Reviews

Take Some Me Time for Mom with Netflix

As the weeks pass by and the thought of having two little ones in the house gets closer to becoming a reality, I am savoring any relaxing moment I can get. However, with a toddler that likes to wake up late and go to sleep even later, those moments often come unexpectedly…which is why I tend to prefer watching a good tv series on Netflix as opposed to a full 2+ hour movie.

Don’t get me wrong, I love movies, but since we cut our satellite subscription, we rely on Netflix to give us some of our favorite shows…whether they were our favorites before or newfound favorites, if Trent goes down for a nap or even when we sit down to eat dinner, we can quickly select the next episode and watch it in less than an hour without any interruptions.

Ahhh…the life of a mom!

We just finished the entire Breaking Bad series from start to finish and absolutely loved it. Brett gets a little more free time than I do at night, so he recently just caught up on the Once Upon a Time series and Orange is the New Black. I have had Scandal, House of Cards and Orange is the New Black on my watch-list ready to go…I just need to decide which one I want to start! Which one would you pick?

Here are some ideas for shows you can enjoy on Netflix…save them for when the little ones go to sleep and enjoy some ME time!

STREAM_TEAM_ALERT__June_2014_-_lynn_thephotographerswife_com_-_Mail

1. Orange Is the New Black
2. Scandal
3. Pretty Little Liars
4. Sherlock
5. Breaking Bad
6. Parenthood

 

They also have some series’ from years past to watch in case you missed them while they were on tv.

STREAM_TEAM_ALERT__June_2014_-_lynn_thephotographerswife_com_-_Mail 2

1. Weeds
2. Call the Midwife
3. Freaks and Geeks
4. Shameless
5. Top of the Lake

 

I wish I could say I sit down with a nice adult beverage and a Pin-worthy snack to bring the entire experience together, but this pregnant gal can’t do that. Instead, it’s milk and Oreos, or something else that I probably shouldn’t be having, but enjoy oh-so-much. Whatever makes you happy, right?!

Netflix

Of course, I have a party-animal child with a late bed time, so this is how my snack time usually goes…

Netflix 2

 

This post was written by me as part of my membership in the Netflix Stream Team. All opinions are my own and honest. Thanks for reading!

 

Create Unexpected Joy with GiveForward

I’m sure we all can think of at least one person we know that has had a crisis happen to them. It could come in the form of a medical emergency, death of a family member or natural disaster. Recent personal stories that come to mind for me are a friend that lost everything in Hurricane Sandy and had to completely rebuild and a death of a family member that didn’t have insurance or savings. Brett broke his foot just after we moved into the house and then had meningitis shortly after. Luckily, we had insurance and Brett barely ever took time off from work, but it’s situations like that which many people could use the help of family and friends to help them in their time of need. Even for people that are too shy or embarrassed to ask for help will often find the overwhelming goodness in people that want to help in any way they can.

GiveForward is a site that helps do just that. It is a place where people can go to submit their situation and family, friends and even strangers can contribute towards their needs. It’s like a crowdfunding site with the sole purpose of helping someone in their time of need.

GiveForward is the #1 platform to start a medical fundraiser, making it so easy for loved ones to help. And they have guidelines in place so you can be sure you won’t be overwhelmed with general fundraising efforts.

  • Medical Expenses including travel, medical equipment and service animals
  • Out-of-pocket living expenses that are associated with an illness or injury
  • “Bucket lists” associated with a terminal illness
  • Funeral expenses or memorial funds

Setting up a campaign couldn’t be easier:

GiveForward

With GiveForward, the beneficiary is guaranteed to receive 99.5% of the donations to their campaign. Campaigns can be shared via social media, making it easier to get the word out to as many people as possible. You can also post updates to your campaign page to keep everyone informed of the progress!

GiveForward 2

And pet owners rejoice! The Humane Society has endorsed GiveForward as an effective site for raising money to help with vet bills…so you can create a campaign for your fur child if the need arises.

More more information on GiveForward, check out their website here.

 

GiveForward also has an ambassador program, working with individuals that want to help spread the word and share unexpected joy. You can go here to learn more about becoming an ambassador.

AmbassadorLogo

 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of GiveForward. Thanks for reading!

 

 

Sponsor Spotlight

AmericanaSeriesBookcases-2

Etsy is one of my favorite shops and these bookcases are just one reason why. Made from high quality repurposed materials, each custom bookcase comes with their own unique origins in historically inspired Americana - that is once again enjoyed today! They’ll add a truly unique feature to your home.

 

Awesome Clothing & Gifts from Apericots {Giveaway}

Can I admit something to you? Other than some maternity clothes before the trip, I haven’t purchased a single item of clothing for myself in over a year, at least. I used to go into stores and head straight to shoes or women’s clothing. But now, where do I go? Straight for the toddler section. Geeze, someone help me with a little girl on the way.

