La Vida Buena

$10 Sam’s Club® Gift Card Offer PLUS $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

2012-02-02T07:09:00.001-05:00

For a limited time, from February 1–29, 2012, you can get a $10 Sam’s Club Gift Card when you purchase any two of the following baby items at Sam’s Club:

• Pampers® Swaddlers® or Pampers Cruisers® Diapers
• Pampers SoftCare Scented Baby Wipes
• Similac® Advance® Powder or Similac Sensitive® Powder
• Dreft® Liquid Laundry Detergent

With this offer, you can stock up on items that you use every day for your baby AND get $10 to spend on your next purchase of diapers or formula. By buying in bulk, you save time shopping, and with this offer, you save money. That means you can afford to give your baby quality products and a little more mommy time.

For more offer details, visit SamsClub.com/giftcardoffer. The purchase must be made in one visit, and online request must be submitted by March 14, 2012.

$25 Gift Card Giveaway

In addition to the great savings at Sam’s Club, I have a giveaway just for you! One lucky blog follower will win $25 in Sam’s Club Gift Cards.

To enter, become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment telling one of your Mom-savvy ways to save money.

For additional entries (please leave a separate comment for each):
• Become a fan on my Facebook page.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Tweet, blog, Facebook, etc. this giveaway (comment once for each).

The winner will be drawn on Saturday, February 25 by random.org and will be announced on a blog post that same day. U.S. residents only.

Additional Links:
Pampers.com
Similac.com
Dreft.com

this information prize pack and giveaway are provided by Sam's Club and P&G through MyBlogSpot

Sams Club Return to 'school

2012-02-02T06:57:00.000-05:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget about the work that goes into getting the kids prepped for return-to-school. Sam’s Club is here to help and to remind you to continue collecting Box Tops to help your school of choice. Sam’s Club and Box Tops for Education want to make your life as easy as possible heading into the New Year with return-to-school deals and promotions!

While purchasing some of your favorite General Mills brands you can also earn more cash for your local school with the Sam’s Club “6 Box Tops on a Pack” promotion

At least 6 Bonus Box Tops will be located on your favorite return-to-school brands such as Nature Valley Oats 'N Honey Crunchy Granola Bars, Yoplait and Progresso

From groceries to computers to notebooks, Sam’s Club makes shopping for all of your return-to-school needs simple
This January, be sure to visit your local Sam’s Club to find all your return-to-school necessities. To learn more about the Box Tops for Education Program and how you can help contribute to your school, visit www.BoxTops4Education.com.

Shoprite Cans For Fans

2012-01-06T21:39:00.000-05:00

About the Can Can Sale:

In 2011, ShopRite donated 40,000 cans of food to local food banks in commemoration of 40 years of Can Can savings by way of its famous, annual Can Can Sale. Now in its 41st year, the Can Can Sale has become extra special with the “Cans for Fans” Facebook program, which enables fans to get involved in the fight against hunger. During the 2012 Can Can Sale (1/5 – 1/21), ShopRite will donate one can of food (up to 50,000 cans) to local food banks in the communities it serves, on behalf of every new ShopRite Facebook fan.

All I ask is that you please like "Shoprite" to support your local food banks.
the more “Likes” that ShopRite receives, the more cans it will donate to those in need – it’s that simple!

so be sure to check out Shoprites Can Can Sale!

this information was provided to you by ShopRite through MyBlogSpark.

Chex® Party Mix-Change,

2012-01-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

when i think of chex, i think of a cereal. But, thanks to Sams CLub and Chex, i was able to throw and AWSOME Chex Party. In under 15 minuits, i was able to transform that "cereal" into the best party mix ever.
I chose to make the Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch and couldnt be happier. It was sooo tasty!
Sams Club is the place to go to get your Chex cereal and anything you need to MIX IT UP for your next par

Sams Club and MyBlogSpark are giving one of my readers a 25 dollar Sams Club giftcard and 1 box of Chex cereal! there is only 1 requirement, I wanna know YOUR favorite Chex recipes! Contest end 1-10-12 so nows the time!

"Disclosure: The Sam’s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Sam’s Club, Chex Party Mix and General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

Shutterfly

2011-12-02T09:20:00.001-05:00

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Natural House Review

2011-11-28T16:24:00.000-05:00

SO i just got finished with my free 30 day supply of Natural House cleaning products. Let me tell you, this revolutionary new way of cleaning WORKS! It really is amazing. My favorite was Trashy, a garbage deoderizer. I used it in my cans, and my diaper pail and they really stopped smelling.
Here's a little more info about why our all-natural cleaning products are superior to those currently on the market!

Our products use an eco-friendly cleaning method of probiotics that create a beneficial, odor eating ecosystem to naturally drive out and digest odors at their source.
Natural House's plant-based ingredients are eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable to naturally fight the toughest problems you face in your house.

Our products, Sinky and Flushy even break down and digest fats, oil, grease, and solid waste to ensure your disposal, pipes, drain lines or septic tank run smoothly.
Our cleaners contain good probiotics which continue to scour, clean, consume odors, grime, grease, and germs, and they continue to do so until your next weekly treatment!

We earned the coveted Retailers’ Choice Award” at the 2011 National Hardware Show!

So how exactly does probiotic household cleaners work?

The surfaces in your house are like a garden. If you don’t seed with good plants, weeds will grow. You have the same choice with your household surfaces: sanitize for a moment with harsh chemicals leaving your surface open to recontamination or seed with probiotics to continuously weed out the bad micro-organisms.
Traditional cleaners “clean” a surface for a moment in time; the second the rag is finished wiping the surface, that surface is almost instantly polluted once again with ambient dust, dirt, and micro-organisms.
Natural House probiotics creates mini-ecosystem on a microbial level that produces enzymes which break down odors, dirt, fats, oil, grease, food scraps, waste and toilet paper products on a continuous basis between applications. This creates a natural, clean, balanced environment that is safe for even the most sensitive members of your natural house.
The action is in the foam! When using your Natural House products be sure and let it foam first to release the cleaning agents before going to the next step on the package directions.

You can find them in Facebook and Twitter for even more information.
Natural house products can be found on Their websight or on Amazon -This is a nice option for those who use Amazon perks like "Free Super Saver Shipping" or "Amazon Prime."

Story Harbour Vol.1 Reviewand Giveaway

2011-11-16T09:42:00.006-05:00

A Letter to My Oldest

2011-11-15T07:24:00.000-05:00

Dear my oldest,
You are my first born, you are who made me a mother. You have made me smile since i found out I was having a baby. ( all i wanted was a girl). I can not believe you are already 6.5. Seriously where did the time go. As a baby you only loved me, only wanted me, only needed me. You would cry the second i handed you off, your would cry the second i placed you down. You just wanted my arms, and my arms just wanted you. Your smile lights up the room, your humor fills faces with smiles. Ever since you were little, anywhere we would go, people would stop us and comment on your beauty. You are beautiful. Like the 1 flower in a garden that everyone wants to pick. I want you to know how proud i am of you. You are growing into the most perfect person. You are such an amazing sister to the other crazy 2. You have taken hair pulling from your brother, being told to hang on cause mommy has to take care of your sister. Through it all, you still continue to love them, even though they might have taken away some of your mommy from you. You have learned to share me, even though it is hard at time. I love our times together when they are sleeping and its just me and you again, reading, baking, and just goofing off. You are a holiday lover like your grandma and that reminds me of her since she has moved away. It like her holiday spirit is a part of you. You are an amazing student -over a grade ahead in reading...gosh i am so proud! I am sorry if i have ever let you down, and i am sorry when i make you mad -being a mommy isn't always that easy. We have learned to have an understanding of each other, something no one else can understand. You are my gift, and i will protect you till the end. I love you more than i could ever say, ever show. You are my everything, i just want you to know that. Thank you my first born, for making me a mommy, thank you for choosing ME to be your mommy.

