February 2014 Citrus Lane Review

Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for babies, toddler and preschoolers (even makes a great shower gift!)

This month's box is for a 25 month old.  As usual, both the boys and I were extremely excited to see our Citrus Lane box had arrived safely and was on our back deck when we arrived home today!

Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Hand Cream - this month's box included a full size hand cream! Love love love full size items.  This can be purchased for $12.  It has a great scent - not overpowering, and will be a nice addition to toss in the diaper bag for my dry February hands

Silicone Divided Plate from Oogaa  - I have twin 2 year old - what more do I need to say, lol.   A silicone plate is very safe, i.e. can be tossed to the floor or across the room by my boys with no breakage ;-)  The cost of the plate is $10.99.  It is dishwasher and microwave safe

Build-A-Sanwhich from Green Toys - I cannot compliment Green Toys enough.  In a nutshell we love their products - from bath toys to airplanes to buckets and shovels...we have it all.  This was a great addition to our collection and the boys "kitchen play".  $16.99

Starlight Sailor from Barefoot Books  - this is our third or forth book from Barefoot Books.  I have been very pleased with the quality of the books and the boys are always very engaged with the story.  $14.99

Monthly subscription cost: $25

Total received in this box: $54.97!  

What did you receive in your box this month?  

Receive 50% off your first box using this link!

Birchbox Review - February 2014

So we all know I love monthly subscription boxes! I decided to splurge this month and try Birchbox.  My Valentines Day treat to me!!!

The February 2014 box teamed up with US Weekly - this box was all about being ready for the red carpet!

I was beyond excited to try a few new beauty products.  

Included in my box:

COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face - already used this and love it.  Very light and smooth - no odor, didn't feel oily after application 

Harvey Prince Hello (perfume) - I will have to say I am normally a no perfume gal.  However, this is a light, citrus scented perfume and it is wonderful! Wore it yesterday and today and it will be a new regular!

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara - so far so good, this is a thinner mascara so I felt like I applied more for thicker lashes but overall I liked it

DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew

Agave Healing Oil Treatment 

The prices shown on the card are for full sizes - the box only contains smaller sample sizes.

Overall for $10 I feel like I got a great assortment of products that I would typically not try/purchase.  Thanks Birchbox!

What did you get in your February Birchbox?

#Birchbox 

Earn 50 Birchbox points once you purchase with the link below:

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/qdz2s

Erin Condren 2014 Life Planner Review

You are probably thinking "um hello its 2014, why do you need a planner".  I have to admit I thought the same thing but only for  brief second.  I live in the world of multiple calendars; work, school, home, the hubby's work schedule, and the list goes on.  I like to have some to jot notes down, refer to holidays, look at birthdays/anniversaries.  I still like paper - pen combo.  I had ordered an Erin Condren planner in 2012 right after the boys were born after a recommendation by a friend.  I was very excited to find a good coupon and order again in 2014.

This planner is amazing and has room for anything you can think of.  This was a Christmas gift to myself.

The Life Planner from Erin Condren (classic) costs $50.00.  You are able to add a photo (which I did) to the cover or back for $5 each.  You can also personalize custom photo stickers for $5.  There are other add on items such as colored pens and a pen holder.  Shipping cost $7.95 and will arrive via FedEx.

If you would like to save on your planner use the referral link below - you will receive a $10 off code in your email.

First use this referral link to sign up on Erin Condren. You simply put in your name, email address, and create a password.

Love the cute, colorful box it arrived in!

I'm all about the packaging!

You are able to customize both the cover and back with a photo that you upload.  

That planner offers both a monthly view and weekly/daily view.

One of my absolute favorite parts! The stickers!! Birthdays, doctors appointments, games, etc!

So tell me, are you a planner kind of person?  If so have you found one that you absolutely love? Can't live without it?

Here's to an organized 2014!