I just can’t help it…kids clothes are so adorable and fun to buy…for Trent and for other kids I know. So when Apericots contacted me to pick out something for Trent, I couldn’t have been more excited!

Apericots

Apericots offer shirts for all members of your family, from infants all the way to adults, along with totes, pillow cases and other fun items. Their items have funny or cute sayings and pictures, with popular references to movies, music and current events.

Apericots Collage

They also have holiday/seasonal items…how cute are these shirt for babies/kids for Father’s Day?!

Apericots Dad Collage

I went to their website and found so many cute/funny items! Knowing we’d be attending Star Wars Weekend at Walt Disney World, I originally started looking at the Star Wars items. However, when I saw this shirt, I just had to have it…for Trent, of course!

Heisenburger

We did not watch Breaking Bad when it was on tv, but we have been binge watching it on Netflix the past few months and are now in the final season. Heisenberg is the pseudonym for the main character, Walter White. Anyone that watches the show might ask how this reference is appropriate for a toddler…to them I say “Because it adds ‘burger’ to the end!” Oh, and “Because it’s funny!”

The shirt came in a deep, bold red with dark black print. Trent is somewhere in the 2T to 3T range, so I ordered a 3T…which was a little big, but still fit. I’m glad he will get several uses out of it before he grows fast like toddlers do!

During our trip, we had reservations at a Star Wars dinner, so I thought it would be perfect for him to wear his red semi-villainous shirt to declare he was choosing the Dark Side!

Star Wars Dinner-42

It was really hot and humid out, and this shirt was great…it’s not heavy, so Trent seemed comfortable in it the entire night. Several people pointed it out and said they loved it! A definite conversation-starter!!

Star Wars Dinner-43

If only I could have found a similar hat for him to wear with his shirt!

Buy: Apericots.com

 

***GIVEAWAY!***

Lucky you! The amazing folks at Apericots are offering one lucky reader a $15 gift certificate to purchase anything in their store! Enter below!

Prize: $15 gift certificate to Apericots.com

Eligibility: Worldwide

Ends: Wednesday, June 18 at 11:59 pm EST

How to enter: Use the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I received this product in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own and honest. Thanks for reading!

 

Adorable Disney Baby Items Available at Walmart

It’s no secret we’re Disney fans…we know it and so do all of our friends and family. Even complete strangers know it just by looking at us…Trent almost always has his Mickey hat on! He’s already been to Disney World 6 times and he’s not even 2 years old!

Disney Collage

When creating Trent’s nursery and now a girl nursery, of course we had to find ways to sprinkle in some of that Disney magic in there. Trent’s baby shower was Disney-themed and you can be sure he received some cute Disney items as gifts before he was even born! Some of our baby items, including toys and feeding items, have Disney characters on it and family and friends will often send us photos of the fun Disney items they find while shopping.

But did you know you don’t have to travel to a Disney park to find the cutest Disney baby items?

That’s right! In fact, you don’t have to travel far at all, since Walmart offers the official Disney Baby Collection!

ARTWORK_DisneyBabyLayout2

Disney Baby is focused on Creating magical moments right from the startâ„¢, with Positive family-bonding and everyday magical moments with a dash of magic that you can only expect from Disney.

ARTWORK_DisneyBabyLayout1

When Trent was first born, we knew we wouldn’t be headed back to Disney World for a while, so we really loved that fact that we could find Disney items close to us without having to travel to the parks. I found such cute pajamas and other clothing items there, as well as fun toys and accessories.

They offer everything from clothes, to strollers, to bedding, and much more - with characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, and more. Know someone that’s expecting? Or maybe you have a little one of your own that could use a dash of Disney magic? Here are some fun Disney Baby items that you can currently find…and since we’re expecting a little girl, I’ll put the focus on the Minnie Mouse products available at Walmart!

 

I really love this Minnie Mouse Coral Flowers Collection. It’s girly, but in a chic, not overly pink sort of way. I love the mix of pink, black and white. I also like that Disney Baby teamed up with Safety 1st to create quality baby gear. It features the following items:

o Disney Baby MINNIE MOUSE Coral Flowers Saunter Sport LC-22 Travel System from Safety 1st

Bring a little magic into your child’s day with the Disney Saunter Sport LC-22 Travel System in the Coral Flowers Minnie Mouse fashion. The stroller features a large storage basket, multiple cup holders and a multi-position seat recline to help make your journeys more enjoyable. The two-section stroller canopy has a window panel, letting you see baby while walking in stroller mode, and the infant car seat is extra lightweight for easy transfers between the car and wherever you want to go!

o Disney Baby MINNIE MOUSE Coral Flowers Care Center Play Yard from Safety 1st

Give your little character a magical place to rest and play with the Disney Care Center Play Yard in the Minnie Mouse Coral Flowers fashion. This adaptable play yard features a newborn bassinet with open-view, breathable mesh and an easy-reach changer with deluxe storage for quick and easy diaper changes. The spacious Disney Care Center Play Yard is ideal for rest or fun with an adorable Minnie Mouse design on the mattress pad.

