computer, so I was pretty much SOL. Until today, when Hubs left church and drove us to Best Buy, where he proceeded to buy me my new best friend (after him & B, of course!). So far, I've turned it on, gotten my wireless internet up & running, & now, I've blogged. And it. is. wonderful.
Swoon.
That's Mommy's Necklace!
The other night, while checking out a friend's blog, I had an epiphany of sorts.
First, a little backstory for you readers. I belong to Babycenter.com, where I've met some great women- most other mamas. I have two main boards that I frequent and I've even met (or have future plans to meet and have B photographed by) a few of the moms and babes. On one of these boards, a lot of the mamas started talking about Mommy Necklaces. I was intrigued, as I love all things blingy, so I checked it out. I became a Facebook fan and I've looked at a few here and there. I even bought one of a dear BBC friend, who just wasn't using it. But I couldn't bring myself to say that I even liked it much. I rarely wore it- leaving it in B's room, next to our rocker where we typically sit to nurse. Sometimes I'd throw it on if B seemed to be distracted. Of course, because I sell Cookie Lee jewelry, I almost felt some sort of aggression towards this piece of jewelry. I mean, how can I wear something like this, when I sell other jewelry- how will that look!? What if someone asks me about Cookie Lee and all I have on is a Mommy Necklace? What then?
Well the other day I threw the Mommy Necklace on while B was nursing. A little while later I realized I still had it on and it even looked pretty good with my outfit. Then last Sunday, while getting ready for church, I even contemplated putting it on, in case B needed something to play with during the sermon. I've worn it a few times since then... mostly around the house, but out some too.
Back to the epiphany. While reading Moose's Mama's blog and going through some of her giveaways, I realized that I really like the Mommy Necklace. I really want to win the Mommy Necklace. And if I don't win, I really might buy a Mommy Necklace.
...I guess you could say I've been epiphanized (if that's even a word)...
First, a little backstory for you readers. I belong to Babycenter.com, where I've met some great women- most other mamas. I have two main boards that I frequent and I've even met (or have future plans to meet and have B photographed by) a few of the moms and babes. On one of these boards, a lot of the mamas started talking about Mommy Necklaces. I was intrigued, as I love all things blingy, so I checked it out. I became a Facebook fan and I've looked at a few here and there. I even bought one of a dear BBC friend, who just wasn't using it. But I couldn't bring myself to say that I even liked it much. I rarely wore it- leaving it in B's room, next to our rocker where we typically sit to nurse. Sometimes I'd throw it on if B seemed to be distracted. Of course, because I sell Cookie Lee jewelry, I almost felt some sort of aggression towards this piece of jewelry. I mean, how can I wear something like this, when I sell other jewelry- how will that look!? What if someone asks me about Cookie Lee and all I have on is a Mommy Necklace? What then?
Well the other day I threw the Mommy Necklace on while B was nursing. A little while later I realized I still had it on and it even looked pretty good with my outfit. Then last Sunday, while getting ready for church, I even contemplated putting it on, in case B needed something to play with during the sermon. I've worn it a few times since then... mostly around the house, but out some too.
Back to the epiphany. While reading Moose's Mama's blog and going through some of her giveaways, I realized that I really like the Mommy Necklace. I really want to win the Mommy Necklace. And if I don't win, I really might buy a Mommy Necklace.
...I guess you could say I've been epiphanized (if that's even a word)...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Home Sweet Suburb Feels So Good
Finally, only three, yes three, weeks after we moving we have officially unpacked the last box/ Rubbermaid tote. Of course, we have repacked quite a few (what with Summer disappearing on us today and shorts being a poor fashion statement in this weather) ... but they are stored away in the oh so clean garage! It feels great! No more totes in our bedroom, no more totes stacked behind our couch, no more totes anywhere but exactly where they should be!