January Citrus Lane Review

One of my favorite subscription boxes arrived today, Citrus Lane!  Shipping took right at one week this time, much better than December!  Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box that is geared toward infants, toddlers and preschoolers.  This was a box geared toward a 24 month old.

The Cost: $29 a month (or $24 a month with 3 month plan, $21 a month with 6 month plan)

This months box:

First Shape Sorter from Plan Toys - ($10.00) I really liked this and the boys loved it!  It is sturdy and has a cord that attachers all the shapes (which means me won't loose them!). This is a great grab and go - throw in the diaper bag or take in the car.

Lunchie from Skip Hop - ($14.00) This is actually our second lunchbox from Skip Hop/Citrus Lane (we received it in an earlier box).  This time we got the Zebra and received the Elephant before.  This is a great insulated lunch box to take snacks for outings.

Fruit Pouch from Peter Rabbit Organics - ($1.44) The boys will still occasionally eat from a pouch pack.  This is a great go to when we are out or they are having a "picky" eating day.

Upset Tummy & Nausea Relief from Mommy's Bliss - ($9.99)  Single dose packets for occasionally nausea and upset tommy relief.  I have used Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water in the past - so I will keep this in the cabinet in case we need it.

So overall the value of this box was $35.43 and I was very pleased with its content.  I look forward to our next box.

COUPON: Coupon code HELLO2014 to save $20 off a 3-month subscription!

Ships to: US and APO, DPO addresses.

What did you get in your box this month?  What age?

December Citrus Lane Review - 23 Month Old

So I have been toying with the idea to cancel or keep my Citrus Lane....even after December I'm still not 100% decided either way.  I have contemplated Kiwi Crate (another monthly subscription, but more arts/crafts focused).  Stay tuned next month and hopefully I will have a decision!

On to December.  Citrus Lane recently changed their shipping method.  Boxes are now being shipped FedEx Smart Post.  The pro to this - the mailman will not longer try to shove, and I mean SHOVE, my box into the mailbox....con - it took FOREVER to get my box.  I was hoping to have it early enough to use as a stocking stuffer for the boys, but unfortunately that didn't happen.

This months box had no "real" theme.  It was about "making memories".

Sorry I only got one real photo - it was a crazy - 2 year old party day in our house!

This month's box included:

Handprint Art Kit from Pearhead ($9.95): Super excited about this!  The boys and I have done a smaller version and it's on my desk at work.  This will for sure be a rainy day activity or an activity I leave for daddy while I am at work :-)

Rainbow Stacker from Melissa & Doug ($7.99):  First we love M&D!  Second we love to sort and love to identify our colors.  Downside - this is a VERY wooden toy - the boys are at the stage of not sharing and at times hitting has followed.  This will for sure be a supervised toy!

I Took the Moon for a Walk from Barefoot Books  ($7.99): We fell in love with Barefoot books awhile back.  Bear on a Bike is an all time favorite here.  Mommy and daddy both have it memorized!  This book is very colorful and the boys both jumped in my lap to have me read it to them!

Snuggly Lotion from Episencial ($5.08): Episencial has been a favorite brand since the beginning of my Citrus Lane adventure.  Happy to try this!

Total for box: $31.01 

Overall, I wasn't terribly impressed.  The "WOW" factor wasn't there.  Maybe I was aggravated with shipping, or maybe it really was missing something?

What did you get in your box?  What age?  

November Citrus Lane Review

I have continued to be a Citrus Lane subscriber since the boys were two months old (going on 20 months of boxes now!)

I LOVE Citrus Lane.  I have been exposed to so many products that I would have never imagined trying.

November's box arrived last week - I had already decided to use most of the items as stocking stuffers for the boys (knowing that I would have to order a few "extra's" so we had two of each....some twins share - mine don't!)

First up: 

Stock Pot & Utensil Set from Green Toys   ($16.99) We have tons of Green Toys!  We especially love their bath toys.  So, I was super excited for a few "kitchen toys".  The boys, yes the boys, have their own play kitchen which they adore!  They will be just like their daddy cooking up a storm!