Torani Flavored Syrup Review

2011-11-11T09:14:00.001-05:00

embed this:

I was so excited that I was chosen from SheSpeaks as a blogger review for Torani flavored Syrup. They sent me 2 big bottles, one Sugar Free Vanilla and one Pumpkin Pie.
About Torani:

Since 1925, family-owned Torani has been crafting great tasting flavored syrups that coffeehouses use to make their flavored drinks taste so delicious. With over 120 flavors in regular and sugar free varieties, Torani flavored syrups are perfect for flavored lattes, mochas, coffees, cocoas, Italian sodas, teas, lemonades, cocktails and smoothies. Coffeehouse professionals choose Torani flavors because they are expertly crafted and made with the highest quality ingredients, like natural flavors and pure cane sugar. The sugar free flavors have no calories and are sweetened with Splenda. Now, Torani Flavored Syrups are widely available at retail so you can easily create authentic coffeehouse quality drinks at home.

I tried the pumpkin Pie in my coffee with a friend of mine, it was amazing! It taste just like a Pumpkin Spice Late from Starbucks, BUT SO MUCH CHEAPER! I also have used the sugar free Vanilla in my coffee and that was DIVINE! My son has been asking me to make him Vanilla Milk every morning. So i heat up his milk with some Vanilla Syurp and its DELIS! I really am looking foward to trying new drinks with these different flavors, not just in coffee. I think they would make a great desert drizzle or even in a nice Pumpik Pie Martini for the Holiday.

Here are a few other ideas for their Syrups
Popular Drink Types for Syrups:
•Flavored Coffees/Espresso Drinks (Most popular drink type for flavored syrups)
•Italian Sodas
•Flavored Tea (Hot and Cold)
•Flavored Lemonades
•Flavored Sodas (Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew, etc)
•Cocktails
•Mocktails
•Flavored Energy drinks (Red Bull

Distribution/Where to Buy Torani Flavored Syrups: Torani syrups are primarily used at coffeehouses and restaurants in over 40 countries. Within the retail flavored syrup category, Torani has a dominant market share exceeding 60%. At US retail outlets, Torani is available at stores such as:
•Cost Plus World Market
•BevMo
•Walmart
•Smart and Final
•Most major grocery stores
•Amazon.com (wide assortment of flavors)
•Torani.com and Shop.Torani.com (widest assortment of flavors)

Burts Bees Natural Skin Solutions Review

2011-11-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

I ususally get very dry and irritated skin from cleaners. Especially in the winter and cold weather months. It was so refreshing to fin a cleanser that actaully seemed to put moisture back into my face, while cleaning it at the same time. I use it daily and its great for removing makeup as well. For the moisturizer, it goes on very smooth and non greesy. This is something i will def be investing in and using in my routine of facial hygiene.

I recieved free producta for review through BzzAgent.com
The thoughts are my own and i was not paid for this review

My Caring Cross Giveaway

2011-11-07T08:07:00.002-05:00

My Caring Cross Review and Giveaway

2011-11-07T07:53:00.002-05:00

I was so thrilled to be chosen to review a My Caring Cross. When i received my cross, it was much bigger than i had expected, but in a good way. It really fits into your hand with comfort. The cross is smooth and soft, and the craftsmanship is amazing. I gave my cross to my 4 year old right away, and this was 2 weeks ago, he still carries it with him everywhere. For him, it is comfort, and closeness with God.

The story behind the Caring Cross is amazing.

Issa is a Christian living on the outskirts of Bethlehem and has been carving crosses and religious items his whole life to support his wife and three children. Twenty years ago Angus Reid's mother met Issa on a visit to Bethlehem and began importing his olive wood handicrafts. With the decline of Bethlehem tourism, Issa and other Christian Artisans are struggling. The main goal is to support them by providing a market for olive wood crosses direct to Christians in America.

These crosses come in a beautiful velvet bag, along with an extra white velvet bag that would be great as a Wedding Favor. They make wonderful gifts for all ages, Baptism, Birth, Confirmation, Christmas, really anyone can enjoy the beauty this cross has to offer.

There are to specials going on right now, at MyCaringCross.com. The first one is 8 crosses delivered priority mail for just 36.00 or 4.50 oer cross or 2 Caring Crosses for 12.00 delivered.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Life without Power......

2011-11-02T09:23:00.000-04:00

So, this past saturday we were hit with a snowstorm. YEP snow before Holloween. Its was nice, Luz had a soccer game in the snow, the kids got all new snow gear.
Ever notice when it snows, no matter how much of a pain it is to clean, snow slows life down, even as an adult, there is that magical feeling that I thought only children get.
We built a fort, made a VERY leafy snowman, and had a snowball fight. I had so much fun playing with the kids....

AND THEN THE POWER WENT OUT!

Usually i dont care, but it was cold, I have the baby....and it was COLD!

Night 1 wasnt too bad, I bundled Luz up and she slept fine in her crib. The other 2 were in our bed (like always). I actually started reading a book....and was enjoying it. The kids talked to each other, played, read books, and just continued on....without tv, or video games.

The house got down to 52, which isnt Terribly bad, but it was cold. After the first n night and second day, we realized we had to get going. We left to go to my inlaws. The kids were thrilled for them its a sleep over with their cousins that live there. For me, i wanted my house, my space. I LOVE MY HOUSE! but i could not be selfish and have the kids cold, in danger sleeping with candles lit, so off we went.

2 nights and 3 days we spent there. I came home and cleaned up one day and it was freezing in the house. Outside all i could hear were generators running. Holloween in most towns was postponed till today (Wed.) go figure!

So last night (monday night ) we were back home, in our warm house, back to normal life..... AND THE POWER WENT OUT AGAIN!!!!

It was out for about 2 hrs and returned....

I have found a new appreciation for no power. really i did enjoy the reading, the ways the kids kept busy, the candle light talking,....i hope it happens again, but for 1 day and night.....not 4 nights 5 days :)

Here are some photos from the storm!

READY FOR THE SNOW TO START

STAYING WARM IN A COLD HOUSE

READING TOGETHER

CHEERLEADER COSTUME

A tote of fruit and veggi out in the snow

Baby Basics Month 7

2011-10-25T07:14:00.000-04:00

I cant not believe my baby girl is 7 months old. Where did these 7 months go? I mean, she is closer to being 1 than a newborn now. Officially has hit babyhood. Makes me sad, yet i love this age so much. She can play independelty, giggles at everything, loves to cuddle, she is just amazing.
* She is not crawling yet, which i am surprised because my older 2 crawled right after turning 7 months, and Bonita crawled the day she turned 7 months. ITs bound to happen any day, but I am not in a hurry. That just means i need to REALLY check the flood!
* She is eating pretty good, sometimes alot sometimes a pinch. Really its up to her.
*She has 2 teeth, that came through together!
* She loves her Teta (breastmilk)
* In the course of a day she mastered her pincer grip and is loving the Happy Baby Organic Puffs (which i dont think melt like the gerber)
* She signed "more"

Oh and her stats, about 16lb and 9oz. not sure for her height.

And my crew, because together we are complete!

My Good Morning Promise

2011-10-19T07:06:00.000-04:00

My typical morning,
5:30-Hop outta bed to either the husband in the shower or a baby awake,
5:40- Change diaper, make sure coffee was programmed the night before and is brewing
5:50-start breakfast for my husband, usually a healthy smoothie, vegi omelet, something good.
6:15 - kiss him goodbye and indulge in a HOT CUP OF COFFEE.

I usually don't put anything healthy or substantial in my belly until well after 11. Once my husband leaves i start breakfast for the kids. After school drop off i start cooking dinner and cleaning, and feeding the baby, and laundry. There is just so much going on for me, i never take time FOR ME to eat. So.....WE GOT A JUICER!

My new morning promise is to have a cup of fresh veggi/fruit juice before i take a sip of coffee. I am loving it! Its crazy how much fruit and veggi is actually needed to make a decent cups worth. But I figure its a good way to wake up my body

I am loving trying all the combos. Lets see, this am I did 1 pear, 1 apple, 1 carrot, 1 big chunk of cucumber and 1 celery. It was heaven. I also have been trying to eat more salads, and overall have a healthy diet. My next problem is to drink more water. I am a horrible water drinking, i know, so easy to do, but i just don't do it.

