mom connection: creating vibrant relationships in the midst of motherhood (review & giveaway!)

My first Mother's Day.....

A day to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, aunts and anyone who "mothers".  Mother's Day was not officially recognized in the United States until 1914.  Flowers, greeting cards and many gifts fly off the shelves and many come together to worship on this special Sunday morning.  My amazing husband took us to the beach for a short, but MUCH appreciate trip!

Recently I was privedlged enough to partcipate in MOPS International Blogger Book Tour.  The book is Mom Connection: Creating Vibrant Relationships in the Midst of Motherhood by Tracey Bianchi.  Being a mom for a very short (and fast) 4 months hit home!  Bianchi provides an honest, down to earth look at motherhood.  There is no sugar coating.

Bianchi puts major emphasis on relationships with other mothers.  These relationships she refers to as "partners for the journey".  Bianchi states "this book is about living into life's rhythm so we can connect and create vibrant relationships as moms".  Bianchi makes you feel that there is truly life beyond dirty diapers, feedings, laundry and dishes!  Another favorite: Bianchi includes "Five Mom-Tested Tips" at the end of each chapter to jump start your thoughts. 

I was very pleased with this book and I look forward to sharing a copy with one lucky blog viewer!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Coming soon***

In the next few days I will be participating in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Mom Blooger book Tour featuring the new book Mom Connection: Creating Vibrant Relationships in the Midst of Motherhood by Tracey Bianchi.

Check back for my review!

Citrus Lane - April Review - Bed and Bathtime Fun

April Box - Citrus Lane

"bed & bathtime fun"

So this is my second box from Citrus Lane.  This month contained over $44 dollars in product, plus a $15 ecomom gift card all for just $25, which includes shipping!

Once again I was immediately impressed and excited when I opened the box and peeked past the wonderful citrus tissue paper!

My box containted:

1. iPlay Organic Woven Terry Hooded Towel ($25.00).  I have already used this multiple times for the boys and washed it - it is super absorbent and large enough that it will last while the boys grow!

2. Satsuma Designs Bamboo Flannel Wash Cloths & Reusable Wipes, 3 count ($12.00).  With my recent decision to switch to cloth diapering I was super excited to try out these washcloths/wipes.  I was a bit dissapointed in their thickens- they are a bit on the thin side.

3. My Dentist's Choice Tooth Tissues ($4.00). Developed by a mom/dentist!  I haven't used these yet, however I look forward to trying them. 

4. Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Baby Wipes ($2.39/trial size).  I love Seventh Generation and have been using their wipes for some time now.  This was a great pack to throw in the diaper bag!  Some of the "older kids" boxes received the Seventh Generation Hand Soap - I would also like to try that!  A $1.50 coupon was also included!

5. Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum Deluxe Sample - an extra included for mom!  Included a $10 off $40 purchase.

Satsuma Designs Bamboo Flannel Wash Cloths & Reusable Wipes

(included a 30% off code)

My Dentist's Choice Tooth Tissues

Brayden & Blake with their Citrus Lane box!

(I am hopeful Citrus Lane will one day offer a "twin" box!!)

Citrus Lane is a must for anyone with kids!  It is so nice to get something in the mail that you can share with your children!  I have enjoyed the new products and trying things that I would have normally NEVER tried!  Another plus is the "hello from Citrus Lane" flyer that is always included.  This gives a description and cost of each item.  This month also included "A Simple Bedtime Routine", reccomendations for sleep solutions books and lullaby albums!

Sign up HERE and start enjoying Citrus Lane!

May's Box = "Fun in the Sun".  Check back soon for my May review!

Citrus Lane has neither paid me for my review nor sent me items for my review for free.

March Citrus Lane Box Review

Several months back I read a baby magazine that mentioned Citrus Lane as a subscription service that also offered baby shower boxes.  I was immediately intrigued - one of my favorite daily activities is to get the mail...any mail...even the bills...I love actually walking down my long driveway to the mailbox to see what surprises may be there.  I chose to do a subscription to Citrus Lane and Bluum.  I am still waiting on my March Bluum box so check back soon for that review!  Citrus Lane offers care packages for both parent & baby.  Each month is creatively themed - March was "Dining Out".  April is going to be "Bath and Bedtime".  You can subscribe monthly for $25 or do a 3, 6 or annual subscription. 

The box is a good size, but will fit in most standard mailboxes. 

This months box included:

1. Natursutten Butterfly Orthodontic natural pacifier $7.95

2.  Itzy Ritzy Bib, Burp and Bath Cloth $12.99

3. Weleda Calendula Baby Cream $12.00  (good for baby acne and cradle cap - both of which my boys have!)

4. ZoLi Munch Teether $5.00

5. Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Lotion, Soothing Cleansing Lotion

(full size Facial 1oz $24.00 and Cleansing 2.5oz $19.00)

Also included was a $10 off a $30 AbesMarket.com purchase

 The boys with their first Citurs Lane box....

 The box of course only included one of each item...so Brayden got to try out the Natursutten pacifier first....he absolutely LOVED it!  Neither of my boys had paci's for the first 6 weeks as they are exclusively breastfed and I didn't want to have any nipple confusion.  I will however say this paci is very realistic and nipple like!  I immediately got on the computer and ordered a second one for Blake.  The flier included in the monthly box even included a discount code for the products. 

Citrus Lane also offers a Pampered Pregnancy Box and Shower Gift Box - I recently sent the shower box to a friend - waiting to see what she thought of it :)  Overall I really liked all the products in the March box and I am looking forward to the April box. 

Twin-Essentials!

Being new to the world of twins and life as a twin mom I have found a few things that I CANNOT live without.  I thought I would share a few of those items with you......

This book was recommended while I was pregnant - I had briefly skimmed through it while I was on bed rest.  Boy do I wish I'd actually read it though!  Both my boys starting being very fussy around 4-5 weeks.  Nothing, and I repeat NOTHING would calm them.  I finally watched the DVD on Monday and let me say it was a lifesaver!  I firmly believe in swaddling and the shushing.  If you are pregnant or a new mom (or dad) I highly recommend it.

This next item is by far #1 on my list, My Breastfriend Twins Plus breastfeeding pillow- I have been exclusively breastfeeding the boys since day 1 - and thankfully tandem feeding.  I could not imagine feeding them both at the same time without this pillow.

 The last item on my list is the Snap and Go Double Stroller.  We have the Chicco Key Fit 30 car seats (another highly awesome item) and we were given the matching double stroller.  The Chicco stroller is bulky and heavy right now so I opted for the Snap and Go.  This stroller is extremely simple and much lighter.

Cinnamon Bundt Biscuits

I found this recipe on Pinterest and I must admit it was super easy and cheap! 

I had most everything I need already in the pantry, except the Grands Buttermilk biscuits.

This was my grandmothers bundt pan and I was so excited to use it!  First step - take 1/2 cup of pancake syrup and 3 tbsp butter (melt butter and combine with syrup).  Pour half of mixture into bottom of pan.  Mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, place half of sugar mixture into pan.

Next place biscuits into pan.

Pour the remainder of syrup mixture and sugar mixture on top of the biscuits.  Bake in the oven at 375 for approximately 20 minutes.

When I pulled them out I let them cool about 5 minutes, then flipped over.

My husband and I both enjoyed these!  I will definitely be making this recipe again.