I haven't mentioned our new home much. We are in the suburbs, in a great location. We live in a two story townhome which was built much after 1908, unlike our previous apartment in the great city of Chicago. Yep, we are those people (as I previously mentioned) who left the city for the 'burbs. And we love it. Smartest decision we ever made! We have met some neighbors who seem pretty great- I'm even in a mom's group with one of my neighbors. Then we have some who seem like maybe they're not so great... (no, I don't understand, Sir Thug A Lot, why you must sit in your car every afternoon, parked in the visitor's parking spot, to smoke your cigarettes. Are you hiding them from your house? ...Oh, what? I'm sorry, did my 85 pound dog scare you by barking & growling at you? ...Get him Tuck Tuck!). B and I have joined a couple playgroups and so far, things are good.
Anyway, back to the original topic. I can now say our house is clutter free and it feels good. Real good. I've got my car full of things to go to Goodwill, as soon as I find it. And that feels good too.
...now if only I could permanently get rid of the dust and the dog hair - that would feel good too.
I haven't mentioned our new home much. We are in the suburbs, in a great location. We live in a two story townhome which was built much after 1908, unlike our previous apartment in the great city of Chicago. Yep, we are those people (as I previously mentioned) who left the city for the 'burbs. And we love it. Smartest decision we ever made! We have met some neighbors who seem pretty great- I'm even in a mom's group with one of my neighbors. Then we have some who seem like maybe they're not so great... (no, I don't understand, Sir Thug A Lot, why you must sit in your car every afternoon, parked in the visitor's parking spot, to smoke your cigarettes. Are you hiding them from your house? ...Oh, what? I'm sorry, did my 85 pound dog scare you by barking & growling at you? ...Get him Tuck Tuck!). B and I have joined a couple playgroups and so far, things are good.
Anyway, back to the original topic. I can now say our house is clutter free and it feels good. Real good. I've got my car full of things to go to Goodwill, as soon as I find it. And that feels good too.
...now if only I could permanently get rid of the dust and the dog hair - that would feel good too.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Some Fuzzi for your Bunz
Disclaimer: This is my first review & giveaway... so please bear with me as it will be a bit of an adventure!
If you know me and anything about my love for cloth diapering you know that I dig FuzziBunz diapers- I always recommend them to other cloth diapering mamas. Perfect Sized (small) FuzziBunz were the first diapers I purchased when I began cloth diapering my son. Recently B has gained a little weight, as healthy babies do, and he is quickly outgrowing those small diapers. Because of this, you can imagine how psyched I was to hear about the new one size diapers that FuzziBunz came out with!
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Laura from FuzziBunz was so incredibly generous when she sent me THREE One Size FuzziBunz to try out. I was thrilled! My husband was also thrilled - to get an orange diaper that coordinates so well with the Urlacher jersey that B often wears on Sundays... (the things men care about!)
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My only concern with these diapers is the microfiber insert. Microfiber is my least favorite type of insert because I tend to get build up when I use them. Before these new FuzziBunz I had gone to using strictly hemp because of my microfiber frustration. However, thus far, I am pleased with the inserts and will continue to use them until I feel differently (which may turn into another post altogether!).
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Head over to FuzziBunz and find a retailer so you can purchase one for yourself.
OR...
Enter to win one here! Yes, here! Laura from FuzziBunz is being even more generous by offering up THREE one size FuzziBunz for one of my readers. How fantastic is that?!
Here's the 'rules':
Please leave a separate comment for each entry. This giveaway will end Saturday, October 17th (11:59 CST) and the winner will be chosen randomly. The winning entry will be verified; I will contact the winner (please make sure I know how to contact you) and you will have 24 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.
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If you know me and anything about my love for cloth diapering you know that I dig FuzziBunz diapers- I always recommend them to other cloth diapering mamas. Perfect Sized (small) FuzziBunz were the first diapers I purchased when I began cloth diapering my son. Recently B has gained a little weight, as healthy babies do, and he is quickly outgrowing those small diapers. Because of this, you can imagine how psyched I was to hear about the new one size diapers that FuzziBunz came out with!