So are you a juicer? ( i feel like its a cult!) Share your favorite juice drinks! I will try them all. I really wanna try one with fresh ginger! YUM!

Apple Carrot Bread

2011-10-13T10:39:00.000-04:00

So with my vast amount of apples, I was going to make an apple bread. I have always loved to make differnt healthy snack for the kids, and always try to have a fruit AND a vegi in each one. So I revamped my Apple Bread and made a VERY LOW suger, BUT SO YUMMY Apple Carrot Bread. This would make great muffins too!

The goods that make it:
2-3 Shredded Apples (skin can stay on!)
1 large shredded carrot
1 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon (use more if u want!)
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking sode
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1/4 cup applesauce(i used my homeade applesauce but you can use oil or butter too
1/4 cup of sugar (thanks to the apple and carrot you dont need alot!

In 1 bowl mix the dry (baking soda and power, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg

In the second bowl beat the egg sugar shredded carrot and apple, and the applesauce together.

make a well in the dry and add the wet, mix. it will be clumpy like this!

Put in a well greased bread pan

Bake 350 for 50 mins.

ENJOY!

Red in the Flower Bed Blog Tour

2011-10-12T07:02:00.001-04:00

Red in the Flower Bed, written by Andrea Nepa is one of the most beautiful, well written childrens stories I have ever read. MY daughter and I had the privilage of reading this one evening together, and when we were done, we sat in a silence, just thinking about the book.
Every child grows up wondering why they look different, why their hair is differnet than others in their family, why their skin color might not be a perfect match. Most time, we can explain this by simply saying "you are a mix of mommy and daddy"
The author of this book Andrea Nepa is the mother of an adopted Vietnamese daughter named Leah. Anyone who has gone through adoption knows the journey a child must take, not only to enter a new family(in the story's case a seed journeys to a new flower bed) but when that child has settled, they might not look like the all the other members of their family. The book goes on to show that even if you are different, you still complete your families rainbow, and are just what the family needed.

This is such a well written, simple story with so much meaning to it. I would reccommend this to be on every childs bookshelf.
If you are interested in buying this story, please visit Tribute Books

To read more about Andrea and her family, you can visit her facebook page.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Super Undies WInners!

2011-10-11T07:01:00.000-04:00

Congrats goes out to -
Carissa
Julia
Katie

You are my 3 winners for superundies!!!! I will contact you via Email shortly.

And the Bonus 20.00 giftcard for one of the 3 winners goes to #3, KATIE! CONGRATS

I hope you all enjoy your superundies as much as i do

The boy who takes me by surprise.....

2011-10-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

Loco, my non stop moving boy.He wakes up ready to go, and he continues to go till he crashes down. I mean it there is no down time.
He is a computer game genius, At 3 he learned to work the Xbox, just for netflix. Then one day he found the video games, learned how to download just the demos, and off he went. He has completed all of the Lego game demos he could get his hands on. He just turned 4 a month ago. The kid is amazingly latented.
I figured it was time not too long ago to try to get him to sit and learn, handwriting, reading, the good stuff. But he wouldnt sit. I couldnt teach him anything, so I gave up. I mean he has been able to identify his letters and knows their sounds since 2, but i want to teach him to read before Kindergarden and be able to write.
Everyone said "boys just arent ready" and i accepted it.

FAST FOWARD 2 MONTHS.

I sat him down with a book the had pictures and a place for for him to write the letter that it began with. Not even knowing he could form letters, i left it with him and walked away.
I came back just 5 mins later and found this complete with a smiling little boy.

I was so proud, so shocked. I mean WHEN did this child learn to write letters??? He continued to work in his book and we are going to complete the Explode the code primers over the next month or so and then i would like to move foward with book 1 and really getting this little man reading.

I will be sure to post our updates.

Friday Wrap Up

2011-10-07T09:42:00.000-04:00

Its been such an amazing week here. The mornings are cold and cuddly, the afternoons are so warm and beautiful. Really just amazing weather. It was national walk to school day this past wednesday and of course me and the kids walked to school...like always :)
There has been lots of time spend on the swingset this week also. Other from the bees that need to just be gone, there is nothing to complain about.
I went apple picking with Loco and Luz. We have SO MANY apples. So far I have made crockpot applesauce, which isnt amazing. I made apple bread and that is DELICIOUS! I was thinking of making a pie and maybe some apple jam? Really I still have 2 huge bags full.
I made a Foccacia bread last night and me and Bonita have been devouring it. We are complete bread lovers. It was so nice with the fresh rosmary from my garden (that the frosty mornings has been killing)
So with such a great week I thought i would wrap it up with some pictures from our amazing time! Have a great Weekend!
Oh and also, my birth story was featured on a blog! Be sure to check it out!
Be Your Best Mom

Amazing Fall Weather!

2011-10-06T09:26:00.000-04:00

I have not posted alot latley because the weather here has been amazing. Most days i spend outside with Luz and Loco on the swing set. ITs cool, yet warm, just perfect and sunny. IT so nice now to have Luz at the 6 month mark. She loves to go on the swing next to her big brother. ITs these moments that make being a stay at home mom so wonderful. I feel so blessed!
I also want to thank my followers, I made it to 100!!! It is very exciting for me :)

BrytonPick Review

2011-10-06T07:09:00.000-04:00

I believe that dental care is very important. But I will admit that I am not up to date on the latest dental products! I was thrilled to review this no type of flosser, since I still use the good ol' string in a box flosser. Not anymore, the BrytonPick works even better, and is reusable!
BRYTONPick – FLOSS In Seconds Advantages:

• Convenient & faster interdental cleaning

• Reusable - up to 30 days, less waste, less environmental impact

• Germ resistant - flexible & thin stainless steel edges

• Portable – go anywhere credit card size carry-pouch

BRYTONPick is available @: Meijer Stores, A&P, Pathmark, Winn Dixie, C&S, Kinney Drugs, Save Mart, CVS.com, Drugstore.com, Pearson Dental Supply & Others. Or you can simpley visit their websight at http://www.freequicky.com/buy/

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Free From Origianal Sin

2011-10-03T05:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Luz was baptised. It was a very nice ceremony, short, sweet, just us and small amount of family in the church. Baby girl tried to steal the book from the preist, had no problem with the holy water on her head. I bet she would have been happy with she could have sat in it! Anyways, here is a pic from the day. It was so nice too that she was able to wear Bonitas baptism dress.

My Signing Baby

2011-09-30T06:27:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered how much your baby knows? I mean they come out as this little tiny living bean. What does their brain know? What does it understand?" Luz took my by surprise yesterday when she signed "milk" back to me. She just turned 6 months old, and i am in shock. I am so proud. We call it teta or tetita in our house (this is our nursing word) and you can even see after she does the sign, she TRYS to say TETA and she mouths it perfect, but now sound comes out. I know more signs are in the making! I am so excited for this journey with her.

Sams Club Pink Promotion Giveaway

2011-09-30T06:08:00.000-04:00

I love to see big stores giving back. My aunt had breast cancer and I can not believe what a scary time it is for families. It is companies like Sams Club, and shoppers like you that can make a big difference. I am ready for my next trip to Sams club and will be looking for pink packaging so i can be sure that my money is helping to make a difference. I hope you will to!

Give back by purchasing your favorite cereal or snack! This October, by making simple everyday purchases at Sam’s Club, you can help support breast cancer education and research. Beginning September 19th, Sam’s Club stores will feature exclusive pink packaging on some of your favorite participating General Mills products in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

-For 5 years, General Mills has partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Foundation to bring breast cancer support to local communities, and this year they are making their annual donation of $2 million to the foundation to advance breast cancer research and support education and community outreach projects.

-Purchase specially-marked General Mills products like Cheerios and Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies at your local Sam’s Club and help decide how half of that contribution will be donated by voting at PinkTogether.com from now until April 14, 2012.

-General Mills’ donations will be divided between two important Komen programs: the Treatment and Assistance Program, which assists women in securing care they otherwise may not be able to afford, and Prevention Research, which helps unlock the keys to preventing breast cancer. Voting results will be announced on Mother’s Day 2012.