Zoo Plate from Skip Hop  ($6) The boys love to eat off of divided plates so this was perfect!   This will be one of our stocking stuffers and I have already ordered a second.  It is very sturdy and is dishwasher safe!  

Reusable Snack Bags from Bumkins  ($6.95)  Another stocking stuffer!  I plan to put a few treats in each for the boys in their stocking.  We are firm believers of reusable snack bags - I have not tried this brand in the past but look forward to using it!

Lip Comfort from Pur-lisse ($16.00)  First and foremost let me just say OMG!  LOVE THIS STUFF!! Only down fall  is the cost - not sure I will be spending $16 on my lips....but we shall see!

Organicasaurus Baked Organic Corn Snack from Good Boy Organics   ($1)  This was another brand that I had no exposure to in the past.  I opened these up the day our box arrived and the boys ate them right up!  I tasted one and I will say they had a great flavor!   Extra plus - #glutenfree

Four Sets of Address Labels and Free Shipping from Tiny Prints I have used Tiny Prints in the past for our holiday cards and for baby shower invitations - they are a little on the pricey side but I do like their quality.

Overall this box was worth $46.94!  Awesome deal considering I paid $25 for the box.  

Citrus Lane makes a great gift from family!  Grandparents your grandchildren would love this!!

You can click here to order.  Use code "TAKEHALF" to save 50% off your first order.  They are also running a special on a 6 month subscription for $105! Normally $150

Did you receive your November box?  If so what did you have in yours?  

relayfoods.com

This past year our growing season was awful, actually it was nonexistent.  In March we prayerfully decided to put our house on the market.  We knew that we had outgrown our little space and we both have dreams of land and water!  Long story short we found our dream home - however we were out bid (it was a foreclosure) and our home did not sell.......

In the midst of all of that we decided it was not in our best interest to plant our normal garden - this was a HARD decision.  We have had a 30 x 60 garden for the last 7 years that we have been together with everything from tomatoes, corn, pumpkins, squash, asparagus, cucumbers, beans, every pepper imaginable, to watermelon and cantaloupe.....you name it we had.  I HATE buying veggies at our local Food Lion - you never know where they are from and the quality just isn't the same as local/home grown.

Ok so enough of my rant....and to the meat of this post.  In October I stumbled across relay foods.  Relay foods "Relay is the online grocery store where you'll find stuff you need from the best local store, restaurants, and farms right in your own neighborhood.  We've partnered with folks you already know to provide all your grocery shopping needs - from basics, to speciality foods, to local produce, to....you name it!".  I decided to give it a try!  They were advertising a $1 special on their local bounty share.  I simply went to their website - selected to local bounty share - entered my code and selected my pickup location.  There were SOOOO many options for pickup.  All very convenient.  I selected one that was close to work so I could just grab it on my way home (saving fuel and helping the environment!).

Local Bounty Share

Pie Pumpkin from Harvest Time Farm

Weyers Cave, VA

Apples and Asian Pears from Saunders Brothers Orchard

Piney River, VA

Salad Greens from Baywater Greens

Salisbury, MD

Assorted Potatoes from Heartland Harvest

Mount Solon, VA

Sweet Potatoes from Kirby Farms

Mechanicsville, VA

Apple Cider from Showalter's Orchard

Timberville, VA

Winter Squash and Braising Greens from Local Food Hub

Ivy, VA

***I loved knowing exactly where my food came from!!

Comparison picture - left RelayFoods bounty share Pie Pumpkin from Harvest Time Farm, right Pie Pumpkin from local Food Lion (all pretty and shiny - sprayed with who knows what and grown who knows where!)

I enjoyed my veggies so much that I decided to try their Artisan Cuts 5-day dinner pack - mine included sausage, chicken breasts, thighs, flank steak and pork chops.  There is NO comparison to the taste.  It is fresh and hearty.  So far I have cooked the pork chops (ranch chops in the crock pot), chicken things (spicy things with garlic rice) and the chicken breasts (chicken teriyaki).  