Disney Baby Collage

 

To create a pretty-in-pink Minnie Mouse nursery, be sure to include this Disney Baby Minnie MouseSitting Pretty 3-Piece Crib Bedding Set!

Minnie Mouse is surrounded with playful hearts and flowers in the Disney Minnie Sitting Pretty 3-Piece Crib Bedding Set. It will make an adorable addition to your child’s nursery. This girl’s crib bedding set value bundle includes an appliqued comforter with a soft, plush fabric border, a fitted crib sheet and a dust ruffle. As an added bonus, the bundle includes a sheet of wall decals. This crib bedding set is made from cotton and polyester fabrics, and the comforter has 100 percent polyester fiber fill.
Walmart offers plenty of other nursery items to continue creating the perfect little girl nursery!

PROD_Minnie-SittingPretty_RoomShot-noBumper

 

When baby is on the move and ready to get around the house, keep the Disney Baby and Minnie Mouse fun alive with this Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Bows & Butterflies Walker.

Your baby girl will find the Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Bows & Butterflies Walker simply ear-resistible! This adorable walker is full of sweet and stylish fun with an electronic toy station that can be removed for floor play. The seat pad has three different height positions to provide some growing room for your little sweetheart and comes with two link loops to add baby’s favorites. Lights and sounds, piano keys, clicky flower with beads and an adorable Minnie bead chaser inspire playtime with Minnie. It’s all about the bow!

PROD_Minnie Mousepg

 

I also wanted to share this video from Disney Baby….how cute is that Toy Story Aliens hat on the baby in the swing?!

Go here to see all of the Disney Baby items available at Walmart!

 

This post is written by me and sponsored by Disney Baby. Thanks for reading!

 

Circuit Jewellery - Jewelry Review

Yes, you read that right…did you know different countries spell “jewelry” differently? I didn’t know that when I was contacted to review Circuit Jewellery, which is located in Hong Kong, and had to look it up! But, regardless of how it’s spelled, I have some wonderful items to share with you today.

Online_jewelry_boutique__Free_shipping_worldwide_-_Circuit_Jewellery

About Circuit Jewellery:

Circuit is the story of a quirky girl and a treasure box of jewelry her grandmother gave her. Sparked by the beauty of each gem within, Loris sets out to learn of the dreams behind each heirloom and rekindles a connection to her grandmother. Her rings tell of promises, her pendants of friendship, her bracelets of bonds and wishes. Jewelry gives Loris that bond to home, yet inspires her to be who she wants to be in her own life. Now Loris brings you her collection, these dreams from her heart, each inspired by imagination and love.

Circuit is Classic Vintage with a Modern Twist. Defining style through creativity, Circuit jewels reflect your elegance, your spirit, and your confidence. Circuit connects the past and the present. As you wander through our online collection, imagine the past, sparkle in your now and dream of what you are and all that you can be.

Begin your story with Circuit.

 

Circuit Jewellery offers beautiful, fashionable bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings. I picked three items: The Awakening Crystal Bangle, the Mod Pod Ring, & the Queen V Coral Earrings.

Jewelry-7

I’ll start with my favorite piece…the Awakening Crystal Bangle. This bangle is absolutely gorgeous.

Jewelry-10

It is covered with little crystals, making it elegant enough for a dressy occasion but not too flashy, so you can still wear it everyday too.

Jewelry-6

I love that it has a front magnetic closure that you just pull apart and push back together, making it super easy to put on with one hand.

Jewelry-4

In the past, I haven’t been a big ring person. I like how rings look, but because my nails weren’t always the best-looking, I didn’t want to draw any attention to them. Well, I have been doing well with my nails lately and they actually look nice…so I was excited to try wearing a fashion ring (and because my wedding ring doesn’t fit me right now!).

The Mod Pod Ring makes a bold statement without being flashy or cumbersome.

Jewelry-9 Jewelry-5

It can go with any outfit and is work appropriate! Below, you can see the ring and bangle on the same hand for size purposes.

Jewelry-3

Lastly, the Queen V Coral Earrings!

Jewelry-8

These earrings include several crystals paired with a nice summer coral color. Perfect for a summer night out!

Jewelry-1

These are just a few of the pieces offered by Circuit Jewellery. I received my items within just a few days! Amazing how fast you can get items shipped from halfway around the world! They ship worldwide and you can even use Paypal to checkout!

Visit their site to learn more! http://www.circuitjewellery.com

 

I received these items in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own and honest. Thanks for reading!