Sam’s Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark ia giving one of my readers a $25.00 giftcard to Sams Club! Contest end 10/20/2011

Mandatory Entries:
1.be a follower via GFC or email
2.tell me In what ways they give back to help the fight against breast cancer?

Additional Entries:
1. Like La Vida Buena on FB
2. Like Sams Club on FB
3. Like Pink Together on FB

“Disclosure: The information and gift card(s) have been provided by Sam’s Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Cloth diapers - 6 months later review

2011-09-29T07:55:00.002-04:00

So I began cloth diapering at birth for Luz. I took pictures of her in various ones and now 6 months later, i have done it again to show everyone how they are. I the pictures together so you can see how they fit on a newborn and a 6 month old.
All NB pics are taken when Luz was first born or within a few weeks. She was not over 8pds in any photo
All 6 months shots were just taken at 15lbs 8oz and 25 3/4in

I will start with the Softbums. Alot of diapering mommas LOVE softbums. They can rave and use this as their only diapering system. For me, it didnt work. I always had leaks, adjusting the inner drawstring was a pain and I made a nice trade for some beautiful longies instead.I also did not like that the cover had a fleece inner. I like the option of wiping down my covers, rather that getting stinky fleece. I can honestly say I was going to make this my whole stash before luz arrived, and I am VERY happy i didnt!

GMD Orange Edge Prefolds for the newborn ROCK! I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I have since sold them, but I now use the yellow edge and Those are amazing as well. Soon it will be time to upgrade to the Red edge. GMD are perfect width for the snappi. We were able to fit in the orange edge for 2 months or so and then i started to make the switch over to the yellow edge.

Here is the Yellow Edge GMD. These are my go to diaper at home. Luz still lays still for me to change her, which i am sure will change soon and then i might have to change my options. But for now i can get a really nice fold and they contain nicely, especially with a thirsties cover

This is a small Fluff and Stuff fitted. I dont use this much but I wanted to say it is awsome and has a great fit still. Its super trim, and after just pulling it out for the updated picture, I will probably keep it in rotation.

Newborn Muttaquin. If you are going to use fitteds i couldnt recommend these any more. I absolutley loved them. This was actually Loco's diaper from when he was first born. They have a snap down for the cord stump. This fit till about 12pds, but was as absorbant as i needed it to be.

This is the Grovia System. I have mixed feeling about it, but i guess I like it enough that I havent sold it yet. I like the look of the covers. They work great with their pod system or with a prefold underneath. I do not like the cotton on top, it leave the baby wet all the time. BUT i do think they have just came out with a stay dry top, which if they did is very awsome. They system is a bit bulky on a NB, but its a cloth diaper so dont expect more! I used the covers with a prefold more at the nb stage, and now we use the snap in inserts. I love that i can go out with 2 covers and 5 pods and i have enough diapers without filling my diaper bag.
Grovia WITH snap-in

Grovia as cover over orange snappi'd GMD

Grovia with Snap-In

Grovia with GMD prefold

Here is the Grovia AIO. These are nice. They are so cute to see under dresses. Again, I have mixed feeling. I do take them as a go out diaper as well, but still, I dont know if I LOVE them. They are not stay dry either and i have had a bit of leakage.

Thirsties covers. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the thirsties cover! They are perfect for newborn and baby alike. I NEVER get leaks and trust them to the fullest. This is the size 1. IT still fits luz 6 months later. Cant beat that. I have to say that i DO NOT like the snap covers. they really just sit in the drawer cause i can never get a decent fit with them

Both are taken over a gmd orange prefold.

6 months later, still size 1. Now over a GMD Yellow Edge

Now to sum it all up. I use the prefolds at home and the grovia for going out. I have a Sunbaby on the way which i cant wait to try. They are so cheap and get great reviews. I would also like to get my hands on some Fuzzi Bunz. I use to LOVE them when Loco was a baby so we will see. I am not sure what i will buy when i sell my Yellow edge PF, since that time is comming. I do like that for the money i can get 12 prefolds....12 diapers. BUT when Luz starts crawling it isnt always easy to snappi a prefold on a baby. I will have to try some more out. I wont be adding to my Grovia system, and will have to see how some more diaper trials go. I really am considering switching to a nice set of Fuzzi Bunz.I have never tried the one size but would like to.....

HAPPY DIAPERING!

Pre'fense Winner!

2011-09-27T07:02:00.000-04:00

According to random.org comment #1 is our winner! Leaner. expect an email shortly!

May The Force Be With You - GIVEAWAY

2011-09-24T19:36:00.000-04:00

Calling all Star WarsTM fans! Now you can take the Star Wars adventures to new heights by bringing home STAR WARS THE COMPLETE SAGA on Blu-ray Disc September 16th. Relive the unforgettable moments and experience the spectacular adventure of STAR WARS The Complete Saga in a way only Blu-ray can deliver

This incredible collection unites all six Episodes together for the first time in stunning high definition with the purest digital sound in the galaxy. With over 40 hours of thrilling special features, including all-new content created exclusively for this release, you can journey deeper into the Star Wars universe and discover more than ever before. Feel the Force of STAR WARS The Complete Saga on Blu-ray this September!

In honor of the release, select General Mills Big G cereals have a limited edition Star Wars good versus evil image on their packaging, which when combined creates a full panoramic poster.
Exclusively at Walmart, look for specially marked boxes of Big G cereals, including Honey Nut Cheerios®, Cinnamon Toast Crunch®, and Lucky Charms®. Collect all three to create a Star Wars panoramic poster showcasing your favorite characters, like Darth VadarTM, Luke SkywalkerTM, Han SoloTM, Princess LeiaTM and more.

Marking the first time ever that the full Saga is available in one complete collection, the 9-disc STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA will be available on Blu-ray September 16th, courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
May the force be with you as you check out these Star Wars boxes at your local Walmart for a limited time only!

Now for one of my readers,General Mills Through myblogspark is allowing me to offer a giveaway. They are going to send the winner
One box of each of the following cereals to form their own Star Wars panoramic poster:
Honey Nut Cheerios
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Lucky Charms
$25 Walmart gift card

The winner will be chosen Randomly October 15 at midnight

MANDATORY entry:
-Tell me your favorite Star Wars Character
-Like LA Vida Buena on Facebook

Addition Entries
-Follow me through email or GFC
-Comment on any non giveaway post
-Tell me your favorite General Mills Cereal

"Disclosure: The cereal, gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

Baby Basics MONTH 6

2011-09-20T17:13:00.000-04:00

Here Are her 6 month stats

15lb 8 oz
27 3/4 inchest

Happy Half Year to my baby girl! I cant believe it has already been 6 months since this little blessing has been a part of our family. She is truely AMAZING! Seriously, I know i say that alot....but its true. I actaully dont mind getting up with her 3 times a night because seeing her is just calming. I walk into her room in the middle of the night, when she needs me, oh she doesnt cry, she just makes this creepy sound with her throat. Anyways, I walk in and there she starts kicking and laughing away. I nurse her a bit and she goes right back to bed. Ahhhh I love this little one,
Lets See what is Luz doing now.
-She can sit all alone, no help at all. Although I am a bit paranoid, I keep the boppy behind her
-She was doing great with solids and then got constipated so I stopped!
-She can stay on her hand and knees for a bit when i put her into the position.
-Now she raises her arms when sitting on the floor so i can pick her up. ITs so cute!

Super Undies Review and HUGE giveaway!

2011-09-17T20:25:00.002-04:00

Okay I am so excited to be able to do this review and giveaway. First off, if you have a bedwetter, or pottytrainer.... LISTEN UP! I got to review a pair of Nighttime Super Undies.. When i took them out of the packaging i thought, wow these are HUGE. Then again, they are meant to fit a 6 year old so they have to be big, and they have to old a full on pee, without leaking to hold up to their expectations. My 6 year old has accidents, about 5 out of 7 days a week. I was tired of buying diapers for her, although she is only 43pds, still it wasnt something i enjoyed, neither did she. Pull Ups are just expensive and leak,....alot!
Here is what SuperUndies says on their sight about the nighttime Undies.