Why I love relay foods:

1. fresh 

2. local

3. exposure to new foods/veggies/meats

3. you never know what you exactly get (with the bounty share)

4. couldn't beat it for $1.02! (used code "1010")

I used code "1010" for my first box of veggies and below is a referral code if you would like to try relay foods yourself!  Enjoy and leave a message if you have already tried or once you do!

relayfoods.com/friend/l349qq

Toddler Busy Bag Swap

Keeping two almost two year old busy.....well lets just say they keep me busy!  I am always looking for new ideas and activities.  So.......I recently hosted a Toddler  Busy Bag Swap.  I organized a Facebook invite and asked for RSVPs - the concept is simple.  Each mom was to bring a different toddler activity to replicate for 7.  Most put each activity in an individual gallon Ziplock bag.  Our original plan was to meet at a local Children's Museum but some last minute illnesses change our plans - no worries though, I organized pick up and drop off so each family got their bags.  

I have set aside a few bags to keep for outings/restaurants and long car trips.

To make a good busy bag here are a few suggestions:

1. One container, easy to grab and go - few supplies

2. Transportable (see #1)

3. Inexpensive 

4. Reusable 

I have posted pictures below of each activity that we swapped.  

Pipe Cleaner Sorting (using sippy cup to insert pipe cleaner into straw hole)

Felt and Velcro

Lacing Cards

Button Snake

Felt Pumpkin Decorations

Apple Tree Counting

I Spy Bottle

Marble Maze

Special thanks to my mommy friends that participated!  Jessica, Allison, Helen, and Erin!

Have you hosted/participated in a Busy Bag Swap?  What did you make?

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?

March Citrus Lane Review

I continue to be impressed by the quality and quantity of Citrus Lane. The boys received their box on Wednesday (which also happened to be my birthday).  Receiving packages is very exciting out here in the country!

This months box included:

1. Cloud b Plush Aroma Pillow ($11.69)

2. Robots Puzzle Wheel ($6.88)

(this by far was the favorite item....the puzzle has two sides, one with the robots the other with the primary color wheel.  The boys absolutely love bright colors.  The other plus - the box has a great handle and when you shake the box it makes a cool noise...at least to my boys it was "cool".

3. NurturMe Organic Baby Food Pouches

4. $20 off coupon to JustFab (for mommy!!)

My treat for my birthday!

5. small pack of rub on tattoos - I plan to use these in Easter eggs next weekend

Today (3/23/13) Citrus Lane advertised a deal to get 50% off your first month using the code TAKEHALF.  This was for new customers only.

Citrus Lane has introduced me to so many great baby products that I would have never been exposed to.  I look forward to seeing what the next month will bring.

https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/Sara.Jennings

This link will also give you $10 off

Do you receive any monthly subscriptions?  I would love to hear your experience.

The Great Baby Food Debate - How We Made Homemade Food for Our Twin Boys

This post has been a long time in the making.  The boys are now 14.5 months old and we have been long done with pureed foods but I thought it was important to go back and revisit this topic.

So here's our story....in the beginning we (as in my DH and me) made the decision to breastfeed our sons.    That's right - I breastfed (and still do) our twin boys.  I am working on a blog post on breastfeeding the boys from birth into toddler-hood....check back soon on that post.  That being said we also decided to follow the recommendation of the World Health Organization and The American Academy of Pediatrics and delay solids until AT LEAST 6 months.  We started off slowly at about 6.5 months and really got into the full swing around 7 months.

DH's aunt gave me a GREAT gift for Christmas before the boys were born.  It was a baby bullet.  I will say it served its purpose, but didn't last long - we soon upgraded to a 10 cup food processor.  

