April Citrus Lane Review

Our April Citrus Lane box arrived a little later than normal.  We have been busy with things around the house so it was perfectly okay with me!  It was a nice surprise and added some fun to our afternoon today.  We still only do one box for the boys - if we find things that they really like I typically order an additional one.

The size of the actual Citrus Lane box is smaller than before and was able to fit in my mailbox.  This was a HUGE plus for me.  The mailbox had been driving down our driveway and LOUDLY blowing the horn, conveniently at nap time so I would come out to the car to receive my package...sigh.....

This months box included:

1. Friendly Fish Grasping Toy from Melissa & Doug  $7.99

This is a color wooden grasping toy - it is connected with an elastic bungee and can be positioned and re-positioned.  The boys loved the vibrant colors.  We have been working on our colors and counting so this was a great selection.

2. Packin'SMART Keepaa from Innobaby  $5.99

This little gadget is AWESOME!  The boys love to drink out of straws.  That being said we have tried letting them hold juice boxes....well as you can imagine, they also like to squeeze!  This sleeve prevents  that squeezing.  It also has handles on each side.  We will for sure be ordering a second one of these.  It also includes a spot on the back to write your child's name.

Use code CITRUS15 for 15% off your order

3. Non-Slip Placement from Oogaa  $8.99

13.5 x 8.9 inches, pliable silicone, BPA free, dishwasher safe

I can't wait to let the boys go to town with some washable markers!  This will be another item that I will order a second one.  Their site also has a spoon that I am also tempted to try since the boys are now beginning to feed themselves some.  

Use code OOGAACITRUS for 30% off your order.

4. Shampoo & Body Wash from The Honest Company $9.95

We have always used California Baby, but I will say that I love the smell of The Honest Company's Shampoo & Body Wash.  This wash is great for the whole family!

All totaled = $32.92

Do any of you subscribe to Citrus Lane or another monthly child box subscription?  What did you get in your box this month?

It's not a chew toy

Being an informed parent is extremely important to me.  As a registered nurse, I rely heavily on evidence based practice.  I don't make decisions on a gut feeling, I make them on research and solid evidence.  Thankfully I had very late teethers (our first teeth didn't pop out until around 11months!) That being said, I had read some absolute horrifying things about Orajel - specifically Orajel that contained benzocaine.  We decided against any medicated teething gel and decided to stick with all things natural.  

Our favorite teething "things":

1. Frozen washcloths

2. OneStep Ahead Silicone tethers

3. Baltic Amber Teething Necklace

Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces are not chew toys!  A common misconception, the amber never has to touch the gum/teeth.  It is meant to be worn against the skin.  

-Amber is a fossilized resin, not a stone

-Worn next to skin

-Has healing oils that are absorbed by the skin

-Reduces inflammation

-Accelerates wound healing

-Acts as a natural analgesic

Pros:

1. There is a knot before and after each bead 

2. Screw clasp

3. Lightweight

4. Just so darn cute!!!!

Cons:

1. The boys like to pull each others

**Amber teething necklaces should always be supervised when worn.  They are not meant to be worn 24/7.  

Spring Initial Wreath

One thing I love, well actually two things....Spring & Wreaths....oh and themed flags too!  Okay, okay, so I love A LOT of things ;-)

That being said, I was having a blah moment today and decided that since our house in on the market I wanted to spruce up the front door and the back door with a nice wreath.  I'm not sure if you have gone out lately and priced wreaths, but they are C-R-A-Z-Y expensive!  Hello, Pinterest and "thank you" for your many ideas!  I chose two of of my favorite flowers for this project that each have a significant meaning for me.  My maternal grandmother that we all fondly called "Star" had a beautiful hydrangea bush in her yard and they have always reminded me of her.  The forsythia is in honor of my paternal grandmother "Nanny".  Nanny had many many forsythia bushes and the vibrant yellow rods were always a welcome sign of Spring.  

So here is my creation for a nice lazy Friday

I had several coupons for my local Michaels and my goal was to spend less than $20

(just as an FYI you can utilize your smartphone - access www.michaels.com, select your store, then "coupons".  The cashier is able to scan straight from your smartphone)

Materials:

1. Grapevine Wreath $8.99 - used 40% off coupon - total $5.39

2. Natural Burlap $2.99 - used 20% off entire order  - total $2.39

3. White Letter "J" $3.99 - used 20% off entire order - total $3.21

4. 3 Hydrangea steams (2 blue/1 white) $2.79 each  -used 20% off entire order - total for all 3 $6.69

Total for all materials: $17.68

I cut the hydrangea's off from the steam and hot glued them to the grapevine wreath.  I also used the hot glue to attach the letter "J".  I made a simple loop with the burlap and a simple bow with the burlap. 

This is the wreath I did for the back door.  I utilized x2 forsythia steams, 2 yards of yellow ribbon and a small grapevine wreath.  Total for this wreath:  $9.58

Both were very simple and took less than 30 minutes to assemble/hang.  

Have you made anything recently to celebrate Spring?