What are Super Undies™ Nighttime Underwear?
Nighttime underwear are waterproof bed wetting pants designed to help your child wake up with dry sheets. They come with 9 layers of cotton absorbency built in, and fleece covered elastic legs and waist for a comfortable, and more leak resistent fit.

Who are they for?
Nighttime underwear are for children who wet the bed ages 2-7 yrs old. Larger sizes are being developed!

What do they offer me?
A useful tool in hepling you regain control of your laundry load, and regain some dignity for your child.

Now for my review:

THEY DONT LEAK! I have to say that first, because leaking is a HUGE issue in this house, especially since my daughter sleeps in bed with me!!!! I feel confident that she has her undies on and i dont have to wake up to a wet bed! The fit is awsome. They are soft and comfortable. They are on the bulky side, but i am use to cloth diapers and use to that bulky appearance. Some children this might bother, others not so much. I was surprised that my daughter was okay with it, because she is a picky child. I think the fleece around the waist and legs is what makes them more comfortable. Now she isnt one to go to sleepovers, but i dont think these are discreet enough for a sleep over for the self consious child. We have had accidents with both the step up insert in the undie and without and neither time did we expirience a leak! The insert really doesnt add too much more bulk, but more protection. Here is how the large looks on my little girl

Now here is the good part. Super Undies is giving 3, yep 3 of my readers a chance to own a pair!!!! Also I will be giving a a $20.00 gift code to one of the winners, (on top of their undies) You can pick either the Nighttime Undie or the Pull On Potty Training Pant or the Pocket Potty Training Pant

Here is how you can have your own!

MANDATORY ENTRY:
1.Follow La Vida Buena via GFC or Email

Additional Entry's (leave a comment for each one)

2. Like Super Undies on FB and tell them La Vida Buena Blogspot sent you

3.Like La Vida Buena on FB

4. Comment on this post

5.Blog about this contest (please include the link in your comment)

Winner will be chosen on Oct 10. You will have choice on Trainer, Color and Size. Colors will depend on availabilty and you will be given back up choices! I was not paid for this, but given product for review. All opnions are my own!

Its Pirate Party Time!

2011-09-15T13:18:00.002-04:00

I am so excited i was able to review Pirate Party Treasure Hunt Riddles Kit
Okay first off this review comes in PERFECT timing for my sons 4 year birthday party. It just so happens that he asked me to make a pirate ship cake, and then I was asked to do this review.
This is delivered to you via PDF file. It comes with EVERYTHING you need to throw an indoor pirate bash! There are invitations that can be printed on worn paper, and included is pirate font. It comes with everything for the scavnger hunt, the clues, where to hide it EVERYTHING! Also there are activity sheets: pirate lingo sheets, a maze, word search and coloring page! This is a complete downloadable package. As far the what the prize can be after the scavenger hunt, thats up to you, for us it is going to be a filled Pinata. But the treasure is up to you!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

2011-09-15T07:12:00.002-04:00

Source: heyawesome.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Pre. fence Review and Giveaway

2011-09-12T20:47:00.002-04:00

I was given the oppertunity to review pre.fese, an Alcohol Free foaming hand sanatizer. Now a bit of background on this product.

• No alcohol! Prefense is made of all-natural ingredients and has absolutely NO alcohol in it!

• Our technology protects you for 24 hours or 10 hand washings!
• Prefense is non-toxic and safe for kids! It will not hurt you if swallowed!
• Prefense is silica based which means it doesn’t dry out your hands like traditional alcohol sanitizers. It actually smooths and softens your hands. You can totally see this when you apply it!
• Prefense protects against staph, strep, E.coli, drug resistant MRSA strains, and more. We fight germs that other hand sanitizers can’t.
• Because “one spray lasts all day” our 1.5 oz Prefense Foaming Hand Sanitizer offers 120 applications, costing only $.08 per day, compared to $1.20 per day with alcohol hand sanitizers.

Pre fens can be purchased from the prefense websight or also on Amazon

Now my Review:
This is a pleasent product. It is non sticky, and very soft on my skin. I have used and carry around with me the typical sanatizer with alcohol in it. They leave my hands dry, yet i feel "protected". This left no scent no residue and was just, nice. Now as far as it lasting all day, i am not sure. I am one to reapply as needed for sanatizer, i would think that it comes off....but maybe not! This is def a product I would purchas to use as my in purse sanatizer. I felt it was much gentler on my childrens skin and it didnt have the awful rubbing alcohol smell to it. Now the good part, one of my readers is going to be luck enough to win a large 8oz Prefense which overs 640 applications! Here is how to Enter. (us winners only)

Sponsored by Tomoson.com
this first entry is MANDATORY! (leave a comment for each entry)
1. Leave me a comment telling me what kind of Sanatizer you use, if any!

Additional Entrys
2. Follow my blog via GFC and tell me you did so
3. Follow me on FB and tell me you did so
4. Follow Prefese on FB
5. Comment on another one of my blogpost.

Winner will be chosen Randomly on Sept. 26. GOOD LUCK!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday Five

2011-09-09T20:41:00.000-04:00

Its been a LONG RAINY DREARY week. So here are my 5 uplifters from the week!

1.) I am thankful that these 2, although they brawl at times, they are best friends. Anywhere we go in public, they have each others back, hold hands, and really make me a proud momma.

2.) I am thankful that its been almost 6 months that Luz has joined us and Loco is still head over heals for her. He wakes up asking for her, goes to bed getting one more kiss from her and plays with her ALL DAY! It use to make me crazy how he was all over her all the time, but ive come to appreciate their realationship and his love for her

3.)I am thankful that i have learned to cook, and despite the kids complaining, i know that they eat healthy, non processed, cooked from scratch meals daily. On vacation i brought along some Annies Mac N Cheese, i mean its vacation, they thought it was the greatest treat in the world!

4.) I am thankful that i own a nebulizer. Seriously, Loco's asthma has been so bad for the past year and getting worse, that if i did not own a nebulizer, especially lately, we would be in the ER everyday. For a 3 year old, he knows when to ask for it day or night. Poor kid

5.)I am thankful for being me. I feel i have grown into such an amazing mother and wife, i am just thankful and content with who i am....something i never felt when i was younger. I have come to peace with who i am, and actaully like myself!

Enjoy the weekend. Despite the rain LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

Lunch

2011-09-08T21:03:00.000-04:00

I hate eating. I really do. For some reason, it just annoys me. Taking the time to sit and eat, it bugs me. OF course, if we go out to eat its great, but i hate cooking and then eating. Anyway, i dont eat breakfast, i drink coffee. i have 2 cups and my day can begin (okay they are HUGE cups). around 11 i eat a lunch....yep thats where this post is going. I have become OBSESSED with my garden and whats in it. So latley EVERY day i eat this, toast with spinach tomatoe and basil topped with mozz cheese....and melted to perfection. doesnt it look perfect!

1st Grader!

2011-09-06T09:11:00.000-04:00

I cant believe my oldest is going into 1st grade! The nerves she had....it brought back many memories. Do you remeber those 1st day jitters?? I sure can, that horrible butterfly feeling in your belly. Ah, to be a kid again. She went into school like a champ, i am so proud and miss her already! I can not wait to find out all about her day!!!!

Baby Food Happenings!