The first thing I made was your basic rice cereal and oatmeal cereal.  The baby bullet has two blades - one for pureeing solids and one for the grains.  Making your own oatmeal and rice takes a bit more effort - once the grains are processed down to a fine meal you can store extras in the refrigerator.  You can then use 1/4 cup of the powder to 1 cup of boiling water.  You will then need to stir constantly for about 10 minutes.  I found that the boys really liked bananas or peaches mixed in with their oatmeal/rice.

The picture above is by far the boys LEAST favorite - they are great eaters, but peas have never been a crowd pleaser.  When making peas it is very important to try and blend down as smooth as possible.  I found the trays above at Fresh Baby - they are 1 oz servings.  I would freeze the tray then transfer the cube to a quart size Ziplock and label with the type/date.

Butternut Squash - the best kept secret.  Butternut Squash is super easy to grow and taste amazing!  The easiest way for cooking - cut in half, place upside down in cake pain, add 1-2 inches of water and bake at 375 for approximately 30-45 mins (until skin starts to pucker up).  After it is cooked, drain water, turn over, scoop out yummy orange squash goodness, place in food processor and hit start!  Typically does not require any extra water since squash is primarily water.

The baby bullet came with 6 2 oz serving containers.  I also purchased an additional 6 OXO 2 oz baby food containers.  I would keep at least 6-12 of these servings in the fridge for 2-3 days as my go to before hitting the freezer stash.

Another view of the butternut squash.....

Peaches - another super easy food.  Cut peaches in half, remove pit, place peaches with pit side down into baking dish, score "X" on top of peach (helps to facilitate skin coming off), fill with 1 inch water, bake at 400 until the skin puckers.  After baking, remove skin, place in food processor, blend and store in container or freeze.

Some of my favorite resources:

1. www.wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com

2. Top 100 Baby Food Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy Baby

3. The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet

4. Cooking for Baby: Wholesome, Homemade, Delicious Foods for 6-18 Months

Other foods that the boys really enjoyed that require ZERO prep, storage, etc.

1. Avocados

2. Bananas

This year we have done a lot of planning and prep in regards to our garden and making sure we have many options for the boys.

Less waste, less cost, better taste, & more nutritious!

Did you make your own baby food?  Any tips?  

February Bluum Box - Epic Fail!

Let me first start off by saying I anxiously  stalk the mailbox waiting for my "monthly boxes".  Many of you know I am a loyal Citrus Lane, bluum and Nature Box lover.  That being said, bluum is on the bottom of my list these days.  

I received my February bluum box on Thursday, March 7th!  That's right mom's and dad's - my February box that was promised mid February arrived in March.  Thankfully I liked the content that was tailored for my 14 month old twin boys.

Here is a recap:

February - Strong Hands

1. Earth Friendly - Baby Ecos (regular size $7.75, however this was a "trial" sample)

2. Edushape Ball - $5.00

The boys loved this ball - truthfully they love ANY ball.  I liked the texture and they seemed to also enjoy chewing on this toy!

3. mOmma Cup - $10.00

We are always on the hunt for a good sippy cup.  The boys do well with straw like cups and they seemed to like this one.  May be ordering a second one!

4. Ella's Kitchen - Nibbly Fingers Apple/Strawberry - $3.99

These had a great flavor!  They are very soft.  

5. Dapple Dish Liquid - Dish travel Size - $1.99

I was happy to find this sample.  This gets tossed in the diaper bag - I am already an avid user of Dapple. I find that it is gentle on all the "baby" things and does not leave any soapy residue.

6. North-South Books - Baby's First Words - $12.95

Always happy to add another book to the library for the boys

7. Bathtime Kids - Hair and Body Wash - $9.99

This was full size bottle.  We have not tried it yet, but it has a nice smell.

We are California Baby users right now, but we may try and see if we like it!

Overall I was very satisfied with the products - just not the delay in delivery.  

Did you receive your February box?  What did you get?  What would you like to see in bluum or any other baby monthly subscription box?