Laura from FuzziBunz was so incredibly generous when she sent me THREE One Size FuzziBunz to try out. I was thrilled! My husband was also thrilled - to get an orange diaper that coordinates so well with the Urlacher jersey that B often wears on Sundays... (the things men care about!) FuzziBunz One-Size pocket diapers fit from 7-35 pounds with adjustable elastic and multiple snap closures for the waist and legs. The diaper has a back pocket and comes with two microfiber inserts. There's uber soft fleece on the inside and a layer of waterproof PUL on the outside. FuzziBunz also offer a lifetime warranty on the snaps, which are made to withstand repeated wear and washing.
I immediately washed the diapers and we started reviewing! B wore the diaper, stuffed with both inserts only (no extra doubler or anything else), to bed that next night and (in the spirit of the review, of course!) he ended up in the diaper for 12 hours. Not one leak! That says awesome in my book! The next night the same thing occurred. 12 hours with NO LEAKS (Don't worry, I have since stopped letting his poor booty go for 12 hours in one diaper). This is something I cannot say for any other diaper in our stash.
My only concern with these diapers is the microfiber insert. Microfiber is my least favorite type of insert because I tend to get build up when I use them. Before these new FuzziBunz I had gone to using strictly hemp because of my microfiber frustration. However, thus far, I am pleased with the inserts and will continue to use them until I feel differently (which may turn into another post altogether!).My favorite things about this diaper: the snaps (I much prefer snap closures to aplix as little man is on to the unvelcro-ing game, which is not cool) and the elastic. I have other one size diapers that have snapping rises and while those are okay, the elastic adjustability makes for a much trimmer diaper, without the front bulk. I also love how soft the fleece is on the inside and how bright and vibrant the PUL is.
Most of all I love how adorable B looks in his One Size FuzziBunz!
Want to get your hands on some FuzziBunz?! Here's two ways:Head over to FuzziBunz and find a retailer so you can purchase one for yourself.
OR...
Enter to win one here! Yes, here! Laura from FuzziBunz is being even more generous by offering up THREE one size FuzziBunz for one of my readers. How fantastic is that?!
Here's the 'rules':
Go to FuzziBunz and check out the site. Leave me a comment explaining one thing you learned. This entry is mandatory. Please leave me your email address somewhere in the comment, so I can contact you if you're my winner.
Follow Big City! Baby publically via google connect or subscribe to my blog via email (make sure you verify your address, I will be checking up on you!).
Become a facebook fan of FuzziBunz
Follow me here on twitter. You may also tweet about this giveaway once a day, mentioning both @mandyw526 & FuzziBunz in the tweet. (ETA- Please leave a new comment, linking to the tweet each day)
Follow FuzziBunz on twitter.
Blog about this giveaway and link back to Big City! Baby & FuzziBunz
Happy commenting & good luck to you all!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wordless Wednesday
Sometimes eating is just plain exhausting...
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"Hey B.... B.... not finishing your dinner, I see"
Getting comfortable...
Completely out.
And sometimes my eyes are bigger than my tummy...
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Blessed
I am incredibly blessed. Incredibly. I have an amazing son who makes my heart smile with glee... I have an amazing husband who goes above and beyond for our family. We go through our days, each one passing as the next comes and we don't often stop to realize how wonderfully lucky we are. I need to remember to take a moment every single day, every single hour if I can, to just breathe and thank God. How did I get so lucky? How did I become so blessed?
...Sometimes we just need a reminder...
...Sometimes we just need a reminder...
Friday, October 2, 2009
back and better than ever
I'm back!
And I've got a new layout... a new review coming WITH a giveaway- stay tuned people, stay tuned!
And I'm in the process of actually upgrading my computer in general, although I'm sort of waiting for this one to completely crap out... so it may be a few months still. However, I do have my new one all picked out. And I'm. in. love.
New home- better than ever
New blog layout- better than ever
New New New! (who doesn't love to get new things?)
And I've got a new layout... a new review coming WITH a giveaway- stay tuned people, stay tuned!
And I'm in the process of actually upgrading my computer in general, although I'm sort of waiting for this one to completely crap out... so it may be a few months still. However, I do have my new one all picked out. And I'm. in. love.
New home- better than ever
New blog layout- better than ever
New New New! (who doesn't love to get new things?)
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