2011-09-05T05:51:00.000-04:00

First off, i have to admit, I LOVE MAKING MY OWN BABY FOOD! ITs so fresh, so pure, and really not even an extra chore. I usually go to wholesomebabyfood for a refrence and to make sure what i am giving is okay.
Luz is at 5.5 months now and really has days where she loves to eat and other days when she really could care less.
I need to invest in a food steamer to really steam my foods, for now they are just boiled in a bit of water, or makes, or raw. My sister in law gave me a baby bullet and its perfect for making and storing food.
I have seen alot of post latley with people like me who ARENT doing BLW, the hot new fad. honestly, i had thought about it, but gagging babies and me just dont mix, so puress it is. I am going to try to clear up the "how do i begin deeding" question for everyone here.
I never started with rice cereal. The first food Luz ever had was sweet potato at 4 months. She was not ready and got gas...well at least when i read her mind thats what i assume. so i didnt offer and waited till a little over 5 months when she was practically trying to steal food from me.
We did the sweet potatoe baked, whiped through the Bullet in a bit of water and that was it! I began by offering her 1 TBS, once a day. I do try to keep the 4 days rule, but i am already giving that up.
After she was finishing 1 tbs once a day, i increased it to 1 tbs twice a day. I offer her some fruit in the morning and then a vegi at dinner time. Sometimes she finishes it all, and sometimes she doesnt. I almost ALWAYS need to thicken it, and use the Earths Best baby cereal. Although today i am going to make my own barley cereal to begin using.
I have added cinnamon and nutmeg to some foods. mainly carrots. I do notice though that she gets pink around the mouth with the cinnamon, i dont think its an allergic reaction, more of an irritation from it touching her face.
Here is the list that she has eaten. Please if you have any questions, leave a comment and let me know!
FRUITS
pear
peach
banana
avacodo (wasnt a fan)

Vegi
sweet potatoe
carrot
zuchinni

Friday Five

2011-09-03T07:10:00.000-04:00

This week are 5 simple things i am thankful for

1. i am thankful we only had 6 inches of water in our basement from Irene

2. i am thankful it all went away by itself!

3. i am thankful that after 2 bee stings at once, i know that ONE of my kids (loco) is NOT allergic

4. i am thankful to have a 6 year old that i can help me out

5. i am thankful for cloth diapers and babylegs in the cool days! (this will get its own blogpost very soon

The child who sleep alone.....

2011-09-01T07:45:00.000-04:00

Its funny, after 2 kids, I am proud to show a baby in a crib! I never thought this would happen, i mean, i have the other 2 still in my bed! Loco doesnt even have a bed in the "kid" room anymore, he gets a mattress on the floor. The big girl, well she is IN my bed! Dont get me wrong, i have loved co-sleeping with the kids, but never thought it would go on this long.....

That being said, Luz was moved from her bassinett in my room into a crib in the kids room. I had to get her out, with Loco's bad asthma, he is coughing ALL NIGHT LONG and it was starting to wake her.....

She does great alone,....i think. Lately she has been waking like 3-4 times a night which mommy DOES NOT LIKE. And i try not to rush to her, but im going crazy~Sometimes i nurse her, sometimes i just stick the pacifier back in, sometimes i pick her up for a second to see if she has a burp....

maybe someone has some more advice for me??? I had an open bar all night long for the other babies so they just nursed as they wanted...and i didnt even wake up!

im not all about the CIO, but i have become a more ....not sure what to call it, not so quick to sooth kinda momma. I would love to hear some advice from the more expirienced crib sleeping baby moms!

EdenFantasys - Doesnt have to be a dirty little secret

2011-08-31T07:40:00.000-04:00

First off, i want to start by saying this is for adults age 18 and over!

I was recently given the oppertunity to write a post about EdenFantasys which is an adult online store. Now, alot of you might go straight to the sight and see nothing but sex toys. You really need to keep looking if that doesnt intrest you!
If you click under Senual Love in the left, you will be taken to another page where there are candles, bubble bath, massage kits and much more.
As a mother to 3 kids, I would love to enjoy lighting some Aromatherapy candles and opening a bottle of wine with my husband.
Now, if you know someone getting married, or someone hosting an adult themed party, EdenFantasys even offers a Party Favors section.

As you can see, the sight offers much more than just sex toys. And of course, if sex toys is something your interested in, THERE IS PLENTY there to choose from!

The sight also offers forums for chatting, a Facebook page for staying connected and twitter page to keep you updated on the latest.

As an ambassador blogger for EdenFantasys I get compensated for posts with gift codes to their site.

Roll baby Roll

2011-08-28T21:19:00.000-04:00

Luz can FINIALLY Roll!!! And to make it better, i caught her first ever roll on video. I saw it happening, and got it. She has been doing it non-stop. And i was worried....I can tell this little girl is gonna do things when she wants. I am such a proud momma. Also to add, she has at 5.5 months now eaten sweet potato with cinnamon and nutmeg, banana with organic brown rice, peaches with brown rice and carrots....which she wasnt a fan of until i added the cinnamon. She eats 2 times a day, about a tablespoon each time.
I love making my own food for her. I feel so in control of what she has...and it isnt from a jar. I should pump some more so i can give her breastmilk in with her food, cereal ect....i just cant find the time!
here is her first ever roll....

Hurricain Irene.....She was a BEAST!

2011-08-28T20:28:00.000-04:00

So many people on the east coast had to endure a earthquake, and days later a hurricane. I feel lucky to still have power and be able to blog for all of you. We werent sure how the turnout would be, and it wasnt too bad, but i pray for everyone else that they have remained safe. There has been CRAZY flooding around here, my basment has water past our ankles right now!
I was smart, kept Luz out of cloth diapers cause if we loose power, chances are we will be out for a LONG TIME!(and i really dont want dirt diaper sitting)
The wind has been strong, trees falling, and it just looks amazing outside. Its amazing to go through to of earth events all within a week. I never thought in my life i would get to go through an earthquake, and that was something itself.
Some say its the end of the world...i say its just the begining

Friday Five

2011-08-26T16:13:00.000-04:00

1. I am happy to that i have accepted that i will not have more children, and i am really enjoying the ones i have.

2. i love that i am a better at teaching my kids soccer than their own coach

3. i love the Nutella has gotten my daughter to eat strawberrys!

4. i love that we stayed with my parents in a beach house for a week, it was a great time

5. i love that my husband got a week off of work and we have our own family vacation at the beach too!

Baby Basics - Month 5

2011-08-24T07:46:00.001-04:00

Well its hard to believe my baby girl is 5 months old already! Where did the time go??? She is growing beautifully, and is just the happiest baby there is. We stopped solids after 3 days in month 4, cause her belly just hurt her. through the month she has gotten SO HUNGRY! So i started up sweet potatoe 2 days ago and she is doing great. I will be introducing some brown rice and banana withing 2 weeks too!
She STILL is not rolling. I dont know part of me wants to be worried, she isnt huge and doesnt have a big body to roll with. I guess she is just content?
She is doing amazing at sitting, i say in a 2-3weeks she should be fully sitting unsupported.
Oh, and she got to meet her grandparents and we stayed together for a week!!! We all went to the beach together and it was just amazing. she took right to them, never cried and she fell in love with them, and boy are they in love with her. IT was so sad to say goodbye. I honestly believe the next day she woke up and was looking for them, she was sad the whole day. not crying but like a sad whimper.
I dont have her weight since they didnt do it at the doctors for her Dtap yesterday but im guessing around 14pds. Ill try to do it on my scale.
oh and i believe she is teething. My other 2 kids never showed anything but she is all out chewing, and just isnt herself. Plus she stopped sleeping through the night....and i think that is why! she is still in a bassinet in my room with my older 2 in MY bed, and i dont see them leaving anytime too. But i think i am going to get her into a crib in their room , since my other kids have bad asthma and cough all night, that could be whats waking her too.....ahhh the good times!

some beach fun

MIA soaking up the Sun

2011-08-18T08:50:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to be sure people know I am not skipping out on blogging! We are taking a 2 week Vaca at the beach! Look for when i return though, Ill have Baby Basics month 5, and an AWSOME giveaway so stay tuned!!!!

Grow Garden ....GROW

2011-08-05T21:11:00.001-04:00

I LOVE having a Garden every year. For some reason i get some sort of wonderful satisfaction to look out to it, and see what I created. This year, i had to move it to a new spot since the old location now is home to an awsome swingset! So, i borrowed my neighbors tiller and went to work! Here it is, before the plants went into the ground

And here we are today!

We have lots of Yummy things. There are 2 strawberry plants that the kids lvoe to go pick at, i have a long hot pepper plant, pablano peppers(these are SPICY) 2 green Bell pepper plants, 2 Cherry tomatoe plants, a Big Beef tomatoe plant, yellow squash, zuchinni,cucumer and watermelon. For herbs i have 2 basil, mint, rosemary and there was cilantro until the evil ground hog ate it ALL! I was soooo mad. He also ate all of the leaves to my zuchinni and cucumber but my awsome husband built the barrier and they have grown back.

I am very happy for what has grown this year. And the amazing crew who helps me water and pick!

Blogger Challenge DROP OUT

2011-08-04T07:43:00.000-04:00

OKAY, I JUST CANT DO IT! Seriously, I really thought that I would be able to keep up with the daily challenge, but, i couldnt. Some of the post i was suppose to make were just not me, i really didnt look foward to doing them so i have officially dropped out! I am on the look out for a not so demanding one though for sure, maybe a weekly one...that i think i could do.

I am feeling much better from my oral surgery and looking foward to 2 weeks at the beach!!!! Even better, i get to see my parents! I havent Seen my mom in 4 months since she came when i had Luz, and i havent seen my dad since they moved 8 months ago. Its been a hard transition but to think in 1 weel i will get to be with them again, i am thrilled!!!!!

Friday Five

2011-07-29T16:27:00.000-04:00

1. I love breastfeeding
2. I love how sensitive my son is. He randomly walked over to me this week, touched my cheek and said "i hope your jaw is feeling better today mommy"
3. I love looking at my garden! Its feels so good knowing we eat from it.
4. I love that Bonita likes to wash dishes....and does it well!
5. I love that my husband works so hard and makes so many sacrifices just so i can be a stay at home mom

The SO UN-FUN week

2011-07-28T08:29:00.000-04:00

Well, its only thursday, and I had some major oral surgery on tuesday afternoon. It has been BRUTAL! I mean, taking care of the kids, AND having this horrible pain, NOT FUN! I wish i could be blogging more, and I am going to try to get some post in today, its just been....HARD!
I couldnt breasfeed for 24 Hrs after getting put to sleep for surgery, but thank goodness for a pump and a baby who take bottles! I have to say, hats off to the moms who get up at 2am to make a bottle. I wanted to cry having to do that! I am so happy to my 2am routine,
-sit up
-pick baby up from bassinet
-sit at end of bed nursing with my eyes clothes
-put baby back in bassinet
-plop back onto my pillow and SLEEP!

Baby Basics-Month 4

2011-07-24T07:39:00.000-04:00

So monthly I will post a Baby Basics. This will be monthly updates of Luz, because who doesnt LOVE reading about baby cuteness!!!

Luz is already 4 months old. It kills me how fast she has grown! She is amazing in everyway. Sleeps great, nurses great, and smiles ALL THE TIME.
She is into blowing rasberrys, and its so stinking cute. We just had her 4month check up and she is 13lb 6 oz and 24.5 inches long. PERFECT!

I thought she should be rolling already, but the pedi assured me its fine. She can grab hanging toys and can roll onto her side. So i was told not to worry.

She love love loves to stand. I need to get a door way jumper or something for the girl. Oh she can now reach for her pacifier from my hand, and then grab it and put in into her own mouth! Im impressed.

She ate like a teaspoon of sweet potatoe!!! That was her first taste of food...well she did like my ice pop one day :) I make my own baby food, so really she is just exploring...she is always trying to get my food so I figured why not!

Overall baby girl is doing awsome. She really is the light of our life!

The Friday Five

2011-07-22T13:44:00.000-04:00

I decided to start a Friday Five. It will be 5 things about my family, that i will remeber, embrace, and use to remind me to smile and take a breath when i need it.

1. I love how Luz will stick her fingers in her mouth and sing herself to sleep

2. I love how amazingly talented my 3 year old is at electronics, from xbox to ipad, he can download games, play them....and charge credit cards!!

3. I love how my 6 year old still co sleeps....i know the day will come when she doesnt want to anymore

4. I love how Luz does a baby giggle when i kiss her belly

5. I love that all 3 kids wake up at different times!

Blogger Challenge CATCH UP!

2011-07-22T07:04:00.000-04:00

okay we are going through a crazy heat wave, over 100 these past few days and keeping the kids inside during the day has been making us all a little crazy! But, let me do a 3 day catch up....

Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.
honestly, i dont like pets. I know, call me evil mommy but i just dont. I wanted a Yorkie SO BAD, and got one, for about 5 months and I had to return it to my sister in law. I mean, i paper trained him, and loved him, but he was dropped and broke a foot....400dollars later. Loco was just 3, and really tossed the poor dog around. That being said, the kids want a guinni pig. I
told them no. Then we couldnt go on vacation, I am an extra chore on top of my motherly duties now, just no no no.
We do have 2 Betas though :)

Day 7 – Your dream wedding.
This is a tough one. I always imagined myself with my wedding dress, dancing with dad, you know, every little girls princess moment. I got pregnant with my oldest at 20, and we were not married at the time. It just never seemed like an important part of our life, and we were happy with the way we were...plus, a REAL wedding cost so much money. Sure my parents should pay for it, and they gave my sister a BEAUTIFUL wedding, but WHY... I couldnt ask them to pay for my 1 day fantasy. Then our son was born 2 years later...still unmarried....
When he was 2 weeks old we went to city hall and "got married" it was great. Funny thing is, we did it during DH's lunch break at work. So we ran to wendy;s to eat, and now that i think of it, that is where we ate on our first date! IRONIC!
But now after 3 kids, we are thinking about possible having a real church wedding. So here i go...
I would LOVE it to be on a beach. but thats just me. It would be near sunset, somewhere tropical. I would be happy with close family, our just us. Me the bride in White, Dh the groom in white. Bonita would be my bridemaid/flowergirl cause i KNOW even at 6 she would want to do that. I think the girls will wear lavender dresses. Loco would be in white with a lavender bowtie as my ring bearer and Luz, would be matching Bonita...
ahh beauty...oh yeah, we would have RINGS! (we still dont have rings, I cant justify us spending money on wedding rings when we have 3 kids to raise :)

Day 8 – A song to match your mood.
hmmmm Dave Mathews Band - You and Me

Thursday Blog Hops!

2011-07-21T08:12:00.004-04:00

I am doing some blog hops so I will will be adding to this through the day

i couldnt get this ones button to work!

http://www.familyfriendlyfrugality.com/2011/07/its-almost-friday-blog-hop-721/

Day 5 Blogger Challenge

2011-07-19T20:30:00.000-04:00

Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.

Why you shouldn't let them pick out bedtime stories....

2011-07-19T08:42:00.000-04:00

So we visit the library ALOT! With a 1st grader reading really well, and a 3 year old who loves to listen and a 4 month old who benifits from it all, we go through LOTS of books in this house. Usually the kids are free to pick what they want from the childrens section of the library and we just leave with 20+ books and i go through the pile at night. Sometimes they are awsome, sometimes they are boring and sometimes its the same book for 5 weeks in a row. This past library trip, something new was picked out, and it was a tough book to get through.

The book is about a little girl, telling her story to her mom. The book starts with her and her mom, and her mom is sick. They get a family helper to come....and the girl notices she is there more and more. Then mom goes away to the hospital and she dies from being sick.

It was a very sad, beautiful and touching book. I didnt mind so much reading it to the kids, it was tough since it was a bedtime story. If i would have known, i would have saved it for the day, and we would have discussed it.

It made me sit back and once again really appreciate the little things in life with my kids, the giggles on the swings, the voices of them thinking they REALLY have a good singing voice, and the moments just sitting on the couch at night, waiting for daddy to get home from work, when everything is still, dark and we just are there, in a moment together.

Blogger Challenge Day 4

2011-07-18T08:01:00.000-04:00

Day 4A picture of your best friend
My husband. My one true friend, never let me down, never left myside, can me my laugh when i need a cry, can make me smile when i am pissed. He is amazing!

Blogger Challenge Day 3

2011-07-17T07:08:00.001-04:00

Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.

I never went on a "date" me and my husband met when i was 17, we hung out, walked around a mall and ate some Wendys in the food court. It was perfect, and it was what started it all! I wouldnt change a thing....and wouldnt want to try anything else.

Blog Challenge Day 2

2011-07-16T21:33:00.000-04:00

A Photo of something I ate today.....and this is what i share with you! I eat this almost EVERY night for some reason....
Im not a huge dinner eater, and I am happy to have lost the 20 pounds I gained in my pregnancy and 3 months post partum i am 5 pounds lighter than when i actually got pregnant! Third pregnancy...I AM SO PROUD! BREASTFEEDING is amazing to loose weight! Well here is my nightly dinner/snack
Life Cereal and blueberries!

Blogger Challenge DAY 1

2011-07-15T17:23:00.000-04:00

Day 1: a photo of me and a description of my day
i HATE pictures of me. I really do. But, since I commited to this, i have no choice. I will start with my day though. Well, I went to my first ever physical at a doctor. I figured i am 28, 3 kids, I probably should get some routine blood work done and all. So I took the picture of me, sitting in the doctors office waiting....and waiting....

30 Day Blogger Challenge

2011-07-15T17:16:00.001-04:00

SO I read over at http://supermomplace.com/ about a 30 day blogger Challenge. Sounds like fun for me, now lets see if I can Keep up!

Day 1 – A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.
Day 2 – A photo of something you ate today.
Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.
Day 4 – Your favorite photograph of your best friend.
Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.
Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.
Day 7 – Your dream wedding.
Day 8 – A song to match your mood.
Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.
Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat.
Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 13 – Your favorite musician and why?
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.
Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently. A letter to someone who broke my heart.
Day 23 – 15 facts about you.
Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.
Day 25 – What’s in your purse?
Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you’ve been to.
Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?
Day 28 – Your favorite movie.
Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.
Day 30 – A photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days.

Please join in if you would like and remeber to link back to me where you found the challenge

Ice Pops for Breakfast!

2011-07-14T20:04:00.001-04:00

WE LOVE ICE POPS! I mean, who doesnt when its hot and summer. I prefer to make smoothie pops for the kids, and none of the good that go into them ever bother the kids. I also don't feel like I am commiting a crime when I help myself to one...or two as well! So I started this time with organic Banilla yogurt, fresh carrots, strawberrys,huge anounts of spinach and mint! Yep, mint from mt garden. If you are a smoothie drinker, and have never tried some mint in your berry smoothies, you are totally missing out!!!

I whip these together in my blender with a bit of water and agave and freeze.I only have one set of ice pop molds, but I have a baby bullet that came with a freezer mold and I just put cut in half tounge depressors in for the sticks.

These are great when the kids want an icey for breakfast! Another great addative is ground flaxseed. We add that in all the time, but I got mommy brain and forgot this time!

ENJOY

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Farmer Market Bliss

2011-07-12T08:13:00.000-04:00

This past friday I went to my first farmers market of the season! I forgot how much I absolutley LOVE these things. I mean, Loco sat in the grass and ate an ENTIRE bag of fresh peas that I had just bought. The look is beautiful, all the colors, and everything. I do go a little bit crazy and buy ALOT each week, and then sometimes I struggle to get it all finished. So far this week I have made :
-soup 2 times using Broccoli,Carrot,Zuchinni,Potato,onion and Garlic.
-Kale buscuits
-smoothies EVERY morning with carrot,blueberrys,strawberrys,apple and spinach
-I have been throwing the rest into random stews,stir-frys and chicken dishes
-Salad everyday....but I have to be honest, I am so tired of eating salad!

BUT I NEED MORE IDEAS!!! What do YOU love to put all the fresh Vegis from this time of year into?

7th Generation Diapers Review and Giveaway!

2011-07-06T07:45:00.001-04:00

I had the awsome oppertunity of getting a try out a package of 7th Generations new Free and Clear diapers. Now, I am a cloth diaper user, full time and can honestly say, new baby Luz has never been in a plastic diaper. I never liked the idea of all the chemicals next to her skin, getting wet, YUCK it grosses me out! The thing is, sometimes going out, or at night,I just want a break from all the cloth. Its an extra chore in my life that gets added in. So getting to try these diapers, AMAZING!

What Seventh Generation leaves out is just as important as what they put in. Free & Clear diapers do not include chlorine processing, fragrances, latex and petroleum based lotions. In an effort to contribute less overall landfill waste and continue to ensure a premium standard of absorbency, the new Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with a lighter-weight core. With processed chlorine-free wood pulp in Free & Clear diapers, Seventh Generation also makes certain that no chlorine is released into the environment during the totally chlorine-free (TCF) whitening process of the diapers and training pants.

Seventh Generation has also reduced the size of the diapers’ plastic packaging, meaning that each pack now contributes even less overall landfill waste than before. In fact, Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper packaging can now be recycled at local supermarkets where plastic bag recycling collection boxes are available.

Now for my review, they are a horrible ugly brownish color, but as ugly as they look, I kinda LIKE the look! I know, sounds crazy, but it goes to show you that is doesnt have any whitening agents in them. Also, they hold up great. Luz sleeps 9+ hours through the night and I am happy to say we have NEVER had a leak with them! I will most definitiall be keeping a package of these on hand for my cloth diaper breaks, and will be taking a package with me to the beach for a week, when I wont be able to cloth diaper.
Here is a link to an awsome coupon to try out a package for yourself!
http://bit.ly/seventhgendcoupon to download a printable coupon for $2.00 OFF any ONE Seventh Generation Baby Product (Diapers, Training Pants, or Wipes)!

NOW THE GIVEAWAY!

MyBlogSpark and 7th Generation are offering one of my readers a package of 7th Generation diapers for free! Yep, they will mail a package in your choice size (2,4or5) directly to your house!

I am going to keep this one simple, since I am working on the blog. Here is how to enter:

Follow my blog( 1 entry)
Tell me what you like about 7th Generation diapers (1 entry)

Leave a comment for each entry. Winner will be chosen randomly on 7/16/2011 at midnight,so get your entrys in now!!!

prize pack, information and giveaway were all provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark

Life has made me take a break, a breath and enjoy the world

2011-07-06T07:06:00.000-04:00

I know I have been MIA for such a long time. I am working on my blog, making it revamped, better for you, better for me. Alot has bappened in the past year, for starters we got a new addition to the family! She is a precious, amazing little girl! ( i still need to get a blog name for her"
Bonita finished a year of public K, something i never thought we would do but, she came out reading at an end of 1st grade level! Made me such a proud mommy:)
And Loco, well, still loco! He is a firecracker, non stop movement, yet the most loving boy in the world. He is in love with his new sister, even after her being here for 3 1/2 months, he kisses her all day long!

I will be doing lots of gievaways, one ill be working on later in the day so please keep checking back in!

Do YOU know your Genes???

2010-10-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

Go to this sight for this awsome giveaway

http://beyourbestmom.blogspot.com/2010/10/legacy-family-tree-giveaway.html#comment-form

About Legacy:

Legacy Family Tree is a database program used to enter in your family information. It can also assist you with sourcing, charting, and some research guidance as well. It is not, however, a research program in and of itself. We have a free standard edition available which is a full functioning program that does not expire. It offers the base program which will let the beginner get started in entering family information. The deluxe program unlocks 98 advanced features such as charts, calculators, wizards, and mapping!

You can download a basic version HERE for free to get you started, but the deluxe features are worth the price. You want to win a copy? Here is your chance to discover your family history with your kids!

Holiday Mini Sessions

2010-10-06T10:50:00.001-04:00

okay this is only for the local followers. But, this photographer is AMAZING. She has shot both of my kids, and those are our favorite shots of all time. She can capture the most amazing pictures. she is offering a Holiday Mini Session and giveaway so be sure to check it out!

http://www.melissamacdonald.com/blog/2010/09/holiday-mini-session-hudson-valley-child-photographer/

another giveaway....be lucky

2010-10-04T09:21:00.001-04:00

so i won the tracy anderson giveaway! i cant wait! now there is another give away from the same awsome blog, check it out, there is REALLY low entrties!
http://beyourbestmom.blogspot.com/2010/09/dare-to-take-charge-book-giveaway-2.html

Check out this giveaway

2010-09-30T19:26:00.000-04:00

http://beyourbestmom.blogspot.com/2010/09/thinking-thin-thursday-giveawaytracy.html#comment-form

VOTE for us followers!!!

2010-05-09T20:47:00.005-04:00

please come and vote for us in the photo contest. Its photo number 2!!!

http://dpcustomdesign.blogspot.com/